We're a bit late for any April Fool's action but in case you missed this - we love the creative collaboration of The Local Social Club and Lafferty's...

Click here to Enjoy!

We had so much fun in Vietnam! The Belleville & Quinte West Chambers pulled together a great group of people from the Bay of Quinte region (and beyond) to explore this amazing country. I'm not always a fan of "on the bus, off the bus" travel, but it was a fantastic way to see the highlights from Hanoi - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City in 8 days. Our next trip to Croatia departs in September, but the deadline is May 1st to confirm. See below for the link to more details.

HIDDEN JOB MARKET SURVEY

Following that busy couple of weeks, we had our first live "Free Lunch" at Aspira Quinte Gardens in partnership with Centre for Workforce Development and a high level review of the results of our Hidden Job Market Survey. Thanks to the 76 members who responded (from multiple sectors) and provided insight about our local employment landscape. I have always believed we have more to offer youth than entry level, low-paying opportunities based on the diversity within our membership - and the numbers proved it!

Key highlights:

We have just as many executive roles at our member organizations as we do entry level (166 to 164)!
We have just as many earning $70k or higher as we do at a minimum or living wage (with multiple levels in between) (24 - 24).

Read more from Quinte News' Zach McGibbon

As we get into a detailed analysis in the coming weeks, we'll launch the survey region wide and I'm looking forward to where we can take the story from there!

BOARD ELECTIONS

The new bylaws have also come into effect and nominations are open for the Board of Directors again (I know it seems we just did this, but bear with us this year). Our new approach will align with an AGM and President's Dinner in May and then we'll dive into a strategic planning session to define our goals for the next 5 years.

April is going to be a little bit quiet (so don't miss the mingle on the 11th or the Free Lunch "intro to AI" on the 19th) but we've got SO much planned for May with 2 breakfasts, a mingle, the AGM and the President's Dinner. See below to save the dates!

Have a wonderful week and find a great place "not to watch" the eclipse next Monday!

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

TRENVAL

Thursday, April 11th 5 - 7 pm

Bay of Quinte Business Centre @ Loyalist College

You will have the opportunity to visit each department using a passbook. Get a stamp from the participating business professionals, including the Small Business Centre, Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) and BDC.

Completed passbooks will be entered into a prize draw for TWO Quinte Conservation Annual Parking Passes.

Enjoy light refreshments compliments of our hosts, including tastings from Meyers Creek Brewing Company and Ma's Pantry.

Find out more and REGISTER

Check out what's ahead in 2024

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

SHARING

NEWS and EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS!

GET ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER!

Quinte Paddling Club OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 6th Whether you want to try something new or just get better at the water sport you love, they have what you are looking for.

DRAGON BOATING · STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING OUTRIGGER CANOEING · KAYAKING

Click here to learn more...

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.

PLEASE HELP THEM GET STARTED BY FILLING OUT A QUICK SURVEY at this link!