A Message from Sally Litchfield, General Manager:
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Hello everyone,
As we enter May this weekend, we enter the 14th month of “this” ... these unprecedented times, where we seem to endlessly think about covid, and overuse words like pivot, lockdown, and what if. It is hard, there is certainly no denying that. And everyone is feeling it in some way, shape, or form. As they say, we are all on the same ocean, but not all in the same boat.
Something that’s popped up a few times in my social media feed recently is a definition of languishing. “Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield. And it might be the dominant emotion of 2021.” We still have energy and we don’t feel completely hopeless, but are feeling a sense of being joyless and aimless.
The full article is here, and while enlightening and helpful to give a feeling a name, that alone isn’t going to “fill my cup”. But what does fill our cups these days? What re-energizes us when we are running on fumes? Weekends away with friends are paused. Family dinners are paused. Travel is paused. Meeting new people or connecting with old friends at an in-person event (a CWCC event of course!), paused. I’ve shared on a few calls this week that my idea of some self care and a good weekend through this latest lockdown has become a bit contradictory... a couple of long walks and a lot) of our local, incredible take out!
All of this to say (aside from the obvious but totally subtle plea for your favourite walking trails and dishes from local restaurants to try!), we’re in this together and let’s all look for that light at the end of the tunnel and some opportunities to take care of ourselves along the way. What’s filling my cup this week? We challenged you all to #CWSignWars and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Check out the inspiration and a few of our early adopters! Feeling left out because you don’t have a sign? A piece of paper and a sharpie and a well-snapped pic will go a long way! Remember to keep it classy, keep it supportive, keep it fun, and tag us in or send us your pics!
We held our first Google My Business workshops this week, with 20 businesses joining us to learn how to make Google work better for them! Even those of us who already had GMB listings set up learned something in the Beginner and a lot in the Advanced workshop. These will run again in May and June, so do take a look at the details here. Recordings for all will be available after the June session. As per the workshop, we learned the best way to get Google Reviews (which help your SEO and overall googleability) is to simply ask - so if you feel so inclined, here’s our link :)
We are thrilled to have received Canada Summer Jobs funding and are in the process of hiring for a 6 month part-time contract for a Marketing Assistant position. Anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 is welcome to apply. Check out the job posting here. This role is in addition to our Communications & Events full-time co-op student who will be starting next week, look for an intro to Liam in your inboxes soon!
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, etc, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay safe everyone.
Sally
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Government & COVID19 Related Updates
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While Ontario government continues to work with the federal government to further support vulnerable workers by doubling payments made through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) program, the province will introduce legislation that, if passed, will offer up to three paid sick days per employee. Read more here
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Vaccine Resource Hub
While the choice to get vaccinated is ultimately up to individuals, this resource hub’s goal is to equip businesses to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity.
As employers and providers of goods and services to the general public, businesses have a critical role to play in getting Canadians vaccinated, which will ultimately create the conditions for the relaxation of public health restrictions currently in place.
Given the overwhelming volume of information available on vaccines, this resource hub provides companies of all sizes with a single focal point for the information they need to know as employers and the resources they can use to reassure and encourage their employees to get vaccinated. Read more here
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New census data toolkit for small businesses
With the next census fast approaching in May 2021, we are happy to share a new data resource for entrepreneurs in Canada: the Small Business Hub. Created with new and existing business owners in mind, this toolkit provides members of the Canadian business community with population data and insights to help better understand the small business landscape.
Although the current data is from the previous census in 2016, it still provides businesses with valuable insights about local employment rates, labour force demographics and employment growth by sector. 2021 Census data will be added as soon it becomes available.
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Parking enforcement coming to Downtown Fergus and Elora starting May long weekend
In May 2019, Centre Wellington Council approved the Transportation Master Plan. One of the key recommendations of the plan is the implementation and enforcement of timed parking in downtown Fergus and Elora.
The township says the intent of the timed parking is to increase the turnover and availability of prime parking spaces in the downtown areas for the benefit of businesses, shoppers, and tourists. Read more here
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Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
400 Tower St. S., Fergus | 519.843.5140| www.cwchamber.ca
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