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Come visit Chamber offices as we celebrate Business Week

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Members, News

Members and employees of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce are welcome to “stop by” next Tuesday, October 17, as we celebrate Business Week in our community.

Starting at 10 a.m. and running through 3 p.m. at the Chamber building, 556 N. Christina St., we’ll be bringing in speakers and consultants on several issues of importance to business owners.

At 10:00 a.m. Chamber staff will be on hand for a meet and greet, and throughout the day new members will be displaying information about their businesses, trade-show style.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, four experts will answer all your questions about:

  • WSIB  – Patricia Cowdrey, community coordinator at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
  • Bill 148 (workplace legislation) – Susan Houston, a lawyer with Matthews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
  • Corporate tax changes – Andrew Jones and Brent Steeves of BDO Canada LLP
  • BizPal – City of Sarnia

At 1 p.m. special guest Lisa Smith, a small business entrepreneur whose Limn Social delivers marketing and public relations expertise, will talk about how your company can benefit from the latest trends online.

Join us, won’t you? We’re looking forward to meeting you and showing you how the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping you move forward.

 

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Power of the Purse women’s conference set to ‘amaze and inspire’

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Uncategorized

The Power of the Purse, a conference where education, motivation and celebration are all key ways that successful women share their empowering stories, is coming to Sarnia on Thursday, November 16 and the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce is happy to lend an encouraging hand.

The event, which takes place at the Holiday Inn in Point Edward, starts with a registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by a line up of talented, motivating and encouraging speakers, in both morning and afternoon sessions.

A buffet lunch is included in the $80 admission and there is a reception that follows with opportunities to network and meet the speakers.

Full details on the one-day conference, including details on securing a ticket, can be found online by clicking HERE.

 

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BizPaL connection for permit information is now ‘live’ in Sarnia

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Uncategorized

Starting and running a business in the City of Sarnia just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online  Canada-wide system designed to simplify access to information about business

permits, licenses and other regulatory requirements needed to establish, operate and grow a business.

The announcement about the completion of the integration was made on October 2nd.

Available 24/7, there is no fee for businesses doing the search other than fees for whatever permit is being sought. BizPaL was set up by the Federal Government under Innovation, Science and

Economic Development Canada in 2005.  Provinces and territories (including Ontario) pay a fee for the use of the BizPaL network, but municipalities do not.  This tools will  will help  our local

business by providing “maximum simplicity and convenience.”

This is a welcome improvement for businesses operating in Sarnia and we  are pleased that the implementation came as quickly as it did.

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Local Chamber representatives at CCC event

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Advocacy, Members, News

The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce was well-represented nationally at the Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, held last month in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The opportunity to have Sarnia-Lambton’s business community represented nationally is an important one and attending on behalf of the local membership were Shirley de Silva, President and

CEO; Michael John Kooy, Board Chair; and Monica Shepley, Manager of Advocacy and Policy Development.

We were able to engage in policy discussions with our colleagues from other areas of the country and also bring forward our ideas for change to the national stage.

One of the policy resolutions that delegates approved called for a renewed strategy related to infrastructure, linking future grants to productivity performance, economic growth and job creation.

This  resolution, co-sponsored by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce ,  also calls on the Federal Government to deliver an increased share of

existing funding through formula-based programs like the Gas Tax Fund.

 

 

 

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Proposed Bill 148 will come with huge costs

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Advocacy, Members, News

The Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CCEA), an independent research consulting and data technology firm, has released a report that outlines the economic impacts the proposed

provincial legislation known as Bill 148 is likely to have if approved by the Ontario government.

The CCEA estimates that some 185,000 jobs will be put at risk over the next two years as a direct result of the proposed legislation. About 400,000 small business owners are exposed to 46% of

the increased costs from the Act.

At least 80% of small business employers will be affected by the changes outlined in the Act, which will lead to higher costs.

The CCEA has determined that there is a $23 billion cost challenge awaiting Ontario businesses over the next two years if the legislation is passed.

As many as 1.8 million Ontario residents are expected to be negatively affected directly or through a family member small business owner or by a job loss. The CCEA estimates the additional

increase in prices will amount to an annual $3.4 billion.

 

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Business showcase coming October 18 at DeGroot’s

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Members, News

Blackburn Radio is holding its annual Sarnia-Lambton Business Showcase on Wednesday, October 18 at DeGroot’s Nurseries on London Line, co-sponsored

by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce.  Our staff will be on hand at our Chamber booth to welcome you and showcase our

products and services.  This “free to attend” event will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

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Protecting small business from unfair tax changes

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Advocacy

Today the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce called on the federal government to hold back on its proposed tax changes and launch meaningful consultations with the business community. Read our letter.

Today marks the end of the consultation period for the federal government’s tax changes, but our fight will not end.

If you haven’t already done so, send a message to government:

  • Sign this petition.
  • Write to your Member of Parliament or send a post card
  • Use social media to follow and share @ProtectGrowth. Use the hashtags #ProtectGrowth and #unfairtaxchanges
  • Shoot and send a 30-60 video about how the changes will impact your business. Share via social media and copy @sarnialambtonchamber (Facebook) and @SarLamChamber (Twitter)

Read “Your Guide to Corporate Tax Changes” and The Canadian Chamber’s detailed policy analysis

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Chamber members experience great Business After 5 in Petrolia

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Members

September’s Business After Five was a BLAST at the Rooted Bohemian in Petrolia, graciously sponsored by the Town of Petrolia! Awesome music, amazing food, and opportunities galore to network and get to know local businesses.

We experienced awesome music, amazing food, and opportunities galore to network and get to know local businesses.

Check out some of the photos to see how much fun we had!  Click HERE to view!

Join us on October 18 @ DeGroot’s Nurseries during Business Week. 

Click HERE for more information!

 

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Small Business Week Oct 16 – 20 2017

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Uncategorized

Do you operate a small or medium sized business ? If so, this is YOUR week! How will you celebrate it? The Chamber is making preparations to CELEBRATE small businesses throughout Sarnia Lambton! How?

Chamber of Commerce Open House

This is a ONE day opportunity to come into the Sarnia Lambton Chamber building , enjoy light refreshments, mix and mingle with other small business owners, learn about the Chamber, and MORE!

When: Tuesday, October 17 10am – 3pm, 556 Christina Street N., Sarnia, ON

Coffee Break with Staff and Special Guests – stay tuned for details!

Social Media Marketing Guru and Small Business Specialist Lisa Smith from  Limn Social will be sharing her talents on topics related to the future of marketing.

‘I’m really excited to be co-hosting the Chamber Open House. As the newest addition to the Chamber team, I am looking forward to meeting you and learning more about your business. Come join us to  learn more about what your local Chamber has to offer and meet the whole Chamber Team.’    ~ Kim Inniss-Petersen   

 

Share Your Journey

You started your business for a reason — probably the same reason that motivates you to get out of bed in the morning, roll up your sleeves, and get the job done.  Don’t keep your story a secret! Use your unique point of view as a way to stand out from the competition and get closer to your customers.

To celebrate Small Business Week, take a moment to remind your customers and supporters why you do what you do. Email me your story (150 words max) – it might get selected to be published in our  weekly newsletters and posted to our Social Media! Please note that this is opportunity is open to Chamber Members only – Thanks!

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How to increase your business through referrals

by Fatema Bhabrawala in Uncategorized

People will often say that the best sources of new business are those that come from relationships and by referral.

The fact is, Chamber members are among the most connected people in the community and our Networking Referral Groups represent a great opportunity to facilitate those interactions on a regular basis.

These increasingly popular groups are organized around the time-tested “one business category per group” model (which means as a group member you won’t be “pitching” to your competition).

This opportunity maximizes real value through referrals to other Chamber members.

Groups are currently recruiting members from the following categories:

  • Chiropractor
  • Tree Service/Arborist
  • Painter
  • Pet groomer
  • Hair salon
  • Music lessons
  • Florist
  • Home Inspection
  • Roofer
  • DJ Services
  • And more!

Don’t see your business category listed? Connect with Kim Inniss-Petersen, manager of Membership Engagement and Retention, for a comprehensive list of openings and an application form.

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