Last Thursday was one busy day!

Starting with a great tour with the QMA (Quinte Manufacturer's Association)/QEDC at Venture Carpets.

Did you know? They are the only remaining Canadian manufacturer of carpet! In 2009, a large number of carpet tile specialists in Belleville lost their jobs when a carpet mill moved out of the region. Many of them had decades of experience and chances of another job in their field were very limited. Inspired to start a new carpet tile company, they combined their expertise in producing quality flooring and their ideals for social and environmental sustainability. Belletile was purchased by Venture Carpets and continues the tradition of sustainable manufacturing. Venture has been a valued member since 2015 and supply familiar retailers such as Costco, Home Depot and Giant Tiger.

Then for lunch, I had the honour of being a guest at the Rotary Club of Belleville meeting. In 1923, the Chamber, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs formally agreed to work together for the betterment of the community. It's wonderful to see how this partnership has been sustained for over 100 years and with purposeful action, we will continue to build on our history of collaboration. The Rotary Club of Belleville was acknowledged during the year of their 100th anniversary with the very first "Key to the Cabin" to acknowledge them as a community partner.

As the Chamber celebrates 160 years in 2024, it is important we don't take these relationships for granted and moving forward with intentional action will be at the core of our strategic planning in June.

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL SUMMERS

We ended the day at our mingle - over 80 registered! - hosted at the Quinte Business Development Centre with Trenval & Gift from the Heart with a passport adventure exploring the business development support team located here including QEDC (Quinte Economic Development Commission), BDC and the Small Business Centre. Thanks to Greta for being there with tastings of our favourite Meyer's Creek Brewing Company beverages and lots of food everywhere from Ma's Pantry.

APPLICATIONS DUE TODAY

WE'LL BE RECRUITING FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS SOON

SO YOU CAN STILL BE INVOLVED IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINE

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 not only network with our local business community but to explore behind the scenes of 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

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

Sponsored by:

Enbridge Gas

Members: $25 + Hst · Non-Members: $40 + Hst

Read more and REGISTER

REPRESENTING

GRANTS · Small Business Centre recently published links to some grants that you may not have know about...

Made By Women Grant - Monday Girl teamed up with DoorDash awarding $10,000 grants to women-owned restaurants, supporting the growth of their business READ MORE...

Summer Company Grant is designed to help get your business up and running, whether you need financial help or some guidance. DEADLINE April 19th .. READ MORE...

Canada Digital Adoption Program offers micro-grants of up to $2,400 to help with costs relating to adopting technologies like website, SEO, and E-Commerce. READ MORE...

Starter Company Plus Grant of up to $5000 for starting a new company or expand your existing business. Applications open May 6th. Review Grant Documents...

Farm Credit Canada - Women Entreprener Program is committed to empowering women in agriculture, agribusiness and food. READ MORE...

RISE Youth Small Business Program is a FREE skill building program for ages 16 - 29, and is designed to help transform ideas into reality, whether you are looking to build a full-time business or launch a side-hustle. READ MORE...

DID YOU KNOW that the federal government offers a Business Benefits Finder that can help you find sources for grants, loans, tax credits, wage subsidies and much more.

CLICK HERE to find programs and services to help your business grow.

Is there something we can help with at any level of government?

Never hesitate to reach out...

We just mailed out the 2024 Membership stickers

(thank you for your payment)

and we're hearing you might need a plaque!

This is one of our favourite things to do, so if you

have filled your plaque

can't find your plaque

joined in 2023

Send Lisa a message

and we'll get you PLAQUED!

Vote for SDS RiskAssist!

Rillea Technologies as been nominated for yet another Canadian Occupational Safety magazine Readers' Choice award for best SDS Management solution – the 7th year in a row!

Help them win by voting today (Question 46 on the form). Plus, you could win a $200 Amazon gift card. VOTE NOW!

Lisa and Rob are always happy to answer your questions. Check out their listing. Rillea Technologies has been a member for 8 years.

BELLEVILLE ABUNDANCE PROJECT! Improving access to healthy and local food through creative community solutions. CDC Quinte will spend 2024 getting to know the community, and then in 2025, will start to map out a plan.

CROATIA - SEPTEMBER 2024

SPAIN - NOVEMBER 2024

CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH ADVENTURE

HOSTING A BUSINESS EVENT OR WORKSHOP?

ADD IT TO OUR CALENDAR!

Using your member login, it is easy to add your event to our Chamber calendar. NEED HELP?

Click on this link for instructions OR

Call us and we will walk you through it.

IF YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY EVENT, CLICK HERE FOR

DISCOVER BELLEVILLE'S PUBLIC CALENDAR

SAVE $$$ with these programs and more through our national and provincial partners.

Chamber Members are

YOUR CUSTOMERS. 



Do you have a Member 2 Member offer you would like to promote? 



Contact Lisa at 613-962-4597 X 2

lisa@bellevillechamber.ca

Your membership connects you to more than 500 businesses.

Find what you need from people and businesses you can trust.

DROP IN FOR A VISIT AT THE LOG CABIN. WE WOULD LOVE TO CONNECT!

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

5 Moira Street East, Belleville · 613-962-4597