by admin | Apr 1, 2020 | Chamber News
(April 1, 2020, Burlington) The need has never been greater as our local economy continues to be dramatically weighed down by the daily impacts of COVID-19. Some small businesses have made the decision to close completely, others are working in reduced capacity. In times of unprecedented hardship our small businesses and independents often experience the brunt of this crisis. Your assistance is needed.
Small businesses are an essential part of our community. They are risk-takers by nature; many are family owned and many are residents of the community where their business is located. They are the entrepreneurs that hire our children, sponsor our teams, donate for our events – they are our neighbours.
Team Burlington, which is a collective of the combined talents of The Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA and Tourism Burlington, encourages residents to support small businesses online from the safety of their home. They have made seven suggestions:
- Shop small businesses online: even though their doors may be closed, many businesses are still offering on-line sales and incentives with no-contact shipping/delivery
- Order takeout or delivery: show your support to restaurants/eateries that are still offering takeaway options by ordering at home
- Purchase a gift card for future use: you may have to wait to use it but it provides cash to the business now when they need it most
- Submit a positive review online for your favourite business
- Connect online by following a few more local businesses and commenting on their posts
- Attend an online fitness workout: many fitness providers are offering classes from home virtually
- Support a local not-for-profit/charity: to the extent that you are able, please donate directly to local not-for-profits and charities to ensure that critical support continues to be available to those most vulnerable in our community
Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association emphasizes “Shopping locally during this challenging time for Burlington business is more than a good idea, it is a necessity to help keep these small businesses flourishing”.
The days, weeks and months ahead are uncertain. These are your neighbours. This is your community. Small businesses need your support, now, more than ever. We’re all in this together.
Media Contacts
Samantha Statham
Marketing & Events Manager, Burlington Downtown Business Association
samantha@burlingtondowntown.ca 905.407.4057
Kelly Harris
Marketing Specialist, Tourism Burlington
Kelly.harris@burlington.ca 416.726.8359
by admin | Mar 31, 2020 | Chamber News
(March, 30, Burlington) – The Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Aldershot Village BIA, and Tourism Burlington have joined forces to offer support and help Burlington’s Business community navigate the economic impacts of COVID-19.
While the Team Burlington name is not new, COVID-19 has renewed the group’s collaborative mission to keep the business community informed and ensure relevant and timely information is distributed as soon as it becomes available. “Right now, it’s about pooling resources for the collective benefit of the business community,” explained Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development. “That means daily scrum meetings, sharing information, engaging subject matter experts and government officials, and asking the tough questions to ensure we know what businesses need now, and what they’ll need in the future to come out strong on the other side.”
The first thing Team Burlington did to support businesses during COVID-19 was to launch a one-stop-shop resource for businesses to turn to for information, resources and tools. With so much information rolling out every day, the website, which is hosted on burlingtonchamber.com, aims to provide the latest government updates, toolkits, support programs, economic relief information and resources all in place.
Carla Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce also spoke to the power of working together.
“Our membership already trusts that we’ll take a strong stance to advocate for their interests. Through this team approach, we’ll be able to do even more and extend our reach further to ensure all businesses of all sizes and industries feel supported and heard during these difficult times, and to position them for recovery in the longer term.”
Team Burlington is planning a series of COVID-19 virtual business support forums to give business leaders the opportunity to ask questions and hear from subject matter experts and key government officials at the local and regional levels, as well as Provincial and Federal. One will also be dedicated to small business support. The first forum, dedicated to local and regional support, will take place on April 2 at 10 am. More details and registration information are available at burlingtonchamber.com.
The global COVID-19 pandemic is putting substantial pressure on the Burlington business community. Mandatory closures, necessary social distancing measures, layoffs and supply chain disruptions are putting immense pressure on businesses of all sizes. However, it is Team Burlington’s hope that through communication, advocacy, and the right relief measures, Burlington’s business community will remain steadfast in its short-term and long-term recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
Media Contacts
Lindsay Stevenson
Strategic Communications Coordinator, Burlington Chamber of Commerce
lindsay@burlingtonchamber.com
289-208-2844
Claire Green
Manager, Marketing & Attraction, Burlington Economic Development
Claire.Green@burlington.ca
907-407-8840
by admin | Mar 26, 2020 | Chamber News
2020 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL UPDATE PROVIDES RELIEF FOR ONTARIO BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEES
Ontario Government Introduces Much-Needed Measures to Provide Pandemic Relief
(Burlington, March 26) – Today, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following joint statement in reaction to the Government of Ontario’s Economic and Fiscal Update:
“Unprecedented times like these call for extraordinary measures. The Economic and Fiscal Update shows the government is listening and responding to Ontario businesses and families – and for this we are extremely grateful.
“These measures will help provide additional relief to employers and employees and build upon previous actions introduced, such as lowering electricity rates, extending the ban on electricity disconnection for households and small businesses, and important changes to the Employment Standards Act to protect workers.
“We call on the Province to work with the federal government and push for a larger federal wage subsidy and to expand federal loan extensions to small business.
“More measures to provide relief will be needed in the weeks and months ahead, so we will continue to work closely with our members and governments of all levels to support Ontario businesses and employees.”
Health Care
“Fundamentally, prioritizing public health is our best long-term economic strategy. The faster we stop the spread of COVID-19, the faster our economy can recover. Providing additional funding for our public health care and long-term care systems is not just the right thing to do – it’s critical for our recovery.”
Municipal Property Tax
“We are pleased the Ontario government has committed to work with municipalities to defer property taxes. Eliminating taxes and fees is something we have called for, as this will provide relief to local businesses as they experience unprecedented revenue losses. With revenue down considerably for nearly the entire business community, any way the government can reinforce their cash flow means the longer they can continue to pay their employees and keep the lights on.”
Tax Measures
“The Government’s reduction of the Employer Health Tax (EHT) is welcome news for Ontario business. Retroactively reducing the EHT and increasing the exemption will provide relief to many struggling businesses and their employees. Equally, deferring property tax assessments to next year will help lift a burden from those overwhelmed during this crisis. For parts of Ontario where businesses are especially struggling, the new Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit is a much-needed support to help them through this crisis and beyond.”
Improved Cash Flows for Business
“We have asked the Government to consider a series of actions to support businesses both large and small as they experience unprecedented revenue losses. A six-month deferral on WSIB premiums for employers will provide relief to many businesses struggling to keep their lights on. Similarly, the deferral of the ten provincially administrated taxes from April 1 – August 31 will help support businesses at they try to stay afloat.”
Supports for Ontario’s Vulnerable
“Many business owners and employees are worried about how best to care for their families during this crisis, particularly when under quarantine or in isolation. Providing additional relief to parents with children under the age of 12 and to seniors are welcome actions on the part of the Province.”
by admin | Mar 21, 2020 | Chamber News
(Toronto, March 21, 2020) – Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in reaction to the Government of Ontario’s launch of a new procurement portal, Ontario Together, that will help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19.
“All businesses across the province and country must shift their focus to the singular cause of slowing the pace of the transmission of the virus. The Government of Ontario’s new procurement portal is critical as it will remove barriers and speed up the process for the government to procure required goods and services and share creative solutions.
“Several of our members have already stepped up and offered to help support on-going public health efforts.
“I echo the Premier in stating extraordinary times call for extraordinary efforts. It is critical that we work collectively to identify the province’s supply challenges and solicit ideas and advice from Ontario’s business and manufacturing communities on how we can work together with government to meet the need.
“Public health and safety are priorities for us all. We applaud the Government of Ontario’s on-going leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis.”
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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.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Eaton, Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce at michelleeaton@occ.ca or 647-261-4594
HOW YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION CAN HELP FIGHT CORONAVIRUS
The Government of Ontario is welcoming help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19.
Click here to learn more.
by admin | Mar 18, 2020 | Chamber News
This article first appeared on burlington.ca
Burlington, Ont.—March 17, 2020 — As the City of Burlington continues to support the efforts to slow the COVID-19 virus, payment is not required for on-street parking or in municipal parking lots until further notice. This is to take away numerous people touching the same parking machines throughout the day. Parking enforcement for lack of payment is also suspended. Machines are being put ‘out-of-order’ and covered with stickers to let patrons know that payment is not required.
Parking enforcement is currently limited to safety-related issues such as fire routes, accessible parking, no parking/stopping areas and blocked areas. Time limit restrictions have been relaxed to help those working from home or self-isolating.
For this measure to be successful and deliver its intended relief, it is imperative that parking permit holders in municipal lots continue to park in their assigned lots.
Residents who would like to dispute a ticket, can do so online or via a phone meeting. Because ticket review requests have dropped in volume, parking services is reducing the number of days per week that online and phone requests will be reviewed. Online and phone ticket reviews will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., until further notice.
The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.
This situation is evolving every hour and we are continually monitoring. The City of Burlington will continue to keep you informed.
For further information and updates, the City has launched the webpage Burlington.ca/coronavirus.
Burlington is ranked as Canada’s best community and best place to raise a family. It is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“I am in complete support of the City’s decision. The COVID-19 situation has created a lot of uncertainty and worry for many residents — paying for parking while ducking out quickly for food or supplies shouldn’t be one of them. In addition, relaxing time limit restrictions will help those community members working from home or self-isolating. These are difficult times, but we will get through them, as long as we continue to follow the advice of our medical professionals and employ social distancing. Please remember to check in on family, friends and neighbours via phone, email and social media.”
Ward 2 City of Burlington Councillor Lisa Kearns
“At this time, it’s so important as a city to focus on essential services, including parking. Keeping visitors and patrons safe while parking in the downtown remains a priority. We recognize our downtown partners require support as many have temporarily closed or modified operations. This initiative to waive daily parking fees can make it easier for people to support downtown businesses when essential items are needed, when picking up online orders or gift cards, or when making food service pick-ups. I am encouraged that offering this relief is one additional way we can show that we are all in this together.”
Brian Dean, Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association
“Parking infrastructure and available parking supply downtown are key to maintaining the steady flow of goods and services to our small business community. The relaxation of parking enforcement during this challenging time for our small business entrepreneurs is a welcomed development. The Burlington Downtown Business Association and its four hundred-member businesses appreciate the flexibility in parking operations toward our continued growth in this uniquely challenging time.”
Quick Facts
- Contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311, 905-825-6000 or toll-free at 1-866-442-5866 if you have a fever OR cough OR breathing difficulty AND any of the following:
- travelled outside of Canada in the 14 days before onset of illness; or
- close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; or
- close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who travelled to affected areas within 14 days prior to their illness onset.
Links and Resources
Communications contact:
Kwab Ako-Adjei
Director, Corporate Communications & Government Relations
Office: 905-335-7600, ext. 7747
kwab.ako-adjei@burlington.ca
by admin | Mar 16, 2020 | Chamber News
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
Government of Ontario – Premier Ford Announces Job Protection for Workers During the COVID-19 Situation
Prime Minister Trudeau Addresses Canadians
Today, March 16th, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed the nation regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak.
The following was announced affecting the business community:
Resources and Tool-kits
March Events to be Rescheduled
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.
