In this issue...

From the CEO's Desk | Welcome New Members!

Upcoming Chamber Events | Updates from the Chamber Network

Chamber staff are busy this week finalizing details for Wine, Women, & Shopping next week, preparing the 2023 budget, and attending a professional development event with our Chamber colleagues in Chatham-Kent. It was fascinating to learn more about the greenhouse industry, especially the size and scope of operations, and the economic activity associated with the sector. Very complimentary to the Brant Agri-Food Forum hosted by the County of Brant on November 2 & 3. 

For members in the skilled trades, please take a look at our partner EdgeFactor and the Workplace Experience Program (WEP). Announced in Brantford a few weeks ago, the program offers a free way to highlight your company and attract youth and their parents, teachers, and other influencers by showcasing the wide variety of careers available across the many sectors highlighted in the WEP program. It is worth a few moments to check out the link below. 

Last week, we had a large turnout at the November Business After Hours hosted by the City of Brantford at City Hall, and the Chamber hosted a Fall Economic Statement roundtable with The Honourable Katrina Gould, Minister of Families, Children, & Social Development, and MP for Burlington. 

This week, the province released its Fall Economic Statement, details and Ontario Chamber of Commerce response are below. 

Let us know your thoughts, and look forward to seeing you soon! 

Dave

Send a message to Queen’s Park!

The Chamber of Commerce Brantford - Brant and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) are looking for your insights on issues that matter to your businesses. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and your organization’s outlook? What should governments prioritize to drive economic growth?

https://www.research.net/r/ChamberSurvey_2022?Chamber=%5bBrantford-Brant%5d

 This survey is being conducted by Golfdale Consulting, an independent consulting firm. All responses will be kept strictly anonymous and confidential. 

Your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is as important as ever. The results of the survey will inform the 2023 Ontario Economic Report: the landmark research platform of the OCC, offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province.

Share your views by taking a short five-minute survey here: 

https://www.research.net/r/ChamberSurvey_2022?Chamber=%5bBrantford-Brant%5d

Extended Deadline: Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at midnight.

Take the survey and let the government know what is important to you! 

Ontario's Finance Minister, the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, released the 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, outlining the Government's economic plan and revealing the state of Ontario's economy. 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) appreciates additional measures to fill labour shortages across a variety of sectors, in particular the skilled trades, health care and early childhood education; provide tax relief for small businesses; and support for workers with disabilities.

As the indispensable partner of business, the OCC will continue to work with the provincial government to address the needs of Ontario businesses and provide recommendations to support sustainable economic growth.

Click here to read the OCC's release.

Their rapid policy update highlights new expenditures, provides an analysis from the perspective of the business community, and outlines areas in need of further attention in Budget 2023.

Click here to read Rapid Policy Update.

On November 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST, the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) is hosting a panel discussion with health system leaders from across Canada to discuss the most pressing findings of its newly launched Canadian report.

In collaboration with the London School of Economics, the World Economic Forum, AstraZeneca and Philips Canada, the PHSSR’s report provides evidence-based policy recommendations to create future-ready health systems that are resilient to crises, and deliver high-quality, publicly funded, adaptable and equitable care to Canadians.

Event registration is free, and the programming will be bilingual. Click here to register.

Grand Erie Aspire Job Fair:

3 Day Multi-Sector & Skilled Trades Event

The Workforce Excellence Program is Officially Live!

National Apprenticeship Week: November 14 - 18