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St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday November 18, 2014
The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide this week’s Green Mail,  our update on events and issues impacting our Members and our community…

In This Issue
  • Check the Chamber's spring 2015 tour to Ireland
  • Last Call! Safe Communities + Chamber offering "Mental Health First Aid"
  • Santa Claus Parade - 6 p.m. this Saturday
  • November 29 - Shop the Neighbourhood
  • Our take on yesterday's Ontario Economic Statement
  • St. Thomas Uncorked January 24, 2015 - tickets moving rapidly
  • Lowdown - scroll low... down to the end for news on local food

Chamber Events
 

Friday November 21 - Amazing Grazing!
Our friends & neighbours at the London Chamber, and their sponsors, extend an open invitation to to you...


November 25 & 26 + December 2 & 3
Mental Health First Aid

We can still accept up to six more registrations... but the deadline is this Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
The Chamber's Health & Safety affiliate, the St. Thomas Elgin Safe Communities Coalition, will bring a new training initiative to our area starting next Tuesday, November 25.
Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour certificate course to be offered over two weeks on consecutive Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon. Registration is $130 per person, including texts and materials plus the services of certified trainers from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Mental Health First Aid has all the value and importance that we all attach to traditional first aid that treats wounds, accidents and physical injuries. Thanks to our SafeComm connection, we will be one of the first communities in Canada to make this program fully available to small and mid-size businesses and individuals.
Registration closesis open now.  Pam Buys from VON, and a SafeComm volunteer, is co-ordinating registration for us. Pam has taken the course and can answer questions. Reach her by calling 519-637-6408, Extension 223 or check the Events section on the Chamber's website for additional program info and Pam's phone/email connection links.
As demand warrants, SafeComm is expected to offer additional courses in the coming months.
 
 
November 29 - We're Shopping the 'hood

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce joins with the Ontario Chamber and hundreds of Chamber offices and community organizations across Canada to 'shop the 'hood'.  If your business wants to be involved, just click the promo ad above and see how easy it is to catch the spirit of this growing, national event!
 
December 3 - Our Multi-Sponsor Holiday Season Business After 5


Looking to spend some quality time with friends and neighbours before the real rush of the Holiday Season?  The Chamber's annual pre-Christmas Business After 5 puts the emphasis on good cheer, good food and good company. Our location will be St. Anne's Centre on Morrison Drive and we're offering up to 6 co-sponsors a chance to be front-and-centre.
Wayside Dining & Catering, HollisWealth, Junior Achievement, Elgin - St. Thomas United Way and myFM 94.1 Radio have booked in with us so if you or your business/organization can consider co-sponsoring this popular event, call us this week. Contact Bob Hammersley at the Chamber office by calling 519-631-1981 Extension 524 or connect directly via Bob's email.

Door Prizes?  Our December tradition continues with "The 12 Gifts of Christmas". A fine collection of prizes we like to give, and that winners like to get.  Esso gas cards, gift certificates for food and restaurant treats, even a couple of great BBQ gift packs from Dowler-Karn!
As always, admission to Business After 5 is free and open to anyone from any business or organization that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.  Prize draws and remarks start at 6:15 p.m.



January 24 - St. Thomas Uncorked


Sheila Nesbitt of the Early Learning Centre is also a volunteer on the Chamber's Member Services Committee and the Chair of our January "St. Thomas Uncorked" event.

This popular wine & art event returns to the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre on Saturday January 24. It's been a sell-out every year since we launched this wine tasting and art appreciation event in 2012 and now is time to order tickets to avoid disappointment.
They're moving quickly... likely because they make great Christmas gifts. To order, just call the Chamber office at 519-631-1981 and speak with Warren, Bob or Susan.  Order by email if you prefer by clicking here and telling us how many tickets you'd like, along with contact info for payment and ticket distribution.   
The price is $40 (plus HST) per person including admission, wine samples and food samples. Our friends at St. Thomas' Real Canadian Superstore have joined us as our food supply source for Uncorked, and will be providing gourmet cheeses, fruits, meats and more matched to our selection of 20 wines available for sampling.
Due to space restrictions, a maximum of 120 tickets may be sold on a strictly first-come/first-served basis.  Quai du Vin's resident sommelier, Jamie Quai, returns as a member of our Member Services Committee's organizing group, along with an enthusiastic group of 10 volunteers supported by the Chamber staff.

Our main sponsor for St. Thomas Uncorked 2015 is TD

Further down the road...
Here's a quick mention on a couple of events that might be of interest to you, your business or organization, and/or your employees:

2015 RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Day
Organized locally by myFM Radio, the 2015 date has been set:  Wednesday February 4, 2015

CGLR  (Council of the Great Lakes Region) is proud to be hosting the 2015 Great Lakes Economic Forum (April 26-28 in Chicago, IL). This premiere event will bring together 300+ Canadian and U.S. leaders from government, business and non-profit, all with a stake in the economic well-being of the GL Region. Key economic drivers to be addressed include energy, advanced manufacturing, labour mobility, border management and the Blue-Green economy, just to name a few. Registration, event info, etc. by clicking on the link above.
 

Business & Chamber News
 

 

OUR TAKE ON THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO'S 2014 FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT

 
 
 
Yesterday afternoon, the Government of Ontario released its 2014 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, which provides an update on the government’s finances and progress on key commitments since the release of the 2014 Budget. In October, the province’s unemployment rate declined to 6.5 percent, its lowest rate since 2008. The province has also seen real gains in GDP, exports, and household consumption since the beginning of the year.

The government remains committed to eliminating its budget deficit by 2017-18. It continues to project a deficit of $12.5 billion for the 2014-15 fiscal year, with significant reductions in the deficit thereafter.

The government plans to meet this target despite a substantial decline in revenue. Projected revenue for 2014-15 is $509 million less than previously forecasted in the 2014 Budget. With projected government expenses declining by $208 million since the 2014 Budget, the government is using $300 million from its reserve fund to make up the difference.
   

Path to a Balanced Budget

In the Fiscal Review, the government highlighted the four key components of its plan to reach a balanced budget by 2017-18. These are:

1. Reviewing and transforming programs

The government's annual program review savings targets remain at $250 million for 2014-15 and $500 million for 2015-16 and 2016-17.

OCC Position: The government expressed willingness to pursue “other tools” to meet its goal of balancing its books by 2017-18. We feel that a more robust program review and more ambitious targets are required prior to any revenue increases.

2. Managing compensation costs

Government has negotiated zero or minimal salary increases in recent agreements with public sector unions.

OCC Position: We support government's efforts to hold the line on public sector salaries. 

3. Ensuring everyone pays their fair share of taxes

According to government figures, the province generated over $380 million in additional revenue in 2013-14 by enhancing the integrity of the tax system. The government is taking action to tackle the underground economy. This includes:
  • Pilot programs to strengthen compliance in high-risk sectors
  • Working with the federal government to identify new measures to curtail corporate tax avoidance
  • Stepping up efforts to curb contraband tobacco by establishing oversight of raw leaf tobacco, effective Jan. 1, 2015
OCC Position: We support a crackdown on the underground economy and on tax evaders.

4. Unlocking the value of provincial assets

The Premier’s Advisory Council on Government Assets will present its final recommendations in advance of the 2015 Budget. The Council is investigating how to generate the most value out of the LCBO, Hydro One, and OPG.

OCC Position: We support government's efforts to deliver more value from provincially owned assets, but these efforts should be expanded to more government assets in a regularized (not one-off) process.
   

The Federal Funding Gap

In his address to Provincial Parliament, the Minister of Finance called on the federal government to reform the federal transfer system to treat Ontario fairly. The gap between what Ontarians pay in federal taxes and what they receive in federal funding and transfers is $11 billion, or $850 per Ontarian. He stressed that more of the money that comes to the federal government from Ontarians should be reinvested back into Ontario.

Specifically, the Minister called on the federal government to match the province’s $1 billion commitment to Ring of Fire investment, and increase federal investment in public transit.

OCC Position: We strongly encourage the federal government to reform fiscal transfers and programs that shortchange Ontario, such as Employment Insurance.

We also encourage the federal government to match the provincial investment in the Ring of Fire and to invest more in productivity enhancing infrastructure, such as transit.

To learn more about the Ontario Chamber perspective on how government can return to balance, see our recent report, How Bad Is It? What Do We Do About It? A Straightforward Guide to Ontario’s Debt and Deficit Situation.
   
Read the Government of Ontario's 2014 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review.
 
 
What's Happening in Elgin?
Elgin County's Economic Development & Tourism office has released their November 2014 newsletter. For a look at business and related activity across the County, click here.

Santa's here this Saturday. Parade starts at 6:00 p.m.
myFM pre-parade Santa Special airs 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
If you were looking to put an entry in St. Thomas' Santa Claus Parade this Saturday, SORRY - you're too late,  Registration is now closed.
The Optimist Club of St. Thomas presents the annual parade with Santa here this Saturday, November 22. It begins at 6:00 pm. This year's theme is “A Cartoon Christmas”.  The parade forms in the area near Talbot and First Avenue, then heads west and disbands at Elgin Street.
Additional information, is on the organizers' web-site at:
http://www.optimistsantaclausparade.com/
If you're planning to attend the parade, set your radio to myFM 94.1 on Saturday afternoon for a big pre-parade show with non-stop Christmas music and live announcements from the parade set-up area and along the parade route with tips on best viewing and parking areas.  Chamber CEO Bob Hammersley joins myFM News Director Andrew Buttigieg on the air for this special, live broadcast. Guests also include MP Joe Preston, MPP Jeff Yurek, St. Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson, some of the elves, and maybe a reindeer or two.  myFM's pre-parade show will be broadcast from 3:00 p.m. until the parade starts at 6. Ho Ho Ho!

Calling all Heroes
 
St. Thomas Police Service Vs. St. Thomas Fire Department
Guns 'N Hoses Hockey Game
In connection with the Canadian Cancer Society, the St. Thomas Police Service and St. Thomas Fire Department would like to invite everyone to come out and support them during a friendly yet competitive hockey game in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Research.
There are no tickets being sold for this event, it will simply be a donation at the door.  Come out and enjoy a fun night with the family and check out the silent auction table.
When: Saturday November 29, 2014
Game Time: 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Where: Timken Centre - STMHA Rink
Tickets: Donation at the door

IRELAND This Spring - Our next Chamber Group Tour

We're launching our next Chamber group tour - a 9-day excursion to southern Ireland featuring stops at Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway & Limerick, departing St. Thomas on May 13.
 
Pictured here, downtown Galway

As with our previous tours to China, the 2015 Chamber Group Tour to Ireland is an exceptional adventure at a very affordable group rate, with lots included!  This offer is made to our Members and our community through the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and the Strathroy & District Chamber.
Departure date:  Wednesday May 13, 2015
Return date: Thursday May 21, 2015
Highway coach shuttle direct from St. Thomas or Strathroy to Toronto's Pearson International airport is included, as is return air, taxes, admission fees to attractions, and 4 & 5-star accomodation including a night at the stunning Dromoland Castle.
For the full tour itinerary, prices and more just click here.
Participation is open to all, and Members (including all employees, their immediate family, retirees and volunteers) get the Member price, saving $200 per person.  
Travel for business or travel for pleasure... it's up to you!
Elgin Travel & Cruises in Elgin Mall is our local agent for the trip. Details by calling them directly at 519-631-6300 or by contacting the Chamber office at 519-631-1981.


The Benefits of Chamber Membership
 
Our Esso Fleet Fuel program reduces your gasoline price by 3.5 cents per litre at more than 1,000 Esso stations in Canada and over 18,000 Exxon or Mobil stations across the US.  You can now register as a business or organization, or as an individual.  For details just click here.

Two great group insurance plans... One for people, one for property and vehicles:
Perhaps you've seen our ads in the last week on BNN, the Business News Network, promoting our national Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Program. It brings huge savings on personal insurance such as life insurance and drug/dental plans.  Get in the pool! Last year, we welcomed 3,200 new businesses choosing the Chambers Plan for their employees. At April 1, we included 30,506 businesses and 132,543 employees across Canada as Chamber Plan customers. ARC Benefits, with offices in St. Thomas and London, is licensed to handle all local sales and service work on the Plan on our behalf.  See their website for more.
Our NOVEX Group plan brings big savings on property and vehicle insurance. It's offered locally through Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services.  Call 519-631-3862 for a no-obligation quote.

Merchant Services... The Chamber network across Canada offers an exclusive merchant services package with low payment processing options for all Members who accept Interac debit, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards. Across Canada, and everywhere in St. Thomas & District, businesses and organizations that are Members of the Chamber get the best rates and payment processing service from FirstData. It's all made possible thanks to the huge value and size of the Chamber network. Already a FirstData client? You're still eligible to switch to the Chamber's rates. Call them at 1-888-265-4117.

Data Recovery & Cloud Backup.  No business should be without it, and our exclusive pricing from St. Thomas-based Quantum RBS saves all of our Members 15% every month. We're very proud that a local business is now serving Chamber Members across Canada as part of the nation-wide Chamber Affinity Benefits program.  For the same reliable data recovery and back-up services we're using at the Chamber office, contact Quantum and explore the savings your business or organization could enjoy. Details? Just click here. And tell 'em the St. Thomas & District Chamber sent you!
 
Ship & Save With UPS

UPS is the #1 courier/shipping company in the world and we're pleased to offer Chamber Members an exclusive group discount within the Chamber's Member Benefits Bundle. You’ll receive 30% off small package shipments within Canada, to the U.S. and to worldwide destinations, 25% off imports into Canada, discounts starting at 75% off freight shipments and more. Plus, UPS is committed to providing value that goes beyond cost and on-time delivery. Customized solutions and reliable services drive greater efficiency and streamline internal processes. New and existing customers can enroll for free!  
To get started today, click here to get info on our website or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377), M-F, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. In addition, you can get 10% off printing, packaging, and mailbox rentals at The UPS Store®. Click here to obtain The UPS Store ‘Get More’ card.
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Here's the lowdown...  
As is our habit each week, we offer up a nugget or two of information that you might find useful in business or social circles. This week, chocaholics take note...

Say it isn't so!!! We're running out of chocolate????
 

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce distributes this update on events to coincide with news, plans and events throughout the year.You have received this information as a primary contact designated by your business or organization, or because you have requested a copy. Please feel welcome to share the information with your colleagues.
Our goal is to inform, not annoy.
If you do not wish to receive this update please let the Chamber know.
Contact us by email or call 519-631-1981
 
This week’s edition of the Chamber’s Green Mail is sponsored by myFM 94.1
St. Thomas
Copyright © 2014 St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.