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CWCC Pulse E-Newsletter October 8th, 2020

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handPaul Walker
 
The recent passing of Paul Walker has left his Chamber of Commerce friends and business family deeply saddened. Paul has been the voice of the Chamber for many years, dating back to the amalgamation of the Fergus and Elora Chambers and the erecting of the building that houses the Chamber office now. Whether it was Ribbon Cuttings, Board Meetings, Golf Tournaments or other Chamber events, Paul was always there. We will miss Paul’s contagious laugh and booming voice – he certainly commanded a presence. Paul’s genuine passion for people, agriculture and small business provided a common-sense voice of reason and action. Paul had the ability to get things done! When Paul spoke, people listened.
As a friend and colleague Paul will be sadly missed.

 

 

A Message from Dana Burdenuk, General Manager:

DanaBurdenuk250

Good afternoon,
 
Our team here is busy gearing up for our Small Business Week celebrations, sponsored by Bensol Consulting, happening October 19-23. We can't wait to share the new initiatives that we'll be launching as we promote and celebrate our fantastic business community!
 
I'm excited to share our latest Member Moments video with Peter Mohr, Owner of Shoetopia. I spent some time with Peter in the store to learn what's been keeping him and the Shoetopia team busy and how they've shifted and expanded their product offering based on the trends that Peter is seeing as a result of COVID. Check out our interview here. If Peter's Chamber success story resonates with you, stay tuned for a contest we're launching during Small Biz week (hint: start working on your own Chamber success story now!). Interested in participating in a future Member Moments video interview? Email me at chamber@cwchamber.ca!
 
Don't forget to check out our upcoming events, including this month's networking breakfast focused on cost savings and efficiencies for businesses - you'll learn some creative ways to save on your bottom line. AND...even though we're virtual this month, all attendees will receive a $15 gift card from the Gorge Country Kitchen with their paid registration! If you missed our September 30th joint webinar with Beyond Rewards and the Minto Chamber of Commerce, you can find the presentation with updates about WSIB and the free services available to businesses from the Office of the Employer here.
 
Keep healthy and please stay connected!
 

Virtual Ribbon Cutting
 
 
Last week we welcomed String Theory Yarn Shop to downtown Fergus,
with an official ribbon cutting.
 
Thanks to Mayor Kelly Linton of Township of Centre Wellington and Councillor Mary Lloyd of County of Wellington for coming out to be part of this event.
 
 

Let us know your thoughts!

 
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At this time, how interested are you in attending virtual events?  
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Advocacy

Ontario raises minimum wage rates
Effective, October 1, 2020, the minimum wage rates in Ontario have increased.
To view the new rates, visit Ontario.ca/minimumwage.
Accelerate Diversifying Your Supply Chain | Business Diversity Economic Expo 
The business case for supplier diversity in Canada is clear and has many benefits including more robust supply chains and increased economic development. At the Business Diversity Economic Expo, meet supply chain ready businesses which are Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, People of Colour-owned, Women-owned, LGBTQ2+-owned, and businesses owned by People with Disabilities. 
If you are a procurement officer or supply chain leader from a large private sector, public sector or academic institution, accelerate the diversification of your supply chain and get your tickets to the Business Diversity Economic Expo. As a procurement officer, you will get access to the Business Diversity Economic Expo (virtual trade show event for diversifying supply chains & celebrating inclusivity) as well as the entire Ontario Economic Series!
Making Ontario Better for People and Smarter for Business
Reducing Regulatory Burdens to Support Economic Recovery and Growth
The Ontario government continues to deliver on its commitment to remove regulatory roadblocks, cut red tape and support job creation with the introduction of the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2020. The legislation is part of the province's made-in-Ontario plan for growth, renewal and economic recovery. Read more here
New measures will help businesses reopen safer, rehire faster and recover from COVID-19
The Ontario government is continuing to help businesses rebuild, reinvest and create good jobs across the province. Today, Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, announced Ontario's Main Street Recovery Plan and intends to introduce the Main Street Recovery Act, 2020, proposed legislation that would support small businesses and modernize rules to allow them to innovate and meet the challenges of today. If passed, the act will remove hurdles faced by small businesses and allow them to pursue new opportunities — while maintaining or enhancing protections for public health, safety and the environment. Read more here
Ontario Celebrates Innovation with the 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Awards
Recipients announced during Ontario Agriculture Week
The Ontario government is kicking off Ontario Agriculture Week by celebrating the farmers, processors, organizations and businesses that have made agri-food one of the most innovative sectors in the province with the 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Read more here
Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health and Testing Measures to Keep People Safe
Difficult, but Necessary Decisions to Prevent and Stop the Spread of COVID-19
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local medical officers of health and public health experts, the Ontario government is tightening public health measures. At the same time, in response to the second wave of COVID-19 and in preparation for the cold winter months, the government is taking action to reduce testing turnaround times while prioritizing those who are at the greatest risk. Read more here
Canada and Ontario Strengthening Farmers and Food Supply Through Skilled Trades Training
Governments investing more than $750,000 for projects to address labour need for new agri-food professionals in farming sector
The governments of Canada and Ontario announced they are investing in several projects that will support labour and training needs in the farming sector, including committing more than $180,000 for the development of a new college program that will provide education and training in the latest agricultural equipment. Read more here
Ontario Removing Hurdles for Real Estate Professionals and Addressing Consumer Concerns
New Regulations Will Modernize the Province’s Real Estate Market
The Ontario government announced the first phase of regulatory changes related to the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020 (TRESA). The new changes will modernize rules for registered real estate brokerages, brokers, and salespersons across the province while also addressing consumer concerns. Read more here
Ontario Modernizes Social Assistance to Help More People Re-enter the Workforce
Collaborative and innovative plan will make the system more responsive and efficient
The Ontario Government is unveiling plans to build a more responsive, efficient and person-centred social assistance system that will get people back to work and help the economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis. As part of the first phase of the social assistance recovery and renewal plan, the province will be focusing on improved access to employment and training services, developing new digital tools and modern service options, and ways to process financial assistance faster. Read more here
Ontario Delivers $2.8 Billion COVID-19 Fall Preparedness Plan
New Investments Prepare Province for Second Wave of COVID-19
The Ontario government has developed a $2.8 billion COVID-19 fall preparedness plan to ensure the province's health care, long-term care and education systems are prepared for the immediate challenges of the fall, including a second wave of COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season. Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19 will enable the province to quickly identify, prevent and respond to surges and waves of the virus to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians. Read more here
Applications Now Available For The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit And The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit 
The programs, both part of the package replacing the CERB, may now be applied for. Applications for both programs are available through the Canada Revenue Agency. Applications for the Canada Recovery Benefit will be available starting October 12. CRA’s new CRSB, CRCB and CRB web pages provide extensive information about these benefits including eligibility requirements, how to apply and eligibility period dates.

Apply For CRSB

Apply for CRCB

Ontario Supporting Local Festivals and Events
Government investment will help promote creative and safe programs during COVID-19
Ontario is investing $9 million through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program to support municipalities and event organizers during COVID-19. This funding will be used to maintain public safety requirements and allow people to reconnect with their communities through online, drive-through and other innovative experiences. Read more here

 

New Members

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Renewing Members

AGILEC
Beaver, Zymerman and Gray Wealth Advisory Group
Bensol Consulting Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington
Dr. Jim Kaminski - Fergus Family Chiropractic Wellness Centre
Fergus Educational Services
ForgeX
Kooiman Industries Ltd.
Noecker Travel Limited
Reid's Heritage Homes Ltd.
Schelters Stockroom Supply Co.
Whitelaw Transportation Solutions Inc.

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Upcoming Events

CWCC October Virtual Breakfast Webinar
 
"Efficiencies & Cost Savings for Businesses"
Wednesday, October 28th
8:30-9:30am
 
Speakers:
 
 
Dale Sinstead, Schooley Mitchell
 
Members $20 +hst, Non-member $25 +hst
Registration includes a $15 gift card from The Gorge Country Kitchen
 
More details to follow, register here
 

Member Milestones & Community Support

Congratulations to CW Racquets for recently celebrating 1 Year in Business! They have been working hard over the past year to renovate Racquets from head to toe and create a safe space in our community for the whole family!
 
Fergus Grand Theatre Closure
The Theatre will be closed for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year.
This decision was made with heavy hearts, and a keen awareness of the vital role that the arts in general and the theatre in particular plays in our community. Read more here
 
Upcoming Blood Donation Event - October 22nd, 2:30-7:30pm CW Community Sportsplex, Fergus. Please note this is on an appointment-only basis at this time (unfortunately walk-ins will still not be accommodated). If you or anyone you know is able to come in and donate at this upcoming or future events in Fergus, please book your appointment online at blood.ca or call 1-888-2-donate!
 
Treasure Shop LAST GIVEAWAY
Treasure Shop is a FREE good used clothing giveaway. Due to Covid and a few other reasons, the event will be retired. The last event will be Saturday October 31, 9:00 a.m. till 12 noon, 35 Farley Rd., Fergus, Grace Christian Fellowship.
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