Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Logo
Volume 1 Issue 2 | April 16th 2020
Message From The Chamber
A Weekly Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support You and Your Business!
Greetings!

Last week, in response to our current situation due to COVID-19, we launched a weekly newsletter to round-up news from the Chamber, as well as, resources from our partners to support you and your business. NOTE: In addition to our weekly newsletter, we will send any urgent news in separate mailings as the need arises.

We look forward to our continued service to you, your business and how we can work together to serve and support our greater community.

Be well, stay safe and reach out to let us know how we can help.

Sincerely,
Your Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce

P.S. The best way to reach us is by email at [email protected] or you can call 705-429-2247.
Wasaga Beach Chamber Resources
Business After 5 Video-Conference | Thursday, April 30th
Mark your calendar to join us virtually for our Business After 5 meeting using Zoom's video-conferencing technology. Get ready to introduce your business, win prizes and listen to our guest speaker. Stay tuned! Further details will be provided next week.

Digital Business Marketplace
Share news about your business, including the unique and creative business models you've put into place in response to COVID-19. We will list your business information in our online Digital Business Marketplace portal and share it across our social media channels. Fill in our online form to submit your information: bit.ly/DBMForm

Digital Community Information Guide
The 2020 Community Information Guide can be accessed here:

Getting to Know Your Resources
Access videos to learn more about the local and regional resources that are available to your business: https://wasagachamber.com/news-article.php?id=54 
LeaderCast 2020: Positive Disruption
Live-Streaming Conference

Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global health crisis that has not been experienced in our world for generations. This disruption to our routines, personal and business lives is a negative disruption for many families and businesses. In the midst of this storm, we have very  good news!   Leadercast Lake Country 2020— Positive Disruption is NOT CANCELLED and will livestream to your smartphone or other computer device on May 7, 2020.
 
Historically, Leadercast events have been held in-person, however due to COVID-19 and our mission to keep everyone safe and healthy, we are changing this event to a virtual leadership development experience like no other! All scheduled speakers including Andy Stanley, Amy Jo Martin, Dr. Henry Cloud and Magic Johnson will deliver inspiring presentations virtually 'in real time' on May 7 th  from private studios that are equipped to deliver  high quality audio and video right into your home or office space .
 
As a Virtual Leadercast Attendee, you will still receive your Leadercast journal and a whole host of virtual 'swag bag' items valued at over $100! You will also receive a FREE ticket to a follow up 'in person' event that will take place once the pandemic is over, so you have a chance to network in person with other Leadercast Attendees. 

The Building Hope Project will continue to be the focus charity from any surplus funds received above the net cost of providing the event. 

There are scholarships available for our local health care workers, front line employees or business owners with employees who are currently laid off and don't have access to funds to attend the event! If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, please reach out to our presenting sponsor at [email protected]   so they can connect with you about scholarship ticket opportunities.

At this very challenging time in our history it is paramount that we continue to build leaders worth following in our community and across this great country.  Please help us get the word out to your social networks that Leadercast  Positive Disruption  is going forward on schedule. 
 
If you have already purchased tickets, or wish to buy tickets for Leadercast 2020—Positive Disruption , please click the 'Buy Tickets' button now at www.leadercastlakecountry.com .

Once you have completed your ticket purchase and prior to the event, you will receive further instructions with the "how to" to access the simulcast on May 7 th . Your patience is appreciated as we work through this challenging time, and we look forward to being encouraged, inspired, and fired up WITH YOU on May 7 th !
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (Deadline Extended to Friday, April 17)
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada have released the  Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (CSBC). We encourage you to complete the survey.  Click here to complete the survey. The CSBC will examine the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, changes that businesses have made to adapt, challenges they continue to face and anticipated challenges as recovery begins.

Emergency Wage Subsidy Update
On Saturday, both the House of Commons and the Senate passed the expanded Emergency Wage Subsidy legislation. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see its passage; however, they continue to advocate that it is imperative for the subsidy dollars to begin flowing within days, not weeks. For more information, click the link below.
Canada Business Resilience Network
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the   Canadian Business Resilience Network   to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business
During these turbulent times, the Ontario Chamber of Commerrce is here to support you. As one of your indispensable partners in business, they have revamped their website   to give you, your business, your employees, and/or members additional support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This resource will be updated ongoingly based on member feedback.

COVID-19 Business Webinars To Support You
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has partnered with members to provide you with up to date information to support your business. Click here: https://occ.ca/webinars/

Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit For Business

BarterPay: Get What You Need Without Using Money
BarterPay has made a special offer for the first 1,000 businesses within the Chamber Network membership (province-wide–not per chamber or board of trade) that sign up. Click here to view video newscast: https://www.chch.com/bartering-economy/ . For more information: https://chamber.barterpay.ca/occ_barterpay_partnership1
Town of Wasaga Beach
COVID-19 News & Resources
Facebook Live Video Briefings With Dr. Charles Gardner
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Join Dr. Charles Gardner on Facebook LIVE for briefings three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1pm). You can also access recorded videos on the Simcoe Muskoka District Heath Unit Facebook page and YouTube Channel. 
Federal COVID-19 Information Line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
Stop The Spread: Business Information Hotline Now Open: 1-888-444-3659
The province has launched a toll-free line (1-888-444-3659) to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Eligibility For Emergency Benefit Expanded
Part-time and seasonal workers are now eligible to claim the $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and new money is coming for front-line workers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday April 15th. Note: support plans are being discussed to help students and businesses with commercial rent payments.

Ontario State of Emergency Extended By One Month
On Tuesday, April 14th, Ontario extended its state of emergency for another four weeks. Premier Doug Ford also pledged to move more resources to the province’s hard-hit long-term care homes

New Mental Health Web Portal Launched By The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19 with the Wellness Together Canada Initiative. Connect to their web portal or download the app to connect to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls.
COVID-19 Printables
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From Our Partners | Employee Benefits
2019 - 2020 Board of Directors
Colleen Bannerman, Chamber President - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Tyler Rollins, Chamber Vice President - Key Mortgage Partners
Leslie Listro, Chamber Secretary/Treasurer - Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes
Selena Blais - Chamber Director - Georgian Life Media
Joel Simpson - Chamber Director - Georgian Family Chiropractic
Jason Ruttan - Chamber Director - RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage
Christina De Palma - Chamber Director - De Palma & Associate Legal Services
Marlene Parkins - Chamber Director - Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
Jennie Elmslie - Chamber Director - Free Spirit Tours
Alex Colthart - Chamber Director - Forty-Four Inc .
Ava Alward - Chamber Director - Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.