Happy New Year, West Lincoln!

As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to embrace a fresh year filled with opportunities, growth, and community connections. January is always a time of renewal and goal-setting, and here at the Chamber, we’re energized to help you and your business thrive this year.

In this issue, we’ll be sharing updates on upcoming events, membership highlights, and initiatives designed to strengthen our vibrant community. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, promote your business, or contribute to local initiatives, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for being an essential part of what makes West Lincoln such a fantastic place to live, work, and grow. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year—together!

Here is a sneak peak at what we have to share with you this month.

• New Members
• New From the Chamber - Upcoming Events
• News Updates
• Community Updates
• Business Tips and Resources
• Advocacy
• Member to Member
• Chamber Member Benefits

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Ontario Unveils $20 Million Strategy to Boost Rural Economic Growth

Ontario is investing $20 million over two years to support rural communities through its new Rural Economic Development Strategy. Announced by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, the initiative will drive economic growth, strengthen workforce capacity, and support business development in rural areas.

“This program will provide crucial support for rural communities, including municipalities and non-profits in Niagara West,” said Oosterhoff. The announcement follows his participation in the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, where he addressed key regional priorities.

Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson emphasized the strategy’s importance: “A strong and dynamic rural Ontario is essential to our province’s economy.”

Strategy Highlights:

• Enhancing Local Capacity: Boosting infrastructure, connectivity, and housing/transportation planning.
• Fostering Business Growth: Supporting entrepreneurship, investment, and downtown revitalization.
• Growing Local Talent: Promoting jobs, training workers, and attracting talent to rural areas.

The revamped Rural Ontario Development Program doubles the previous funding, underlining Ontario’s commitment to ensuring rural communities thrive.

For details, visit the Ontario government website or contact MPP Oosterhoff’s office.

Source: Ontario Supporting Economic Growth in Rural Communities | Sam Oosterhoff, MPP

West Lincoln Advocates for Infrastructure Support at 2025 ROMA Conference

West Lincoln was well-represented at the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto from January 19 to 21. Mayor Cheryl Ganann, Councillors Joann Chechalk and William Reilly, along with Chief Administrative Officer Truper McBride, attended the conference to advocate for the Township's strategic priorities and engage with provincial officials.

The conference, a key annual event for municipal leaders, provided an opportunity for West Lincoln's delegation to meet with the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure. During the meeting, the Township officials discussed West Lincoln’s growing infrastructure needs and made a formal request for additional provincial funding. This funding would support the construction of essential water and wastewater infrastructure needed to accommodate much-needed housing while helping the Township meet its asset management targets, all without placing undue financial pressure on local taxpayers.

West Lincoln has already established comprehensive plans for infill, intensification, and growth in designated areas, along with provincially mandated asset management plans. The delegation emphasized that increased provincial funding would help facilitate the necessary infrastructure upgrades to support the community’s growth, while also addressing the ongoing maintenance of existing assets.

Mayor Cheryl Ganann expressed pride in the Township’s participation:

“As always, I am proud to represent and advocate for West Lincoln. This conference provides an excellent opportunity not only to speak directly with members of the Provincial Cabinet but also to connect with other small municipalities facing similar challenges. It’s a great chance to collaborate, exchange ideas, and find creative solutions – we don’t need to problem-solve in isolation.”

Chief Administrative Officer Truper McBride shared his thoughts on the meeting's positive outcome:

“Our delegation had a very productive and positive meeting, and we appreciate the time and consideration provided by Minister Surma. Overall, we are optimistic about the continued collaboration and progress made on advancing our strategic priorities for the Township.”

Source: West Lincoln champions support for infrastructure at 2025 ROMA Conference - West Lincoln

The Wood Shed: A New Chapter for a Beloved Local Business

West Lincoln’s vibrant business community has always been home to unique gems, and The Wood Shed is no exception. This well-loved establishment, founded in 1990 by James DeBoer, has recently entered an exciting new chapter with a change in ownership.

From its humble beginnings in Smithville, James DeBoer built The Wood Shed out of a personal passion for furniture and hobby woodworking. He started by harvesting wood from his own farm lot and, over time, expanded to include exotic wood species, growing the business into a thriving operation employing 15 staff members. In 2018, the business moved to its modern 40,000-square-foot facility at 2932 Thompson Road in Smithville, featuring a sleek storefront, specialized production areas, and ample warehouse space.

Today, The Wood Shed remains one of the region’s premier sources for both domestic and exotic wood, as well as woodworking tools, hardware, and accessories. Customers come from far and wide to experience their extensive inventory and easy-going, “let’s-talk-wood” atmosphere.

Under its new ownership, The Wood Shed is now led by an interesting partnership of five individuals: Dan Huizinga, Cory Komdeur, Brad Linde, Brendan Groen, and Jaclyn Groenwold. Each of these passionate leaders brings their own expertise, specializing in different departments and services to ensure The Wood Shed’s legacy of quality and customer care continues to thrive.

Products and Services

The Wood Shed offers a wide range of high-quality products, including:

• Rough and Dressed Lumber: Domestic and exotic wood, including live-edge slabs.
• Sheet Goods and Veneers: Various thicknesses and finishes to suit your needs.
• Table Tops, Bases, and Furniture Components: Handcrafted and custom options.
• Reclaimed and Specialty Woods: Unique materials for creative projects.
• Woodworking Tools, Hardware, and Finishes: Everything you need to complete your project.

They also offer professional milling services, including precision cutting, sanding, planing, and glue-ups, to help you bring your ideas to life.

The Wood Shed Annual Woodworking Show is Back!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31st, from 9 AM to 2 PM! We’re thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of The Wood Shed Annual Woodworking Show, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The event will feature a wide variety of vendors, engaging demonstrations by top woodworking professionals, inspiring presentations from woodturning clubs, and insights from knowledgeable product representatives. Whether you're a seasoned woodworking enthusiast or simply curious about the craft, there’s something for everyone!

Vendor opportunities are available, so if you’d like to sell or showcase your crafts, be sure to apply soon.

Stop by and discover why The Wood Shed continues to be a beloved destination in West Lincoln. Here’s to the exciting next chapter of this local treasure and the return of this fantastic community event!



Meet the New Owners of the Woodshed.

What Are Tariffs and How Do They Impact Countries and Consumers?

If you've ever wondered what tariffs are and how they shape economies, you're not alone. Tariffs play a crucial role in global trade, affecting businesses, governments, and consumers. Let’s break down what tariffs are, how they work, and their effects on both countries and the cost of goods and services.

What is a Tariff?

A tariff is a tax imposed on goods and services as they cross national borders. Governments use tariffs to regulate trade and influence economic relationships between countries.

There are two primary types of tariffs:

1. Import Tariffs – Taxes on goods entering a country (the most common type).
2. Export Tariffs – Taxes on goods leaving a country.

Who Sets and Pays Tariffs?

Governments set tariffs, and the responsibility to pay them falls on importers for import tariffs and exporters for export tariffs. For example, if the United States imposes an import tariff on Canadian goods, the U.S. importer must pay the tax to the U.S. government.

Why Do Governments Impose Tariffs?

Governments impose tariffs for several reasons, such as:

• Protecting Domestic Industries: By making imported goods more expensive, tariffs encourage consumers to buy domestically produced goods, supporting local businesses and jobs.
• Generating Revenue: Tariffs provide an additional source of income for governments.
• Encouraging Fair Trade: Tariffs can be used to counteract what a country sees as unfair trade practices by other nations.

How Do Tariffs Work in Practice?

Here’s a simple example:

Suppose the U.S. imposes a 25% import tariff on goods from Canada.

• Before the tariff: An American company buys a $100 part from a Canadian supplier and pays no extra tax.
• After the tariff: The company must now pay $100 for the part plus $25 in tariffs to the U.S. government, making the total cost $125.

This increase forces the American company to make tough decisions:

• Pass the extra cost to consumers by raising prices.
• Find a cheaper supplier, potentially in another country.
• Negotiate a lower price with the Canadian supplier, leading the supplier to cut costs, possibly by reducing wages or laying off workers.

The Ripple Effect of Tariffs

The impact of tariffs doesn’t stop at businesses—they often lead to higher consumer prices. Here’s why:

• Integrated Supply Chains: In North America, supply chains are highly interconnected. Parts and components frequently cross borders multiple times during production. If a tariff is applied every time a part crosses a border, the cumulative cost adds up, driving up the final price of the product.
• Retaliatory Tariffs: When one country imposes tariffs, the affected country may respond with its own tariffs. This tit-for-tat escalation can further increase costs for businesses and consumers.

What to Expect When Tariffs Are Imposed

1. Higher Prices for Goods: Tariffs usually make imports more expensive, and businesses often pass these costs on to consumers.
2. Economic Shifts: Domestic industries may benefit in the short term, but businesses reliant on imports may struggle, leading to job losses or cost-cutting.
3. Potential Trade Wars: Retaliatory tariffs can strain international relations, disrupt trade, and make goods even more expensive.
4. Innovation and Efficiency: On the flip side, tariffs can encourage domestic industries to become more competitive and self-reliant.

Conclusion

While tariffs can protect domestic industries and generate government revenue, they often lead to higher costs for consumers and disrupt global trade. Businesses face difficult choices, and retaliatory tariffs can escalate the situation further. Understanding tariffs and their broader implications is essential for navigating today’s interconnected global economy.

Sources :

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

McBride, J., & Chatzky, A. (2019). What Are Tariffs? Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-are-tariffs

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Furceri, D., Hannan, S. A., Ostry, J. D., & Rose, A. K. (2019). Macroeconomic Consequences of Tariffs. International Monetary Fund. Retrieved from https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/001/2024/013/article-A001-en.xml

Yale University’s Budget Lab

Yale Budget Lab. (2020). Fiscal, Macroeconomic, and Price Estimates of Tariffs Under Both Non-Retaliation and Retaliation Scenarios. Yale University. Retrieved from https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/fiscal-macroeconomic-and-price-estimates-tariffs

Did you know that one of the cornerstone principles of our operation is advocacy?

At the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. We are here to champion the interests of businesses throughout West Lincoln, advocating for policies that foster a thriving business environment.

Through ongoing dialogue with local government officials, we work to shape regulations and initiatives that support business growth and prosperity. Additionally, we facilitate meaningful connections between businesses, providing a platform for collaboration and resource-sharing.

Our advocacy efforts extend beyond policy-making; we actively promote the interests of our members, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive in the dynamic landscape of West Lincoln's business community.

Do you have any concerns affecting your business? Would you like to share your thoughts with us?



Unlock Exclusive Savings: Join Our Chamber Discount Network Today!

Discover an exciting opportunity to access exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services as a valued member of our Chamber of Commerce. By participating in this community-driven initiative, you not only enhance your business prospects but also build connections with fellow members.

Join us today to showcase your offerings, enjoy discounted deals, and benefit from free advertising for your business in our newsletter and e-blasts.

 Grimsby Hyundai: Your EV Headquarters!



Start the New Year with innovation and sustainability at Grimsby Hyundai! In 2025, we’re charging into the future with our advanced lineup of electric vehicles. Plus, for a limited time, enjoy a credit towards a home charging unit with your EV purchase—making it easier than ever to power your journey forward.

Chamber Member Referral Program

Reaching out to our West Lincoln businesses is an essential, ongoing effort to ensure they are informed about the benefits and support our chamber can offer.

If you’ve communicated with a business that has shown interest in hearing more about our chamber, please refer them, with contact details, to the Executive Director at our office using the email info@westlincolnchamber.com.

If the referral decides to join the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, you will be entered into the Member Referral Program for the current year and have the opportunity to receive your following year’s membership at no cost. 

Each year, at the Annual Business Awards, a referring business will be drawn to receive their next membership renewal at no cost! It’s a win for both the referred member and the referring member.

What better way to grow our collaborative and thriving business community in West Lincoln!

Looking for Payment Processing ?

Elavon is the Canadian Chamber’s trusted partner for payment processing, and is offering Chamber members exclusive pricing on a range of payment services:⁠

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-Preferred pricing for equipment and services ⁠

-Offers interchange-plus pricing ⁠

-Free cost comparison analysis

-No contract, and no cancellation fees ⁠

Now is the perfect time to get started......January & February Promotion

1 Year Free Equipment Fee Credit for New Merchant (up to 2 POS devices)

Promotion Period: January 1^st -February 28^th , 2025.

Throughout the month of January and February 2025, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a 1 year Free equipment fee credit for up to 2 devices!

Chamber's Group Insurance