I'm out of the office today, enjoying the sights around Timmins!

Actually, I'm enjoying the comforts of a conference centre and the camaraderie of many other chamber people as we get set for our marathon debate around this year's policy resolutions. Your Government Affairs committee and the Board of Directors have been reviewing them to ensure they are consistent with the needs of our members in Belleville (and surrounding area).

We're also getting ready for our

AGM on May 24 and the

President's Dinner on May 30!

A huge thank you to the members who have committed sponsorships this year - some to both events

Loyalist College

Quinte Broadcasting

Procter & Gamble

Mackay Insurance · McDougall Insurance

A&E Ceramic · Bel-Con · Belleville Toyota · Canadian Tire

Quinte Paint & Wallpaper

Opportunities to be recognized as a community partner

are still available! Email lisa@bellevillechamber.ca for details.

Also a huge thank you to Professor Baba' Giwa, for presenting a high-level discussion on the value of AI for business. Ultimately, there is a cost and you should choose your platform wisely, but when leveraged with the correct data, AI can help your business be smarter (and it does have the capacity to learn). I suppose that's the difference between using a great CRM and having it do the work for you! A virtual session is being planned for May.

CONNECTING

MINGLES

Mingles offer a behind-the-scenes look at members with the added bonus of terrific networking. Don't miss our next mingle at

ALBERT COLLEGE 160 Dundas St. West, Belleville

Thursday, May 16th from 5 - 7 pm

This is a unique opportunity to explore one of Belleville's most historic sites. Students are excited to provide tours upon arrival. The dining hall will hold a selection of charcuterie, punch, and hot beverages. We hope you can join us.

Find out more and REGISTER

Get the rest of our mingles in your calendar. Check out the dates and hosts.

BREAKFAST

Breakfasts provide opportunities for access to community leaders

while taking part in important networking.

Annual State of the City Address · Mayor Neil Ellis

Wednesday, May 1st

Coffee Mingle starts at 7:00 am with a full breakfast buffet starting at 7:30 am

at The Grand, Harder Drive

We are trying something new!

Last year we celebrated the accomplishments of some of our Chamber members by 'putting on the ritz' in the style of the Roaring Twenties. This year we have switched it up to celebrate on a THURSDAY evening. We are planning the best birthday party ever to commemorate the Chamber's 160th birthday, and to help honour the recipients of the 2024 Cornerstone Awards presented under the categories of Citizenship, Founder, Mentor, Visionary, Legacy, & Lifetime Achievement. Get ready to relax and have some fun!

READ MORE about it and get your tickets.

Friday, September 6th is a great day for golf.

Don't miss the 53rd Annual Belleville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Gleaners's Food Bank.

We have some terrific things in store for you this year, including Hole-In-One prizes, wine draw, and a special Hole-In-Two with golf entertainer, Todd Keirstead.

SHARING

NEWS and EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kids Got Talent was an amazing experience for all those involved. $85,000 in community support will help with the Children's Safety Village programming. The show opened with 2022 winners "The Garvin Brothers" soon to open for The Glorious Sons in Tweed in July and will be on the Belleville stage for Canada Day! Check out FB for more on the event.

YMCA President Dave Allen and Cabinet Co-Chair, Ed Lehtinen announce the Centre for Life campaign has reached the

$6 million mark - 2/3 of their goal and the project is going to move forward! Building at the old fairgrounds site should start soon!

"Plaquing" is one of our favourite things to do, so if you...

have filled your plaque

can't find your plaque · joined in 2023

Our list is getting longer, and we have more plaques on order. We are excited to head out on a road trip with a vehicle full of plaques - ready for delivery to our members.

Send Lisa a message and we'll get you PLAQUED!