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.
City of Burlington Media Release – January 7, 2020
Burlington Economic Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Anita Cassidy as Executive Director effective January 1, 2020. Anita has been in the role of Acting Executive Director since May 2018 when former Executive Director Frank McKeown retired. Anita has over 15 years of experience in Economic Development delivering results-oriented strategies and programs that drive economic growth. She first joined Burlington Economic Development in 2011 and has since led a number of important projects.
“Since being appointed Chair of Burlington Economic Development I have had a close working relationship with Anita,” said Randy Smallbone, Board Chair of Burlington Economic Development. “I was pleased to be able to recommend to the Board that Anita be given the role of Executive Director. She has proven herself over the last 18 months, in a period of change for the City of Burlington,” Smallbone concluded.
Anita brings a diverse background that includes fundraising, research and stakeholder management, program and project management, strategic planning, non-profit leadership, and finance administration. Anita is multi-lingual, speaking both Italian and French, and has lived and worked in six countries including Scotland, England, Italy, Belgium, USA, and Canada. Anita also holds an MSc in Economic Development from the University of Glasgow.
Since becoming Acting Executive Director, Anita has led Burlington Economic Development to a number of recent successes including the implementation of several of the recommendations resulting from the Mayor’s Red Tape Red Carpet taskforce. She also continues to collaborate with the City of Burlington on the development of a proposed Municipal Development Corporation, which will be under consideration by City Council in 2020. Anita oversaw the continued growth of TechPlace, which is going into its third year of operations this year. It was also under Anita’s leadership that Burlington Economic Development led a successful pitch to Endress + Hauser to build a new 47,000 square foot state-of-the-art customer experience centre in Burlington. The company officially broke ground on the site in August 2019.
In 2020, Burlington Economic Development will undergo a review of its governance structure to determine how to best deliver on the economic development mandate for the city. Anita is looking forward to participating in this process and sees it as a crucial opportunity to check in on the city’s progress toward achieving the economic goals laid out in the City’s 25-year Strategic Plan.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has been on the Burlington Economic Development Board of Directors since Fall 2018. “I’m delighted by the closer bonds between Burlington Economic Development and city staff and council, fostered under Anita’s leadership. She has shown herself to be an enthusiastic and collaborative partner throughout recent initiatives, including the Mayor’s Red Tape Red Carpet task force, taking the lead on implementing several of these.” Mayor Meed Ward continued, “I look forward to continuing to work closely together to deliver on our shared goal of attracting new businesses to Burlington and helping our existing businesses expand.”
Anita has and will continue to make partnership a top priority at Economic Development, working closely with colleagues at the City, Halton Region, Tourism, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Burlington’s Business Improvement Areas to support economic prosperity in Burlington and across the region.
“The resiliency of Canada’s economy will be increasingly tested as trade conflicts and uncertainty persists. We are not an island. We are in a good position to cope with whatever comes our way,” announced Stephen Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada.
Canada’s economy is shifting into a lower gear. It’s losing steam as our growth engines sputter in the face of global uncertainty and competitive challenges.
So, what is in store for our economy as we head into a new year and a new decade? Find out in this month’s 5 Minutes for Business where we take stock of Canada’s economic performance and consider what the future might have in store for us!
Click here to read 5 Minutes for Business – Sluggish Growth: The New Normal for Canada.
What’s in Store for Canada and Burlington’s Economy?
Click here to read the 2020 Economic Outlook, Presented November 2019 by Josh Nye, Senior Economist at RBC.
(Toronto – December 19, 2019) – Yesterday, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released, Guiding Policy Principles for Tobacco and Vaping Products – the third and final report in a series on social responsibility also covering cannabis and beverage alcohol.
The newly-released report notes that rates of cigarette smoking are declining while vaping rates are rising. It raises questions surrounding the evolving tobacco and vaping landscape, and provides policymakers with a series of recommendations to address both issues well-known to government and emerging areas of concern.
“Transformations in product offerings and consumer habits have led to an environment where both regulation and cessation supports are increasingly out of date,” said Ashley Challinor, Vice President, Policy at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “As tobacco and vaping products evolve, it is imperative that federal and provincial government regulations, taxes, and cessation programs keep pace.”
The report grapples with the challenges raised by the growth in vaping, particularly among young people. With questions still unanswered about the long-term health effects of vaping, the report suggests that policy makers have to quickly catch up.
Guiding Policy Principles for Tobacco and Vaping Products makes 12 recommendations, including:
Developing a research roadmap on vaping in partnership with relevant stakeholders, examining the short- and long-term health risks associated with prolonged vaping, the effects of second-hand aerosol, and vaping’s effectiveness as a smoking cessation device.
Taking action on the persistent challenge of contraband tobacco in Ontario by conducting a feasibility study on Quebec’s approach to tackling contraband—where the province poured more resources into enforcement and saw positive results—to determine whether this approach could be replicated in this province.
Monitoring smoking and vaping rates to identify those demographics most likely to smoke to ensure anti-smoking campaigns and cessation supports are up-to-date, relevant, and effective.
Supporting employers in industries with high smoking rates (such as the trades, transportation and utilities) to introduce cessation supports in the workplace.
“Government will need to work with a range of stakeholders – including public health officials, industry, and First Nations communities – to safeguard public health, combat the contraband market, promote effective and targeted harm reduction strategies, and deter youth consumption,” added Challinor.
Following an extensive consultation process with their membership, the OCC has released its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: The Indispensable Partner of Business.
Introduction:
We are at a pivotal moment in the history of the chamber of commerce movement. Today’s chamber member doesn’t have the same needs as those of 20 years ago. The pace of change, fueled by technology and new ways of doing business, means that the OCC and our Chamber Network must adapt in order to deliver optimum value to our members.
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has served as the non-partisan, voice of business in the province. Together with 135 member chambers of commerce and boards of trade, we stand up for our 60,000 members and advocate for evidence-based public policies that contribute to a competitive economy and increased prosperity for our communities. The term “business” itself has evolved, reflecting a diverse ecosystem that includes post-secondary institutions and other not-for-profit groups that each play an important role in contributing to Ontario’s competitiveness. Without question, being the “voice of business” is important – but it is only the beginning of our value proposition as chambers. There is much more that we must do to unlock the full potential of the 21st-century chamber movement in Ontario.
Businesses need a partner that is always in their corner. A partner that helps them navigate through daily challenges and connects them to new business opportunities.
(Toronto, December 12, 2019) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the following statement in response to the passing of Bill 132, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act.
“As the indispensable partner of business, we support the government’s efforts with Bill 132 to develop a modern regulatory environment that is flexible and easy to navigate, keeping Ontario an attractive place for businesses to invest, grow and create high-quality jobs.”
“Key measures supported by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in Bill 132 include:
Reducing Red Tape for Drug Manufacturers and Pharmacies by digitizing and streamlining reporting requirements for drug manufacturers and pharmacists. These changes will help bring down administrative costs and help protect the competitiveness of Ontario’s health and life sciences sectors.
Expanding Alcohol Access in International Airports by permitting licenced bars and restaurants in certain commercial airports located after airport security to serve alcohol to customers 24 hours a day. We are pleased to see the Government of Ontario move forward in joining other airports around the world.
Improving the Regulatory Process for Ontario’s Mining Industry by requiring the government to acknowledge mine closure plan amendments within 45 days. This streamlined process will allow clients to merge mining claims and improve business certainty for proponents of the mining industry.
Streamlining Approvals for Ontario’s Forestry Industry by amending the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 to modernize the approvals process for cutting trees on Crown lands for non-forestry activities like electricity transmission lines and roads to far north communities.
“We look forward to continuing to work with government to improve and modernize Ontario’s regulatory environment.”
We are truly saddened to hear news of the recent passing of
Barrie Haywood, an important member of our Burlington community.
He was a great supporter of BitNet during its lifetime and
the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years. He was also actively
involved within the Burlington community, volunteering for local causes and initiatives.
Barrie had an impact on everyone he encountered: friends, family and strangers were all important to him.
On behalf of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Barrie’s family and friends.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lydia Jones, a pillar of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce community. She contributed to our city while leading the Burlington Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director from 1980 to 1995 and continued to be active in the community after her retirement.
Last year, Lydia moved to Barrie to be close to her family and passed away shortly after her 92nd birthday.
Lydia was an important figure for women in leadership, coming from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in 1980, she was a quietly confident, trailblazer.
She built on past Chamber achievements, which included starting the Teen Tour Band in 1947, from a small town association into a much larger, very effective driving force for the community advocating on behalf of business, but with a strong community commitment. She also participated in the original twinning ceremony, first in Burlington and later in Itabashi Japan in January 1990. That trip resulted in many business people connecting with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for the next several years.
On behalf of the Burlington Chamber, we
offer our deepest condolences to Lydia’s family and friends. Lydia will be
greatly missed by the Burlington community.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has eleven members on its Board of Directors. Each year at least one vacancy is created when the Past Chair retires. It is the role of the Chamber’s Nominating Committee to fill any vacancies. The Nominating Committee will soon be developing a list of potential candidates for next year’s Chamber Board of Directors.
To be considered for this governance Board, your company must be a member in good standing of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and you must be a voting representative for your company. Preference is given to those persons who have an active knowledge of the Chamber through a Committee, or who have a skill set required by the Board.
The term of office is one year with an expectation that each Director will serve a minimum of two years. There is an important commitment to attend all Board meetings. The Board meets monthly (except July and August) on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. In addition, Board members may be involved with a Chamber Committee and attend those monthly Committee meetings. Board members also represent the Chamber at various events. Click here for a position description.
Rapid Policy Update on the 2019 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review
On November 6, the Government of Ontario released its 2019 Fall Economic Statement entitled, “2019 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Build Ontario Together,” which provides an update on the government’s finances and announces commitments for the upcoming 2020 Budget.
SMALL BUSINESS
The government announced plans to:
Cut the small business Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate to 3.2 percent from 3.5 percent, starting January 2020.
Develop an “Ontario Small Business Success Strategy” in which it will host consultations to better identify the needs of small businesses.
OCC Response: We would have preferred to see a revenue-neutral restructuring of the Small Business Deduction (SBD) to encourage scaling up of small businesses. This would provide businesses with the right incentives while avoiding a loss in government revenues. The OCC and Ontario Chamber Network look forward to participating in the consultations as the government works to develop and “Ontario Small Business Success Strategy.”
COMPETITIVENESS
The government announced plans to:
Form a Premier’s Advisory Council on Competitiveness to consult with business and make recommendations on improving Ontario’s competitiveness.
As part of the Province’s upcoming Forestry Strategy, the government is investing $10 million annually to support the sector through the renewed Forestry Growth Fund (FGF). The redesigned FGF will use an open and competitive rounds‐based application process that predominantly uses loans and loan guarantees to support business.
OCC response: The OCC looks forward to participating in these consultations with government. The OCC has also asked for a Forestry Strategy. We are pleased to see movement on supporting innovation and competitiveness in this industry.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The government announced plans to:
Consult on ways to encourage investment into rural and undercapitalized areas of the province.
The government plans to engage with rural stakeholders on the proposed Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot.
Beginning with a session at the 2020 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, the government will conduct a series of consultations with rural stakeholders on economic development challenges and opportunities in their regions.
OCC response:
The OCC supports measures to improve access to capital for businesses in rural regions. In The Great Mosaic: Reviving Ontario’s Regional Economies, we recommend introducing a Rural Investment Tax Credit (RITC). The OCC supports efforts to encourage immigrants to live and work in rural and Northern communities, adding more skilled workers to communities where they are needed most.
The OCC and the Ontario Chamber Network look forward to participating in the government’s consultations with rural stakeholders to address economic development challenges and opportunities.
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario is proposing to simplify industrial electricity billing and introduce advisory services to assist businesses with navigating regulatory approvals and connection issues. The government will also direct the IESO to retain an independent third party to undertake a targeted review of existing generation contracts for opportunities to reduce electricity system costs.
OCC response: Industrial electricity rates are one of the top factors affecting business competitiveness in Ontario. While the OCC is pleased with commitments to review existing generation costs and help businesses navigate the electricity system, more can be done to reduce industrial electricity rates. In particular, we would like to see the government consider revisions to industrial rate structures to support businesses that have not benefited from the program, as recommended in our submission on industrial electricity rates.
TRANSPORTATION
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario will propose legislation to reduce the aviation fuel tax rate in North Ontario to 2.7 cents per litre from the current 6.7 cents per litre, returning it to 2014 levels. This change would take effect on January 1, 2020.
OCC response: Between 2014 and 2016, Ontario’s aviation fuel tax increased by nearly 150 percent, making it the highest in Canada. This acts as a financial barrier to many of Ontario’s attractions, particularly in northern and remote communities, where other forms of travel may be infeasible for visitors. While this announcement is a good first step, the OCC would like to see the aviation fuel tax in all communities be lowered to match other Canadian provinces.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The government announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that it will begin its first‐ever assessment of how climate change will affect Ontario’s economy, infrastructure, communities, public health and safety, and ecosystems.
OCC response: The OCC applauds this decision. An assessment of climate change impacts will enable the province to take meaningful steps to protect Ontarians and the economy.
CANNABIS
The government has announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that it will amend legislation to allow authorized cannabis retail stores to sell cannabis online or over the phone, with pick-up by the consumer in-store (also known as click-and-collect).
OCC response: As recommended in our recreational cannabis report, Supporting Ontario’s Budding Cannabis Industry, the OCC supports this decision as it offers a consumer-friendly option to purchase legal cannabis, allows retailers to better serve customers, and will help combat the illegal market.
CONTRABAND TOBACCO
The government announced plans to:
The Government of Ontario announced that the Ministry of Finance will consult with representatives from industry, retail associations, public health, and First Nations communities to address contraband tobacco.
OCC Response: The OCC applauds this decision given that contraband takes away revenue from the Province, Ontario accounts for the lion’s share of contraband tobacco in Canada, and the profits are used to fund organized crime. The OCC is undertaking a comprehensive report on the tobacco and vaping industries and looks forward to providing the Province with analysis in December 2019.
BEVERAGE ALCOHOL
The government plans to:
Introduce legislation to pause wine and beer tax increases.
OCC Response: In our beverage alcohol report, Refreshing the Sale of Beverage Alcohol in Ontario, the OCC undertook a comprehensive analysis on the tax issues facing all four categories – wine, beer, cider, and spirits. While the OCC is pleased that the government will introduce legislation that, if passed, would pause wine and beer tax increases, we encourage them to take a comprehensive approach to reforms. Neglecting to consider taxation as it pertains to cider and spirits would serve to reinforce inequities between producers in Ontario.
WHAT’S MISSING?
The OCC would have liked to have seen new announcements in the following areas:
Considerable new infrastructure investments, especially in rural and Northern Ontario, as well as the development of adaptable and resilient infrastructure standards.
A commitment to streamlining public funding programs and removing regulatory barriers that limit private sector investment in high-speed broadband internet
Meaningful transformation in health care, particularly related to value-based care, digital health, and modernizing procurement and supply chain processes.
A clear commitment and timeline on the government’s plan to implement an open allocation model for licenses for retail cannabis based on demand.
With the dissolution of the Ontario College of Trades, further details on what the stewardship process looks like for apprentices and journeypersons.
