CHAMBER CHAT - Week of July 27
As we approach the last week of July, summer is still pretty much like summer even with the cloud of the pandemic hanging over us... we have been blessed with a fantastic season so far (while farmers might need more rain) and it makes it a little easier to save the worrying for a rainy day. Still, we know the concerns remain around the possibility of a second wave, what will happen for our children in September, how will this impact people coming back to work. The labour market issue has returned as today's concern as we all wait to see if those businesses closed during the lockdown will be able to recover.

Last week, we had a great discussion with Roberto and Andrew from the Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit (HPEPH) about managing directives and applying safety procedures. They reminded us that masks are 1/5 the equation in preventing the spread of COVID; hand-washing & distancing remain important. As more people are moving about, you may find it harder to distance - but in a workplace environment, masks are generally expected only by people serving the public.. the recording of that conversation will be available at our BCC YouTube channel or check out our news feed at https://bellevillechamber.ca/chamber-news.php

We are looking at a couple of events coming soon - including our Member Appreciation Mingle and our Golf Tournament! See below for details!
Are we ready?
We're looking forward to bringing you together again and with outdoor gatherings allowed up to 100, we do think it's possible for us to hold our annual

Member Appreciation Mingle

SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, August 19
5 - 7 pm
details to come (pending safety protocols & current phase 3 conditions)
5OTH? ANNUAL CHAMBER
GOLF TOURNAMENT
A tournament like no other, ever before...
we are introducing some exciting and fun new elements to this year's event.

Register as a foursome, pair or individually.  We can team you up!

We are using the scramble format with a couple of twists! More to come!

Space is limited !
Tee times will be staggered starting at 10 a.m.

Fees will be confirmed shortly, but you can register now to save your spot!  We will be in touch with details on fee structure and more, and to confirm your registration.  

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please reach out to Lisa Grills if you are interested in exploring options.
 

FREE HOTLINE for financial help
included in Financial Support section link https://bellevillechamber.ca/financial-support-during-covid-19.php
The Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows you to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support your small- to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity on how to respond and reshape amid uncertainty.

The program, delivered to your organization free of charge, provides:
  • Guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility
  • Direction on accessing the most appropriate support organizations
  • Help to make decisions to support recovery plans
  • Real time insights and feedback to policymakers
To access the BRS call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession.
The service is available 7 days/week:
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
  • Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET
  • Sundays: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET
UPCOMING WEBINARS
THIS WEEK
COVID-19 Support for Employers and Service Delivery Partners
Tuesday, July 28 - 10:00 am
This webinar provides an overview of the work-sharing agreement, special measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, financial support for your employees or clients. In collaboration with Employment Ontario and Canada Revenue Agency.
To register, please send and email to:

PENINSULA presents
COVID-19 update | Protecting Your Business during a Pandemic
Tuesday, July 28 - 1:00 pm
  • Facts on COVID-19 and what to do now to protect your business and staff
  • New employment laws and managing your workplace
  • Updating workplace policies on sick pay and remote work rules
  • Health and Safety regulations now required by law
  • Supporting your employees during this challenging time

Back to Business: Reopening in a COVID-19 World
Thursday, July 30 - 3:00 pm
*   Updating Health and Safety and HR Policies and Procedures
*   Hiring, recalling and dismissal of employees
*   Refusal to Return to Work
*   OHS Considerations
*   Effective and safe re-opening steps 

Services for Newcomers
Wednesday, July 29 - 10:00 am
In this webinar you will receive information on Service Canada's programs and services of interest to Newcomers. The goal of the session is to assist Newcomers in understanding and accessing Government of Canada benefits and programs.
To register, please send and email to:


WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE CENTRE presents
How to Stay Competitive in the New Normal
Wednesday, July 29 - 10:00 am
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the old way of doing business has been disrupted. Customers are interacting with businesses in new ways and many business owners have struggled to adapt their sales and customer service methods to keep up. Learn about a variety of digital tools that small businesses should consider to live in the new normal.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Desjardins presents
Navigating your business to recovery
Wednesday, July 29 - 2:00 p.m. 
Want to learn more about e-commerce and cyber-security? Or maybe you have questions about labour laws. Hear from experts  

COVID-19 Support for Workers
Thursday, July 30 - 10:00 am
Review types of Employment Insurance benefits, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the actions required for maintaining benefits, earnings while on claim and other resources to support return to work endeavours. In collaboration with Employment Ontario and Canada Revenue Agency. To register, please send and email to the address below.

WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP KNOWLEDGE HUB presents
Supporting Rural Women Entrepreneurs Through COVID-19 and Beyond  
Thursday, July 30 - 1:30 pm
Just as images of entrepreneurship are strongly associated with men in technology, the focus on entrepreneurship and innovation is very urban-centric and often ignores rural and semi rural areas. In this webinar we will discuss the particular needs and challenges of rural women entrepreneurs and the programs available to support them throughout COVID-19 and beyond. 

The Small Business Centre  is offering a variety of free workshops and webinars to assist business in moving forward. 


RECORDED WEBINARS

Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Facebook
Facebook’s Summer Of Support
Facebook has launched a free six-week initiative called Summer of Support, designed to help business owners get the digital skills and information needed to navigate these challenging times. The program will feature a mix of content including free online training and live sessions. Each week will focus on a different theme and highlight different speakers, like basketball legend and entrepreneur Magic Johnson, as well as Chairman of O'Shares Investments and television personality Kevin O’Leary.


YOUR OPINION MATTERS

How has COVID-19 impacted your life?   A team of Canadian researchers wants to know how the pandemic has affected you.
Join thousands of Canadians in a research study on the
impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives.  

Over the past few months, many of our members have continued operations as essential in extremely challenging circumstances.
We asked our community to share how they've helped.
At our Canada Day celebration,
MP Neil Ellis, MPP Todd Smith & Mayor Mitch Panciuk
acknowledged these essential workers and their
contributions and commitment during the pandemic.

We'll be featuring them here for the next few weeks.
ENRICHMENT CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
The Enrichment Centre for Mental Health (formerly known as CMHA-PEH) continues to support our communities with resources that focus on our mental well-being. The pandemic has presented many with unique challenges in an unprecedented situation. There is no question the team here were essential workers! Thank you for all you do!
In case you missed it... we are developing the "Meet our Members" directory of stories - find those we've done here

Want to be our next feature? Contact Lisa to tell your story!
LOOK WHO GOT PLAQUED! (for the 2nd time!)

Erin Thomas & Jesus Estevez - Thomas Estevez Design
395 Front St.
have been members since 2008.
Erin's eye for design has filled their quaint little space in the downtown with beautiful jewelry for any budget while Jesus' creations on canvas line the walls... whether you're looking for something unique to wear on your hand or your wall... this is the place to find it. It's worth a stop even if you don't think you need something (today).
THE LOG CABIN IS NOW OPEN
Summer Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 6:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday 10:00 - 4:00