Ontario Chamber of Commerce
1 MILLION DOLLARS FOR 100 COMPANIES
Companies across Ontario have received a total of one million dollars to export to global markets, from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). The OCC cost-sharing program, Export Market Access (EMA) is designed to help Ontario's small and medium sized enterprises diversify their exports. The program is managed by the OCC with funding from the Government of Ontario, and since its inception in 2008 has assisted 100 companies.
The approved companies have received on average $10,000 to support their efforts to make international direct contacts, conduct market research and develop tools specifically for new foreign markets. These companies vary in their specialties and are located across the province including the GTA, Ottawa, Brantford, Kitchener, Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, London and Stoney Creek.
Recipients operate in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, professional and technical services, marketing, wholesale trade and culture.
Applications are processed on a continuous intake basis and many more applications are currently being reviewed. Funding decisions are made within 30 business days upon receipt of fully completed applications. The online application and information regarding eligibility criteria can be found at www.exportaccess.ca
Export Market Access
THINK YOUR COMPANY IS TOO SMALL TO BE AN EXPORTER? THINK AGAIN
Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program (EMA) is designed to assist small to medium size organizations (SMEs) to access and expand their growth in new foreign markets that are beyond the U.S.
If your company has 5 or more employees and annual sales of $500,000 or more, you may qualify for a grant covering up to 50% of eligible costs incurred to develop export sales. Eligible activities include market research, marketing tools, direct contacts and foreign bidding projects.
Export Market Access is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with support and funding from the Government of Ontario.
To find out if your company qualifies, please visit http://exportaccess.ca
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
FINDING THE BALANCE: SHARED BORDER OF THE FUTURE
The Canadian and US Chambers of Commerce, along with 47 other business organizations, today issued a joint border report entitled Finding the Balance: Shared Border of the Future.
Following up the issue of 2008's border report, this paper offers specific recommendations to reduce border costs in the short-term while increasing security at the border and competitiveness of all industries.
The report may be found on the Canadian Chamber's Web site at: www.chamber.ca
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
UPDATE ON TWO CHAMBER INITIATIVES
Policy Briefs
With Parliament recessed for the summer, MPs are back in their ridings. This is an ideal opportunity for you to meet with your MP to bring to his/her attention the issues of importance to your members. We’ve attached executive summaries on some top-of-mind business issues that you might find helpful when meeting with your MP. They include Employment Insurance, Climate Change and two Private Member’s Bills – one proposing an airline passengers’ bill of rights and a second that could have serious consequences for Canadian oil, gas and mining companies with overseas operations. These summaries, entitled Policy Briefs, are a new communications vehicle designed to translate our policy work into plain language, so that those of us without a policy background can understand the issues. As always, our policy analysts are always available to provide you with assistance on these or other files. We hope you find these pieces helpful and invite you to provide us with feedback from any discussions you have with your MP(s) on these or other issues.
Canadian Chambers Competition
We are pleased to announce the return of the Canadian Chambers Competition. This year’s theme is non-dues revenue programs/projects. We’re looking for creative non-dues revenue sources and tactics that chambers have developed to supplement their fee-based revenue and provide a more sustainable financial and operational base. More information on the competition, including the submission template, is attached. The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2009. The winners will be announced and recognized at our AGM this October in Victoria.
The Policy Briefs and information on the Chambers Competition is available in the members’ only section of our website, www.chamber.ca, under Chamber Network.
Mohawk College
FIRST CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER APPOINTED
Mohawk College has appointed its first chief innovation officer, signalling a commitment to finding new and better ways of doing everything it does.
The job will go to Ted Scott, an award-winning professor and researcher currently serving as Mohawk's director of applied research and innovation.
College president Rob MacIsaac announced the move in a memorandum to college staff yesterday, in which he described a cultural shift that makes innovation a priority in every aspect of the college's operation.
MacIsaac said there will be four elements to the shift: defining what drives innovation; assuring that college policies, planning and programs reflect and drive innovation; identifying new opportunities, products, services and processes; and making sure that innovations at Mohawk are celebrated.
SOURCE: Wade Hemsworth, The Hamilton Spectator, July 21, 2009
ECNG Energy L.P
WHOLESALE ENERGY PRICING FOR THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Electricity: Three-year estimated price at or below 5.8 cents/kWh beginning October 1 2009 to September 30 2012
Natural gas: Three-year estimated price at or below 29.9 cents/m3 beginning October 1 2009 to September 30 2012.
Application deadline: July 27 2009
For more information, please contact Luisa Perini at 888 989 1501 ext. 3299
Conservation Hamilton
WILDLIFE TEACHING GARDEN FITTING TRIBUTE TO BRUCE DUNCAN
No one had more passion for the environment or for guiding youth than Bruce Duncan.
Considered one of Canada’s leading naturalists and an expert on hawks, it is estimated that during his 15 years as a teacher-naturalist with the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) and other agencies, Duncan taught outdoor environmental education to more than 45,000 school children. During his 18-year career with HCA, Mr. Duncan was teacher-naturalist, staff ecologist, director of watershed planning and engineering, as well as general manager from 2004 until his death in November 2006.
His love of outdoors and environmental education was surpassed only by his dedication to his family.
So it’s fitting his legacy will continue in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, home of HCA’s outdoor environmental education program, with the dedication of the Bruce Duncan Wildlife Teaching Garden.
The garden will be officially dedicated on October 8, 2009. This unique resource is truly a project of love and respect by the Duncan family, HCA staff, and project partners. You can still support this project by contacting Judy.Love@conservationhamilton.ca
Hamilton Tiger Cats
CORPORATE OUTINGS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
Tiger-Cats Football is an exciting way to entertain clients or host family and friends. Come to Ivor Wynne and experience the excitement of Ticats football live! Corporate Suite Rentals Suites offer an opportunity to enjoy a Ticats game live with all the comforts of your home.
For more information, please contact Chris Taylor at 905 547 2287 ext. 270, or at ctaylor@ticats.ca
CLICK HERE TO LINK TO THE FLYER
Mission Services
PROJECT EMPOWER, FOR YOUTH AT RISK
Just over a year ago Mission Services launched Project Empower, their Youth at Risk after school drop-in program. Project Empower has literally taken off, with over 150 youth attending each week. As a result, they are offering a summer edition for these same youth at risk.
More than 50 youth per day, aged 13 to18, will participate in programs designed to build self-esteem, develop personal skills and create a strong sense of community. Youth will be engaged through athletics, creative arts and music workshops, skills development, access to healthy nutritious snacks and healthy lifestyle programs.
The drop-in program operates from the second floor of the former Robert Land School where youth can enjoy the gymnasium and can access a teaching kitchen. For more information, please call 905-536-1560.
July 7 to August 13
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dundas Farmer’s Market
NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Dundas Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is located at the corner of Hatt Street and Miller’s Lane, Lot 7D in Dundas, ON.
For more information, please visit www.downtowndundas.ca
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY
It light of the recent economy it is even more important to highlight and recognize achievement in our community. The Chamber runs numerous awards to do just that.
Nomination forms will be coming out shortly for the Hamilton Citizen of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, Ancaster and Dundas Citizen and Youths. So put your thinking caps on now and really show the community our shining stars.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton
GO GIRLS GOLF TOURNAMENT 2009
For more information please call Bob Salac (not a girl) at 905 525 3860 ext 308 or online at www.callbigbrothers.com to register.
Friday, August 28
8:30am shotgun start
Century Pines Golf and Country Club
Grand River Employment and Training/Workforce Connections
RECOGNIZING NEIGHBOURHOOD EMPLOYERS
Workforce Connections is an aboriginal program designed to help businesses hire new employees. They offer a wage subsidy to employers and provide ongoing support for the first 12 weeks.
You are invited to an evening of recognition and promotion for businesses in the Hamilton, Niagara and Brantford area. Come meet employers who have taken advantage of this employment incentive. Workforce Connections outreach representatives will be available to discuss this innovative program. For more information, please contact Robin Maracle at 888 218 8230 or robin@greatsn.com
Six Nations Polytechnic
2160 Fourth Line Road, Ohsweken, ON
Thursday August 13
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2009 Liuna Golf Classic
THE QUEST FOR THE MILY O’BRIEN CUP
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation, Camp Trillium and the Down Syndrome Association.
Dinner to follow at Liuna Station, 360 James Street North, Hamilton, ON. For more information, please contact 905 522 7177 or lucy@liuna.ca. Please register by July 24.
Event: Tuesday August 25
