We understand that this is an extremely challenging time for businesses across our community. Please know that the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting our members and the broader community during this crisis.
We are carefully monitoring COVID-19 developments on a continual basis and will be sharing the most up to date information and resources as developments unfold to keep you informed.
We are working closely with our counterparts at the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to ensure that the needs of the business community are addressed by all levels of government. Information about any fiscal counter measures and relief that will be provided to SMEs to offset financial hardship will be shared as soon as details are released.
Burlington Chamber of Commerce staff will continue to be available during regular business hours. If you have any questions or support requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Chamber staff via email or phone.
Premier Ford Announces Job Protection for Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Today, March 16th, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed the nation regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak.
The following was announced affecting the business community:
Travel restrictions will not apply to commerce or trade so that products will continue to flow in and out of the country.
$1 Billion COVID-19 Response Fund: includes measures to respond to the outbreak and prepare for its possible broader impacts on Canadians, our economy, and small businesses – more details to follow.
$10 Billion Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) for businesses being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak – more details to follow.
Please be advised that the following events will be rescheduled to a later date:
March 21 – Chamber Travel Trip to Morocco
March 24 – Business Excellence Young Entrepreneur Award Finalist Panel
March 26 – Business Before 9 with Ashwood Glen School
Stay tuned for information regarding alternate dates.
Chambers Plan and Teledoc Partnership
Chambers Plan has teamed up with Teladoc to provide employees with instant access to medical advice from qualified doctors. Plus, the app has video conferencing, so you can connect face-to-face. Skip waiting at the walk-in and receive a personal consult in 60 minutes or less. Please contact Hynek Financial for more information.
Burlington’s business organizations (Team Burlington) which include Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Burlington Economic Development, Aldershot BIA and Tourism Burlington are taking a coordinated approach in engaging and supporting Burlington’s business community. We are constantly monitoring developments with COVID-19 and the impact locally. Over the next three weeks we will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of both employees and businesses following the City of Burlington guidelines and the Government of Canada – Risk-Informed Decision Making for Mass Gatherings During COVID- 19.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce staff will continue to be available during regular business hours. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Chamber staff, via email or phone. Timely and relevant information will be updated frequently and made available on our website, through targeted e-blasts and on our social channels.
For information on upcoming business events that may be rescheduled inline with the mass gathering risk framework please visit the individual websites following the links below:
Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on business and policy support measures
In Canada, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance are closely monitoring the virus’ impact on Canadian jobs, workers, entrepreneurs, and economic growth.
During this time of uncertainty, most agree that the local economy will be weighed down by the impact of COVID-19. The impacts on small businesses and independents can be particularly heavy as we practice social distancing.
Small businesses are the heart beat of our local economy; they invest in our community and our neighbourhoods with the hope that the community will give back to them with the same vigor. These are the entrepreneurs that hire our children, sponsor our sports teams and community groups – they are your neighbours.
Shopping locally during this challenging time for Burlington is more than a “good idea” it is a necessity to help keep our local businesses sustainable and flourishing.
As our community makes a conscious effort to minimize exposure to large crowds and public spaces with a view to minimizing the spread of COVID-19, consider patronizing and supporting your favourite, neighbourhood independent business.
Our business community has proven to be a resilient and adaptable group that champions innovation. Now it is the Burlington public’s turn to create innovative ways to support them.
Team Burlington is dedicated to supporting our business community while placing the highest level of concern for everyone’s health and safety. We appreciate your ongoing support.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 and taking action to help protect the health and safety of our members, partners and their employees. We are currently implementing measures to do our part in containing the further spread of the virus.
With Halton Region now confirming three cases of COVID-19 in the Region and the uncertain number of cases that could result, the Chamber will be adjusting its operations accordingly to mitigate further risk.
Great care will be taken to continue to monitor developments in these matters and we will work closely with government and public officials, as well as our counterparts at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), to keep our membership community well informed as the situation unfolds.
We appreciate your understanding. Further updates will follow.
Carla Y. Nell
President & CEO
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
In the interim, please access the links below for additional relevant information:
Supporting Economic Prosperity in Communities Across Ontario.
The Ontario Economic Report (OER) is the landmark research platform of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), presenting the collective voice of our 60,000 members in 135 communities across the province. This research highlights the year ahead and year that was, offering a unique lens on the economy.
The data contained within the 2020 OER reflects the theme of the OCC’s annual Ontario Economic Summit by exploring Ontario’s competitiveness throughout the following three sections. We have gauged the temperature of business through the Business Confidence Survey, benchmarked small business competitiveness with the Small Business Friendliness Indicator, and examined regional growth projections in the Economic Outlook.
We are delighted to announce the 2020 Business Excellence Awards Finalists! The following 21 organizations exemplify leadership and business excellence in our community. The Award nominations are based on criteria that include outstanding business leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and growth.
While the list of finalists is now public, the names of the winners remain a closely guarded secret. The winners will be announced at the virtual 2020 Business Excellence Awards Gala presented by RBC on Tuesday, June 23rd. Please join us in honouring our finalists and celebrating our vibrant business community.
Burlington, ON, February 5, 2020– Burlington Economic Development Wins International fDi Strategy Award for Start-up and SME Support
TechPlace has earned international recognition from Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) Magazine, a product of the Financial Times that is popular among investment promotion and economic development professionals.
TechPlace is 100% led by Burlington Economic Development and is at the heart of their innovation and entrepreneurship strategy. Launched in 2017, TechPlace is a popular destination for new and growing technology companies in the region. The 8,600 square foot innovation centre offers access to space, programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
TechPlace is anchored by two co-location partners: Haltech, Halton’s Regional Innovation Centre, and Angel One Investor Network. TechPlace also operates its LaunchPad Program which supports companies gearing up for growth. Residents that are accepted into the program are provided with unlimited access to the space, as well as have their own exclusive office space where they can focus on growing their team, connecting into a community of like-minded peers and mentors, and have opportunities to network with angel investors and community leaders. In only two and a half years, the LaunchPad Program has supported nineteen companies; twelve have graduated and seven are currently in residence. Run parallel to the TechPlaceLaunchPad Program is Burlington Economic Development’s Soft-Landing Program, which provides companies with all the benefits of the LaunchPad Program as well as additional support to expand their business into Canada. So far, TechPlace has welcomed companies from Finland and Honduras, and are expecting several more to land in 2020.
Anita Cassidy, Executive Director at Burlington Economic Development, is thrilled to receive this award. “TechPlace has grown tremendously since its launch in June 2017, and the number of startups we support continues to increase. We are proud to say that TechPlace has welcomed more than 14,000 innovators through our doors and have had more than 290 events held in the space. We will continue to collaborate with our partners and think outside the box to deliver premium space and programming options to new and growing technology companies. Our Soft-Landing Program will be a focus for us in 2020 and we look forward to helping more companies expand into Canada and grow their business.” She continued, “we would like to sincerely thank fDi Magazine for this recognition and would like to also recognize the support of Haltech and Angel One, since TechPlace would not be where it is today without their commitment to supporting technology and innovation in our community.”
About Burlington Economic Development
Burlington Economic Development has a mandate to enhance the growth prospects of existing companies and bring new high-value firms to the community. Burlington Economic Development’s focus is on growing the economic base to sustain Burlington’s competitive and prosperous community. Burlington Economic Development is the first point of contact for companies looking to expand, start-up or locate in Burlington.
About TechPlace
TechPlace is a one-stop destination for new and growing technology companies. With the support of partners from across the public and private sectors, it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking, and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace. Led by Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideas come together under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth.
On January 30th, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward presented the annual Mayor’s State of the City Address (MSOTC) presented by Cogeco. This annual event was an engaging and informative presentation for the Burlington community to learn about municipal issues facing our city and how they will be addressed this year.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward gave an overview of key accomplishments of 2019, including feedback from Burlington residents. She also shared her, Council and the City of Burlington’s priorities for the year.
For those who were unable to attend, you can visit below to see the full MSOTC address as well as the moderated Q&A session.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 30, 2020 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
Burlington, Ontario (January 30, 2020) – The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2020 Business Excellence Awards Finalists! The following 21 organizations exemplify leadership and business excellence in our community. The Award nominations are based on criteria that include outstanding business leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and growth.
While the list of finalists is now public, the names of the winners remain a closely guarded secret. The winners will be announced at the virtual 2020 Business Excellence Awards Gala presented by RBC on Tuesday, June 23rd. Please join us in honouring our finalists and celebrating our vibrant business community.
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Media Contact:
Lindsay Stevenson Manager, Strategic Communications and Marketing Burlington Chamber of Commerce lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com 289-208-2844
Get to know our President & CEO Carla Y. Nell on the latest episode of Smartcar Coffee Confidential! Learn about her background, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s new direction under her leadership and the value of your Chamber membership.
On March 4th, we held our first annual Wonder Women conference, where our all-star roster of speakers shared insights on personal branding, money mastery, living your authentic life, owning your ambition and unleashing your Super Powers.
Thank you to all the Wonder Women and the Super Men who support them who took time to pariticpate in this important professional development opportunitiy.
Click here to view the photos from the 2020 Wonder Women Conference!
Speaker Profiles & Highlights
Success Secrets for Wonder Women
Julie Ellis, Co-Founder, Mabel’s Labels
Julie Ellis has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and was most recently the Chief Operating Officer for a privately held omni channel retailer in Canada, responsible for driving the company’s growth toward operational excellence, team integration and market expansion. She is the co-founder of the successful Canadian small business Mabel’s Labels and has been involved in the business and startup communities for many years. She was Chair of the Board at Innovation Factory in Hamilton, ON., which offers programs that accelerate the innovation process for up-and-coming companies through collaboration with community-based resources from business, science, government, academia and finance. She is the current Board Chair at Angel One Investor Network, one of the most active angel groups in Canada. Julie has extensive experience mentoring leaders of all levels across several industries to achieve their professional goals and is a sought-after speaker and presenter on topics ranging from leadership development to corporate culture building, to growth and scale. Julie is also a two-time winner of the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, in the category of RBC Momentum (2009) and Profit Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship (2014).
From Commodity to Coveted – The Art of Shifting From One of Many to the Only One
Lara McCulloch, Chief Shift Disturber
Lara is an award-winning, results-driven brand positioning expert with over 25 years as a Business Growth Consultant. Basically, she teaches business owners how to become the ONLY one in their industry instead of being one of the many. She’s advised multinationals like Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Shell and Benjamin Moore as well as small businesses around the globe. Lara travels the world as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. She’s the recipient of Connect Magazine’s Top 40 under 40, Rejuvenate Magazine’s Top 40 under 40, has been bestowed the title of Industry Innovator by BizBash magazine, received the coveted Spirit of the Industry Award by the CEIA and is proud to have been honoured with Dedication & Leadership Awards by ILEA. She graduated from Ivy Business School’s Executive Program, but it’s the title of Mom that brings Lara the most pride. When she’s not building Lego with her son, she’s been known to board down active volcanoes, spelunk 16 stories underground, camp in -10 degree temps beside a glacier, bungee jump over a rainforest, swim with sharks and jump from a plane at 15,000 feet.
Panel Discussion: Finding Your Super Power
Shannon M. Tobin, Mom, Author, Philanthropist, Women and Youth Leadership Development Mentor
An author, philanthropist, and passionate speaker, Shannon Tobin is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 28 years of success as an executive in the Cosmetic Direct Sales industry. Her team has broken company records, retailing over 13 million dollars over her career. This is not where the growth ends; She is driven to use her success as a springboard to make a positive impact in her community. Her core belief is that “Success is not a skill, it is a persistent attitude” This is a driving factor for Shannon as she has overcome adversity in her personal and professional life. Guided by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Shannon has exemplified being the change you wish to see both personally and professionally. Shannon is the founder of the Dare To Be You Foundation, which supports leadership development opportunities and initiatives that empower women and youth to to unlock their potential to ‘BE’ better, and ‘DO’ better in their community. She has been recognized by The Women’s Centre of Halton with an “Honouring 150 Years of Exemplary Women” Award for her exemplary achievements and contribution in supporting her community by demonstrating true Leadership and for creating positive change; a bronze STEVIE Award for Women in business: Female Mentor and Coach of the Year, and in 2019 she was nominated for the Burlington Chamber Business Excellence Award 2020.
Layne, CEO & Founder, The Auctionista
Layne (also known as The Auctionista) is a trailblazer in the fundraising world. Fusing philanthropy and entertainment, Layne offers innovative strategies that inspire charitable giving while energizing and inspiring attendees. Founded in 2010, The Auctionista company has extensive experience in Event Revenue Strategy, Event Ideation and Performance. Layne started a business that disrupts the world of fundraising and they take you through their inspirational and comical journey of how they broke the auctioneer stereotype to become a successful businessperson and CEO of Canada’s fundraising powerhouse company. Layne talks about the power of manifesting and being completely fearless when it comes to taking the first step in business. After building the company brick by brick, Layne discusses the building blocks for success and how those moments of adversity can spark a fire.
Energetic Time Management
Heather Chauvin, CEO & Founder of Mom Is In Control
Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach and strategic parenting expert who helps ambitious women become leaders at work and home. Drawing from her professional experience as a social worker and her life experience raising three boys, Heather created a signature approach to focus her clients on sustainability, profitability and ease in business and life. She is the host of the Mom Is In Control Podcast where she reveals her most vulnerable truths about womanhood, marriage, parenting, living through stage 4 cancer and running a successful business—without burning out.Heather has been featured as a TEDx speaker and on The OWN Network, CTV, and The Jenny McCarthy Show. She has also appeared in Entrepreneur and Real Simple.When Heather isn’t being a classic Canadian by driving her boys to hockey practice, you’ll find her curled up on the couch with her husband surfing the internet, researching their next family adventure.
Not All Super Heroes Wear Capes: Tips & Tricks From a Mom of Six
Julie Cole, Senior Director of Public Relations, Mabel’s Labels
Julie Cole is a recovered lawyer, mom of six and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. She has helped her company bring their product to a worldwide market, gain media recognition and win countless entrepreneur awards. Cole is a serial entrepreneur, published author, a sought after speaker and emcee and a digital influencer and blogger. Julie is no stranger to the media, having appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, Canada AM, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, among many others. Julie has blogged everywhere from The Huffington Post, modernmom.com, Today’s Parent, SavvyMom, PTPA Media, Yummy Mummy Club, and her company’s Mabelhood blog. Her writing has also appeared in The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, Chicken Soup For the Soul – Power Moms and numerous websites. Giving back to her community is one of Julie’s top priorities. When she’s not juggling her busy family and professional life, she is active on charity and community Boards and committees, and volunteers with several organizations. She is an engaged community member who is passionate about women’s issues, mentoring young entrepreneurs, poverty alleviation and social justice.
