Hamilton Chamber commends
CITY COUNCILLORS
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically applauds thursday's decision by the City of Hamilton's Audit & Admin. Committee on the issue of development charges. Hamilton is moving to freeze its development charges for one year, after local homebuilders warned an increase would devastate their already ailing industry.
"It was a courageous decision, but the right one to make in our current economic environment," said John Dolbec, CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.It should be noted that this was also a win for the Chamber. While we also supported the home builders, council also agreed with our request to defer commercial industrial charges as well.
http://www.thespec.com/article/577959
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The OCC held its 97th Annual General Meeting & Convention at the Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ontario from April 30 to May 2. Business leaders from across the province identified the key steps to achieving economic renewal and business competitiveness.
Seventeen policy priorities were approved (including two from the Hamilton Chamber), bringing to 102 the total number of policies that will be used in the OCC’s advocacy strategy for the upcoming year.
Some of the key priorities identified were:
- A commitment to reducing Ontario’s regulatory burden on business
- Modernized infrastructure with an efficient approval process which contains planning that is consistent, long-term and includes sustainable funding
- Skills development for new and current workforce participants
- Fairness for Ontario workers in terms of Employment Insurance benefits and training
A single sales tax was also discussed by delegates at the convention, with a presentation on the topic by University of Toronto Professor, Michael Smart. Other leading economists including Finn Poschmann of the C.D. Howe Institute and Derek Burleton of TD Bank Financial Group, also reinforced the importance of sales tax harmonization as one of the important steps to a more robust Ontario economy. A full listing of the approved policy resolutions can be found on the OCC’s website, www.occ.on.ca
Plus, ofcourse, the Hamilton Chamber earned the prestigious Chair's Award for local economic development initiative for the Hamilton Economic Summit 2008; and Chamber past president Len Falco earned the Richard A. Dolphin Award for community service -- the highest honour at the OCC can award to a Chamber volunteer.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
The Honourable George Smitherman- Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy & Infrastructure. Minister Smitherman addressed the audience by providing highlights of the recent provincial Budget -including the harmonization of the sales tax, the government’s investment in infrastructure and the proposed Green Energy Act.
His remarks included:
- the comprehensive tax reform package that was announced in the recent Budget including the harmonization of the sales tax
- $32.5 million funding in infrastructure projects that will be used to improve roads, schools and public transit
- The plan to announced a long-term infrastructure plan in the fall of 2009
Highlights of the proposed Green Energy Act were also addressed along with the benefits the government believes it will have in stimulating the economy and creating new jobs. Smitherman announced that it is hope of the Government that the Green Energy Act will pass third reading in the legislature prior to the legislature’s summer break.
Smitherman ended his remarks by thanking the Chamber network for their hard work and dedication towards making the province a better place to live and work.
The New Home Renovations Tax Credit (HRTC)
CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN
Home renovations are smart investments in the long-term value of a home and also create
economic activity by increasing the demand for labour, building materials and other goods. Renovations can also reduce energy consumption and the long-term
cost of owning a home.
To provide some $3 billion of much-needed fiscal stimulus and encourage investments in Canada’s housing stock, Budget 2009 proposes to implement a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).
For more information, please visit: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/hmwnr/hrtc/menu-eng.html
Your Input is Needed
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF RAPID TRANSIT IN HAMILTON
As we move forward with plans to implement rapid transit in Hamilton, the City wants your thoughts on how you think the rapid transit initiative will best serve Hamilton. Help the City by completing a short survey to share your opinion, by identifying your preferred rapid transit alignment along the Main King corridor through downtown.
Access the survey online at: http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/ProjectsInitiatives/RapidTransit or pick up a hard copy at some City of Hamilton offices, local libraries or municipal service centres. Comments are welcome at any time, but responses received by July 31, 2009 will be included in the September 2009 staff report to Council.
Get discounted tickets to
THE HAMILTON TATTOO
Chamber members are encouraged to take advantage of discounted tickets to the Canadian International Military Tattoo on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton.
To reserve your spot, email p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca
Don’t miss the
PRESIDENT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT
The President’s Golf Tournament is 80 per cent sold out. Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this event. Come out for a day of golf, food, prizes and a silent auction.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 16th (11:30 a.m.)
Cost: $185
Location: Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club (10 Woodley’s Lane, Dundas)
To register, get more information or learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here
The Hamilton Chamber Of Commerce presents
MEET THE POLITICIANS RECEPTION
All Chamber members and guests are invited to an informal reception to meet with area politicians. This casual meeting will allow you to mix and mingle with MP’s, MPP’s, Mayor Fred Eisenberger and members of Hamilton City Council. Don’t miss this great networking opportunity.
At this time, joining us will be: Mayor Fred Eisenberger, David Sweet, MP, Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP, Ted McMeekin, MPP, Paul Miller, MPP, Lloyd Ferguson, Dave Mitchell, Maria Pearson, and Russ Powers.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 23rd (5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Cost: $25.00 members; $35.00 non-member
Location: The Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay Street North
Parking is free
To register, visit: www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca, or email p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca
Business After Business presents:
BOSANAC HEATING & ELECTRIC LTD.
Electrical, Heating & Cooling Contractors. Service & installations since 1956.
♦ Meet and Mingle with Chamber Members and their guests
♦ Find out more about our host
♦ Bring LOTS of Business Cards
♦ Light Refreshments Served
♦ A great place to relax and do business
Date/Time: Thursday, June 25th, 2009 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Admission is free
Location: 50 Kenilworth Ave. N.
Parking Available
Talking Tourism in Hamilton
PASSPORT UPDATE
Effective today, June 1, all travellers crossing the land border between Canada and the United States require proper identification, including a passport or Nexus card. For information to help your guests about identification requirements, log onto http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
MID YEAR BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY
As Ontario’s Business Advocate, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) seeks your voice in assessing the province’s economic health and future prosperity. Your input is vital in gauging the impacts of current economic events, public policy as well as global geopolitical events.
The OCC exclusively uses this information, in aggregate, to strengthen the voice of all businesses in communities across Ontario at Queen’s Park.
Please complete this survey by June 19, 2009 at 5:00 pm.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insight with us.
Please take a few moments to complete the 2009 Mid Year Business Climate Survey which can be found at the following link: http://surveys.occ.on.ca/ls/index.php?sid=14826&lang=en
FROM INDUSTRY CANADA
A special message for Ontario Chambers of Commerce & Boards of Trade
As many of you know, the Government of Canada recently launched a $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a new initiative designed to address the short-term effects of the global economic downturn, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. In 2009-2010, Ontario communities will receive up to $174.2 million.
Although the first allocation under this fund will support projects submitted by municipalities and not-for-profit organizations, we are writing to you today as business leaders in your communities, to ask you to reach out to your local not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, co-operatives and First Nation partners.
The Community Adjustment Fund is designed to accelerate job creation and assist resource and manufacturing-dependent communities with their restructuring efforts. In particular, a higher priority will be placed on those communities supported by a single industry that have faced major layoffs resulting in significant job losses.
To access CAF funding in 2009-2010, eligible applicants must submit a proposal on or before June 12, 2009. Complete eligibility criteria and application information is available at: http://ic.gc.ca/caf or by calling 1-888-670-6643.
Upcoming Invitation for Proposals
BRIDGING PROJECTS FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED INDIVIDUALS
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration will release an Invitation for Proposals shortly for bridging projects that improve access to occupational certification/registration and/or employment for internationally trained individuals.
You will be notified of the formal release of the Invitation for Proposals. Guidelines, application forms and an e-mail address for questions will be posted on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca.
The 2008-2009 IFP guidelines and application forms are posted on the Ministry’s website for your reference. New priority areas will be developed for 2009-2010.
Information sessions will be offered:
Monday, June 15, 2009 a.m.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 a.m.
1st Annual International Conference
MCMASTER UNIVERSITY TRANSLOG 2009 (Transportation and Logistics)
Join business, government, and academic leaders in Transportation and Logistics at the 1st Annual International TRANSLOG 2009 Conference.
Attend leading-edge presentations to learn about:
- Transportation innovation in the new economy
- Hear what marine, trucking, rail and air modes are doing to survive the recession, plan for the recovery (Panel: Bob Armstrong (Supply Chain Logistics Canada), Dan Bresolin (CN Intermodal), Ruby Patrickson (UPS), Paulo Pessoa (McKeil Marine), Graham Taylor (CGL Logistics)
- Leveraging best practices in transportation and logistics to build economies
- Mission-critical transportation concepts to better your business
- Green strategies for efficient goods movement
- Opportunities to learn about cutting-edge transportation and logistics initiatives and research
- Innovative services and programs to reduce transportation costs
June 17th –18th 2009
Email: mitl@mcmaster.ca
McMaster Children's Hospital
CAUSE INSPIRES NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
A new community partnership between the Mechanical Contractors Association – Greater Hamilton Region and U.A. Local 67 serving members in Hamilton, Wentworth, Halton, Lincoln, Wellington, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk Counties has been formed to help generate much needed funding for McMaster Children's Hospital (MCH).
Each year McMaster Children's Hospital serves the needs of more than 140,000 children and their families throughout south central Ontario and beyond, a community of 2.3 million people and over 50% of their patients come from outside the Hamilton area. Founded in 1988, MCH has rapidly become a leader in paediatric evidence-based care, collaborative research and innovative leading-edge education.
For more information, please visit: www.mcahamilton.org
Talking Tourism in Hamilton
TOURISM WEEK IN CANADA
This week marks national Tourism Week in Canada - an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our important industry. The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has a number of activities planned this week, including hosting Tourism Day on Parliament Hill on Thursday, www.tiac.travel
The Ontario Ministry of Tourism is also hosting events to mark Tourism Week in Ontario, including an event on Wednesday at the Ontario Travel Centre at the Atrium on Bay. Tourism Hamilton will be marking this week with partners at two sales events in Ottawa and Toronto for the convention market and, on Friday, announcing, in conjunction with HECFI and partners, an international convention coming to Hamilton. In Hamilton, tourism employs over 2,700 workers and has an annual economic impact in excess of $152 million.
Tourism Week in Canada: June 1-7
Battlefield House Museum & Park
RE-ENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF STONEY CREEK
Experience the drama, pageantry, and excitement of one of the most important events in Canada's history. Bring the whole family for games, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, demonstrations, musical entertainment, fireworks, and the Re-enactment itself.
$8.00 for adults and seniors
$2.00 for children
Saturday, June 6 (10 am - 10 pm)
Sunday, June 7 (10 am - 4:30 pm)
For additional information, visit: www.battlefieldhouse.ca
Hamilton Fringe 2009
A SERIES OF THEATRE FESTIVALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This year we're bringing together 28 productions from all across Canada and the US - presenting 196 performances in 4 downtown venues - and reaching out to our largest audience ever.
The Fringe Festival takes place in downtown Hamilton. This year the Festival will have four theatre locations in the core including the Theatre Aquarius - Studio Theatre). Each venue will host 7 productions and present 49 performances over the 10-day schedule. This brings the grand total to 196 performances throughout the festival.
JULY 16 – 26
www.hamiltonfringe.ca
