Oh, what a night!!! We packed it in to the Fairfield by Marriott last Thursday and Jennifer Schadt pulled off such an amazing transformation, I don't think Michael Willemson (GM) recognized it himself! Great prizes, great food (Chef Greg from Sans Souci) and a really, great vibe.

For my most formal note in today's message, the updated bylaws were passed unanimously by those in attendance on Friday for the Meeting of Members. They have now been sent to the Minister for review. We continue to operate under the current bylaws, which means the Board will go ahead with naming new board members in early December. We anticipate the new bylaws will be confirmed by February. That will mean another nomination period will open in March.

Next week, we have our last breakfast of 2023... where did this year go? Our QBAA Showcase breakfast brings together winners and nominees for this year's awards and it's a very interesting mix of service and entrepreneurial spirit I'm sure will offer inspiration.

We've got one more mingle before the year is out - don't forget to register for our Jingle Mingle coming up on December 13 at The Local! At very least, save the date and think about staying for dinner... if you're looking for other festive events, Chilangos is offering Office Party reservations through the season and one of our newest members, Base 31 is hosting a Gala event on December 1st - details below! The Other Side Media Group with Jeremy and Josh Davis are also inviting you to join them to their Christmas Celebration hosted at Sans Souci on December 7th.

A final thanks to our team and the Board members that came out to help us welcome Santa on Sunday! It's great to see how other spouses are so gracious about being "voluntold" - thanks to Susan Rowe for bringing Travis along, Anthony Callaghan married Anna last year so she's in for real now and we've got Sandi Ramsay, who dragged John out! Barry Raycroft - you're a trooper as well! President Dale was there at the end too, so let's not forget him.

And a special congratulatory note to Sandi on officially starting her new role as Executive Director for the Centre for Workforce Development. Brad Labadie has helped build a great partnership with the BCC the past seven years and we're excited to see where we grow together next with Sandi at the helm.

It's been a very busy year at the Cabin and without the support of everyone, none of this would be possible!

Visitor Services is creating 64 welcome bags for 16 teams playing in an Ontario Masters Curling Competition being hosted at the Quinte Curling Club December 13 - 17th.

This is a opportunity to encourage visitors to Belleville to explore our city and shops.

If you have branded swag, or a special offer/discount you would like us to include,

please contact Yona at 613-962-4597 ext. 1 or email [email protected]

CONNECTING

Final Breakfast of 2023

Wednesday, Nov. 29th

Showcasing QBAA!

43 Belleville Chamber Members were nominated for a Quinte Business Achievement Award this year. Don't miss the opportunity to listen as some of those businesses share their stories at the November breakfast. REGISTER NOW!

Coffee mingle 7 a.m. · buffet at 7:30 a.m

MEMBERS $25 · Non-Members $40

FEATURED GUESTS INCLUDE:

Christiane Bouchard-Howden, Richmond Retirement Residence · Recipient of the Specialized Service Award
Ruth Ingersoll, Community Development Council of Quinte · Recipient of the Non-Profit Award
Alyssa Zwonok, Nomad Cre8tive · Nominee for Young Entrepreneur
Liz Yntema, Zone Athletics · Nominee for Specialized Service

Chamber breakfasts offer terrific networking as well as an opportunity to learn about issues that affect our region from community leaders.

MINGLES

Mingles provide a great opportunity to connect with local businesses, while giving our host member a chance to showcase their business - behind the scenes!

Don't miss them!

Wednesday, Dec. 13th

The Local Social House

We are planning an incredible evening

that includes great nibbles, terrific networking all served up with some holiday cheer for the final mingle of the year.

Plan on staying a little later with us.

Ben Vandergaast, known to most as Benni Vander, will take to the keys for a holiday sing-a-long. Have a favourite? Let us know and we will add it to the list.

The Local Social House is creating a special dinner menu to start at 7 pm.

Could this be your Christmas Party?

MORE DETAILS and REGISTER here.

REPRESENTING

Trenval is hosting two workshops for NonProfits governed by ONCA with the “Board Governance” session and the "Bring Your Own By-Laws" Interactive Session. Participants will receive a special BYOB workbook to work through their by-laws and letters patent and identify what they might want or need to change to comply with ONCA.

Click to Register.

GRANTS OF UP TO $15,000 AVAILABLE.

Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) Boost Your Business Technology.

Boost Your Business Technology can help get your business online, give your

e-commerce presence a boost, or digitalize your business operations. These grants are designed to help Canadian businesses become more competitive.

With grants of up to $15,000, interest-free loans of up to $100,000 and subsidized work placement of up to $7,300, you can boost your business technology

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY ONLINE.

Is there something else we can help with at any level of government?

Never hesitate to reach out...

DEADLINE: December 1

This is a real opportunity to explore a unique and beautiful country for an extremely reasonable cost along with some pretty fun people.

CLICK HERE for details on the itinerary,

and the link to the registration form.

It is impossible to get a better deal!

CALL Dan Wheeler at Expedia Cruises

at 613-968-1242 to hold your spot.

SAVE $$$ with these programs and more through our national and provincial partners.

SHARING

NEWS and EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS!

Christmas Party Options

Many of our members are offering special Christmas packages for big or small groups. Check out these options.

Base31 · Sergeant's Mess Hall Holiday Gala

Friday, December 1st - $90 PP

Chilangos · 3-course Fixed Price Menu - $40

Call to 'Taco 'bout a party' for your group of 8+

Grace Inn OPEN HOUSE

December 7th · 1 - 5 pm

Discover what it is like to experience homelessness and sleep in a shelter. Hear the stories · Learn the facts - firsthand. Don't miss the opportunity for this educational and informative experience.

RSVPs are not required but helpful.

https://form-can.keela.co/let-us-know-youre-coming

Check out the details at this link. or visit timmckinney.com

Are you looking for space for your business?

A commercial building is available for lease with more than 1500 sq.ft. available. Suitable for an office or studio space, warehouse, storage, and more. Front entrance, private office space, as well as large industrial space featuring suspended ceilings and bay door with additional parking. The possibilities are endless. CHECK IT OUT.