Essential Information for the Business Community | |
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A Message from Board Chair,
Errol Da-Ré
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Dear Members,
Before I took on the role of “Chair" of Richmond Hill Board of Trade (RHBOT), my life revolved around Media, based in Toronto handling advertising across Canada. Some people will know I spent years of my earlier life selling advertising for companies such as Alliance Atlantis (better known for TV/websites including HGTV, Slice, Showcase, Food Network … etc.), Shaw Media, CTV, TLN Media Group, CBC Olympics, and various iterations of those fine companies.
In August 2020, I opened the doors to Venture X in Richmond Hill, a franchise-model Co-working business where we have members looking for private offices, shared desks, printers, meeting rooms, in a friendly networking atmosphere.
I have had numerous sales leadership mentors over my time in Media, and I believe that experience helped guide me in my time at Venture X and certainly with the RHBOT. With RHBOT, Sales leadership, in the end, is knowing how to Network effectively. At RHBOT, the greatest advantage we have is the ability to meet with our members at endless events that we organize, especially the Business @ Breakfast and Business After 5pm staple events https://www.rhbot.ca/events.
These events (and many others) allow the opportunity for our RHBOT staff and directors to understand more about what drives the membership to reach its ultimate goals. Our question should always be "What can we at the RHBOT do to make your membership more effective for you? Our 10 Directors have terrific experience in numerous small businesses and a staff that is molded by our Executive Director to ask all the right questions for any situation that arises.
As a member of RHBOT, I urge you to spread the word of what it means to you to be a member ….. let your friends and family members know what it’s done for you/your company. Our Board of Trade membership is increasing because we are delivering more relevant events to our membership and we will continue to do so.
On Oct 8, we had one of RHBOT’s largest events (State of the City Address-Richmond Hill 2024) with Richmond Hill Mayor David West delivering a keynote speech. It was aptly themed “Stronger Together-Building for Today & Tomorrow”. The RHBOT works with Mayor David West and City Council often and we are proud of our strong and unique connection to all the dignitaries at City Council and we echo Mayor West’s vision and plan for this great city of Richmond Hill.
Errol Da-Ré
Chair, RHBOT
Owner Operator Venture X Co-Working Office, Richmond Hill, ON
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A Message from Executive Director,
Monique Dennison
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Dear Members,
As we welcome the vibrant colors of fall, I am delighted to reflect on the success of our 2024 Annual Mayor’s State of the City Address and Luncheon, held on Tuesday, October 8, at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel. Mayor David West delivered an inspiring message about the importance of fostering a collaborative community, centered around the theme “Stronger Together – Building for Today and Tomorrow.” Thank you to Mayor West, our generous sponsors, and all the attendees—your participation truly made the event special. See the event recap video here.
As we transition into this meaningful season, I would like to extend my warm wishes for a joyful Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot to all those celebrating. May these times bring you cherished moments with family and friends.
I am excited to share some upcoming events:
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Business @ Breakfast – Well @ Work Series: Join us on Wednesday, October 16, at Skytek Executive Offices for another engaging session. [Register here.]
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Dale Carnegie Training Lunch and Learn: Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, hosted by Venture X Richmond Hill, our gracious venue sponsor. [Register here.]
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Our highly anticipated Women in Business Kaleidoscope Vision Symposium: We are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Vivian Risi of Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, along with a panel of inspiring female entrepreneurs. This event promises to uplift and motivate! [Register here.]
- Holiday Celebration: Join us on December 5 for our annual holiday gathering to buy from vendors, network with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs and usher in the spirit of the holidays.
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Our Power Hour event on January 16, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, promises to be an exciting opportunity to interact with all three levels of government and get your voice heard. [Register here.]
Additionally, nominations for the 2025 Business Achievement Awards are now open! If you know an outstanding business deserving of community recognition, please take a moment to nominate them: [Nominate here.]
Thank you to all our members and event attendees for your continued support. Your engagement strengthens our community, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions about membership or our events.
Wishing you all a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
Monique Dennison
Executive Director
Richmond Hill Board of Trade
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Business @ Breakfast - October 2024
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Skytek Executive Offices - 95 Mural St, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3G2
Member Ticket Price: $25 (includes Breakfast)
Non-Member Ticket Price: $30 (includes Breakfast)
This Month's Special Guest: MP Majid Jowhari, MP for Richmond Hill
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We invite you to join us for a Well @ Work-themed Business @ Breakfast, where you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast while engaging in valuable networking opportunities.
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Skytek Executive Office Suites, 95 Mural St, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3G2
Register at: https://www.rhbot.ca/event/breakfast-20240912
This event features insights from our distinguished speaker, Muhammad Kermalli, past Chair of the Board of Trade and owner of Skytek Executive Office Suites.
Muhammad will share his extensive experience and expertise, offering valuable perspectives on integrating wellness into business practices.
We look forward to welcoming you to a dynamic morning of inspiration, networking, and meaningful connections.
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Lunch & Learn - Dale Carnegie
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Venture X Richmond Hill - 120 East Beaver Creek Rd Suite 200, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4V1
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We invite you to join an educational networking seminar, presented by Darrel Shaw, from Dale Carnegie Training. A great opportunity to network with fellow business owners and professionals, all while building personal leadership competencies.
Date: October 24, 2024 - 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Venture X Richmond Hill - 120 East Beaver Creek Rd Suite 200, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4V1
Register here: https://www.rhbot.ca/event/l%26l-20241024
We look forward to seeing you there. Take advantage of this opportunity to develop your professional competencies, while meeting fellow entrepreneurs.
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2024 Women in Business Symposium
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Richmond Hill Country Club - 8905 Bathurst St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0H4
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We are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Women in Business Symposium, themed "Kaleidoscope Vision." This year, we celebrate the diverse perspectives and multifaceted journeys of women in business.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024; 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Richmond Hill Country Club; 8905 Bathurst St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0H4
Join us for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and collaboration as we connect, empower, and gain fresh insights on female entrepreneurship.
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Business After 5 - November 2024
Date: November 27, 2024 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Sentia - 120 East Beaver Creek Road, Suite 102
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Holiday Celebration 2024
Date: December 5, 2024 - 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill,
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RHBOT 2025 Power Hour
Date: January 16, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Richmond Hill Country Club, 8905 Bathurst St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0H4
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Business @ Breakfast - September 12, 2024 Our September 2024 Business @ Breakfast, with our running theme, Well @ Work, Empowering Businesses, Enriching Communities, was a success. Thank you to Mayor David West and Local and Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola for joining us. Special thank you to all the sponsors. Watch the event recap here.
Portraits of Giving Richmond Hill - September 12, 2024
Congratulations to Richmond Hill's honourees in the 2024 Portraits of Giving! We were proud to attend the Richmond Hill showcase opening on September 12 to celebrate the inspiring contributions of Dr. Radhika Chawla, a valued member of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade, and Vanessa Wang, this year's Young Adult Honouree. Watch the event recap here.
Ward 6 Councillor Michael Shiu's "Fun Fall Festival" - September 15, 2024
We had a great time interacting with the Richmond Hill community. It is always a pleasure seeing such a great turnout and the engagement Richmond Hil has with local community festivals. Watch the event recap here.
MPP Daisy Wai's Moon Festival - September 17, 2024
We had the pleasure of attending the Moon Festival Celebration at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, hosted by MPP Daisy Wai! The evening was filled with mesmerizing performances showcasing the richness of Chinese culture, from beautiful traditional dances to captivating music. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of unity and harmony, complete with mooncakes and exciting prizes! Watch the event recap here.
Metrolinx VIP Tour - September 18, 2024
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the enlightening afternoon spent at the Metrolinx Community Office in Richmond Hill. The experience in the sound immersion room was particularly engaging. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this VIP tour and would like to extend our thanks to Ifhtia and Lena for hosting us. See a recap here.
Monday Matters - September 23, 2024
MPP Daisy Wai's September 2024 Monday Matters event at Bayview Hill Community Centre was an important one surrounding the issue of auto theft in our community. We were joined by Minister Graham McGregor, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, Acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, York Regional Police and a number of Richmond Hill City Councillors.
Business After 5 - September 26, 2024
Thank you to Cloud Managed Networks, for hosting our September 2024 Business After 5 networking event. It was an enlightening evening of making connections and learning about cybersecurity challenges that SMEs face. Watch the event recap video here.
Ward 2 Councillor Scott Thompson's ECO Family Fest - October 5, 2024
Congratulations to Ward 2 Councillor Scott Thompson on the launch of the 2024 Eco Fest! It was wonderful to witness such an innovative event focused on such an important issue. Looking forward to seeing you at next year's Eco Fest!
2024 Annual Mayor's State of the City Address - October 8, 2024
Thank you to Mayor David West, all sponsors and attendees for making this event a success. It was an insightful afternoon as we learned what's in the planso f the future of our city, surrounding the theme "Stronger Together - Building for Today and Tomorrow". See our recap here. See our video here.
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2024 Mayor's State of the City Address & Luncheon | |
Welcome To Our New Members! | |
Thank You To Our Renewing Members! | | |
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The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan has been protecting Canadian firms and their employees for over 50 years. But there’s much more to it than fast and easy claim reimbursement! It builds additional value into our Plans for your employees and your employees.
TELADOC MEDICAL EXPERTS (TME) When you, or someone you love, is faced with illness or injury, you want access to the very best medical expertise available. TME connects individuals and their treating physician with world renowned specialists to provide an expert second opinion on an existing diagnosis and treatment plan without having to leave home.
TELADOC TELEMEDICINE SERVICE Skip the trip to the waiting room, with telemedicine. Virtual healthcare is included with every Chambers Plan Extended Health option. Employees have access to a Canadian licensed doctor, 24/7, anywhere in Canada or the US.
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TELADOC MYSTRENGTH Every Chambers Plan member has access to myStrength, a mental health program to help you manage stress, depression, sleep quality, and more. Access anytime, all in one app.
TELADOC MENTAL HEALTH NAVIGATOR (MHN) If your mental health treatment isn’t working or your condition isn’t improving, this virtual service, included in every Chambers Plan Extended Health option, offers an expert’s review of your diagnosis or treatment plan to make sure you’re getting the care and support that’s right for you.
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The Richmond Hill Board of Trade is a registered OMVIC Test centre. Contact us to book a quiet and local spot to write your OMVIC test. | |
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Need to certify documents? The Richmond Hill Board of Trade offers the services of a Commissioner of Oaths for document certification with Chamber stamps.
Contact us to arrange a time Mon-Fri, 10 AM to 4 PM.
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Yellow Brick House - Break The Silence Walk | Make every mile count with smart fleet management technology. Explore 5 key considerations when choosing the best solution for your vehicles. | Business Achievement Awards 2025 | Know a business that deserves community recognition?
Nominate them for the 2025 Business Ach | Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Bi-Weekly Update | |
Small Business Week
Join us October 19-25 to celebrate Small Business Week! Connect, learn and grow through a series of workshops, webinars and networking sessions, empowering small business owners with the tools, resources and insights needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Date: October 19 - 25, 2024
More Info: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/invest-and-do-business/small-business-week.aspx
Event Schedule:
October 19 - Marketplace for Small Businesses (in-person)
October 21 - Teen Community Leaders Program (in-person)
October 22 - Import and Export Webinar (virtual)
October 23 - Tourism-Specific Entrepreneurs Engagement (in-person)
October 24 - Entrepreneurship Finance Conference (EFC) 2024 (virtual)
October 25 - Personal Branding Workshop (virtual)
| Innovative Financial Pathways for Entrepreneurs | |
Innovative Financial Pathways for Entrepreneurs
A free half-day virtual conference for entrepreneurs of all stages.
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Register at: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/entrepreneurship-finance-conference.aspx?_mid_=21737
Event Highlights:
- Grasp Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) funding, key stages of innovator’s journey, fractional finance and debt financing
- Learn what trends venture capitalists and angel investors are paying attention to
- Hear success stories, network and more!
| Advertise in Explore Richmond Hill Magazine | |
Peninsula - Award-Winning HR and
Health & Safety Support Your Terms
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We have partnered with Peninsula to provide our members with Canada’s leading HR and Health & Safety support.
Peninsula has been helping businesses with HR and health & safety compliance for over 40 years. They are trusted by 140,000 SMEs across the world. In Canada, they support over 6,500 businesses in 8 provinces. The 4 pillars of the Peninsula service include:
Documentation
Protect your business from fines and claims with watertight contracts, policies, handbooks.
24/7 Advice
Benefit from unlimited HR and health & safety advice from qualified experts through their 24/7 advice line.
HR and H&S software
Save time and stress by automating everyday admin tasks using Peninsula's smart software.
Peninsula Protect Plus
Get extensive legal assistance and financial cover in case of an employment dispute or health & safety investigation.
Peninsula has helped their clients avoid up to $33,000,000 in legal fees arising from claims, by providing tailored documentation and expert guidance. Let Peninsula take away the stress of compliance, reduce costs you don't need to waste, and boost your bottom line.
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Ontario's Best All-Day Breakfast
Open Daily: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
10620 Yonge St Unit 11, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C5
| Business Accelerator Loan Program | |
At Meridian, we’re proud of the enterprising female business owners in our Membership.
Our new Business Accelerator loan program is a great way for us to support them. The program aims to enhance entrepreneurial diversity and improve access to financing for all business owners – and it’s supported by BDC.
Learn more Business Accelerator Loan program | Meridian Credit Union
| Richmond Hill Constituency Youth Council | |
We have a great opportunity for young people between the ages of 14 to 26! If you want to get involved in the community, gain leadership experience, and make a difference in Richmond Hill, join our Constituency Youth Council!
Apply by October 11, 2024 for an opportunity to work with myself and a fantastic group of youth driving positive change.
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Business owners have a tool at their
disposal that is barely known:
the Personal Pension Plan
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Canadian business owners face significant financial challenges, particularly in retirement planning and succession.
With recent legislative changes, such as the Tax On Passive Income and increased capital gains taxes, utilizing corporate structures has become even less effective as retirement planning tools.
The Personal Pension Plan (PPP) offers a compelling alternative. It allows business owners to maximize tax deductions—up to three times more than an RRSP—while providing strong creditor protection and flexible investment options.
By establishing a PPP, business owners can effectively reduce their corporate tax liabilities and preserve more wealth for their retirement and loved ones. Understanding and leveraging the benefits of PPPs can provide a crucial advantage in today's challenging financial landscape.
To learn more about how Personal Pension Plans can benefit you, visit https://cppp-mgt.com or contact vtran@cppp-mgt.com.
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Navigating Aggravated Damages for Mental Distress in Employment Terminations | |
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Shop Now www.lenovo.com/ca/en/chambers
Text CHAMBERLENOVO to 833-344-0228 to receive exclusive limited time offers.
For assistance with purchases, call: 1-800-426-7235 (M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET, Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET)
Be sure to check the website often – special offers change frequently.
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Catch the excitement live on ice! Don't miss a single moment of the high-speed thrills and fierce competition. Grab your single game or season tickets today and be part of the action. See you at the rink!
Cheer for the Coyotes at Elgin Barrow Arena East at their upcoming home games:
- Oct 6
- Oct 20
- Oct 27
- Nov 3
- Nov 17
- Dec 1
- Dec 15
- Jan 5
- Jan 12
- Jan 19
- Feb 9
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A refreshed grant investment framework | |
The non-profit sector plays a critical role in Ontario. With evolving needs and priorities across the sector, OTF identified an important opportunity to update its granting approach to better meet the needs of Ontario’s community-based organizations.
Our updated grant investment framework provides a simpler and more focused approach that enables applicants to align their project goals with OTF’s funding priorities more easily and effectively. Our framework provides strategic direction for our grant programs over the coming years to help applicants deliver the services and programs that are essential to building communities that thrive.
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Seize positivity - Greg MacLuckie
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Updated Grow Your Business Online Toolkit
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
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1. Support for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs:
Minister Ng has recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. This was announced during the esteemed annual business summit of the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. The program is structured with three pivotal components - Business Scale Up, National Ecosystem Fund, and Knowledge Hub, with the collective aim of amplifying the entrepreneurial zeal within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- A more in-depth exploration is available at 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.
2. Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund:
On International Women's Day 2023, we commemorated the outstanding accomplishments of women entrepreneurs. Given the challenges they routinely confront, the federal government has sanctioned close to $7 billion to facilitate initiatives that would address and surmount these barriers. The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) primarily encompasses funding avenues, infrastructural support, and the inception of the Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative.
- Detailed exploration can be undertaken at Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
In conjunction with this, Minister Ng and Julie Dabrusin, MP for Toronto-Danforth, have introduced the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. This initiative is a natural progression of the $6-billion WES, aiming to empower female entrepreneurs by furnishing micro-loans up to $50,000, proving particularly beneficial for nascent businesses and sole proprietors.
- Comprehensive information is procurable at Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
3. Grants for Innovation:
These grants cater to businesses aspiring for innovation and diversification in their operations, especially during challenging epochs.
- Additional information is accessible at Innovation Grants.
4. Black Entrepreneurship Program:
Our government recognizes the importance of inclusivity and is striving to provide enhanced support to Black entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and inclusion for all Canadians. This program assists in addressing systemic barriers Black entrepreneurs face, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Discover more about the program at Black Entrepreneurship Program.
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Connecting progressive employers and diverse talent | |
Discover Ability Network is a free portal that helps job seekers with disabilities match with meaningful employment opportunities and offers employers resources to help them hire and retain persons with disabilities, foster inclusive workplaces, and benefit their bottom line. | |
Have a look at the latest content from WSPS: | |
Thank You To Our Corporate Sponsors | |
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Member Savings
Membership has its benefits! Save on everyday services from group health benefits to home and auto insurance, point of sale fees and office supplies with our affinity partners.
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Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan - Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, home-based business or part of a larger firm, through your membership in the Richmond Hill Board of Trade you have access to a cost-effective and extensive health benefits plan for companies with 1 to 100 employees. Learn More
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Elavon offers flexible payment solutions designed to help you manage payment acceptance, provide more value to your customers, and save money.
- Accept payments online, in-store, or on-the-go with Converge®, an all-in-one eCommerce solution
- Simplify operations and uncover insights with talech, our in-house point-of-sale solution designed to grow with your business
- Dedicated account managers to help support your business objectives
- Manage all aspects of your payment’s activity with our online merchant portal
- Next-day funding
- Advanced payments security that mitigates risk of data breach
- 24/7 multi-lingual customer service
Click here to learn more: Visit Elavon
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Vin Bon
10% off all wine packages (inc. all corks, shrink caps and custom labels)
Makes 24-26 bottles of wine. Bottles extra or bring in your old bottles and I will reuse them :)
Less then 1/2 the price and 1/10th the additives of the LCBO
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The Esso Business Card Program gives you exceptional fuel savings, powerful and easy-to-use fuel management tools and broad acceptance at nearly 1,800 Esso stations in Canada. You'll save 3.5 cents per litre. Learn More
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Let UPS help you come back strong - As safer at home measures start to relax and we focus on rebuilding, lean on your RHBOT UPS Savings Program to address logistics challenges and deliver the tools and resources you need to help your business come back stronger than ever. To learn more visit: www.membersbenefitprogram.com/rhbot Or call:
1-800-MEMBERS (636-2377), 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., to speak with a member care specialist.
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Enjoy preferential pricing with Purolator through a volume discount program. Purolator offers RHBOT member discounts starting at 25% on Purolator Express® and Purolator Ground® suite of services. To learn how Purolator has helped others and how you can start saving today visit purolator.com/occ
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