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CWCC Pulse E-Newsletter November 5th, 2020

Sally Litchfield posted on 11/6/2020 10:38:00 AM

 

 

 

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A Message from Sally Litchfield, Interim General Manager:

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Hi everyone!
 
While not new to CWCC, I am sitting in a different office for the time being as Interim General Manager, and thought I'd take this opportunity to re-introduce myself!
 
Having been with CWCC since early 2019 wearing a few different hats including event planning, bookkeeping, and marketing, I’m excited to have stepped into the Interim General Manager role. My background includes over ten years of event and program management experience, in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, from large business-to-business conferences to fundraising events across the country and almost everything in between. Throughout my career I have gained extensive administrative and financial experience, and also found time to complete my MBA!
 
I am proud to now call Centre Wellington home and look forward to further supporting the business community. CWCC strives to provide solutions, benefits, and connections for our businesses, create opportunities to learn and grow, and advocate for local business needs. If we haven't already connected, please reach out! I'd love to get to know you and will never turn down a Zoom coffee!
 
Last week saw us start to return to 'business as unusual' with our Networking Breakfasts. These events remain virtual but we were thrilled to be able to include a gift certificate to The Gorge Country Kitchen with registration. The topic was cost saving, and speakers from JSMD Logistics, FiSERV, and Schooley Mitchell provided some great tools and points to consider. Thanks to all who participated! We are looking forward to November's networking breakfast which will be a workshop led by Jodi Murray of JEM Coaching focusing on building resilience and leadership at every level.
 
We are also looking forward to launching our Virtual Holiday Cheer event, which will feature an opportunity to show off your team/bubble's festive creativity! Stay tuned for more on that, you won't want to miss it!
 
And on the topic of things you won't want to miss, have you checked out our new networking program, Twenty-Six Coffees? Set a goal for 2021 around meeting new people and building strong business relationships, and let us help you follow through! If you have any questions about how this program will work, please don't hesitate to ask!
 
This week's Member Moment video features Brian Price of RBC Royal Bank in Fergus. Brian chatted with us earlier in the fall about fraud, how their operations have changed, and the successful Canada United Campaign. Watch it all here, and email us if you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Member Moment video!
 
Lastly I want to mention that there have been a number of key updates recently related to COVID-19, so please check out our Government Updates section below for all the details.
 
As always, if there is anything we at CWCC can do to support you and/or your business, please connect with us!
 

Government Updates

Ontario unveils new system for COVID-19 shutdowns, as well as $300 Million to Support Eligible Businesses
Ontario has announced major changes to how it will impose COVID-19 shutdowns, introducing a new tiered system for when to impose lockdowns and closures. The Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework ensures that public health measures are targeted, incremental and responsive to help limit the spread of COVID-19, while keeping schools and businesses open, maintaining health system capacity and protecting vulnerable people, including those in long-term care. Read more here
Canada Emergency Business Account now open to businesses using personal banking accounts
The Government of Canada is providing continued support to small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them adapt and position their businesses for recovery. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland announced that as early as October 26, 2020, the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will be available to businesses that have been operating out of a non-business banking account. Read more here
New Ministry of Labour Visits
As of September 25, the Ministry of Health requires all workplaces to screen workers using their COVID-19 screening tool. Ministry of Labour inspectors are visiting workplaces to confirm that measures are being taken for active screening of workers as they enter the workplace. Ministry of Labour inspectors are expecting that workplaces are asking workers the current health questionnaire and making a determination based on their answers. It is important to note that a sign on the door is not considered active screening.
Government announces updates to Rent and Wage Subsidy programs, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, provides rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners. It would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. More details to come. 
 
The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021, which would continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to 1re-hire their workers. The subsidy would remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020. 
Employers can help youth recover from the pandemic - Take Our Employer Survey Today
The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo, Wellington, and Dufferin is conducting a survey about the implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on youth employment and educational pathways. Their preliminary findings show that improvement of youth employment depends on the wellbeing and prosperity of the employers. The goal is to learn the bigger picture, and assist employers and youth to get through these hard times. Take survey here
Insurers Stepping Up To Help Small Businesses In Ontario
To help struggling small businesses in Ontario secure insurance during COVID-19, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is announcing the launch of a new Business Insurance Action Team (BIAT) to help to find viable insurance solutions for as many small businesses in Ontario’s hospitality sector as possible. The BIAT will launch in November. In the meantime, IBC encourages small business owners facing challenges to visit businessinsurancehelp.ca or call its Business Insurance Helpline at 1-844-2-ask-IBC.
Ontario Provides $500 Million in Funding Allocations to Municipalities
Through this investment the province is providing much needed stability and support
The Ontario government is providing municipalities with $500 million through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). The province is maintaining the overall structure of the fund, keeping a commitment made at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conference in August 2020. Read more here
Ontario Investing Nearly $1 Billion to Expand and Improve Broadband and Cellular Access
Historic Investment Will Support Unserved and Underserved Communities During COVID-19 and Beyond
The Ontario government is making a historic investment of nearly $1 billion over six years to improve and expand broadband and cellular access across the province. The $680 million being announced today is on top of the $315 million to support Up to Speed: Ontario's Broadband and Cellular Action Plan. Read more here
Small Business Lighting Program - Opportunities
The Small Business Lighting program offers each Ontario small business up to $2,000 in free lighting upgrades to help save energy, brighten up your business and find cost savings on your monthly electricity bills. They have local lighting assessors meeting with small business owner’s province wide everyday. At this time the SBL program is only guaranteed until the end of 2020 so we encourage you to connect soon. The program offers a turnkey approach to make your participation easy – your lighting upgrade opportunities are assessed and reviewed through a free lighting assessment and program-approved certified electrical contractors will complete the installation of your new lighting. For additional information and to sign up visit - https://www.saveonenergy.ca/For-Your-Small-Business/Programs-and-Incentives/Lighting or call 1-866-932-8283
The Canada Life Business Boost – helping small businesses start 2021 strong
What could $10,000 do for your business?
With the impact of COVID-19 across the country, small businesses are working harder than ever to keep their dreams alive, keep Canadians working and keep our economy growing. Applications close Nov. 12, 2020. Recipients will be announced in January 2021.
Read more here

 

New Networking Program

 

 

Member Moments

RBC's Brian Price chatted with us earlier in the fall about fraud, how their operations have changed, and the successful Canada United Campaign.
 
Watch all of our past Member Moments videos on our website.
 

 

CWOW

CWOW - Collaborative Women of Wellington County
 
CWCC is proud to announce the launch of this new working committee!
 
“We are excited to be able to bring this offering to Wellington County. The group has worked hard to finalize their mission, vision, and core activities and ensure that they fit with the needs of professional women in this community,” comments Janet Harrop, Treasurer of CWCC’s Board of Directors and member of the CWOW committee.
 
The committee has already begun to set the stage to host quarterly events where participants will be invited to relate, to learn, and to network with other women. The primary vision is to inspire and to empower women in business through education, collaboration, and mentorship.
 
CWOW is striving to connect and engage with committed and professional women. The vision of the group is to be inclusive. Regardless of whether you own a company, work for a company, or are a leader in your home, this group will have something for you as we learn and grow together as committed individuals in our community.
 
If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and experience while learning from one another, please subscribe to receive CWOW’s emails or follow the Facebook page to stay up to date!
 

 

New Members

Renewing Members

AutoMarket
Bert's Service Centre
CW Racquets and Fitness
Dar's Country Market
Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
Eramosa Construction
Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates - Elora
Family Practice Associates of Elora
Fergus Curling Club
Guelph Storm Hockey Club
Hospice Wellington
Klaas Swaving Ltd.
Optim Financial Solutions
Optimum Integrative Health Centre
Schooley Mitchell
St. David Street Dentistry
The Bar Store Canada Inc.
Upper Grand Eye Care
Victoria Park Golf Club
Wightman
Wilmot Financial Services Inc.
 
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Member Milestones & Community Support

Congrats to Jackie Fraser of Fraberts. She was thrilled to participate in a panel discussing how the pandemic has changed how we shop for groceries. Check it out here.
 
Badley Bridge Schedule Update
The planned opening to traffic of the Badley Bridge in Elora has been changed to early December. The most recent updated schedule shows the bridge will be open to traffic by December 4.
 
Community Improvement Programme (CIP) Accepting Applications
If you are a landowner with commercial, industrial, or agricultural property in the County, you may be eligible for design and construction grants through Wellington County’s Invest Well Community Improvement Programme. The County works with local municipalities to promote economic growth and business expansion. Contact your municipality to apply for local and County grants. Learn more at www.wellington.ca/cip.
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About the Author

Having been with CWCC since early 2019 wearing a few different hats including event planning, bookkeeping, and marketing, I’m excited to have stepped into the Interim General Manager role. My background includes over ten years of event and program management experience, in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, from large business-to-business conferences to fundraising events across the country and almost everything in between. Throughout my career I have gained extensive administrative and financial experience, and also found time to complete my MBA!

 

I am proud to now call Centre Wellington home and look forward to further supporting the business community. CWCC strives to provide solutions, benefits, and connections for our businesses, create opportunities to learn and grow, and advocate for local business needs.

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