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IN THIS ISSUE
Presidents_Message

Chairperson's Message


The Dufferin Board of Trade is consistently striving to better serve our members. In this new year 2017 we have begun some new programs to help us connect and support our members. With the relaunch of our membership packages, new and renewing members will be receiving information on how to maximize their membership, their new T hink Local decal, and information on the benefits and discounts available through their membership with us. In addition our #OurDufferin social media campaign will support our Think Local initiative encouraging all of our members to better connect with their local economy. Our new Think Local storefront campaign will feature a proud DBOT member, their story, and why they feel it is important to Think Local. In addition to the great work being done to help connect our member, DBOT is also striving to make it easier for our members to renew their investment with us. DBOT now offers online payment processing as well as e-transfer to make membership renewal as quick and simple as possible.

As always we are committed to serving you, our members, representing your interests, being your voice, and working with you to build a stronger more resilient Dufferin County.

- Joe Andrews
Your_County
Sylvia Jones, Member of Provincial Parliament Dufferin-Caledon named as PC Caucus critic for the Ministry of Infrastructure

On February 7th, Patrick Brown, leader of the Ontario PC Party asked Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon, to serve as the PC Caucus' critic for the Ministry of Infrastructure. 

Whether it is building a new hospital, or working with municipalities to build bridges, the decisions made at the Ministry of Infrastructure are essential to the future of Ontario. 
 
Ms. Jones states, "This winter I have been hearing from Dufferin-Caledon residents about their concerns. Whether it is the highest electricity rates in North America or the Cap and Trade cash grab, business are losing confidence in Ontario's economy and residents are continuing to find it difficult to make ends meet."

According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce only 24 per cent of businesses have confidence in Ontario's economy. In addition, the most recent report  from the Auditor General raised a number of specific concerns about a lack of oversight of the province's many infrastructure projects. Ms. Jones states that she believes Ontarians deserve accountability and oversight so they can trust that their hard earned tax dollars are being spent well.

Federal_Update
Advocacy Update - Federal Government will not tax employer paid health and dental benefits

As was reported in the January 30th edition of Business in the County, the federal government had considered taxing employer paid health and dental benefits. After fierce opposition from many Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce across Canada and the collective strength of the Chamber network voice, we are proud to announce that on February 1st 2017 Prime Minister Trudeau stated that the federal government will not tax employer paid health and dental benefits.

We are glad that the voice of the Dufferin Board of Trade and that of our members was heard and that the federal government has made the right choice to stand with businesses and employees and not tax their benefits.
Provincial
Boosting Economic Growth in Rural Ontario -  Province Renewing Rural Economic Development Program

Ontario is supporting local projects that will attract investment, create jobs and boost economic growth in rural communities through the renewed Rural Economic Development (RED) program.  The province is now accepting applications for the renewed RED program, which bolsters economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities across Ontario by providing support for projects that allow rural municipalities and partners to diversify and grow their local economies. 

Communities can use this support to remove barriers to local economic growth through initiatives such as developing a downtown revitalization plan or implementing a tourism-related marketing and promotion strategy to attract businesses, investors and visitors to their city.

Jeff Leal,  Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister Responsible for Small Business stated, " It is important that we invest in building up our vibrant rural communities, so that they can grow and support the creation of good jobs both now and in the future. The renewed RED program will support rural Ontario in identifying and addressing barriers to long-term growth and help shape a strong future for our rural communities."  

Many Dufferin County municipalities have utilized the program in the past and have put the grant towards economic development project s  benefiting all of Dufferin County.
 
new_mem
Mr. Lube





Mr. Lube is Canada's leading quick lube provider in the routine automotive maintenance sector. Founded in 1976, Mr. Lube has pioneered a category of automotive servicing that focused on convenience and no appointment necessary.
With 170 franchise locations across the country, Mr. Lube is operated by a national network of franchisees. Mr. Lube maintains corporate offices in Richmond, BC and Mississauga, ON to support its national franchise network.

Click here for more information.

M2M



10% discount off the room rental rate for any corporate functions booked in our meeting rooms Monday through Thursdays.





We offer a reduced Corporate rate on 12 Month Adult memberships to DBOT Members and their staff. 



Events
February 23 @ 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
7 Buena Vista Drive Orangeville,  Ontario  
L9W 0A2 Canada

How to Innovate like a Startup with Dr. Sean Wise, BA LLB MBA PhD 

Call 519.940.6900 or email: [email protected] to register. 

Click here for more information
Tax Planning for Small Business (Evening Session)
February 23 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Alder Street Recreation Centre, 
275 Alder Street 
Orangeville,  Ontario 
L9W 5H6 Canada 

Gerry Hogenhout of Hogenhout and Associates will lead this popular, interactive session and provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable.

Click here for more information
March 8 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
6 Northman Way, Orangeville, Ontario 
L9W 3B2 Canada 

Join Rob Mitchell of Sunbelt Business Brokers Premium, who will help entrepreneurs understand the steps involved in buying or selling a business.

Click here for more information
Ind.Opp
Empowering Tomorrows' Workforce 
Financial Assistance for Hiring Youth

At Georgian's Career and Employment Community Services (CECS), 48 local youth will have access to the Step Up program, funded by the Government of Canada to develop basic and advanced employment skills. Youth participate in workshops focusing on communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, understanding business culture while strengthening their teamwork skills and preparing for on-the-job experience with local employers. 

Consider hiring a motivated youth, and you will find yourself with an employee who is flexible, and brings a fresh perspective and ideas to your business. This valuable on-the-job experience will allow youth participants the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained during the workshops. 

Georgian's CECS Step Up program will fully fund minimum wage for ten weeks at 35 hours per week for work experience placements. Funding is available for businesses, not-for-profits and public sector organizations to prepare youth for successful employment. 

Click here for more information

Franchise Opportunity Available in Orangeville:
Mr.Lube Canada - Own an industry-leading franchise!
  • Proven success and profitability since 1976
  • Over 170 locations and growing
  • Multi-unit opportunities available





Click here for more information
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519-941-0490