Written by
Robin Cooke
—
September 14, 2023
You Be The Judge!
Each year the Chamber recognizes a Chamber Member at the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. This person is nominated by the public, works with the Chamber, goes above and beyond, and has an impact on the Sarnia Lambton community. It is the only category we ask you to be the judge!
Find out more about each of these fantastic Chamber Members and cast your by tomorrow! Read More Here and Cast Your Vote Here
Good day,
Over this past year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of you across the region – industry leaders, business owners, and community members. I really appreciate the feedback you shared on the issues that matter most to your local communities, businesses, and workers.
Our government is focused on investing in people so they can realize their potential and create new possibilities.
That is why I am pleased to share with you that today, FedDev Ontario launched a new, easy-to-use application intake process. Applications will be accepted three times a year. This change will allow us to provide you with greater consistency.
We are thrilled to welcome our new Membership Coordinator Shauntelle Sandrin to the Chamber team. Shauntelle will be reaching out and connecting will you and welcoming you at our networking events. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to connect with her!
This City of Sarnia photo shows the end of Ferry Dock Hill in Sarnia after a building there was demolished around May 22. Development ideas for the land parcel are being considered by the city. jpg, SO
The City of Sarnia is inviting the public to review plans for the redevelopment of Ferry Dock Hill as the first phase of implementing Sarnia’s Waterfront Master Plan.
A public meeting and consultation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in the Community Room of Pat Stapleton Arena. Attendees will have the opportunity to review two initial concepts and provide feedback.
Following the public meeting, on September 21, a project page will be launched at www.speakupsarnia.ca, providing further opportunity for residents to learn more, weigh in on their preferred design features, and provide further comment.
The Chamber is pleased to welcome another addition to our team with our co-op student, Blessen Baby. Blessen is our Research and Policy Assistant until December when she will return to the Advanced Project Management and Strategic Leadership Program at Lambton College.
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dedicated to remembering and honouring Survivors of residential schools. The day provides an opportunity to delve into our history, understand its lesson, and actively participate in reconciliation.
The designation of this day directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action #80 which states the importance of “… a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
We all have a role to play in reconciliation. How can the business community, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and employers contribute and shape new results? Our collective capacity to drive change is within reach.
The Q2 2023 GDP Numbers: A Cause for Pause as Canada’s Economy Unexpectedly Stalls.
“With this last piece of domestic data before the Bank of Canada’s policy announcement this week, the GDP report is positive news on a few fronts. With a surprise contraction of 0.2% in real GDP in the second quarter, the economy has clearly slowed in response to monetary tightening. Given the recent inflation report, where July saw inflation exceed 3% after a period of steady cooling — drifting further from the BoC’s 2% target — this is the positive news many had hoped for and increases the likelihood of the Bank holding rates steady.”
- Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director
Mental Health and Addictions - Your Feedback Requested
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is undertaking a project on Mental Health and Addictions' Echo Pandemic'. See the news release here.
Building off consultations with chambers and boards of trade around the province, the OCC is requesting our members' feedback on three specific areas:
Your response will help the OCC prepare a policy brief with recommendations for government and industry. The target for release is mid-October 2023.
If you wish to add your comments, please click this Google Sheet form. Responses are due no later than the end of the day on Friday, September 15, 2023.
IMPORTANT: Businesses can see each other's responses should there be any privacy concerns.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce thanks you for any insights/comments you can provide.
September 11 Council Meeting From Sarnia Council Briefs by Melanie Irwin, SarniaNewsToday.ca
City staff are reporting that it has been hard to get a hold of cell phone providers to resolve poor coverage issues.
Staff were directed in July, to ask Telus, Bell and Rogers to resolve the problem in a timely manner.
They concluded that poor cellular coverage in the city presents a range of challenges that affect communication, economic growth, public safety, technology adoption, and overall quality of life.
Staff said it has been a struggle to get their attention and addressing the challenges requires efforts and investment from cellular service providers.
Council previously directed staff to forward complaints to the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) if no response was received within three months.
The Chamber asks that business owners contact the Chamber with any comments. Send Comments Today
Join us at Collide Lounge and Events for September's Business After Five sponsored by Revelree!
See this incredible space for your next event too! Bring your friends and colleagues, expand your professional connections, and create lasting relationships at our Business After Fives. It is not who you know, it is who other know!
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Mark your calendars!
Come on down to Gateway Casinos Sarnia at Hiawatha for the Ultimate Tailgate Party on Thursday September 28th.
Enjoy a fun filled night of football, live music, games and giveaways while you feast on delicious fare from food truck favourites:
Match on The Move, Big Daddy’s Chip Truck, OMG Poutine, Bubbles Ice Cream and more
Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Green Bay Packers at 8:15 on the jumbo outdoor screens with friends, family and fans
All the pre-game fun starts at 5:00pm
Entry is free at the South Gate for all ages and free parking is available on site. 1730 London Line, Sarnia ON
RAIN or SHINE
*Access to the Casino Floor is restricted to patrons 19+ and licensed bar service available courtesy of Hiawatha Horsepark*
The judging is almost complete and now is the time to get your tickets for the Gala Evening and celebrate the best in Sarnia Lambton Business with your family, friends and colleagues! Book your table or call Robin for more information.
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Why Join The Chamber?
Membership Has Its Advantages
Contact us today and start growing your business!
Join the people who get things done. We are the hub for business communication and collaboration. Your membership provides you with a connection to local businesses, events, seminars, and member exclusive deals. We invite you to enjoy all that we have to offer.