Winter isn't giving up quite yet, but now that we're in March, the countdown to longer days and warmer nights is ON!

February was a productive month, even with a week of holidays tucked in.

It was great to meet Regg Nii-Aponsah from the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce! Originally from Ghana, and now in Kingston, Regg is looking for ways to support and elevate black entrepreneurs from Eastern Ontario at the federal and provincial level and connect them to their local Chambers for our support at the municipal levels. Really looking forward to finding opportunities where we can work together. If you would like to connect with the CBCC, please visit their website www.blackchamber.ca

Thanks to Brad Labadie and the Centre for Workforce Development for our breakfast last week. BUT if you are interested in being a part of the conversation with Loyalist College and graduate job-readiness, please sign up for their round table breakfast event next Thursday, March 9

Thanks to Tim McKinney, ReMax Quinte and the Local Social House Club teams for hosting a great mingle on Monday. The transformation of the Red Lion is spectacular and once patio season hits, we know this will be a top pick! We captured a bit of the evening here

CLICK TO VIEW and see below to register for our next mingle on April 12 at The Hampton Inn.

We also welcomed a few new members and thanks to all who have sent in their renewals so far! Receipts and our 2023 Membership guides (and your plaque sticker) will be in the mail very soon!

And good luck to the Children's Foundation with their Royal Ball Gala on Saturday evening... I'm still trying to figure out which Game of Thrones "royal" I might do best! (note - if you are going and don't have a dress yet, My Sister's Closet is making a donation for every rental heading to the gala!)

On Monday, I'll be at Queen's Park with our 2nd Vice-President, Sandra Leslie (Meta Employment Services) for Advocacy Day. We're happy to see this event supported by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce resume in person and connect chambers across the province with Ministers who need to hear your story.

In February, the Belleville Chamber submitted a resolution for consideration at the upcoming AGM in April. The resolution asks the Ontario Government to resume the responsibility of care with the creation of Detox Centres across the province in communities that don't have existing facilities to support ongoing treatment for those suffering with mental health and addiction disorders experiencing homelessness. We just got word yesterday from the OCC Policy Advisory Committee this will go forward to the Ontario network membership at the AGM. Thanks to our Police Chief and Board member, Mike Callaghan for his input towards a solution regarding this challenge in so many communities across the country.

We know businesses across the city have been impacted by the increase in the homeless population - if you'd be willing to share your story confidentially, please email me directly.

The City of Belleville Grant Committee has now opened applications for the Arts & Culture and Social Infrastructure Grants. DEADLINE: March 10

BREAKFASTS!

Wednesday, March 29

in partnership with

Collaboration, relationship development and capacity building are tools that can increase employment opportunities.

Amy Widdows from Ontario Disability Employment Network will help identify how to break down barriers, and discover people's gifts and talents, and how this can benefit your workplace.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

COBS Bread Belleville

Andrew Blackett

"We bake fresh bread, pastries and savoury treats in-house all day, every day. Come by for the freshest baked goods near you. We have a complete menu from sourdough bread to healthy sandwich loaves, scones, cinnamon buns, and even mini pizzas. Celebrate Fresh."

Check out their directory listing.

D'Angelo Painting

Frank D'Angelo

Providing custom and professional painting services for more than thirty years; they work with trusted local suppliers like Quinte Paint & Wallpaper to ensure their customers are satisfied with the quality of their project. Whether it is a new home construction or a renovation, they have the know-how to get the job done. Members save 5% on all labour costs.

Reach out for your free estimate.

eXp Realty

Michelle Ellis

Life is too short to not be living your best life RIGHT NOW. Selling your home is especially important and can have negative long-term effects if you do not do it strategically and professionally, which is why Michelle is 110% dedicated to bringing you a life-changing, world-class real estate experience.

Connect with her now.

MEMBER NEEDS HELP!

We know that COVID changed workplaces. Some employers created opportunities to work remotely from home, or developed hybrid solutions.

DO YOU HAVE AN EMPTY WORKSPACE OR OFFICE?

Would you be willing to rent out that space on a part-time basis?

Email [email protected] or call 613-962-4597 ext. 2

We often have inquiries and would love to help them and you.

NEWS and EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS!

March 10, 11 and 12th

Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre

The largest show of its type between Toronto and Ottawa, with dealers and reps for all areas of fishing, hunting, boating, camping, RVing and anything to do with outdoor adventure.

CLICK here for more information

Are you looking for employees in the skilled trades?

Booth registration is now open for

Loyalist College's Career Fair for the School of Skilled Trades - April 5 · 11 am to 2 pm

(Electrical, Motive Power, Welding, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) and the Information Technology Career Fair (Computer Systems Technician, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)

Click for 2022-2023 Career Fairs Registration Form. The fee for the event is $100.00, which includes a 6' table with two chairs, a tablecloth (if required), and lunch.

Deadline: Monday, March 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Let's all #EmbraceEquity.

Equity means creating an inclusive world and we can all play a part. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity.