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The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce is in the early stages of developing a series of workshops intended to help members stay current and up-to-date as they deal with ever-changing conditions in business.

Shirley de Silva, president and CEO of the Chamber, says the initiative is needed if members are to stay competitive in whatever business sector they happen to be in.

”It’s been said that if you’re standing still in business, you’re actually falling behind,” said de Silva. “We firmly believe that and are looking to help members effectively compete in this environment.”

The Chamber is already at work identifying resources—local and beyond our community—where members will be able to become even more competitive through various workshops.

Even as we work to put together this series of learning experiences, we invite you to touch base with any specific needs your business may have.

So what are your learning gaps?

We’re interested in hearing from business leaders who are keen to share their own expertise in areas where Chamber members will benefit.

Love to hear from you—by email (CLICK HERE) or by calling (519) 336-2400.

As we work together, we grow stronger, more prosperous and everyone wins.

Express Employment Professionals is once again bringing in one of its executives, Art Atkinson, who is vice president of the staffing agency’s Express University, to conduct a learning opportunity: Holding People Accountable.

While many leaders think of holding people accountable in a positive manner, there is a better way to view accountability, says Atkinson.

Attendees will learn some of the methods that he says are much more effective and productive, including:

—how to get your team members to “want to do what you want them to do.”

—how to determine why someone is not doing what you want and the ways you, as a leader, can get them to do those things.

—How important it is that your vision and each team member’s vision aligns.

—What effective one-on-ones look like and the benefits of consistently doing them.

The Tuesday, May 7, 2019 event, which has been pre-approved for two continuing professional development hours through the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), will take place at the Sarnia Golf ancd Curling Club (500 Errol Road West), from 8 a.m. To 10:30 a.m. The cost is $35 plus HST and seating is limited. Breakfast is included.

Online registration is required by going to expressspeakersbureau.eventbrite.ca.

Further information about Atkinson can be seen here:

For business owners who are looking for a robust benefits package (for themselves or for their employees) but might be thinking they’re “just too small,” the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, through its Chambers Plan, may be the answer.

Starting with a “no minimum firm size” (meaning your company is eligible to apply even if it’s a one-person operation), the Chambers Plan was designed specifically to protect small businesses, from those that are home-based to growing companies (up to 50 employees).

The Chambers Plan is also geared to grow and evolve with the needs of a company.

And because there are no industry restrictions with the Chambers Plan, as long as you’re a member of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, you’re eligible. In short, based on the specific needs of your business and employees, there’s a plan that’s right for you.

The Chambers Plan has a guaranteed approval feature (there are no health questions or medical exams to separate you from a benefits program) and renewal of coverage is also guaranteed as long as you pay your premium and maintain your Chamber membership.

Stable rates are made possible by the bundling with thousands of similar firms and a “partial pooling” concept on health and dental benefits. That means small fluctuations in a firm’s claims do not automatically factor into the rates, giving firms greater rate stability over the long term.

The Chambers Plan operates under the direction of the not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada, with volunteer directors who are also Chamber members.

What all this means is that your interests as a Chamber member are front and centre. All surpluses are reinvested in the Plan to help control premiums.  This is why 850 Chambers of Commerce (including the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce) actively endorse Chambers Plan.

There are additional features that make the Chambers Plan worth looking into, including connections with professional accounting, counselling, legal, and human resources experts who understand the challenges faced by small business.

The process of applying is simple and fast: most health and dental claims are processed within 48 hours and health options include on-the-spot processing of prescription drug claims using the Assure Card.

One more thing: the Chambers Plan Service Centre works in concert with a local Chambers Plan advisor to give you answers to all your questions.

Locally, that advisor is Selectpath Benefits & Financial, formerly LBM Consulting.

Interested in learning more? Connect with us today by calling (519) 336-2400 or by emailing gabondar@slchamber.ca, to get started.

In just a few weeks, we’ll be seeing flashes of green just about everywhere, and the Chamber is getting in the mood as we approach our April Business After 5 event.

Thanks to sponsorship by Libro Credit Union, which is hosting the event at their 1315 Exmouth St. branch in Sarnia, Chamber members and guests are sure to get in the springtime mood, all the while planting seeds of new business.

Why not put this event in your calendar right now!

We’re looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 17, starting at 5:15 p.m for this particular event.