July 6th 2020

Dear Members, Partners and NOTL Community Over the next few months, we’ll walk new paths and cover new grounds. With every new experience comes a new way of looking at things, perhaps things we’ve seen many times before only now in an entirely new light. Getting out of the actual COVID-19 crisis is all about the ability to reanalyze and reevaluate when given new details, new challenges, new direction and new perspectives. The onset of the pandemic has made us reflect on how we go about our lives, run our businesses and interact with one another. Many have experienced some type of loss, disappointment or disruption. Thomas Paine’s The Crisis quote; “These are the times that try men’s souls” has never rung truer. While some people may have felt an inclination to pull back, isolate mentally as a result of physical isolation and social distancing, waited until things blew over, or a vaccine is found. However, many more have used this time to re-examine and re-explore who they are, their beliefs, how their lives are being lived and redefined how business is being conducted . These are times to rethink and to work together to find new ways as well as to look for options that will allow us to be at the other side of the bridge.   We thrive when we all thrive! Stay safe, Eduardo R. Lafforgue and The team at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce

Take The Survey

TIAC has launched an in-depth industry survey The survey seeks information on the use of government support programs to obtain much-needed data to Government in order to address support for the visitor economy.  While TIAC understands that multiple requests for surveys may feel burdensome on industry, we must continue to collect quantifiable data about your businesses in order to show government the continued need for sector-wide support. Relying on anecdotal information does not meet government requirements to address gaps in the system. As such, we need to ensure we have a reasonable response rate to ensure we get government attention on these important issues.

Niagara Region to consider making masks mandatory... Niagara Region staff will get to work Monday crafting a motion that would make wearing masks mandatory at indoor locations where physical distancing isn't possible. Region Chairman Jim Bradley has opted to call a special meeting of regional... Read more www.stcatharinesstandard.ca

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COVID-19: Technology Trends And Business Continuity, Hosted By Cisco As many organizations transition through the initial disruption of a global pandemic, they are now reevaluating their digital transformation strategies to be able to meet customer needs and thrive long-term. Join Wayne Cuervo and Lisa Richardson from Cisco Canada on July 8 at 2:30 p.m. ET for a discussion on technology trends and applicable business outcomes across various industries. This webinar will be moderated by Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Senior Director - Digital Economy, Technology & Innovation at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The Shaw Guild presents: Guidelines for dining out in Niagara-on-the-Lake

THE TD Niagara Jazz Festival Presents: Niagara’s Summer MARDI GRAS Sessions #8: New Orleans Culture & Voodoo   Join us on Tuesday evening, July 7th , 2020 at 6:00pm for another edition of Niagara’s Summer MARDI GRAS Sessions featuring our special guest host, Witchdoctor Utu who will be sharing his knowledge and experience with New Orleans' cultural and voodoo history.   Visit Witchdoctor Utu’s Website :  www.facebook.com/witchdoctor.utu

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TIAC has launched a new letter writing campaign  TIAC has launched a new letter writing campaign, and we need your help reaching politicians across Canada to send the message that  #TourismCounts  and we need support now. Visit TourismCounts.ca and click “Send Your Letter” to ask your MP to support the tourism industry through COVID-19 recovery efforts.  We ask business leaders to also encourage their staff and suppliers to send a letter as well – we need everyone to lend a voice to our message!

Business Community Chat Please join us at 10 am Tuesday for a conference call style chat with fellow members of our Niagara-on-the-lake business community. This will give you an opportunity to speak with others and share your stories and experiences during this challenging time. If you would like to join the Tuesday morning chat please email Nicole at chamberevents@niagaraonthelake.com by 9am on Tuesday Morning. We look forward to chatting with you!