I’m not sure how May has suddenly become our busiest month, but there’s no question we’re packing a lot into 30 days (we’re taking a break on the 31^st!)

We started on May 1^st with an outstanding (and very patient) members response for our guest, His Worship Mayor Neil Ellis. While growth is always an aspiration, the rapid pace in the past few years has presented challenges to housing, health care, security and access to labour. Managing tax increases was a key mandate for this year’s council, and notes they are ever mindful of what the taxpayer is getting for their dollar and adhered to a commitment of no more than 5%.

Acknowledging the City’s situation with the opioid crisis and its impact on first responders by declaring a State of Emergency resulted in a 1% higher rate with the allocation of money to The Bridge (renovation of the old Alhambra Hall into a continuum of care resource centre). Appeals to the provincial government have provided limited support. The reality is communities all across Ontario are facing these same challenges.

Chambers like ours are pressing the Ontario Chamber to stand up on behalf of business towards a solution. Later this month, I’ll be traveling to a round table with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Associate Minister Tibollo to discuss the province’s plans to mitigate the issues around addiction. I’m always interested to hear more of your story, and this is what I have to offer when I go to Toronto on May 22. Please reach out if you have something to share.

Lots more to read about below – don’t forget to register or get tickets!

May 16 – Mingle @ Albert College

May 24 – AGM @ Quinte Gardens

May 29 – Breakfast with Mark Kirkpatrick, President Loyalist College

May 30 – President’s Dinner & Cornerstone Awards

And I’ll end this week’s message with a SMILE – congratulations to the Learning Foundation and thanks to Tim Horton’s across the region who let people like me go in and help between April 29 & May 5.

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.

Final Breakfast of the season.

Breakfasts provide opportunities for access to community leaders

while taking part in important networking.

Featuring...Mark Kirkpatrick

President & CEO, Loyalist College

Wednesday, May 29th

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

It's our 160th Birthday!

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 our birthday, and to help honour the recipients of the 2024 Cornerstone Awards presented to members exemplifying Citizenship, Founder, Mentor, Visionary & Lifetime Achievement. Get ready to CELEBRATE and have some fun!

READ MORE about it and get your tickets.

CLICK for more information AND REGISTER NOW!

FREE LUNCH & LEARN

Virtual Integration · What Is It and How Can It Help My Business Friday, June 7th · 12 - 1:30 pm

Have you wondered how to provide better onboarding for your employees? Does training create stress on your business? Do you wish there was a better way to enhance soft skills? Are you looking for a cool, new team-building experience? Are you intrigued by how innovative virtual reality and immersive experiences can help to propel your business forward? Join Peter Young from Virtual Encounters and discover how this relates to key sectors like retail, manufacturing, hospitality, non-profits and more.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

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.

AGM · Friday, May 24th · 11:30 am

This is an open meeting for all chamber members. We will provide an update from the incoming President, presentation of the financial statements, Committee Chair reports, and a great opportunity to meet your new Board of Directors for the next 12 months.

PLUS - enjoy a FREE LUNCH.

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER!

Your email address must be in the system to be recognized as a member.

CLICK HERE For more info and to register.

REPRESENTING

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

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 NOW OPEN. 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...

SHARING

NEWS and EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS!

"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!

LINKS Youth Summer Camps at Loyalist College

offer an exciting pathway for learning BIG life skills and creating educational enthusiasm for children and youth aged 6-15, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), skills-based learning, and leadership.

Held at the vibrant Belleville campus, the camps feature dedicated teaching by Ontario certified educators and college professors, emphasizing hands-on learning and exposure to STEM careers. Camp Subsidy is available in partnership with The Children's Foundation and Loyalist College Financial Assistance, ensuring access to high-quality educational experiences for all youth in the community.

Camp Subsidy is available in partnership with The Children's Foundation and Loyalist College Financial Assistance, ensuring access to high-quality educational experiences for all youth in the community. From "TechTaste Culinary Skills Camp" to "Minecraft Modding and Game Design" and from "GirlTech: BioArt Camp" to "Idea Forge: Inventor's Lab Camp" - we have collaboratively created a place of belonging to help your child learn and thrive this summer and beyond. Learn more and register TODAY before camps fill here: https://loyalisttraining.com/summer-camps/

Do you have a Chic Momma in your life?

Join DecorChic Living at the Sommerville Centre, just north of the 401 on Hwy 62, from 10 to 3 on Saturday, May 11.

Indulge in pink pinwheel sandwiches, Rose All Day, and of course, some great shopping.

Check it out on Facebook at this link.

Congratulations! McHappy Day raised more than $38,000 for kids in need.

“The Children’s Foundation is humbled by the generosity of the whole community.”, says Melanie Cressman, Executive Director. “It was an inspiring day of collaboration across our region, and we are excited by the number of children that we can help as a result of its success. Thank you to Ken and Cynthya Schmidt and Todd Shea for their dedication to the children and youth that we serve.”