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CWCC Pulse E-Newsletter June 4th, 2020

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A Message from Dana Burdenuk, General Manager:

DanaBurdenuk250

Good afternoon,
 
I hope this week’s newsletter finds you keeping well (and staying cool!). With some outdoor activities and retail stores beginning to re-open, we are proud to see our community sticking to the government guidelines set in place. Social distancing is still critical to stay on top of the COVID wave.
 
Many of our members who are now open or are preparing to re-open are looking for cost-effective ways to promote their business and communicate updates to their hours and operations. We can help spread the word through our  member marketing package special , which includes 3 months of advertising on our electronic sign and 2 email bulletins for just $225 plus tax – this is a huge savings of over $350! Contact me at  chamber@cwchamber.ca  for more info or to sign up for this great deal.
 
We’re also offering a special promotion for businesses who don’t yet belong to the Chamber but who have been meaning to connect. Purchase an annual membership and receive one month of advertising on our electronic sign and one email bulletin for free – this is a value of over $200! Please help us spread the word…and don’t forget that you can get a $50 credit towards your next renewal for each new member that you refer (up to a maximum of $200 referral credit per year)! Check out our membership referral program  here .
 
These special marketing offers are available until August 31 st . We’re also able to provide flexible payment options, including payment deferral, to help offset costs during this difficult time.
 
Check out our poll question below. We’re looking for interested members to participate in Zoom video interviews to help us spotlight your business and all the great things that you do! I promise the interviews will be fun, informal and brief. Videos will be recorded virtually and shared on our social media and compiled together into a What's Happening in Centre Wellington show with Wightman! Send me an email at  chamber@cwchamber.ca  if you’re interested in giving it a try!
 
We are excited to share details on two new programs that are designed to help our local businesses progress towards reopening and recovery:
 
1.     CBRN Small Business Relief Fund
Small businesses are the heart of our community and the backbone of Canada’s economy. Our community has been supporting our local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, from ordering take-out to buying gift cards, and more. Small businesses are persevering and have had to make changes to survive this pandemic. The future may require new marketing tactics. It may require investments in new technology. Whatever the future brings, we’re betting that $10,000 could come in handy for you!
 
As part of its Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, through the generosity of Salesforce, will provide 62 small Canadian businesses with one-time  $10,000 grants  to help their recovery efforts during these unprecedented times.  The program will open for online applications on June 1 st . Click here for more information on the  CBRN Small Business Relief Fund
 
2.     Business Resilience Service
Announced by the Prime Minister earlier this week, the Business Resilience Service ( BRS ) is a hotline for SMEs, not-for-profits and charities to call for free accounting advice to help navigate COVID-19 uncertainty and plan for recovery. 
 
The BRS is a government-funded program that is run through the Canadian Business Resilience Network in collaboration with EY and with support from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and Imagine Canada. The program will be provided for four weeks from Monday, May 25th, and involves support from approximately 125 business advisors from across the accounting profession.
 
To access the BRS call  1-866-989-1080  to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8am – 8pm ET.
 
Keep healthy and please stay connected!

ASK THE AUDIENCE!


It is that time of year when we start to plan our event schedule through to June 2021. This time is typically filled with networking breakfasts, business after hours, and of course our signature events.
 
While the future looks a little different now, we are working to find ways to:
  • host more virtual events
  • plan some hybrid - virtual & in-person - events
  • and of course, work the ongoing physical distancing protocols into our future event plans
 
Ultimately, our goal is provide content and events that are most relevant to you, our members. Whether that is connecting you directly with the right people, helping you to showcase your business, or generate leads, we are here to help!
 
Please take a moment to participate in our polls, indicating whether you are interested in participating in any of the following. We will reach out to those interested to discuss the possibilities!
 
 
Virtual interviews - to be shared on social media & on What's Happening in CW by Wightman  
Yes I am Interested in learning more about this Select
No Thanks! Select

 
Would you be interested in hosting a VIRTUAL Business After Hours to showcase your business?  
I am Interested Select
No Thanks! Select

 
Would you be interested in hosting an in-person Business After Hours event (when possible)?  
I am Interested Select
No Thanks! Select

 
Are you interested in being a speaker at a future Networking Breakfast (when possible)?  
I am Interested Select
No Thanks! Select

 
Would you be interested in speaking on a webinar-style event?  
I think I have great content for a webinar! Select
This wouldn't be a good fit for me Select

 

Advocacy

Survey Results: COVID-19 Public Opinion Survey in Ontario
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA), and Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) released new results from a confidence survey conducted by Campaign Research Inc. The results capture broad public sentiment and are not exclusive to OCC member businesses. However, the insights are useful in understanding how employees and consumers are feeling about the re-opening of the economy, related guidelines and best practice. View the survey results  here .
Collaboration in a Crisis: A Memo from COVID-19
The report released by the OCC outlines that, as economies begin to reopen, the unprecedented collaboration we have witnessed will become even more critical. Please see the report here
Weekend road closures to support downtown businesses
In alignment with Phase 1 of Ontario's Framework for Re-opening the Province announcement on May 19, the framework provided the principles the government will use to reopen businesses, services and public spaces in three stages, while maintaining the health and safety of the people of Ontario as a top priority. In an effort to support our local, downtown establishments, Township staff have been working closely with our local Business Improvement Area (BIAs) to assist them in re-opening their businesses. Read more here
Ontario Extending Emergency Orders During COVID-19 Outbreak
Public health and safety remain top priorities
The Ontario government continues to protect the health and safety of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak by extending all emergency orders in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Read more here
Volunteers and Small Businesses Step Up to Help Those in Need
More than 6,500 Ontarians offer to deliver food, run errands and connect with seniors and people with disabilities during COVID-19
Ontario's volunteers and small businesses are rising to the challenge and helping seniors and other vulnerable people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Thousands of people are generously giving their time and resources to make and deliver food, run errands, and check in on those who are self-isolating. Read more here
Ontario Helps People Impacted by COVID-19 Get Back to Work
New Programs Focus on Hospitality Workers and Apprentices
As the economy gradually reopens, the Ontario government is helping people affected by COVID-19 get back to work. The province is investing in Ontario's first Virtual Action Centre, an online counselling and training portal, to support laid off and unemployed hospitality workers, and is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools. Read more here
As Ontario Reopens, People Urged to Continue Following Public Health Advice
Face coverings now recommended when physical distancing is a challenge
As the Ontario government carefully and gradually reopens the province, those taking public transit, returning to work or going out shopping are being urged to continue to adhere to public health advice as the best line of defence against COVID-19. To assist the public, the Ministry of Health today released specific recommendations on how to choose, wear and care for appropriate face coverings used in public where physical distancing is not possible, along with additional safety measures for provincial transit agencies. Read more here
Contribute To The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Consultation
The Government of Canada is reviewing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, and input from businesses is required to inform potential changes to the program to best meet the needs of businesses and their staff. You can participate via a short online survey or by email. Deadline to participate is June 5, 2020.   https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2020/canada-emergency-wage-subsidy-consultation.html
Travel, Tourism And Hospitality Sector Last To Fully Recover From COVID-19
Our survey with Statistics Canada revealed that the travel, tourism and hospitality sector will be one of the last to fully recover as consumers face new, post-COVID, realities. The federal government has taken some action to help firms whose businesses are primarily seasonal through the form of a $1-billion regional relief fund. This funding will clearly help but, inevitably, businesses in this sector will require more targeted support. We are working to ensure they have the resources they need to get through this period of uncertainty.  Read Statement Here
Canada Revenue Agency Extends Filing Deadlines For Corporations And Trusts
The CRA has extended deadlines for T2 Corporate Income Tax Returns and T3 Trust Income Tax Returns that had been due in June, July or August. Those returns are now due September 1, 2020. As previously announced by CRA, any income tax balance due on or after March 18 and before September 1 is also now due by September 1, 2020.  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html
Other Supports/Initiatives:
Rhyze Ventures Program is now accepting applications from women entrepreneurs:  https://innovationguelph.ca/uncategorized/rhyze-ventures-program-is-now-accepting-applications-from-women-entrepreneurs/
 
Guelph-Wellington is working to become Canada’s first technology-enabled Circular Food Economy (CFE) by 2025, reimagining an inclusive food-secure ecosystem that: 
  • increases access to affordable, nutritious food by 50%, where “waste” becomes a resource,
  • creates 50 new circular businesses and collaborations, and
  • increases circular economic revenues by 50%.
 
The CFE iHub supports the creation of new businesses and collaborations that contribute to a circular food economy through the development of circular food solutions. Check out the details here:  https://innovationguelph.ca/cfe-ihub/
 

Upcoming Events

  • June 4 - Webinar: Radio --- Keeping Centre Wellington Connected
  • Join us and The Grand at 101 as we chat all things radio, and how radio advertising has helped Centre Wellington stay connected and how it can help your business thrive at this time. Register here.
 
  • June 18 - Webinar: The Latest Updates on the Smart Cities and Our Food Future Initiatives
  • Learn about the County of Wellington's new curbside collection contract. The County of Wellington will discuss the exciting changes to the curbside collection, including the County's green bin programme, in addition to discussing elements of the Our Food Future initiative, the City of Guelph and County of Wellington partnership to create Canada's first circular food economy. Register here.
 
  • June 24 - Virtual AGM
  • Join us online for our first ever virtual Annual General Meeting! While we are sad to be missing breakfast at The Gorge, we hope you will bring your own breakfast and coffee and connect with us on Zoom on June 24 from 8am to 9:30am. This year's guest speaker is Senator Rob Black. Following the Senator's presentation, we will move into the formal AGM, providing a summary of our 2019-20 fiscal year. Only registered attendees will receive the Zoom link for the meeting, so please ensure you register here.

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

R_RFloor Decals Now Available
 
R&R Printing is now offering floor decals promoting social distancing.
Please click
here for more info or contact R&R Printing Plus Inc., 519-843-1711 or info@rr-printing.com

Exclusive Member Benefits

buehler
FEATURED MEMBER 2 MEMBER DISCOUNT
 
Support your fellow Chamber members like Buehler Automotive - Napa Autopro and offer a  Member 2 Member Discount!
 
Buehler Automotive offers free alignment inspection to members. Inspect your current vehicle alignment (car or light duty truck) and advise if it meets specifications for your vehicle. For more info: 519-846-9221, 3 Elora St. S., Alma
 
The Member 2 Member program can be an amazing way to network. We are always looking for members to get a M2M Discount.  Email your offer NOW !  to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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