Volume 4 Issue 10 | October 1, 2018
Business in the County
In This Issue
Message From the Chair
Maximize Your Membership
Business in Your County
New Members
Provincial Business Updates
Federal Business Updates
Industry Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Our Partners
Message from the Chair
As we head into the municipal election period DBOT has hosted 5 highly successful Election Forums across Dufferin. Two Forums still remain in Grand Valley and Melancthon and I encourage residents in those municipalities to attend to learn more about your municipal candidates. If you missed the Forum in your community you can learn more at dufferinbot.ca/elections.

In addition to our election work, DBOT has a full calendar of events ahead, with opportunities to learn, network, and celebrate business. Our Business Excellence Awards are this month and I encourage you to attend what is sure to be an amazing evening. The nominees are outstanding and every detail of the evening has been thought out to ensure that Dufferin's premier business event is a celebration of Thinking Local!

See you on October 18th!
Pete Renshaw, Chair
Dufferin Board of Trade
Maximize Your Membership
Members' Group
Join our group for digital networking and strengthen your member to member connections! A business community is only as strong as its network of connections. Join to stay up to date with DBOT, your fellow members, and everything to do with Thinking Local!

Member to Member Discounts
The Dufferin Board of Trade Member 2 Member Discount program offers discounts from proud DBOT members for their fellow members exclusively!

There are over 25 discounts available to members!
M2M Discount Highlights
The Ostic Group
Member to member group program Commercial Business Insurance and personal home and auto insurance.
Tony's Garage
5% off parts and labour
Affinity Programs
The Dufferin Board of Trade offers many exclusive savings for members; everything from office supplies to shipping rate discounts!

Save money with your membership!
Affinity Program Spotlight
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, home-based business or part of a larger firm, benefits are a very important part of your financial security. The Chambers Plan creates a solid foundation for that security, based on a benefit program designed specifically for small-business owners.

Contact: Jason McKittrick, 905-750-0032 ext. 235 or  [email protected]

Business in Your County
Mag Ruffman Announced as Emcee at the 2018 Business Excellence Awards
The Dufferin Board of Trade is proud to announce celebrated producer, actress and television host, Mag Ruffman, as the Emcee of the 2018 Business Excellence Awards. Ruffman has played roles in films such as Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea and TV series Road to Avonlea.

In addition to her acting, Ruffman works on home improvement, hosting shows for W Network, Canada's women's network. Ruffman is a proud DBOT member through Ruffman Entertainment Inc. Ruffman Entertainment produces TV and web series, executive education eLearning courses, product videos and industrial video for non-profit organizations. Mag Ruffman creates TV and web series, books and marketing platforms. Her mission is finding fresh ways to inspire beginner DIY audiences, and encouraging young makers to consider careers in skilled trades and technology. Mag produces and hosts Family Fun Projects for Lowe's Canada and works with Skills Canada to inspire young people to work with their hands.

"DBOT is glad to welcome Mag Ruffman as the host of the most celebrated evening for business in Dufferin County," Pete Renshaw, Chair of the Dufferin Board of Trade, said. "Mag has delighted audiences from all walks of life and Mag will, without doubt, bring so much more to an already incredible evening program planned for attendees."

Tickets for the 2018 Business Excellence Awards are on sale now! Reserve your spot at Dufferin County's premier business event.
Upcoming Municipal Election Forums

The Dufferin Board of Trade is continuing the proud tradition of hosting municipal election forums for the municipalities in Dufferin County with the exception of East Garafraxa, where all candidates have been acclaimed. In total 74 candidates have put their names forward to seek office in the elections.

The Municipal Election Forums will be held in a meet-and-greet format. Each candidate has been invited to set up a table and meet with members of the public to share their platform and answer questions. There will be a set time for each candidate to give a brief 3-minute introduction to those in attendance.

Melancthon: October 3rd: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Hornings Mills Community Centre
Grand Valley:  October 4th: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Grand Valley Community Centre

Nominations for the 2018 Dufferin Women in Business Sparkle Awards are open Oct 1, 2018 – Oct 20, 2018

Member Spotlight
DBOT Celebrates the Grand Opening of Gateway Farms Equine Assisted Learning 

On Sunday, September 23rd 2018 DBOT joined Gateway Farms Equine Assisted Learning  in celebrating their Grand Opening.


This new business offers exciting corporate team-building sessions, evening events, and will have day camps next summer.

DBOT was proud to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Celebrating a business milestone or Grand Opening?
DBOT wants to celebrate with you! Contact the DBOT office to learn more about how we can participate in celebrating your business milestones.
New Members
Shelburne Foodland
Store Services include:
BBQ Chicken, Carry Out Service, Custom Cut Meats, Hot Deli Counter, Gift Cards

Propane Exchange Program, Lotto Centre
Party Platters, Rug Cleaning Rentals, Specialty Cakes, Water Refills, Food Bank Drop-Off

Provincial Business Update
WSIB Announcement Welcome News for Ontario Workers and Businesses

The Ontario Government and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) announced on September 26th that premium rates for employers will be sharply reduced due to the elimination of the WSIB's Insurance Fund's unfunded liability.

“The OCC and its 60,000 members have long advocated for reducing premiums and creating the right conditions for building a healthy and safe workplace. Today’s announcement is welcome news for workers and businesses in all corners of the province. Says Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Premiums come out of the pockets of business owners. Today’s news means that this money saved can be better spent on job creation, new technologies and infrastructure, and better, safer workplaces."
Ontario Government to Halt Scheduled January 1st Minimum Wage Increase

Ontario Labour Minister Laurie Scott announced the government will pause a planned increase to minimum wage that was scheduled to kick in next year. The Ontario Chamber Network welcomes this announcement as good first step to alleviating some of the pressure felt by employers as a result of Bill 148; however, we remain committed to our call for a complete repeal of Bill 148.
Federal Business Update
Deal Reached on Revamped NAFTA, Renamed USMCA

Canada and the US ended weeks of intense negotiating with a trade deal Sunday September 30.

Statement from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce regarding NAFTA deal in principle, from the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO.

“The Chamber is delighted to learn of a deal in principle for a renewed NAFTA. This step forward comes as a relief for our members who have been searching for much-needed clarity and predictability in the relationship with our NAFTA partners.

As with any trade agreement of this breadth and scope, the Chamber will want to carefully review the details before making a final assessment. Specifically, we will seek clarity on how the agreement addresses the existing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, as well as how it will ensure that tariffs and quotas upon Canada’s auto sector exports will be avoided.

The Chamber’s members will also look closely at how the agreement treats specific sectors, including dairy and government procurement, and how IP will be dealt with across several industries. Our retail members will also want to evaluate the impacts of any changes to the de minimis level on their domestic sales.

Industry Opportunities
Ambassador Committee
The Dufferin Board of Trade is looking for members interested in joining the Ambassador Committee! The Dufferin Board of Trade (DBOT) Ambassadors are a volunteer committee, comprised of champions for our organization who build long-term relationships with our members and encourage overall membership growth.

If this sounds like you, contact us today!
519.941.0490 ext 202 | [email protected]
Upcoming Events
2018 Business Excellence A wards October 18 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
247090 Side Rd 5 
Mono, ON L9W6K5 
The 2018 Dufferin Business Excellence Awards Gala recognizes outstanding members of our business community and celebrates success and achievement in Dufferin County.

Dufferin County's premier business event, hosted by Mag Ruffman, will include the Chairman's Reception with local drinks and hors d'oeuvres and live music. Three course dinner prepared by Lavender Blue Catering and the award ceremony to follow.
Website Building Basics
October 16 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mel Lloyd Centre, 167 Centre Street 
Shelburne, ON L9V 3R8

A website may be one of the most important marketing tools for your business. Proud DBOT members Jess White and Julie Thurgood of Green Monkey Creative will share the considerations and requirements involved with building an effective website.

Step Into Your Purpose - Dufferin Women in Business
October 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Soulyve, 34 Mill St 
Orangeville, ON L9W 2M3

Janet-Lynn Morrison is the owner of two successful businesses, a mother of three, and an experienced coach whose life has been defined by one very important choice. She is a "survival expert" who believes in her path to help women be grateful for what they have, make the best of their situations, and request more abundance & joy in their lives. 

Our Partners
Dufferin Board of Trade|519.941.0490|[email protected]| dufferinbot.ca