CHAMBER CHAT - Week of February 22
Your Board of Directors met this morning - and I mention this because we're getting some real work done behind the scenes and have a great group of volunteers working on your behalf. We are moving forward with the final details of accreditation and if you're curious why that matters, it is an effort we're making to qualify your Chamber based on a standard of practice set out by the Accreditation Council of Canada. Our progress comes up at our AGM usually and we've been digging away at the details for the past few years (thanks to previous Board members).
I could attribute this in part to the dull days of winter when there's no place else to go but it's mostly the work of Christina Wallis and Jeanette Cyr-Guerreiro that have moved things along now. The Government Affairs and Membership committees are also working to develop advocacy issues and methods to reach out effectively to you - watch for more coming soon!

And of course, before you know it, we'll be moving into spring! Talk of spring and summer event planning is underway and even though we expect it to look a lot like last year, there is some excitement brewing... starting with Quintelicious running throughout the month of March. See the link below for all the details including the participating restaurants, menus AND the passport to prizes option. A number of our member restaurants are participating (we just welcomed Little Italy on 62 as a member today!) and we hope you'll find some time to try out some amazing food over the coming weeks.

We've also been test cruising with the event platform we're going to use for the Meta & OLG's President's "Virtual Cruise" on March 26 and, have to say, nothing but the best for our Chamber! At least, if it was good enough for the US President's Inauguration, it should be at least worth checking out... (just to be clear, the event platform and technical facilitator we're using out of OTTAWA was commissioned to help with Biden's event... so we're sure it's going to run smoothly!) I'm in the process of getting our award recipients stories organized and we have another great series to share. If you've not been to the event in person, this may be the year to join us! We've got some fun travel kits planned (if you have a travel gift you'd like included, let me know) and along with a great dinner and prizes, we suggest you turn up your heat, get your Hawaiian shirt on - slap on a little sunscreen to set the mood - and come island hopping with us! Best part, you can have all the margaritas you want because you don't have to drive home!

I also wanted to give a couple quick shout outs to Brandi Hodge and Maribeth DeSnoo for their hard work this past year and to our community for supporting them to surpass their respective goals. Both organizations appreciate the value of our business community and you've made it clear why with the tremendous support provided through the individual, organizational and payroll donations you make. United Way raised over $2.1 million and similar congratulations go out to the the Superheroes of Hope “Now More than Ever” campaign, launched in October with a goal to raise $400,000 to support the Food for Learning, Student Emergency Fund and Food for Home programs. Last Tuesday, the Foundation announced the campaign raised $435,107.33 with money still coming in. Executive Director Maribeth DeSnoo says they were able to raise the money despite having to cancel annual fundraising events like the Food for Learning Auction and the Student Emergency Fund Golf Tournament.

Enjoy the last week of February!

WELCOME our NEW MEMBER!
Abhi from Professional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic dropped by the cabin to receive his Membership Certificate.
We look forward to introducing Abhi to the Chamber network!

United Way
2020 Virtual Campaign Achievement Announcement
NEW SCREENING and SELF-ISOLATION REGULATIONS are now in effect across the province. READ MORE in this release from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
PRESIDENT'S DINNER &
CORNERSTONE AWARDS
Friday, March 26
Get away from it all - on the safest 2-hour tour you'll ever take!
We promise this is not another ZOOM meeting!
Your $80 ticket includes your boarding pass,
first-class food from your choice of local restaurants that include Chilango's, Sans Souci, Paulo's/Dinkel's, Montana's & Signal Brewery. Meals include dessert and an alcoholic beverage.
You will also receive a commemorative glass, champagne, beverages, entertainment, lots of prizes and some surprises!
Share your boarding pass and get the rest for just for $65.*
READ MORE & REGISTER NOW!
You won't want to miss it!
*applies to sharing a single screen/login
Add your swag to our guest travel kit. With more than 200 expected guests, it is a great opportunity to share your message. Call Lisa or Susan at 613-962-4597 to ask how!
DID YOU KNOW?
you can advertise on bellevillechamber.ca
CLICK HERE for more information on financial supports available through the province.
Canada United Grant Application Now Open!
Fund applications for up to $5000 have reopened, providing additional financial relief
for Small Businesses.
Over $14 million has been contributed to the
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund by the federal government, RBC and other Canada United partners to support COVID-19 recovery efforts. So far, more than 2,000 small businesses across the country have benefited from this funding. READ MORE...
Find all of the support programs available to you and your business including CEBA, CERS and CEWS.
Develop your COVID-19 workplace safety plan. 
Download this checklist to make sure that your workplace is protecting your employees and customers.
USED BOOK SALE FOR ALZHEIMER SOCIETY
March 2, 3, 4 at the Bay View Mall 8:30 - 4:30
Tuesday – regular price ($3 soft cover, $4 hard cover)
Wednesday – half price each book
Thursday – Fill a bag for $10 – (bring your own bag!)
All sales support local Alzheimer Society programming. For questions or to schedule a book donation call 613-962-0892
The Group Benefits Plan Made Specifically for Small to
Midsize Businesses
With more than 30,000 firms insured under the Plan, it is the most popular employee benefits program in Canada for small to midsize businesses.
It is quick and easy to
get a quote and compare
CALL 613-962-4239
These M2M offers and more are available to
ALL Chamber members AND their employees.
ASK US FOR YOUR M2M CARDS and START SAVING $$$.
This free event will focus on motivational women in entrepreneurship in the Quinte region collectively.

#ChooseToChallenge
Each one of us can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations, and celebrate the achievements of women.
The Small Business Centre offers a variety of webinars that are geared to helping your business.
Quinte Region Career Fair COMING SOON!
Whether you are looking for your next career or your next employee, the Quinte Region Career Fair is a unique opportunity to get to that next step.

Hosted By:
City of Belleville and City of Quinte West
Drop in at the Log Cabin, 5 Moira St. East, Belleville
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 pm
613-962-4597