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Hiring: Director of Stakeholder Relations & Policy

Hiring: Director of Stakeholder Relations & Policy

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce (BCofC) provides value to its members through active advocacy, connecting leaders and creating opportunities. The Chamber is the voice of business in Burlington and advocates at the local, regional, provincial and federal levels on behalf of 900 companies representing 30,000 employees.

For more than 70 years, the BCC has been the trusted advocate and tireless champion for local businesses. With a long-standing reputation for excellence and leadership, BCC continually generates opportunities to connect people by bringing life to business. Doing so provides a vehicle for success for its members and the future of Burlington’s business community.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce seeks an experienced individual for the position of Director, Stakeholder Relations & Policy. This position provides leadership to the organization’s stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts through teamwork, consultation, strategic thinking, and creativity.

Review the Director, Stakeholder Relations & Policy position.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Expressions of interest including career profiles will be accepted until November 24, 2020, at 4:30 pm., and should be sent confidentially to shawna@burlingtonchamber.com.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO: Property Tax Reform and Advocacy Update

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO: Property Tax Reform and Advocacy Update

 Earlier this year, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber submitted a resolution to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) focused on addressing major challenges caused by Ontario’s property tax system for business taxpayers.  The resolution called for the Province of Ontario to conduct a comprehensive review of the current property tax regime, as well as the introduction of enhanced flexibility/new tax tools for municipalities to address property tax inequities and changes to unduly burdensome education tax rates for commercial and industrial taxpayers.  This resolution, supported by Chambers and Boards of Trade across the province, was subsequently adopted as part of the OCC’s advocacy agenda for this year.

I am delighted to announce that the budget unveiled yesterday by the Province of Ontario has heeded our call to action and includes significant measures to resolve these longstanding concerns including:

  • Reductions in business education tax rates,
  • The creation of a new optional tax class for small commercial properties to allow municipalities to target relief to business property owners, and a commitment on the part of the Province to match eligible property tax reductions, and
  • Future changes to property valuation methodologies to protect areas undergoing redevelopment and to provide stability and fairness for other complex property types.

These changes represent majors gains for business property owners and tenants not just in Burlington, but throughout Ontario.

I would like to extend sincere thanks to the members of the Chamber’s volunteer Political Action Committee for their insight and leadership on these important issues, as well as to our Team Burlington partners and the City of Burlington for their added support to advocate for property tax reform on behalf of the business community.  Special thanks also go to Burlington MPP, Jane McKenna and MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos (Oakville North-Burlington) for your willingness to listen and tireless efforts to respond to our stakeholder concerns.

The spirit of partnership and collaboration that defines us in Burlington has yet again proven that we are Stronger Together.

Sincerely,

Carla Y. Nell

Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade Support Canada United to Help Local Businesses and Accelerate Small Business Recovery

Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade Support Canada United to Help Local Businesses and Accelerate Small Business Recovery

OCTOBER 21, 2020
News Release
For Immediate Release

Government of Canada announced an investment of $12 million to support the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

(Milton – October 20, 2020) – Small businesses are at the heart of Canadian communities. They are critical in helping Canada turn the corner on COVID-19 and their success is essential to Canada’s economic strength. Created and launched by RBC, Canada United is a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. Today, during Small Business Week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced an investment of $12 million to support the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.

The pandemic has created substantial uncertainty for small businesses. They are facing mounting losses, increased costs to reopen and shaky consumer confidence. As part of the Canada United movement, RBC brought together more than 70 of Canada’s leading brands, the national Chamber of Commerce network and business associations to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local. Meanwhile, more than 40 municipalities across Canada made official proclamations in honour of the Canada United Weekend, which took place over the weekend of August 28 – 30.

“Small businesses are cornerstones of our local economies and key to thriving communities—creating jobs, driving innovation, and generating wealth for Canadians. Local businesses have always been there for us and now need our support now more than ever. A sincere thanks to Minister Ng and the federal government for providing critical support to small businesses when they need it most,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The actions of Canadians during the campaign helped establish the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund to help small businesses offset the cost of expenses required to reopen safely or adopt digital technologies to move more of their business online.

“While the pandemic has undoubtedly challenged us in many ways, it’s also highlighted Canadians’ unwavering commitment to supporting one another during difficult times,” said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, RBC. “We are incredibly grateful for the ways Canadians have supported their local businesses when they really needed it, and for the commitment of our partners who helped bring Canada United to life. And, now, with the Federal Government’s support, we are confident that the Small Business Relief Fund will make a significant difference in helping businesses prepare for the road ahead.”

Through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, grants up to $5,000 are available to small businesses so they can cover the costs of PPE as well as physical modifications and digital enhancements to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements. The grant can also be used to help firms with the cost of Personal Protection Equipment and enhance their e-commerce capabilities so they can do more business online. Canadian small businesses can learn more and apply for the grant online.

“Along with chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the country, we’re proud to support small businesses through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, helping small businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19,” added President & CEO, Carla Y. Nell.

The new application window will for the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be open on Monday, October 26, 2020. Click here to learn more about Canada United.

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Quotes

“The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is helping our small businesses offset the cost required to reopen safely or adopt digital technologies to move more of their business online at a time when they need it most. Chambers of commerce and boards of trade from coast, to coast, to coast have come together to start the Canada United movement, to show local businesses all the support they deserve.” — Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

“By teaming up with the Canada United campaign, our government is able to give yet another lifeline for small businesses during Small Business Week. On the road to economic recovery, we will continue to do whatever it takes to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in every corner of the country.” — The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

Media Contact

Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com

SMALL BUSINESS: TOO BIG TO IGNORE

SMALL BUSINESS: TOO BIG TO IGNORE

Chamber and Partners Kick Off Small Business Week Conversation About Digital and Skills Access

(Burlington – October 15, 2020) – The pandemic has highlighted challenges for small businesses: their access to digital technologies and skills. In advance of Small Business Week 2020, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, and partners are kicking off a vital conversation today about these gaps with the launch of their report, Small and Medium-Sized Employers (SMEs): Skills Gaps and Future Skills. The report is a Skills Next project and a collaboration between the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, Public Policy Forum, and the Future Skills Centre.

“We are deeply concerned about the impacts the COVID-19 crisis is having on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario,” said President & CEO, Carla Y. Nell. “They are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for more than 90 percent of jobs in the private sector. Yet they face critical labour shortages, skill mismatches, and challenges related to broadband internet access that threaten their competitiveness.”

“Broadband is a basic infrastructure requirement in today’s economy, but the ongoing pandemic has made it even more essential to public health and economic resilience,” added Ashley Challinor, Vice President, Policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “For businesses and workers, particularly those practicing physical distancing, connectivity is necessary to ensure they can remain productive by using digital tools such as video conferencing. Without adequate access, those in rural and remote regions will be vulnerable to additional layoffs and business closures.”

Canadian Small Business Week takes place during the third week of October every year. This year, the celebration will occur October 18-24, 2020. Over the course of Small Business Week, the OCC and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce will be participating in the “Small Business: Too Big To Ignore” campaign across the province, actively engaging small businesses in discussions about the top obstacles impeding their growth and the ways in which these challenges can be overcome.

Read the Skills Next project report: Small and Medium-Sized Employers (SMEs): Skills Gaps and Future Skills, Skills Next is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

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Media Contact

Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com

Burlington Safe Restart Program First Round Funding Recipients Announced

Burlington Safe Restart Program First Round Funding Recipients Announced

Burlington to provide $124,689 to 59 Burlington Businesses in first round of Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant

October 15, 2020 – Burlington, ON – The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses who need to adapt quickly to public health guidelines. Burlington’s business support organizations, known as Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), heard about these challenges and took decisive action in partnering with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to launch the Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant on September 29.

The response to the program has been extremely positive, with more than 95 applications received in the two-week application window that closed on October 13th.

Today, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was joined by the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington to announce the Burlington businesses that will receive a grant in the first round of funding. Through the grant, $124,689 in funding will be released across 59 businesses. These businesses fall across a broad range of industries including hospitality, retail, health, wellness & sports. A full list of companies supported can be found online here.

The Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant is an innovative municipal program that aims to support businesses through a one-time grant of up to $2500 that can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as PPE and renovations to physical space to allow businesses to properly adhere to public health guidelines. As part of the eligibility requirements, recipients are also required to make the POST Promise, a private sector-led initiative that provides essential information on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Watch the full announcement here, and find more information on the Burlington Safe Restart program here.

QUOTES

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“I’m glad to see our local small businesses have taken advantage of the first round of the Burlington Safe Restart Program relief grants and, at the same time, made the POST Promise. As the backbone of the local economy, our small businesses need all the support we can give them to help adapt and make their shops as safe as possible. This, in turn, will help the public feel more confident in participating in the economy again and in visiting their favourite local stores.”

The Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

“The POST Promise and the Safe Restart program are shining examples of the tools available to small businesses to help address the need to keep customers and employees safe. I commend the City for their leadership on combatting COVID-19 and I am certain we will emerge stronger than ever from this virus.”

Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program will help ease some of the financial impacts that COVID-19 has had on our business community. The importance of restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust was something Team Burlington was hearing loud and clear from our business community, and we knew we needed to find a way to provide direct, hands-on support. We are thrilled that The City of Burlington has stepped up to support our business community. Additionally, the partnership with POST Promise has equipped us to ensure our businesses are doing everything they can to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and I’m thrilled to have them on board.”

Aidan Tracey, POST Promise Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors

“The POST Promise is proud to be partnering with Team Burlington, the City of Burlington and the Burlington Safe Restart Program to support local small businesses. We congratulate all grant recipients and businesses who have made the POST Promise and are doing their part to let Canadians know they can confidently return to public spaces.”

Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce

“We are pleased to champion the Burlington Safe Restart Program that will provide much-needed relief to businesses across our City. We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively. Restoring consumer confidence is key to economic recovery and the steps businesses take to protect employees and consumers is an essential part of that process, and we encourage all businesses to take the POST promise.”

Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca

Burlington to provide $124,689 to 59 Burlington Businesses in first round of Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Gran

October 15, 2020 – Burlington, ON – The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small businesses who need to adapt quickly to public health guidelines. Burlington’s business support organizations, known as Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), heard about these challenges and took decisive action in partnering with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to launch the Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant on September 29.

The response to the program has been extremely positive, with more than 95 applications received in the two-week application window that closed on October 13th.

Today, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward was joined by the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington to announce the Burlington businesses that will receive a grant in the first round of funding. Through the grant, $124,689 in funding will be released across 59 businesses. These businesses fall across a broad range of industries including hospitality, retail, health, wellness & sports. A full list of companies supported can be found online here.

The Burlington Safe Restart COVID-19 Business Relief Grant is an innovative municipal program that aims to support businesses through a one-time grant of up to $2500 that can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as PPE and renovations to physical space to allow businesses to properly adhere to public health guidelines. As part of the eligibility requirements, recipients are also required to make the POST Promise, a private sector-led initiative that provides essential information on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Watch the full announcement here, and find more information on the Burlington Safe Restart program here.

QUOTES

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“I’m glad to see our local small businesses have taken advantage of the first round of the Burlington Safe Restart Program relief grants and, at the same time, made the POST Promise. As the backbone of the local economy, our small businesses need all the support we can give them to help adapt and make their shops as safe as possible. This, in turn, will help the public feel more confident in participating in the economy again and in visiting their favourite local stores.”

The Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

“The POST Promise and the Safe Restart program are shining examples of the tools available to small businesses to help address the need to keep customers and employees safe. I commend the City for their leadership on combatting COVID-19 and I am certain we will emerge stronger than ever from this virus.”

Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program will help ease some of the financial impacts that COVID-19 has had on our business community. The importance of restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust was something Team Burlington was hearing loud and clear from our business community, and we knew we needed to find a way to provide direct, hands-on support. We are thrilled that The City of Burlington has stepped up to support our business community. Additionally, the partnership with POST Promise has equipped us to ensure our businesses are doing everything they can to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and I’m thrilled to have them on board.”

Aidan Tracey, POST Promise Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors

“The POST Promise is proud to be partnering with Team Burlington, the City of Burlington and the Burlington Safe Restart Program to support local small businesses. We congratulate all grant recipients and businesses who have made the POST Promise and are doing their part to let Canadians know they can confidently return to public spaces.”

Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce

“We are pleased to champion the Burlington Safe Restart Program that will provide much-needed relief to businesses across our City. We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively. Restoring consumer confidence is key to economic recovery and the steps businesses take to protect employees and consumers is an essential part of that process, and we encourage all businesses to take the POST promise.”

Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca

Team Burlington Announces the Burlington Safe Restart Program

Team Burlington Announces the Burlington Safe Restart Program

Burlington Safe Restart Program to provide eligible small businesses with grants of up to $2500 to purchase PPE equipment and/or renovate their physical space to adhere to reopening guidelines 

September 29, 2020 – Burlington, ON – Team Burlington (Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington), has teamed up with the City of Burlington and POST Promise to deliver an innovative new program to provide financial support to Burlington’s small business community during COVID-19. A direct outcome of the Burlington Economic Recovery Network (BERN) also led by Team Burlington, the one-time grant of up to $2500 can be used towards related COVID-19 costs such as purchasing PPE, renovating a physical space to adhere to public health guidelines, purchasing of signage and/or barriers, and much more.

Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce offered a statement on behalf of the Team Burlington organizations. “As a result of COVID-19, public-facing businesses such as food services and retail stores have seen a decline in revenues anywhere from 60-70%. These businesses are under tremendous pressure to adapt their physical spaces to adhere to reopening guidelines. Through speaking with stakeholders, it became clear that the City could support in restarting the economy and rebuilding consumer and employee trust by offering financial support to adapt to the reopening guidelines laid out by the province.” She continued, “We are very proud that Burlington is the first municipality we know of to launch a program of this kind and to be taking actionable steps toward helping businesses reopen safely and effectively.”

The Burlington Safe Restart Program is also proud to be partnering with POST Promise, a private-sector initiative, in collaboration with various levels of government, designed to help Canadians confidently and safely visit public spaces and the workplace. Businesses who apply for the Burlington Safe Restart grant are required to make the POST Promise, which provides education and training on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The POST Promise is honoured to be a part of the City of Burlington’s Safe Restart Program, and Team Burlington’s efforts to support local businesses during this challenging time,” said Laura Hearn, President & Executive Director of the POST Promise. “This initiative not only provides businesses with the tools they need to keep their customers and employees safe but is also critical to rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting our economy. I applaud all businesses who have already made the POST Promise and encourage all others to learn more at postpromise.com.”

Grant recipients will be able to display Burlington Safe Restart signage as well as the POST Promise logo in their storefront window, demonstrating their commitment to doing their part to protect the public’s health during COVID-19.

“The Burlington Safe Restart Program grant is another way to support our local businesses in adapting, as well as helping to increase consumer confidence in participating in the economy again – that, in turn, will hopefully help the public feel more comfortable in visiting their favourite local shops,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “Businesses are already putting in safety and health protocols, and that’s good to see. Connecting the grant to the POST Promise is also a great idea because it’s a simple and visible way for businesses to let their customers know the steps they are taking. Once people start seeing the same logo at many businesses — and you’ll also see it at City Hall — it’ll start creating confidence again in participating in the economy. I want to thank the Burlington Economic Recovery Network and Team Burlington for spearheading and supporting these initiatives and encouraging businesses to participate.”

The Burlington Safe Restart program will be accepting applications from eligible businesses from September 29 to October 13. More information on the program including eligibility requirements and the application form can be found at www.investburlington.ca/covid19.

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Media Contact

Claire Green
Manager, Marketing and Attraction
Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca