Press Release: 2024 Mayor’s Luncheon with Mayor Alex Nuttall
MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release January 3, 2024 Barrie, ON – The Barrie Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Barrie and Invest Barrie, is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Annual Mayor’s Update Luncheon. This prestigious event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Liberty North, 100…
Policy Primer: Transitioning to Low-Carbon Fleets in Ontario
In this policy primer, we delve into the transition to Low-Carbon Commercial Fleet in Ontario, discussing the pivotal steps and strategies businesses can adopt. MEDIA RELEASE Immediate release December 7, 2023 (TORONTO – December 7, 2023) – Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario. While there is a growing shift toward…
Press Release: Launch of the 2024 Women In Business Awards
Nominations are now open! NOMINATE NOW FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barrie Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2024 Women in Business Awards Barrie, ON – November 30, 2023 – To honor the impact of women on Barrie’s business community, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Women in Business Awards for 2024. This…
CEBA Loan Repayment
Program Repayment Deadlines The forgiveness repayment date has been extended to January 18, 2024 for eligible CEBA loan holders in good standing. Loan holders that did not qualify for the new extended term continue to be required to repay the outstanding amount of their CEBA Loan(s), in full, by December 31, 2023. If you continue…
Sharing Prosperity: An Introduction to Building Relationships for Economic Reconciliation in Ontario
Immediate release November 23, 2023 The Robust Indigenous Economy Makes Economic Reconciliation an Urgent Business Imperative (TORONTO- November 23, 2023) – Taking action on economic reconciliation has tremendous value for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses alike, enabling opportunities for shared economic prosperity and long-term business success. Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Canadian Council…
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Reaction to 2023 Fall Economic Statement
FES 2023 Leaves Small Businesses Behind, Ontario Chamber (Toronto – November 21, 2023) – In response to the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), released the following statement: “In this period of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that the federal government…
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 2023 Fall Economic Statement – Our Policy Experts’ Insights
Policy experts from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have reviewed the 2023 Fall Economic Statement (FES). Their perspective on its implications for Canadian business can be found below. On November 21, 2023, the Government of Canada released its 2023 Fall Economic Statement (FES). Policy experts from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have reviewed the FES…
Press Release: 2023 Barrie Business Awards Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barrie, ON – [November 2, 2023] – The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the triumphant recipients of the 2023 Barrie Business Awards Gala. This prestigious event celebrated exceptional businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Barrie community. Presented by Meridian, last…
Press Release: Endorsement of the City of Barrie’s Request to Queen’s Park
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the City of Barrie and their request to the Province of Ontario for support in expanding our employment lands. “Ensuring that the economic prospects of the city, region, and province as a whole are maximized by capitalizing on Barrie’s attractiveness as a place for businesses to establish, grow,…
Press Release: 2023 Barrie Santa Claus Parade, New Route
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Barrie – October 26 2023) The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to share exciting news is on the horizon! With sections of last year’s route receiving some well earned TLC, it provided us with an opportunity! This year, we’re giving our beloved Barrie Santa Claus Parade a magical makeover with a…
Mind the Gap: Addressing the Mental Health and Addictions Echo Pandemic
Small and Medium-Size Businesses Face Outsized Challenges Due to Mental Health “Echo Pandemic” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto – October 17, 2023) – Ontario’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing the negative effects of declining employee and community mental health as a result of what experts are calling the mental health “echo pandemic.” Today, the…
Small Businesses at the Heart of the Innovation Economy
Small Businesses at the Heart of the Innovation Economy NEWS RELEASE (Barrie & Simcoe County – October 16, 2023) - Small businesses have always been the backbone of Ontario’s economy, a driving force behind innovation and economic growth in the province. These resilient enterprises generate new ideas, create jobs and foster community resilience. This year, the…
Ontario Economic Report Fall 2023 Survey
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) are looking for your insights on issues that matter to your businesses. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and your organization’s outlook? What should governments prioritize to drive economic growth? Your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is as important as…
Increase to Ontario’s Minimum Wage Oct. 1st
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Statement: Starting Sunday, October 1, Ontario’s minimum wage will increase from $15.50 to $16.55 per hour. This is a scheduled increase that takes place every October. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is supportive of scheduled increases so that businesses have time to plan. What businesses value most, is predictability. When the increases…
Small Business, BIG IDEAS
Small Business Week October 15 to 21, 2023 Small businesses have always been the backbone of Simcoe County community and economy. Against the compounding challenges of the pandemic, these very businesses continue to develop new ideas, create more jobs, and facilitate community resilience. As part of the annual Small Business Week’s Small Business, Big Ideas…
CEBA Repayment Extension
Canada Emergency Business Account: Government extends repayment and partial loan forgiveness deadlines On September 14, 2023, the Prime Minister announced extended deadlines for Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayments, providing an additional year for term loan repayment, and additional flexibilities for loan holders looking to benefit from partial loan forgiveness of up to 33…
OCC: Power Of The Purchase Order
READ THE BRIEF September 13, 2023 Ontario spends nearly $30 billion each year procuring goods and services, from pencils to complex medical technologies. When making those purchases, government and the broader public sector have a responsibility to provide value for taxpayers, as well as a unique ability to foster new markets, improved living standards, and…