Special Insight at Recent CCC AGM
CANADA NEEDS TO BOOST GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Through various panel discussions and keynote speakers (including Finance Minister JIM FLAHERTY, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade SANDRA PUPATELLO, Economist Dr. STEPHEN POLOZ and others) at the recent Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM, delegates were given the following message: Canada needs to act now to boost our global competitiveness. It was clear through discussions at the AGM that the time is ripe for calling on all levels of government to address increasing global competition from economies like China, India and Europe.

Canada needs to act now to address skills shortages, build a competitive tax and regulatory system, and boost our productivity. Both government and business have a role to play. Canadian businesses need to develop ambitions beyond the domestic, or even North American, market. Canadian businesses have all of the attributes to thrive in the global economy. We must provide them with the tools and regulatory environment to succeed.

In the coming session of Parliament and Speech from the Throne, the government needs to focus its energies on developing framework policies that can help Canadian companies become global champions. An effective policy framework would include competitive tax levels (Canada's marginal effective tax rate on capital is the sixth highest in the world), better transportation infrastructure (such as the Asia-Pacific Gateway Initiative), policies that promote R&D and innovation, as well as aggressively opening up foreign markets.

Chamber's Invitational Provincial Election Debate - Oct. 3rd
FOCUSING ON ISSUES THAT CONCERN YOUR BUSINESS

The Governmental Affairs Committee of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a PROVINCIAL ELECTION DEBATE with invited representatives from the Registered Parties. The sponsor for the evening is the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).

The following candidates, representing each of the parties, will be participating:
· TED MCMEEKIN, Liberal Party
· TIM HUDAK, Progressive Conservative Party
· PAUL MILLER, New Democratic Party
· PETER ORMOND, Green Party

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 3rd (5:00 - 7:00 pm)
Location: Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay Street North (Free Parking)
Cost: Chamber Members: Free / RAHB Members: Free / Non-Members: $10.00 at door
To Register: www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca or p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca

Only a few tables left…Book Your Space Now
CHAMBER'S SMALL BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Come out and see exhibits by your fellow Chamber members at the Small Business Showcase / New Members Reception. As a Special Welcome Reception for the Newest Members of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce this event offers everyone the chance to Plug in and Network, which is a very effective way to increase business contacts!

Date/Time: Thursday, October 25th (5:00 to 7:30 pm)
Location: The Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay St. N. Hamilton
Admission: Free (Light Refreshments Provided)
To Register: www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca or p.dieryck@hamiltonchamber.on.ca

Venturing into China
CHINA - BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

With the recent dramatic growth of interest in doing business in China, five area Chambers of Commerce have joined forces to create an informative one-day session for their members and the general public to learn more about the challenges, opportunities and strategies of business investments in China. The Chambers of Commerce for the areas of Brantford/Brant, Burlington, HAMILTON, Oakville and St. Catharine's/Thorold and their title sponsor KPMG are proud to present: China - Business Opportunities and Challenges.

Starting the day, the breakfast keynote speaker will be LU SHUMIN, the China Ambassador to Canada. Representatives from KPMG, CIBC, Gowlings, McMaster University and a variety of other businesses and organizations will address the following topics over course of the day:

· Canada-China Economic Relationships
· How to Attract Chinese Investors
· Inbound and Outbound Gateway, Transportation & Logistics
· Local Business/Tax Strategies for Foreign Companies In China
· Opportunities for Trade
· Practical Banking Issues
· Protecting Your Intellectual Property
· Tax Strategies for Canadian Business in China
· Understanding the Culture Differences
· Understanding the Opportunities & Challenges

Date/Time: Thursday, November 1st (8:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens (680 Plains Road West, Burlington).
Cost: $125.00 for Chamber members / $175.00 for non-members (plus 6% GST)
To register for the event go to www.burlingtonchamber.com.

HHSF Educational Event
INCREASE YOUR POTENTIAL FOR NEW REFERRALS & NEW CLIENTS

An educational event for professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, financial planners) hosted by Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. Learn from a panel of experts how to engage colleagues and utilize legal, financial and insurance resources to create a comprehensive plan for your clients. Ultimately, this event will provide you with a new level of expertise that will increase your potential for new referrals and new clients.

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 16th (4:00 - 6:00 pm)
Location: Liuna Station, (360 James Street North, Hamilton)
More Info: JANNA MALASEED at 905-521-2100 ext. 73537

HTAB present their most recent Hamilton LMI Bulletins:
WORKFORCE FOCUS - EDUCATION (SEPTEMBER, 2007)

The Workforce Focus series has been prepared in response to our community's request for more Hamilton labour market information (as recorded at the Hamilton Training Advisory Board's TOP Community Forum in November 2006).

Workforce Focus bulletins can be found on HTAB's website at www.htab.ca.

Discount Program for Canadian Forces Members, Their Families and Veterans
SUPPORT OUR CANADIAN FORCES

Businesses across the country are encouraged to support a program supporting Canadian Forces and their families and veterans. CF Discounts, a non-profit group operates a website, which lists discounts for Canadian Forces personnel, their families and veterans. CF Discounts was created in 2004 by Christopher Smith, a veteran from Prince Edward Island.

The site directs people to companies and product brands that offer discounts to individuals who serve or have served Canada.

Visit www.cfdiscounts.ca or call (902) 569-4090 or info@cfdiscounts.ca.

Co-op Conference to be held Oct 16 and 17 at RBG
ONTARIO'S CO-OPERATIVE AND CREDIT UNION SECTORS

Beginning with a plenary session featuring KATHY BARDSWICK, CEO of The Co-operators, the 7th annual Co-op Conference and Gala will feature tours of Hamilton-area co-ops, networking, skill-building and celebrating. Following the conference will be the 9th annual Co-operative Spirit Recognition Awards banquet and ceremony.

The conference will be run as a 'Green' event, so they are requesting that participants review all conference material online and register electronically.

Dates: Tuesday October 16 and Wednesday October 17
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens
More info: www.ontario.coop/Gala

Bay Area Leadership Application
BECOME A COMMUNITY LEADER

Bay Area is part of a Canadian Community Leadership movement with a network of 22 similar programs across Canada. On an annual basis their combined programs graduate 500 Community Leaders. To date, Bay Area Leadership has 173 graduates who have jointly completed 30 community projects and who continue building their community leadership legacy every day.

They are currently in the process of accepting applications for their 7th cohort and the DEADLINE is Monday, October 22, 2007.

More Info: www.bayarealeadership.ca

Hamilton Civic Museums
REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL ADVENTURE!

Looking for a fun fall outing with the family? Check out some of the events by the Hamilton Civic Museums (www.hamilton.ca/museums) listed below:

GOLDEN HORSESHOE LIVE STEAMER DAYS - Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Date/Time: Sunday, September 30th (11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Cost: Free outdoor event. Regular admission rates apply to the museum.
Contact: 905-546-4797, steammuseum@hamilton.ca

THANKSGIVING BASKET DRAW - Hamilton Farmers' Market
Date/Time: Saturday, October 6th (2:00 pm)
Cost: FREE
Contact: 905-546-2096, farmersmarket@hamilton.ca

THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES - Hamilton Children's Museum
Date/Time: Sunday, October 7th (11:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Cost: Adults: $1.00, Seniors: $1.00, Youth / Students: $1.00, Children: $3.00, Infant: Free, Family: $7.00.
Contact: 905-546-4848, childrensmuseum@hamilton.ca

GRIFFIN HOUSE OPEN - Griffin House
Date: Monday, October 8th (Thanksgiving Day)
Time: Holiday Mondays: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Victoria Day to Thanksgiving)
Cost: $3.00 per person. Suggested donation.
Contact: 905-546-2424 ext. 7220, griffinhouse@hamilton.ca

Beyond the Business Case:
MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Join the St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation team and their special guests as they introduce practical strategies to address mental health in the workplace. All guests will receive the new resource book: When Something's Wrong: Strategies for the Workplace.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 4th (7:30 am)
Location: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Cost: Free (Seating is limited)
RSVP: 905-521-6079

Business Takes Action: Employment of Persons with Disabilities
10/20 CHALLENGE = 10 PERCENT OF NEW HIRES BY THE YEAR 2020

Do You Have A Skills Shortage? The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters in partnership with the Ministry of Community and Social Services will be launching an initiative that addresses the skills challenges in our economy by leveraging the diversity in our labour market.

They have issued a challenge that by the year 2020, 10% of new hires are to be comprised of qualified persons with disabilities. Participating employers will gain at no cost, access to a large untapped market of qualified and talented individuals who will add value and enhance your bottom line.

Key Speakers:

The Honourable DAVID C. ONLEY, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
JAYSON MYERS - President, CME
IAN HOWCROFT (Emcee) - Vice President, CME Ontario Division
BILL WILKERSON - President/CEO, Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health
SALVADOR SEGURA-ORTEGA - IBM

Date/Time: Friday, October 12th (8:00 -11:00 am)
Location: Mississauga
RSVP: KIRSTEN BARNES at Kirsten.barnes@cme-mec.ca or 905-672-3466 Ext. 3280 or visit www.cme-mec.ca.

The Conference Board of Canada / Spencer Stuart
2008 NATIONAL AWARDS IN GOVERNANCE

You have the opportunity to affect the future of governance in Canada! The Conference Board of Canada and Spencer Stuart, founding partner of the National Awards in Governance, are seeking entries of boards of directors that have demonstrated excellence in governance and have implemented successful innovations in their governance practices.

They are looking for governance innovations that:
· demonstrate an improvement in governance practices
· provide measurable, tangible results for their organization
· are transferable to other organizations

Their goal is to enhance governance practices in Canadian organizations by raising the profile of active and innovative boards and showcasing their accomplishments. They encourage entries that describe new thinking or practices to increase governance effectiveness. In addition to one overall award for innovation in governance, sector-specific awards in each of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors will be presented at an awards dinner to be held in February 2008.

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: Friday, October 12th
Visit: www.conferenceboard.ca/GCSR/awards/default.htm

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