Green Mail Nov 25 - Your Chamber's Weekly News & Info Update

Chamber Events

This Saturday, 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'.
Catch the spirit of this growing, national event!

Wednesday 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. Wayside Dining & Catering, HollisWealth, Junior Achievement, Elgin - St. Thomas United Way and myFM 94.1 Radio have booked in with us to share the display floor and so 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.

Wednesday January 14 - Business After 5

Let the games begin!

Our first Business After 5 of 2015 takes us to the newly-renovated premises of Jackpot City Gaming & Entertainment at 140 Edward Street.
The management and staff at Jackpot City are planning a fun-filled event to showcase their renovations and treat our Members to a very entertaining evening.
Jackpot City brings us great 'diner-style' food, your favourite refreshments and, as always, excellent door prizes.
Mark the date and plan to join us... Wednesday January 14.

Saturday January 24 - St. Thomas Uncorked

If you had tickets last year, check your Inbox!

Last week, the Chamber emailed all buyers for our 2014 edition of St. Thomas Uncorked. We sent a reminder that your tickets are being held and guaranteed for you until this Friday, November 28.

The 2015 edition of our 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 missing out.They're moving quickly and over 50% are sold... 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 16 wines available for sampling. And don't miss our Silent Auction table!
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

Wednesday February 4
- 2015 RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Day
Organized locally by myFM Radio and co-sponsored by the St. Thomas & District Chamber, this is the day we set aside to highlight the warmth and spirit of randomly doing something nice for someone. Like the Boy Scout helping a person cross the street, we encourage every business and every person in our community to use this special day for a special activity, and to keep the spirit of community kindness alive all year!

Wednesday February 11 - Business After 5
Boston Pizza and the St. Thomas Soccer Club will co-sponsor the February edition of the Chamber's monthly Business After 5 events. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 860 Talbot Street, St. Thomas.

Monday February 16
- Ontario's Family Day Holiday. It's always the third Monday in February each year here, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan. BC is different (seriously) and observes it, but on the 2nd Monday of February.

Wednesday March 11 - Business After 5
We're already planning to mark the end of winter with our annual pre-St. Patrick's Day edition of Business After 5. The St. Thomas Golf & Country Club at Union will be our sponsor and host.

Great Lakes Economic Forum
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

Canada - Ontario Job Grant

Since the announcement of the new Canada-Ontario Job Grant program just a couple of weeks ago, we have had a variety of questions from Members - and observed some wrong perceptions.
The basics of the new program are easy. Employers can get a grant that will fund employee training. In the simplest form, the funding is split 3 ways: one-third paid by the employer, one-third by the province, and one-third by the federal government.
But, for some employers, it's different. The differences start with the number of employees involved. Fifty or more? Less than 50? There are actually some scenarios where the program can cover support for as much as five-sixths of the cash cost of training.
Other basic facts:
Employers are eligible for up to $10,000 per employee, per training event.
The program is designed to last up to six years. But there are some "if's" in that calendar.
The program is NOT based solely on hiring new employees. It's for existing staff, too.

The local source for information is Employment Services Elgin. Asking for their help is free, and any of their Job Developers can assist. For more contact info, click here for their website or call 519-633-5200.
Special thanks to Job Developer Gordon Hall who took time to stop in at the Chamber office and help us to fully understand the program and to where the facts are. Gord can be reached at 519-633-5200 Ext 238.

Workplace Law Changed Last Week...
New Impact on Co-Op Placements, Unpaid Learners

The Ontario Legislature has passed the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014, which extends the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to unpaid co-op students and other unpaid learners. It received Royal Assent last Thursday, November 20, 2014.

Unpaid students, learners and trainees are now defined as “workers” under the OHSA, and have the same rights and duties as the paid workers they work alongside. They now have key rights under the OHSA, such as the right to know about workplace hazards and the right to refuse unsafe work. They have the same duties as paid workers, such as working in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations, operating equipment safely, and reporting any hazards or contraventions to the employer or supervisor.

Unpaid co-op students participating in a work placement program approved by a school board or post-secondary institution now get the same health and safety protections as every other worker.

Protecting young workers
Many co-op students and other unpaid learners are under the age of 25. It’s important that they are properly trained, and know their rights and responsibilities. After all, new and young workers are three times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job than at any other time.
Visit http://ontario.ca/youngworkers to learn how to protect young workers at the workplace.
For more information on other amendments in the act, you can visit the ministry’s website.

New MOH for Elgin - St. Thomas Next Week
The Chamber is pleased to welcome Dr. Joyce Lock as the new Medical Officer of Health for Elgin & St. Thomas. Dr. Lock assumes her new duties next Monday, December 1.

Dr. Lock is a graduate of the University of Toronto and has worked as the Chief of Emergency Medicine as well as the Medical Director for the Halton Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Centre, both at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. Most recently, she completed her Fellowship in Public Health and Preventative Medicine working with Public Heath in Halton, Niagara and Hamilton.

Calling all Heroes
St. Thomas Police Service Vs. St. Thomas Fire Department
Guns 'N Hoses Hockey Game This Saturday Evening
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.

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
BOOKING DEADLINE: mid February - 90 days prior to departure
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.

_______________________

Do you like "free" and "easy"?
Did you know anyone in your office can get Green Mail?
It's easy to get and won't cost you a dime.

Subscribe and get your own copy of Green Mail by visiting the Chamber website. Just add your email address to the box on the left and you will receive Green Mail every Tuesday morning.

Having trouble getting your message or event heard in St. Thomas and area? Turn up the volume with Green Mail’s advertising available to Members only. Your event or service can be sent to more than 1000 people within the businesses and organizations that are Members of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. And our analytics tell us Green Mail is regularly shared and forwarded each week, boosting readership and circulation to over 2,200 people!

Book in advance, and don’t miss out on this promotional opportunity. Each week there are only three slots available for advertising. Your business or organization can book an ad for just $50 per insertion. Ready-to-go and ready-to-run files such as JPEG or PNG are best and easiest to work. If you need help assembling, we can also direct you to Members who are experts at design and layout.

Green Mail and the Holiday Season...
This weekly Chamber newsletter takes a break through the Christmas & New Year Holiday Season. Our last issue of the year will be Tuesday December 23 and we will return 14 days later on Tuesday January 13. Our Ad & Editorial deadline for the January 13 issue is Friday January 9.

Your Chamber... Right Now & 24/7

Give us a look, and give us a LIKE. The St. Thomas & District Chamber's public Facebook page is a place to go for regular updates on local business news and community issues as they happen. Click here for a quick connection. Every week you'll find a path to share and connect to an on-line version of this weekly Green Mail newsletter and, whenever there's news that can impact your business or organization and/or your employees, we post it there.
LIKE our page and stay connected!

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, another angle on customers and customer service.

Here's a story about a popular restaurant that discovered something totally unexpected when they had a long look at their business. Click here and their research is yours.

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