by admin | Aug 4, 2021 | Chamber News
This year, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize 8 Burlington high school students with scholarship awards to help support them as they continue their studies at a Canadian college or university.
Each year, the Chamber recognizes the next generation of future business leaders based on their achievement and involvement in extracurriculars, volunteer activities and academic studies. This endowment is awarded through the Burlington Chamber Scholarship Fund of the Burlington Community Foundation.
All students awarded must be furthering their studies at a Canadian college or university. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce contributes to all eight high schools in Burlington and representatives from each school select a student to receive $1,000 for costs incurred related to their on-going post-secondary education.
“We are pleased to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence and recognizing the future generation of community leaders in Burlington. By providing scholarship assistance, we are able to support deserving students as they further their education and develop leadership skills,” said President and CEO, Carla Y. Nell.
Please join us in congratulating the 2021 Business Scholarship recipients:
We wish this accomplished group of students all the best as they continue to pursue their interest in business related studies.
Media Contact
Corinne Radake
Director, Stakeholder Relations and Policy
corinne@burlingtonchamber.com
by admin | Jul 7, 2021 | Chamber News
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce (BCC) 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 Board of Directors of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce seeks an experienced individual for the position of President and CEO. This position requires a strategic and innovative leader who will work with various stakeholders such as government, business and community leaders to evolve and grow the Chamber of Commerce for long-term sustainability and maximize value for its membership.
In this high profile role, preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience in a Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade or not-for-profit organization similar in size and scope to the BCC. They will ideally have a Business or Public administration degree or equivalent, with specific experience in stakeholder relations, communications, marketing, finance and accounting, human resource management and operations. They will have experience in dealing with government, regulatory bodies, and have knowledge of the Burlington and Ontario business communities.
The selected candidate will work with our highly dedicated, professional staff and volunteer base and have a strong business acumen, excellent communication skills and an engaging interpersonal style, to carry out the BCC strategic plan.
Review the President and CEO position.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Expressions of interest including resumes and covering letters will be accepted until at 4:30 p.m. on July 21st, and should be sent confidentially to Jennifer Smith, Chair, Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
Email: jsmith@burlingtonhydro.com.
Information provided by or about candidates for these positions will be used only for candidate selection. We thank each applicant for taking the time and effort to respond; however only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.
by admin | Jun 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
BURLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES AND CELEBRATES BURLINGTON ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT AND INSPIRATION TO THE COMMUNITY DURING A CHALLENGING YEAR
Burlington, Ontario (June 25, 2021) – The Burlington Chamber of Commerce presented its 2021 Business Excellence Awards and 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur virtual evening of inspiration on June 24, 2021 recognizing leadership and innovation within the community. More than 300 delegates joined hosts Layne, The Auctionista and Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur, Kenna Danyliw, alongside the organizations in Burlington that embraced the pressures and uncertainty of the pandemic and supported their customers and community amidst a very challenging year.
“The gala is a long-standing, time-honoured tradition in Burlington. As a strong, vibrant community, it is so important for us to pause and recognize and celebrate the organizations that have inspired all of us throughout the pandemic,” says Nell. “We were pleased to be able to move forward again with our flagship event this year despite not being able to host in person. The priority for this event was to not only adapt to the changing landscape that COVID-19 has brought on but to showcase business excellence while at the same time reinvesting in our community and local economy. Congratulations to all of our finalists and award winners and to our 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur, Kenna Danyliw!”
This year, the Business Awards Task Force Committee was tasked with the challenge of presenting five Awards of Excellence. The 13 finalists were evaluated based on the following criteria: Adaptation, Community Contribution and Impact, Innovation and Ingenuity, and Leadership. Among the finalists, three for-profit companies, one not-for-profit organization and a special Legacy Award recognizing an organization demonstrating outstanding success in Burlington were selected.
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Business Excellence Awards Winners are:
Not-for-profit:
Sound of Music
For-Profit:
Aslan Technologies Inc.
Fast Stitch
Supreme Cheerleading
Legacy Award:
Hunter Amenities
The Mayor’s Community Service and Burlington Economic Development Award Winners who were also honoured at the Gala are:
Mayor’s Community Service Awards | Not-for-profit:
St. Matthew on-the-Plains
Mayor’s Community Service Awards | For-profit:
Mending the Chasm
Burlington Economic Development | Excellence in Innovation and Technology – Small:
IRIS R&D Group Inc.
Burlington Economic Development | Excellence in Innovation and Technology – Large:
Gerrie Electric Wholesale Limited
Burlington Economic Development | Excellence in Global Business:
Endress+Hauser Canada Ltd.
Visit burlingtonchamber.com for more about the award winners and their stories of inspiration.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to support and reinvest in our business community, ticket holders were given exclusive access to the live, interactive event production through tiered tickets to ensure that attendees could participate at different price points. As a part of the gala experience, ticket holders had the options of choosing a three-course meal and gift bags showcasing a broad array of products from Chamber members and the broader business.
A special thank you to event sponsors and all who attended this one-of-a-kind experience! It was wonderful to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate excellence and leadership despite not being able to connect in person. Sincere congratulations to our 2021 Business Excellence Award Winners and the 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur, Kenna Danyliw!
– 30 –
Media Contact
Corinne Radake
corinne@burlingtonchamber.com
Director, Stakeholder Relations and Policy
by admin | May 21, 2021 | Chamber News
May, 21, 2021 – Burlington, ON –The Burlington Chamber of Commerce and its partners at Burlington Economic Development and the City of Burlington are pleased to provide free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening Kits to small and medium-sized businesses in Burlington as part of the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. This initiative was launched by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as well as the provincial and federal governments. The rapid test kits will be available to businesses with less than 150 employees in Burlington at no cost. The goal of the program is to identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and throughout the community.
Supported by Team Burlington, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Burlington Economic Development have partnered with the City of Burlington to ensure that a safe and seamless testing program can be made available to interested businesses. The Rapid Antigen Screening program launches Wednesday, May 26 and will provide vital support to the Burlington business community. These rapid tests paired with existing health and safety measures will give businesses an added layer of support as they navigate COVID-19.
The kits will be available for pick-up, by appointment only. The tests will be administered by a representative of each participating company who will be responsible for supervising the self-screening process. If a test comes back positive, that employee is required to immediately leave the workplace and notify public health to arrange for a PCR Test and await further instructions from Halton Region Public Health.
Burlington businesses with less than 150 employees can learn more about the program by following the link below.
QUOTES
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Rapid Antigen Screening is another key way we can help keep businesses open and support other local shops in their re-opening. It’s critical that we use every tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 and rapid testing can help catch cases before they have time to spread in our community. Health and safety is our top priority and this screening program will benefit our local businesses, their employees and customers, and our community at large.”
Carla Y. Nell, President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce
“The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is so pleased to be able to launch the Rapid Antigen Screening program in Burlington. This is an important tool that Burlington businesses can use to help detect and slow the spread of COVID-19, which is key to our economic recovery. We’re so grateful to our Team Burlington partners who have stepped up to assist in pulling this program together to make it a reality for Burlington businesses.”
Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development
“Team Burlington’s goal has always been to support our business community in any way we can. Our business community has been asking for rapid tests and we are excited to be rolling out this program in Burlington. Our partners at the City of Burlington, including Mayor Meed Ward and Council, have been huge cheerleaders for this initiative fully supporting its facilitation from start to finish. Keeping business open safely will help Burlington get on the path to economic recovery faster.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Corinne Radake
Director, Stakeholder Relations and Policy
corinne@burlingtonchamber.com
by admin | May 6, 2021 | Uncategorized
Building on the overwhelming success of the 2020 virtual gala and honouring the tradition of celebrating business excellence, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has combined the 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur Dinner with this year’s Business Excellence Awards to bring you one special evening of inspiration on June 24, 2021, at 6:30 pm.
Join us as we honour Distinguished Entrepreneur, Kenna Danyliw, President/CEO, Founding Partner, Danyliw & Mann Professional Corporation, and her accomplishments in her industry alongside many organizations in Burlington that have embraced the pressures and uncertainty of the pandemic to meet the needs of their customers and the community during a very challenging year. Celebrate their achievements and show your support for the organizations that exceeded expectations and brought us all together to strengthen and redefine our sense of community and shared connection.
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Thank you to our Staycation Prize Package Sponsors
Valued at $1,200 featuring luxurious offerings and services from local businesses with no limits on purchases.
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With Virtual Performances By
Thank You to our Chamber Member Caterers
2021 Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Finalists
Congratulations to this year’s finalists! While the list of finalists is public, the winners will be announced at the 2021 Business Excellence Awards on June 24.
Kenna Danyliw, 2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
Kenna is the President / CEO and founding partner of Danyliw & Mann, a boutique firm that specializes in providing business management, tax and accounting services to the music industry. The business started 15 years ago in the spare bedroom of her family’s home while she had two young daughters, a stepson and one very supportive husband.
Read more
Danyliw & Mann has grown out of that bedroom and into one of the leading Canadian firms in the industry and represents several Juno and Grammy award-winning or nominated artists across Canada, the United States and beyond. Kenna is a CPA, CA who started her career with Coopers & Lybrand and also worked with Laidlaw and PricewaterhouseCoopers before founding Danyliw & Mann. Kenna and her family are Burlington residents who have lived in the community for 20 years. Kenna is the Treasurer on the Sarah McLachlan Foundation board, is the former Vice-Chair of the Art Gallery of Burlington Board of Directors, is a new member of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Women4Change group, is a member of the JR Digs Acoustic Christmas organizing committee, volunteers services for The Avril Lavigne Foundation and was on the board of the Southern Ontario Chamber Music Institute and Planned Parenthood Hamilton.
Aslan Technologies
Aslan Technologies, established in 1992, is a global design and manufacturing company located in Burlington and the Silicon Valley for cleantech solutions. Aslan offers innovation in water and energy management through sustainable manufacturing, integrated fabrication services and private labelling in partnership with investors and leading technology developers in different industrial sectors, academic institutions, and research centres.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and barriers to business development at Aslan Technologies were affected. Acting quickly, all marketing and business development activities were turned into digitized services, virtual meetings and conferences. Aslan decided “not to waste a good crisis” and began thinking outside of the box. They shifted markets and began developing submarkets looking to water, wastewater treatment and supporting cleantech industries as they emerge to solve environmental problems. They are currently working in the biosolid field to keep waste out of landfill and turning waste into energy.
Learn more aslantech.ca/
Burlington Food Bank
The Burlington Food Bank is committed to ensuring that no one in Burlington struggles with hunger. Their mission is to provide nutritious food to the hungry in our community in a dignified and timely manner.
Burlington Food Bank does that by:
- Providing emergency food to Burlington residents
- Providing vital information to families struggling with finances
- Supplementing fresh produce by growing their own vegetables in our community gardens
- Extending their reach across Burlington through the generosity of corporate donors
- Assisting local agencies to meet the food needs they have in providing for their clients
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they quickly transitioned from a shopping model where clients were able to come in and pick out their own groceries to a contactless, confidential delivery model to anyone in Burlington that self identifies their need for assistance. They have seen a dramatic increase of 40 per cent usage of their Food Bank over 2019 and were able to rise to the challenge of implementing their new delivery model and accommodated up to 50 families in one morning.
There was a dramatic rise of 50 per cent of clients served last year who had never used their services. They quicky realized how difficult it can be to ask for help and have assured our community that they are there for those who need help under difficult circumstances.
Learn more burlingtonfoodbank.ca
Burlington Sound of Music Festival
What do you do when you have 157 acts booked across multiple venues in Burlington with booked vendors and suppliers and a pandemic hits? For the first time in 43 years, Sound of Music was forced to cancel its festival – one of the first to make its announcement much to the dismay of its many fans. Sound of Music has been bringing music to Burlington since 1980. Its dedicated team pulled together and focused on what they could do rather than what they couldn’t do, and how it could support the community and the live music industry.
Despite a significant financial loss during the year, Sound of Music shifted to offer Sound of Music At Home comprised of an artists series offered for free, as well as an education series, an industry summit all featuring top talent performing “crash rhythm” guitar, drumming, beatboxing and vocals, a songwriting workshop. Sound of Music became more than Canada’s largest free music festival – but a creative gathering and music hub for people around the world. Sound of Music’s innovation garnered more than 500,000 social media followers and 5,000 podcast subscribers. The pandemic of 2020 created an incredibly successful experience that was truly barrier-free and accessible for all around the world.
Learn more soundofmusic.ca
Dare To Be Youth Charity
Dare to be Youth (DTBY) is a grassroots for-purpose organization that empowers young adults ages 17-24 in Halton and Hamilton to unlock their potential. Driven by mentorship and leadership initiatives, DTBY is dedicated to supporting young adults and empowering personal growth and self-discovery to create a community of future leaders that inspire change.
At the onset of the pandemic, DTBY pivoted to online Zoom meetings and prioritized youth connection and empowerment, building life skills and connections during this unprecedented time. When so many youth wellness programs closed down due to the pandemic, DTBY shifted to be a positive resource for youth, recognizing the need to support young adults this past year more than ever.
Their various programs help young adults develop mental wellness, resiliency and confidence. These workshops offer engaging activities and reflective exercises focused on several priority areas including authenticity, self-awareness, trust, resilience and community integration. Their programs provide further opportunities for their workshop graduates to apply their learning from being mentees to now becoming mentors through peer-led initiatives, and to engage in meaningful community service.
Learn more www.dtby.ca
Fast Stitch
Fast Stitch has been a leading tailor in Burlington for more than 10 years. This small, family-run business has made a name for itself through quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, quick turnaround times, and the personal care provided by a close family team.
During the pandemic, they were forced to shut their doors during lockdowns, however, they quickly pulled together as a family and leveraged their knowledge of using masks from their South Korean roots and began deploying their industrial machines to create masks. To date, they have shipped more than 13,000 masks to organizations in Burlington including the Burlington Food Bank and Burlington Performing Arts Centre as well as long-term care homes and auto manufacturers. They overcame several challenges that they had never had to face including launching an online shop for the first time, purchasing fabrics without physically seeing them, creating a custom design, securing materials in high demand, adapting to evolving public health guidance on masks and answering hundreds of inquiries from customers who were not familiar with masks at the beginning of the pandemic.
Pulled together as a family. Leveraged their knowledge of masks from South Korean roots where masks have been commonplace for many years allowing them to be first to market before Government guidance on masks was available.
Learn more faststitch.wordpress.com/about/
Food for Life
Since 1995, Food for Life has rescued more than 26 million pounds of food by collecting surplus perishable food (fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat and prepared foods) from both retail and wholesale food suppliers and grocery stores. Food for Life is the largest food rescue organization in Halton and Hamilton.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Food for Life re-modelled its strategic plan, doubled its staff and pivoted its operations and programs ensuring it was able to continue to provide good food to the community – all within three days. Previously run out of church basements, Food For Life completely transformed its operating model by offering a drive-through program to an expanded number of families every Wednesday. Operating as a food broker, Food for Life worked with local restaurants to distribute surplus food that is not sold at the end of the day and work with restaurant networks to secure additional food where possible. Food for Life estimates that they have distributed a stunning four million pounds of food this year alone.
Learn more foodforlife.ca
Hunter Amenities
Celebrating its 40th year in business, Hunter Amenities is a global supplier of guest amenities providing a range of products from distinctive hotel amenities to luxurious spa and retail collections. At its peak, Hunter Amenities sales were topping $10 – $12 million a month. When the pandemic hit, the travel and tourism industry was greatly impacted and as a result, sales at Hunter Amenities plummeted to a mere $300,000 a month forcing layoffs of more than 200 employees. Very quickly, Hunter Amenities reinvented themselves to supply one of the pandemic’s most sought after products – hand sanitizer. Working with a very lean crew, they retooled 10 – 12 machines that would have otherwise been obsolete to produce hand sanitizer. They introduced personal protective equipment kits for the hospitality industry supplying hotels and others with sanitizer, wipes, gloves, masks – to improve safety and boost confidence for their clients. But their ultimate goal was to get everyone back to work. Within 45 days they were able to hire back those employees who were laid off, and as travel and tourism improves globally, Hunter Amenities has seen sales grow back to 60% of its original forecast. Hunter Amenities credits its success and perseverance due to the long-lasting relationships created with suppliers, hoteliers and retailers. Many of its partners and employees today have been with Hunter for more than 30 years and are considered family.
Learn more at hunteramenities.com
Joe Apps Technology
When the pandemic hit, many of Burlington’s workforce found themselves working from home. Technology took on a new meaning for many who found themselves trying to navigate their wifi set up, computer security, virtual meeting platforms and computer desk ergonomics. Joe Apps Technology was quick to come to their clients’ rescue and ramped up their services to ensure that clients could operate remotely, safely and effectively.
To substitute for in-home services, Joe Apps Technology implemented a “Client take-out window” where a technician could safely assist those clients that required a more hands-on approach. Not surprisingly, Joe Apps Technology was able to successfully grow the business increasing their web and application development from 5% to 25% of their business, acquiring a retiring IT company and expanding the business to a larger facility. Through it all, Joe Apps Technology has also supported Burlington not-for-profit organizations such as Halton Women’s Place, Burlington Soccer Club, Dare to Be You and Food4Kids.
Learn more joeapps.ca
Stratus Building Solutions
Stratus Building Solutions is the industry-leading franchise in green commercial cleaning. In an ever-increasing health and environmentally conscious consumer market, the demand for green cleaning services puts Stratus at the forefront of the competition. As a standard, Stratus franchisees use state-of-the-art cleaning equipment, sustainable processes and Green Seal Certified, biodegradable and non-toxic branded cleaning chemicals. With customizable cleaning options and competitive rates, Stratus Building Solutions franchisees provide services to a large range of clients, from schools, medical offices, shopping centres, warehouses, dealerships, religious centres, professional offices, daycares, retail stores, gyms and more.
As an essential service, Stratus has been able to continue operating and in fact, acquired and spun off franchises during the pandemic. Diversity and inclusion are important at Stratus Building Solutions and 70 per cent of their franchisees are new immigrants to Canada.
Businesses and organizations need cleaning services more than ever due to the pandemic which may be the new normal moving forward. Through training and support, their staff have elevated their cleaning protocols and disinfecting services to ensure that the Burlington community and Burlington businesses can enter safe workspaces.
Learn more https://www.stratusclean.com/locations/hamilton
Supreme Cheerleading Inc.
Supreme Cheerleading began operations in 2011 teaching cheer and tumbling to children and youth 3 – 18 years old. In March 2020, Supreme Cheerleading had just moved to a new 10,000 square foot facility to continue its operations when the pandemic hit. Faced with lockdowns, Supreme Cheerleading was forced to shut down for two weeks while it developed a new strategy that would enable it to continue to offer its programming to its “families”.
Recognizing the importance in keeping children and youth mentally and physically active, Supreme Cheerleading focused its energy on developing ways that it could keep its families moving and active. Connecting with parents, they welcomed suggestions on how this might be achieved and worked together with their team coaches to develop online programming that they offered to free of charge to their families. Making use of subsidies available to them, Supreme Cheerleading installed a camera system for parents to watch their children. Successfully, Supreme Cheerleading was able to continue to offer much needed services to its families throughout the pandemic.
Learn more supremecheerleading.com
Wellington Square Friday Night Community
In this time of fear and uncertainty, Wellington Square believes that compassion is as important as ever. As a community, they are choosing to share what we have with those around us who may be scared, hungry and alone.
The Friday Community Meal Bag Program provides meals to people who are isolating or unable to go to the grocery store or make their own food through delivery options or pick up. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the regular Friday Night Community Meal for 250 people was reimagined to a take-home meal program as gathering indoors was not permitted.
The need for ready-made meals due to the pandemic has been overwhelming with meal requests increasing 1000 per cent to 1,200 meal bags per week. While it has been challenging to manage the uptake of the program, Wellington Square has remained resilient and found ways to persevere through community partners and outreach for volunteer assistance.
Thanks to the support of COVID-19 support programs, the Burlington Foundation, Second Harvest, and Halton Region, they have received numerous grants and corporate partner donations that have offset costs ensuring the program can be successful.
Learn more https://www.wsquare.ca/community-food-program
W.H Kingsmill Ltd
W.H Kingsmill Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of high temperature dry fluorescent leak detection powder, used to test for leaks in fabric filter dust collection systems in both new installments, as well as regular maintenance.
Like all businesses, the pandemic had a serious impact on W.H Kingsmill’s supply chain and its pricing. With limited suppliers in the market, W.H Kingsmill adjusted its production based on customer demand and supplies that were available at the time. This has a significant impact on operations given that prices of supplies increased exponentially but were not passed on to customers due to existing contracts. Fortunately, W.H Kingsmill was able to maintain its full staffing complement making good use of government support programs that were offered during the pandemic. To ensure its staff safety, W.H Kingsmill changed its staffing model to shifts so that employees could maintain social distances and limit interaction, while office staff worked from home.
Learn more www.whkingsmill.com
2021 Burlington Partner Awards
Mayor's Community Service Awards
Mayor’s Community Service | For Profit
Mayor’s Community Service | Not for Profit
Burlington Economic Development Awards
Burlington Economic Development – Excellence in Global Business Award
Burlington Economic Development – Excellence in Innovation and Technology – Small
Burlington Economic Development – Excellence in Innovation and Technology – Large
2021 Business Excellence Awards Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact ashlee@ourforte.ca to become a sponsor and help recognize Business Excellence in our Burlington community.
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
2020 Distinguished Entrepreneur
by admin | May 4, 2021 | Chamber News
(May 4, 2021, Burlington, Ontario) Today, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce was presented with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Advocacy Award along with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce for its joint advocacy work on modernizing Ontario’s property tax system. Burlington Chamber President and CEO, Carla Y. Nell and Sault Ste. Marie Chamber CEO, Rory Ring, accepted the award virtually during the Ontario Chamber’s Annual General Meeting and Convention.
“I’m so pleased that we have been recognized for our efforts by our peers at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for the significant work that was done to drive discussions for change at the provincial and municipal levels of government,” said Nell. “We’ve made some incredible headway in advancing the transformation of Ontario’s tax system, but there is still work to be done, and we are committed to continuing to move this forward as communities across Ontario begin to recover from the pandemic and look for strategies to support their economic prosperity.”
Last year, the Burlington and Sault Ste. Marie Chambers submitted a resolution to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce that was approved unanimously and advanced to the Ontario government for consideration. As a result, the 2020 Ontario budget implemented a number of changes reflected in the resolution including:
- Significant reductions in business education tax rates across the province;
- A moratorium on province-wide reassessment for 2021 with the next revaluation date for all property to be determined in future;
- The creation of a new optional subclass for small commercial properties to allow municipalities to target relief to businesses with a commitment on the part of the Province to match eligible property tax reductions; and
- A commitment to future changes to property valuation methodologies to protect areas undergoing redevelopment and to provide stability and fairness for other complex property types.
At the local level, the Province’s budget announcements led to a series of activities that would see municipalities also offering property tax relief to aid businesses and residents in managing through the immediate hardship brought on by the pandemic, while committing to working towards a modernized property tax system that will better accommodate the needs of municipalities across Ontario into the future.
Many municipalities throughout Ontario have implemented property tax deferral programs enabling businesses to take advantage of at least one financial tool to aid in providing immediate financial relief due to the pandemic.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Chamber’s Board of Directors and members of our Political Action Committee, as well as Chamber staff who made this award possible. Equally important, I am encouraged by the property tax changes that were implemented and optimistic about the future of modernizing our property tax system in Ontario,” says Nell.
Ontario’s property tax system has not been fully reviewed since the new Ontario Fair Assessment System (OFAS) was first introduced by the former Harris government approximately 25 years ago. Since that time, significant changes have occurred across Ontario’s economic landscape influencing global and local competitiveness and fundamentally altering traditional economic paradigms. This trend has been further compounded by increasing demands placed on municipalities as they are confronted with challenges, such as social housing, the opioid crisis, climate change, rapidly evolving technology, and the growing infrastructure deficit. As the principal source of funding for local government, Ontario’s property tax system requires a significant re-evaluation through the lenses of modernization, ensuring competitiveness, transparency, and stability to ensure fair and equitable property tax treatment for the future.
Media Contact
Corinne Radake
Director, Stakeholder Relations and Policy
corinne@burlingtonchamber.com
by admin | Apr 7, 2021 | Chamber News
No Easy On & Off Switch for Business: Recent Closures Devastating for Business Community
(Toronto – April 7, 2021) – Today, Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in reaction to further restrictions announced today:
“Ultimately, we want to see a safe and sustainable opening of Ontario’s economy. Closures buy us time at a high cost to business, our economy, as well as the mental and the long-term health of Ontarians. We recognize the restrictions brought in today are to help save lives and curtail the spread of the virus. However, in absence of further supports, new restrictions will simply devastate Ontario’s business community.
“An expedited vaccine roll-out prioritizing essential workers who cannot work from home is critical to preventing these stops and starts that are so damaging for business. With the Ontario Business Support Grant coming to a close, we call for continued supports that will see businesses through the third wave of the crisis,” said Carla Y. Nell, President and CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
“We call on all levels of government to work together to accelerate vaccinating Ontarians, so we can fully reopen the province. As the Government of Ontario proceeds with Phase 2 of the rollout, we would like to see the earlier prioritization of essential workers who cannot work from home and are most vulnerable and at risk.
“The Ontario Chamber’s Ontario Vaccination Support Council members are ready, willing, and able to support and accelerate local vaccine deployment efforts. As supply ramps up, we need an all-hands-on deck approach from Ontario’s business community, labour, associations and academia to move these vaccines from freezers to arms as quickly as possible. From vaccine facilities and centres to volunteers to donations to support ride programs, we truly see Council members stepping up to make a difference.” – Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
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Media Contact
Corinne Radake
Director, Stakeholder Relations & Policy
corinne@burlingtonchamber.com
by admin | Mar 25, 2021 | Chamber News
On March 24, 2021, the Government of Ontario released its 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. Budget 2021 contains measures to protect against the immediate impacts of the pandemic on the hardest-hit sectors and communities while laying the groundwork for an inclusive economic recovery, bringing Ontario’s COVID-19 action plan to $51 billion in total support over four years. The following is a summary of highlights from the perspective of Ontario’s business community.
Read the OCC’s response here.
TOURISM
The Province is investing in new programs to support Ontario’s tourism industry: The Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant ($100 million) will provide one-time payments between $10,000 and $20,000 for small tourism businesses that have experienced a minimum decline in revenue of 20 percent. Examples include hotels, travel agencies, amusement and water parks, and camps. Additionally, the Tourism Recovery Program ($100 million) will help historically successful tourism operators, anchor businesses, and attractions that have helped to drive employment and visitation in their regions by assisting with costs related to restructuring, safe reopening, recalibrated marketing activities, and partnership development.
OCC analysis: Tourism is vital to regional economies across Ontario. Businesses and workers in the sector were among those most impacted by the pandemic. This new funding – combined with the tourism tax credit announced in the 2020 Budget – will support organizations that have not been eligible for other supports and help facilitate the industry’s revival post-pandemic.
SMALL BUSINESS
Budget 2021 builds on many of the programs announced in 2020. The Province is doubling its investment in the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, for a total investment of $3.4 billion to support approximately 120,000 small businesses. Eligible businesses will receive an automatic top-up for this second round. Additionally, Ontario is investing another $10 million towards its Digital Main Street program.
OCC analysis: Small businesses are facing unprecedented cash flow challenges, forcing many to close and others to restructure. The OCC is pleased to see an expansion of successful grant programs. These measures will help thousands of small employers confront the health crisis and keep their workers employed. Using an automatic top-up will provide immediate relief and minimize the administrative burden on both businesses and government.
HEALTH CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Budget 2021 commits an additional $1.8 billion to the hospital sector in 2021-2022, as well as an additional $175 million in 2021-2022 to support mental health and addiction services.
OCC analysis: The OCC welcomes these significant investments to support Ontarians and patients. As discussed in the OCC’s report, Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care, the pandemic coupled with the public health measures that were put in place to prevent the spread of the virus (e.g., physical distancing), significantly impacted mental health, prompting advocates to warn of a potential “echo pandemic” of mental health problems in the future. This summer, the OCC will release a Mental Wellness in the Workplace Toolkit, which will include recent data and resources Ontario businesses and employers can use to support mental wellness in their workplaces.
BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY
In Budget 2021, the province will extend funding to 2022-2023 for several critical programs, specifically the VQA Wine Support Program (an additional $7.5 million) and the Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program (for a total of $2.6 million).
OCC analysis: Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry has been acutely impacted by COVID-19. Specifically, many local wineries and cideries across the province depend on local, international, and agri-food tourism. These local producers help support regional economies, adjacent sectors, and local jobs. While these supports are much welcome, the OCC encourages the Province to consider other recommendations outlined in our report, Refreshing the Sale of Beverage Alcohol in Ontario.
AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Budget 2021 commits $10 million in 2021-2022 for a one-year expansion to the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program, which aims to help farm businesses implement occupational health and safety measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
OCC analysis: The OCC welcomes the expansion of this program to help farm businesses with increased costs associated with the introduction of critical safety measures during the pandemic. On April 12, the OCC will be releasing a policy brief entitled Growing a More Resilient Food Supply Chain in Ontario. The brief examines the impact COVID-19 has had on Ontario’s food supply chain, specifically farmers and local producers, and steps the province can take to ensure the agri-food sector is better positioned to handle future disruptions.
WOMEN
The Minister of Finance and the Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues will establish a task force on inclusive economic growth to inform recovery efforts. To support parents, the government is proposing a 20 percent top-up of the CARE tax credit for 2021, which would increase the average amount from $1,250 to $1,500 per family, at a cost of approximately $75 million. Ontario is also providing a third round of payments through the Ontario COVID‐19 Child Benefit, doubling payments to $400 per child for this round and $500 for each child with special needs. Finally, the Budget invests an additional $2.1 million over three years to assist survivors of domestic violence and other heinous crimes like human trafficking.
OCC analysis: The OCC appreciates these new measures, as women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Investing in child care, advancing inclusive economic growth, and fighting gender-based violence are important steps to women’s economic empowerment. Budget 2021 delivers many of the measures we called for in our recent report, The She-Covery Project: Confronting the Gendered Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.
COMMUNITIES
Ontario is investing an additional $2.8 billion to expand broadband access, bringing the Province’s total investment to nearly $4 billion over six years beginning in 2019–20. An additional $61 million is being allocated to the Regional Opportunities Tax Credit and another $50 million to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Further, the government is further extending the pause on property tax reassessments for municipalities.
OCC analysis: The OCC is encouraged by the new measures to support local communities in Budget 2021, particularly as the pandemic has widened regional disparities. The need for reliable broadband access has only become more essential to the well-being and competitiveness of communities. Additional resources towards the Regional Opportunities Tax Credit and Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will enable rural and northern communities to invest in projects that create local jobs and economic growth. Pausing the property tax reassessment gives municipalities and businesses more capacity and time to adjust to the economic uncertainty and challenges caused by the pandemic.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Budget 2021 proposes a new temporary Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit which would provide support for 50 percent of eligible expenses (up to $2,000) in 2021 for a total projected cost of $260 million over two years. Similar to the Canada Training Credit, eligible expenses include fees for occupational skills courses, trade or professional exams, and postsecondary education courses.
OCC analysis: Amidst rapidly shifting labour market conditions, the OCC has underscored the importance of demand-driven skills programs that help Ontarians get the skills and training they need. Reskilling will be essential to the rapid re-employment of workers that have been displaced throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The government’s proposed tax credit is estimated to help approximately 230,000 Ontarians adapt to a quickly changing labour market.
OTHER SUPPORTS
Budget 2021 contains several other measures to help lay the foundation for a strong economic recovery. The Province is supporting the Invest Ontario Fund ($400 million over four years) to encourage business spending in the key sectors of advanced manufacturing, technology, and life sciences. Ontario is also investing $56.4 million over the next four years to create the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). OVIN will build on successful elements of the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) to accelerate the development of next-generation electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. Finally, the government is expanding the Ontario Together Fund with an additional $50 million in 2021-22 to help manufacturers retool their operations to produce personal protective equipment and develop technology‐driven solutions and services for business to reopen safely.
OCC analysis: Programs that build on Ontario’s competitive advantages in high-growth sectors will help position our economy for long-term growth and job creation. In addition to the OVIN initiative, the OCC encourages the Province to consider the recommendations outlined in our report, Moving Forward Towards a Strategic Approach for Ontario’s Transportation Needs, to ensure Ontario maintains its leadership in AV technology.
FISCAL BALANCE
Given the provincial government’s continued spending on healthcare and grants as a means for surviving the pandemic, Budget 2021 includes a number of time-limited COVID-19 spending amounting to more than $100 billion in new debt and deficits. Overall, the province is projecting to see a slight decline in the deficit from $38.5 billion in 2020-21 to $33.1 billion in 2021-22. This includes a decline in overall spending by around $4 billion relative to last year. Although the deficit is expected to gradually decline in the medium to long term, a surplus is not anticipated until at least 2029-30 under a medium-growth scenario and a return to the pre-pandemic deficit of around $10 billion is not expected until 2027-28.
OCC analysis: Given the record level deficit, it is important for the province to have a debt management plan in place and a path to fiscal balance. The continued challenges of COVID-19 have necessitated significant government spending in order to support businesses and individuals across sectors and regions. While support for those in hardest-hit sectors should remain a priority, policies to improve the cost-efficiency of Ontario’s public sector should be explored. The OCC encourages the government to adopt value-based procurement reforms and alternative service delivery, digitize government, reduce administrative burdens, pursue lost revenue from untaxed economic activity, and adopt a formal policy on asset recycling. These measures will improve value for public spending, encourage innovation, and support small businesses.
LOOKING AHEAD
As outlined above, the 2021 Ontario Budget includes a number of major commitments and funding for the hardest-hit sectors and communities, as well as much needed aid for women who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. However, given the government has recognized modernization of government services and regulatory innovation as priorities, there are certain measures well within the government’s purview that could help further improve the economic backdrop at little to no cost. These include:
- Being bold on interprovincial trade. Ontario should act swiftly to eliminate major interprovincial barriers to trade and labour mobility. The Government of Ontario should also continue supporting the work of the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table established under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
- Using regulatory modernization to support economic recovery. Temporary regulatory improvements introduced during the pandemic should be made permanent to support economic growth. For example, legal cannabis retailers have been temporarily allowed to engage in e-commerce and offer delivery and curbside pickup options while under lockdown. The Government of Ontario should support the growth of this emerging sector by making online delivery and curbside pick-up options permanent for privately-owned legal cannabis retailers.
For more details please refer to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s pre-budget submission.
Read the Ontario Budget here.
by admin | Mar 9, 2021 | Chamber News
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce (BCC) provides value to its members through active advocacy, connecting leaders and creating opportunity. 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 Manager, Membership Development.
Preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience in developing business solutions, revenue generating strategy, managing client accounts, leading value-added customer experiences and relationship building.
The selected candidate will work with our highly dedicated, professional staff and volunteer base and have a strong business acumen, excellent communication skills and an engaging interpersonal style in order to carry out the strategic objectives of the BCC.
Review the Manager, Membership Development position.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Expressions of interest including resumes and covering letters will be accepted until March 19, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., and should be sent confidentially to info@burlingtonchamber.com.
Information provided by or about candidates for these positions will be used only for candidate selection. We thank each applicant for taking the time and effort to respond; however only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.
by admin | Jan 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
Thursday, March 11, 2021 | 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
After a very successful and sold-out event in 2020, we are thrilled to share that we will be hosting the virtual Wonder Wonder Women Conference 2.0 presented by RBC! This year, we are featuring Wonder Women who will share insights on leading through disruption, resilience and rising, how great organizations empower women and information about the SHE-Covery movement.
This is an important personal and professional development opportunity not to be missed! We encourage Wonder Women across all industries and the Super Heroes who support them to join us for this powerful and informative conference.
President & CEO, Burlington Chamber of Commerce
Carla Y. Nell has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors and is widely known for her transformational and collaborative leadership style.
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Prior to taking on her role with the Chamber in July of 2019, she recently served as the Vice-President, Municipal and Stakeholder Relations at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Throughout her career, she has also gained extensive experience as principal of a professional services consulting firm, has served as a trusted strategic advisor on complex issues to a diverse range of clients, stakeholders and organizations, and was previously a part-time professor at Seneca College in the Faculty of Business. She holds numerous degrees and professional designations and is a sought after contributor and speaker by organizations and associations serving both the private and public sectors with provincial, national and international profile. Carla is a highly regarded thought leader whose commitment to customers and partnerships is a signature of her leadership.
In this inspiring, engaging and at times deeply personal presentation celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Samantha Nutt – medical doctor, best-selling author and Founder of War Child Canada – will reflect on the progress women have made in the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and why investing in women’s leadership remains a critical global priority.
Founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA
Samantha Nutt is an award-winning humanitarian, bestselling author and acclaimed public speaker. A medical doctor and the founder of the renowned humanitarian organizations War Child Canada and War Child USA.
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Dr. Nutt has worked with children and their families at the frontline of many of the world’s major crises – from Iraq to Afghanistan, Somalia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone to Darfur, Sudan. A leading authority on current affairs, war, international aid and foreign policy, Dr Nutt is one of the most intrepid and recognized voices in the humanitarian arena, and is a highly sought-after public speaker in North America. With a career that has spanned more than two decades and dozens of conflict zones, her international work has benefited millions of war-affected children globally.
Dr. Nutt is a respected authority for many of North America’s leading media outlets. She is a regular foreign affairs panelist on the acclaimed news program, CBC TV NEWS “The National”, as well as a regular contributor to Now This News. Nutt’s written work has been published by TED Ideas, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The National Post, Maclean’s Magazine, Reuters, The Ottawa Citizen and The Huffington Post, amongst others, and she has appeared in Town & Country Magazine, Time Magazine, Epoch Times (New York), Chatelaine Magazine, More Magazine and on NBC Nightly News, BBC World News Service, America’s Radio News Network, CTV Power Play, NPR, CTV National News, Global TV News, and CBC Radio, to name just a few. In November 2015, Dr. Nutt spoke at the Ted Talks Live “War & Peace” event at The Town Hall Theater in New York City, which aired on PBS the following year. Dr. Nutt’s TED Talk on the complex issues surrounding conflict and the deadly impact of small arms, which garnered over one million views in just six months, can be viewed on TED.com
Dr. Nutt’s critically-acclaimed debut book, entitled Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid, was released by McClelland and Stewart Ltd. (a division of Random House) in October 2011 and was a #1 national bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Lewis Lapham declared it a “brave and necessary book”, while the Literary Review of Canada called it a “brilliant polemic.” Damned Nations is a bracing and uncompromising account of Dr. Nutt’s work in some of the most devastated regions of the world. A new edition of Damned Nations was released on November 6, 2018 in Canada and the USA and includes a new 6000 word introduction covering recent events, as well as statistical updates throughout the core text.
Dr. Nutt was named one of Canada’s 25 Transformational Canadians by The Globe and Mail, and has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Time Magazine has featured her as one of Canada’s Five Leading Activists. In July 2011, Dr. Nutt was appointed to the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour, for her contributions to improving the plight of young people in the world’s worst conflict zones.
Samantha Nutt graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University, earned an M.Sc in Public Health with distinction from the University of London and holds a Fellowship in Community Medicine (FRCPC) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is further certified by the College of Family Practice and completed a sub specialization in women’s health through the University of Toronto as a Women’s Health Scholar. Dr. Nutt is the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates from universities in Canada and the U.S.A.
Dr. Nutt is a staff physician at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto and is on the board of the David Suzuki Foundation.
Panel: Blazing the Trail… Women Who Lead
Meet the inspiring women of our trailblazer panel who are leading the way for others to follow. Learn about their successes and be inspired by their courage to break new ground for women in business. Get up close and personal with these leaders celebrating their wins and learning about the challenges and opportunities they’ve faced throughout their careers.
Kenna is the President / CEO and founding partner of Danyliw & Mann, a boutique firm that specializes in providing business management and tax and accounting services to the music industry.
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The business started 15 years ago in the spare bedroom of her family’s home while she had two young daughters, a stepson and one very supportive husband.
Danyliw & Mann has grown out of that bedroom and into one of the leading Canadian firms in the industry and represents several Juno and Grammy award-winning or nominated artists across Canada, the United States and beyond. Kenna is a CPA, CA who started her career with Coopers & Lybrand and also worked with Laidlaw and Pricewaterhouse Coopers before founding Danyliw & Mann. Kenna and her family are Burlington residents who have lived in the community for 20 years. Kenna is the Treasurer on the Sarah McLachlan Foundation board, is the former Vice-Chair of the Art Gallery of Burlington Board of Directors, is a new member of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Women4Change group, is a member of the JR Digs Acoustic Christmas organizing committee, volunteers services for The Avril Lavigne Foundation and was on the board of the Southern Ontario Chamber Music Institute and Planned Parenthood Hamilton.
Karen Roche is the Fire Chief for the City of Burlington Fire Department. With over 25 years of experience in the fire service, Chief Roche has served in a variety of progressive ranks in two very distinct fire and emergency services (Burlington Fire and Hamilton Fire).
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This has afforded Karen a thorough understanding of the challenges of managing modern fire services during times of economic, demographic and community risk-based issues, including her role in the Emergency Control Group (ECG) as the alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Burlington.
Chief Roche has found success as a fire service leader by demonstrating skills and experiences in Disaster Response and Recovery, Fire Management, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Intensive Care Nursing. This broad and unique background has afforded Chief Roche the ability to be successful in managing a wide range of complex challenges in uncertain environments.
More recently, Chief Roche is representing the Canadian Asscociation of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Bullying Prevention Task Force that will explore the causes and consequences of bullying, identify promising practices that will reduce incidences of bullying, and craft training opportunities for the fire service to effectively address bullying.
Noting that the City of Burlington is already at the forefront of promoting access, equality, diversity and human rights through innovative policy, programs and services. Karen is committed to contribute in a meaningful way due to her appointments to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); International Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP) whereby diversity, inclusion and equity is a significant priority that will significantly improve culture and acceptance within the fire service.
Karen is married to her partner of 20 plus years and is the mother of three (3) adopted siblings (brothers) since they came into their care in 2012.
Founder, Sold Right Away Inc.
Maude Léger, Founder of Sold Right Away Inc., has been working hard for over 13 years to pursue her passions and help others achieve success.
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Sold Right Away started with nothing, no capital investment, no help, just Maude and her passion for business growth and marketing. Maude’s passion and care to truly help Realtors grow their business are what made Sold Right Away successful.
Determined to constantly service Realtors’ needs and being proud to see them grow their business, Realtors become long term clients of Sold Right Away.
Sold Right Away has grown tremendously in the past few years. From one Realtor client to over 500 today and showing a steady growth from 2008 to 2021. With consistency, we have proven that we have stable procedures and systems in place to sustain growth. We also have the creative minds to adapt to ever changing markets, trends and demands, from the 2008 recession to market growth and expansion and as well during the pandemic.
Maude Leger is heavily involved in the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and has built relationships with numerous entrepreneurs, business owners and city stakeholders over the past 13 years. Maude is also contributing as Chair on the Board of Directors for 2020-2021.
Award winner as the Small Business of the Year in 2011 and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018 from The Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards recognizing overall success and excellence of local area businesses.
Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Melissa recently accepted the challenge of leading one of the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in the country – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton.
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With a background in Business and Economics, Melissa has over 13 years of experience working progressively in both the private and public sector. Her most recent experience includes working for a waste and commodity start-up and six years with Activa, where she led the business analysis and strategic project team. Before, joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton, Melissa spent 2 years as the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie.
Melissa is highly regarded for her passion for innovation, technology and the ability to constantly move forward and embrace change. Her vision for strategic alliances will serve her well as Melissa reintroduces Big Brothers Big Sisters to the community with a collaborative and inclusive direction. Building on the agency’s 100-year-old history of mentoring, Melissa approaches Big Brothers Big Sisters with fresh ideas to better prepare our community’s children for future success. Melissa knows firsthand, the transformative power of mentoring, not only as a leader within the Big Brothers Big Sisters, former Board member but also as a mentor of Mitchell for 10 years.
Panel: How Great Organizations Empower Women
A recent KPMG study found that 67% of women reported they had learned the most important lessons about leadership from other women, and 91% of working women indicated that it is important to them to be a positive role model for younger female colleagues in the workplace. In this interactive panel discussion, you’ll hear from the women in business who are building and advancing the careers of women in their organizations. Take note of how they have fostered an inclusive culture, and how you can apply their learnings to your role and organization.
Salima Tajani has been with RBC for more than 30 years where she has held various roles across the organization including retail branch management, regional coaching and sales effectiveness.
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Salima is currently Community Manager for RBC’s Oakville North & Halton markets where she leads a team of high-performing managers and advisors. Salima holds a Financial Management Diploma from Niagara College.
Salima and her husband, Aniz, live in Burlington with their two sons. In her spare time, Salima enjoys gardening, painting and playing chess.
Chantel Broten leads Jan Kelley, an award-winning creative digital agency dedicated to helping businesses grow. The company philosophy brings together the power of technology and the brilliance of humanity to spark ideas, generate momentum and drive lasting results.
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A career marketer, Chantel has spearheaded the development of brand and marketing programs for over 200 B2B, B2C and Not-For-Profit organizations – including GO Transit,
riterate.ca, Sobeys, Canadian Blood Services, Export Development Canada (EDC), Petro-Canada, Rockwool and Reliance Home Comfort to name a few. She believes that brands are built from the inside out – and it all starts with purpose, vision, values and culture. Chantel and her leadership team are dedicated to building a company culture that attracts and retains top talent, and drives company performance. This includes taking a ‘whole person approach’ to talent development. In 2018, Jan Kelley was proud to be named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.
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 awards.
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Cole is a passionate entrepreneur, published author, and sought after speaker. Julie is no stranger to the media, having appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, HLN’s Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, among many others. As a blogger and writer, her articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, Chicken Soup For the Soul – Power Moms and numerous websites.
When she’s not juggling her busy family and professional life, Julie is an engaged community member serving on boards and volunteering. She is passionate about women’s issues, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and social justice.
Michael Capron is the Director of HR for Robert Bosch Canada. Robert Bosch is a Global organization with over 300,000 associates worldwide. In his current capacity, he provides both HR Governance and Leadership across a wide spectrum of Bosch Business Groups.
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Bosch organizations in Canada include appliances, power tools, automotive, research and development in addition to the Drive and Control entity, Bosch Rexroth, located in Burlington.
Michael brings 35 years of Human Resources experience in addition to participation on varied local boards including Habitat for Humanity in Niagara. In addition to his HR background Michael held the role of General Manager Canada for Red D Arc Welder Rentals.
Michael remains a champion for Diversity and Inclusion within the Bosch Organization in Canada.
Carolyn is on a mission to shift our workplaces from transactional jobs to places where people can grow, transform and thrive while feeling energized, inspired and motivated to do their best work.
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She designed Purposeful Workplace Experiences (PWE) to empower individuals and teams to transform workplace culture by becoming change agents and driving culture from the bottom up.
As a Workplace Culture Architect, Carolyn works with business leaders who place their people at the core of business success to create organizational systems and practices that are people-centred, forward-thinking and prepared for demanding and challenging business climates.
Carolyn is the owner of Pinnacle Culture and has a 25-year track record helping organizations enhance the employee experience and evolve their workplace culture. She has worked with clients across various industries, ranging from small businesses to large corporations, and as a Senior Business Leader in the pharmaceutical industry leading teams through significant change.Her real-life experience is bolstered by her love of learning. She has a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, a Human Resource Management Diploma from Sheridan College, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster. She is also proud to be part of a global team of independent Certified Dare to Lead Facilitators who are trained and certified to bring the Dare to Lead™ research by Brené Brown to organizations.
Her podcast PWE & ME, now in its fourth season, is designed to inspire people at all organizational levels to create purposeful workplace experiences and close the gap between what people say should happen to transform the workplace and what is actually happening. She is also the author of Amazon best-seller Rules of Engagement: Building a workplace culture to thrive in an uncertain world.
Lunch Break & Resiliency Speaker
Take a wellness break with Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee who will share tested strategies to build resiliency and our inner Wonder Woman strength.
Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee is a Clinical Psychologist living and working in Toronto, Canada. She is the Founder and Director of Silm Centre for Mental Health, a community-based and social justice-oriented practice
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that seeks to make mental health awareness and services more accessible to the communities with whom she and her team work.
Dr. Taslim has offered many trainings and workshops related to well-being, including self-care and burnout, noticing the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression training. She also teaches regularly at Lakehead University, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and Adler Graduate Professional School.
Dr. Taslim has her PhD and Masters in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University, and her Masters in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University.
Panel: The SHE-Covery Movement
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) reports that the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been immediate, acute, and disproportionately borne by women. Several economists have accordingly dubbed the crisis a “she-cession”. In fact, a recent RBC study found that the women’s labour force participation rate has fallen to its lowest level in thirty years. For the OCC and its members such as the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, the business case is simple: Diversity and inclusion are a precondition to Ontario’s recovery and economic prosperity. Meet the author of the report published by the OCC, The SHE-COVERY PROJECT Confronting the Gendered Economic Impacts of COVID-19 and then discuss its findings with a superstar line-up of speakers and learn the issues confronting us as a community and what we need to do to turn the tides.
The Honourable Karina Gould was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Burlington in 2015. A graduate of McGill University and the University of Oxford, Minister Gould is passionate about public service and international development.
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Before her election as the Member of Parliament for Burlington, she worked as a trade and investment specialist for the Mexican Trade Commission in Toronto, a consultant for the Migration and Development Program at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., and spent a year volunteering at an orphanage in Mexico.
Minister Gould has deep roots in her hometown of Burlington, Ontario, and is an active member of the community and an advocate for women’s issues and affordable housing. She has volunteered with and actively supports the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club, the Burlington chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Mississauga Furniture Bank, Halton Women’s Place, and other local organizations.
Minister Gould lives in Burlington with her husband Alberto and son Oliver.
With the birth of Oliver, Minister Gould became the first federal cabinet minister to have a baby while holding office. She is passionate about breaking down barriers for women, youth, and underrepresented groups.
A successful entrepreneur and business executive, champion fundraiser, and dedicated public servant, Rocco Rossi joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) in 2018 as President and CEO.
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Prior to joining the OCC, Rossi most recently served as President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada where he helped to advance the research, advocacy, education and awareness of the most common cancer in men.
Mr. Rossi also served as CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation – one of Canada’s largest non-profit organizations – overseeing consecutive years of record fundraising combining for over $600 million in total and launching many new, life-saving initiatives.
His passion for public policy has led him to stand for election both for the position of Mayor of Toronto and for MPP.
Mr. Rossi has held senior positions at the Boston Consulting Group, TORSTAR, Labatt/Interbrew and MGI Software. He is a graduate of McGill and Princeton.
Rossi currently serves as a member of the Board and Audit Committee of TerraVest Industries. A past board member of United Way of Greater Toronto and other charities, Mr. Rossi has been an active community builder. In fact, in 2012 he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his Philanthropic and Community service.
A dedicated adventurer, Rocco has walked the legendary Camino de Santiago several times, cycled the 1900 km length of Yonge Street from Rainy River to Toronto, kayaked the 500 km from Toronto to Ottawa, and climbed to Everest Base Camp.
Mr. Rossi has a BA (Hons) in political science from McGill University and a Masters of Arts in politics from Princeton University. He is married to his wife of 30-years, Rhonnie, and they have a 28-year-old son, Domenic John, who is a teacher.
Claudia Dessanti is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), where she founded and co-chairs the Energy Policy Council and supports businesses with policy issues related to environment, energy, regional economic development, data, housing, and more.
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Prior to joining the OCC in 2018, Claudia researched mortgage markets for National Bank Financial and measured social impact for Charity Intelligence. She has a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford and a BA from the University of Toronto.
Denise Christopherson is a skilled and respected advocate whose passion for social justice, equity and inclusion have greatly contributed to the goal of equality for women and girls in our community and beyond.
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Denise’s commitment to marginalized and vulnerable women and their families is evidenced by all she does. As the CEO of YWCA Hamilton, Denise is a dynamic leader who builds relationships within the non-profit sector and the broader community.
Denise is an active volunteer in the Hamilton and Halton community. Her lifelong commitment to women’s equality and gender equity has earned her a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Agnes Macphail Award. Denise has also been recognized by Mohawk College as a Distinguished Fellow, representing the highest honour that Mohawk College bestows on individuals in their field.
Endnote: The Candy (Palmater) Show
Get ready to close out your conference experience with a profoundly powerful and rare presentation from comedian, recovered lawyer and broadcaster, Candy Palmater. Candy tells her personal story of love, kindness and acceptance through humor and reflection. Laugh and cry in this presentation and let Candy leave you with a different perspective of our world, and a feeling of empowerment as to how you can change the workplace and the world.
Candy is a recovered lawyer turned feminist comic. She is an, actor, writer, columnist, international speaker, activist, comedian and multiple award-winning TV and radio personality, and has executive produced three films on Mi’kmaw culture.
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Candy is the creator and star of her own national, multiple award-winning TV series,
The Candy Show (APTN). She has a role on the
Trailer Park Boys S10 (NETFLIX), appeared in
Call Me Fitz (HBO Canada) and
Sex and Violence (OutTV), and received a Screen Nova Scotia nomination for her role on
Forgive Me (Superchannel). She’s a Broadcaster with CBC Radio One where Candy has hosted: The Candy Palmater Show, Q, DNTO and appears on Because News and The Next Chapter. You can hear Candy’s voice as the Narrator of CBC TV series True North Calling, and was a Panelist on Canada Reads 2017.
Candy has written and hosted many broadcasts including Ab Day Live, the Indspire Awards, and the imagineNATIVE Film Fest Awards Show.
Candy was valedictorian of her class at Dalhousie Law School and went on to practice Labour and Aboriginal law in a large corporate firm until show biz came knocking.
Before pursuing entertainment full time, Candy directed First Nations education for the Nova Scotia Department of Education for a decade. She is currently working on a Masters of Education at St. Francis Xavier University and has taught in the Transition Year program at Dalhousie University.
Candy spends most of her time in airports and airplanes as she travels the globe speaking to audiences, large and small, about the power of love, kindness and self-acceptance. Candy believes we are more alike than different and that you can NEVER have too much Candy.
Candy first book, a memoir, will be published by Harper Collins in the fall of 2021.
Wonder Women Conference 2.0
Sponsorship Opportunities are available! Please contact ashlee@ourforte.ca to become a sponsor and help us celebrate International Women’s Day 2021 and the incredible women within our community.
