Issuu

NOVEMBER 2023

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

BioPed Footcare Clinic Wine, Women, & Shopping Feature Profile Details on Page 12. Subheader

Photo Credit: Paul Smith, Photohouse Studio.

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And Much More 134 Shaver St., Brantford, ON 2 519.759.0087

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

PRESIDENT

WITH BRANTFORD n BRANT

NOVEMBER 2023

Paul Bisanti Lanca Contracting Ltd. 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield Methapharm Inc./ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

John Oddi Royal LePage Action Realty/BRREA TREASURER

COVER FEATURE

Najia Habib: Community Spirit Drives Business Owner and Philanthropist

Eardly Judah

BDO Canada PAST PRESIDENT

Ken McNaughton McNaughton Agency Inc. DIRECTORS

Mike Gatopoulos Seventh Coffee Company Inc.

Melissa Jarman

Reflecting on 30 Years of Progress and Advocacy

Celebrating a Year of Chamber Achievements

Financial Feature

Ask a Lawyer

RBC Commercial Banking Centre

Garnet Lasby Massilly North America Inc.

Joy O’Donnell Grand Financial Planning

Eddy Vance Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Don Williamson

Proposed Alternative Minimum Tax Changes Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

Oak House Benefits SECRETARY TO THE BOARD

David Prang

Greg Evans

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

LIAISONS

Christine Garneau County of Brant

Dan McCreary City of Brantford

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR

Alex Dow

ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Kathy Prymak

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Georgia York

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n November 2023

When Was Your Employment Contract Last Reviewed? Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

is published six times a year by the Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

77 Charlotte Street, Brantford, ON N3T 2W8 Phone: 519-753-2617 www.brantfordbrantchamber.com Mandate: To be the voice of business that promotes economic growth and prosperity in our community. Publication Agreement # 4076850

Message from the CEO Reflecting on 30 Years of Progress and Advocacy

provincial and nationally significant policy development, government relations, and public speaking that is rare in a volunteer. We look forward to celebrating Paul at our AGM and President’s Event in March. Thank you to Paul for his hard work and dedication to the Chamber! We look forward to learning more about incoming President Chris Rayfield in January’s issue.

taff have had the opportunity recently to review some Chamber archival materials dating back to 1990 and earlier. In addition to learning about how offices and our community worked over thirty years ago – and discovering some great photographs and projects along the way – it was interesting to learn about how challenges and opportunities in 1990 have changed and developed in today’s working world. Notably, we discovered hand cut and pasted flyers and advertisements for an event hosted by the Chamber titled, “How to Sell to The Ontario Government”. The ads were produced for the InTouch Magazine of the day, a twenty page, two colour publication. In 2023, InTouch averages 28 pages, and has been full colour for over a decade. In mid-September, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its policy brief, The Power of the Purchase Order: Modernizing Public Sector Procurement in Ontario, in response to the 2020 establishment of a new crown agency – Supply Ontario – and the over $30 Billion in annual broader public sector spending in the province. It addresses the critical need for transformation in the province’s procurement practices, with opportunities to transform health care, education, and other public services, build more resilient supply chains, and attract investment and innovation from a range of businesses to improve value for Ontarians. This anecdote, of which there are dozens of similar topics and events throughout the years, demonstrate that the Chamber of Commerce has been a consistent advocate and change agent as the challenges of business and government continue to evolve.

David Prang of past November issues, we have congratulated our outgoing Presidents, with a brief acknowledgment of their efforts. Paul Bisanti has definitively set a high standard for Chamber involvement, with an affinity for

I would like to acknowledge the support, mentorship, and friendship of my immediate predecessors, Charlene Nicholson and Anne Buchanan. Our community is so fortunate to have had their commitment to the Chamber, and we are unique in Ontario to have two leaders who remain interested in and supportive of the Chamber during their retirement. Thank you to both of these community leaders for your I legacy.

Advertise with the Chamber! For information about members-only advertising opportunities, contact:

Greg Evans » greg@brcc.ca

In reviewing the CEO’s message

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

Shape the future of Brantford business leaders by sharing your expertise as part-time faculty! Join us in empowering the next generation of professionals “Watching students understand business concepts and seeing them apply what they have learned is extremely rewarding. Even more rewarding is having students return and tell you that the lessons learned proved to be priceless. Whether you want to help students become the business leaders of tomorrow or want to be part of a great academic team: join us at Conestoga!” -Keith Paridy, Business Development Consultant & Part-time Faculty “Being a part-time faculty in Brantford is incredibly rewarding. I am able to offer real-world business knowledge, which enhances the student learning experience. Sharing Conestoga’s motto is really important to my weekly teaching: “What you do here, counts out there.” -Janice Vilaca, Owner of Tasty Road Trips Inc. & Part-time Faculty

Want to join our team, or need more information? Contact Karen, at: ktowler@conestogac.on.ca

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Membership Renewals ■ Abcott Construction Ltd.

■ Farm Boy Company Inc.

■ MAK Consulting Group

■ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc./ Methapharm Inc.

■ GCI Construction Group

■ McNaughton Agency Inc.

■ Aecon Mining Construction Services

■ Genuine Tire & Auto

■ Middelkoop Sheet Metal Ltd.

■ Gizeh Packaging NA Inc.

■ Montessori House of Children

■ Grand River Community Health Centre

■ Norlok Technology Inc. (ISO 9001

■ AIM Recycling Brantford ■ Alliance Security Systems

■ GrandBridge Energy Inc. (formerly

■ Apogee Ceramics Inc.

Brantford Power and Energy+)

■ Blueprint IT Works Inc.

■ Grandview Flour and Feed Company

■ The Bodega Inn

■ Holstein Association Of Canada

■ Braemar House School ■ Brant Overhead Door ■ Brantwood Community Services ■ Britain West Automotive Specialties Ltd. ■ Comspec Technical Services Inc ■ Cornerstone Capital Financial Group ■ County of Brant ■ Cozzmic Communications *Technology *Security ■ Dalhousie Place ■ Ed Doucet (Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc.) ■ Ener Dynamic ■ Execulink Telecom Inc.

Registered) ■ Nova Cleaning Supplies ■ Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre

■ HT Industrial

■ OLG

■ Impact Home Staging

■ Organized Kaos

■ Itech Precision Group Inc.

■ Paris Crane Inspection Services

■ J&A Plumbing and Heating Ltd.

■ Paulsan Construction Inc.

■ Jacob Ellens & Associates Inc.

■ Protection Security Investigations

■ The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

■ The Q-META Group/Bellwether

■ Kneaded Care - Massage | Physiotherapy | Acupuncture

Investment Management ■ Queensview Retirement Community

■ Krown & Leading Edge Auto Detailing

■ The Rope Factory

■ Lancaster Bins

■ Rubberline Products Ltd.

■ Lawrie Insurance Group

■ Sacha Pinto - Marketing Strategist and Educator

■ Lococo’s-Brantford

143 Lynden Rd, Brantford (East of Wayne Gretzky Pkwy) 519.770.4422 pioneerfamilypools.ca

Did You Know The Chamber provides Commissioning

■ Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation ■ STS Schira Trades Services Ltd. ■ SVS Greenhouses ■ Synergy MouldWorks Inc. ■ Tamminga Enterprises Inc. ■ Tim Hortons Downtown ■ Town ‘n Country Maid Service Ltd ■ Translations Paris Traductions ■ Vapours Canada Vape Shop ■ Vive Brant Mechanical Services Inc. ■ Wilfrid Laurier International College ■ Wilfrid Laurier University-Brantford Campus ■ Wixtree Massage Therapy ■ Xplore Inc. ■ Young Living Essential Oils

Services for Certificates of Origin and other documents.

Call 519-753-2617 ext 25

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

Business After Hours Are You Interested in Hosting a Business After Hours Event? Email Alex at alex@brcc.ca for details. 7

Advocacy

Chamber Advocacy: A History of Impact and a Vision for the Future

uilding on this month’s CEO message, our Chamber has a history of being active in national and provincial Chamber policy development. Our November 2009 InTouch cover featured President Barry English of TDG Marketing at the microphone presenting the Chamber’s policy resolution advocating for expediency in the resolution of land claims. This policy evolved from the challenges facing our community at the time, and brought national recognition and attention to the Chamber and this issue. A great organizational learning experience, as volunteers and staff have continued to build the Chamber’s capacity in advocacy. Throughout 2023, the Chamber’s executive team has been heavily involved with the national policy development process. At this year’s October AGM, the team presented two authored policies from the Chamber and co-sponsored two additional policies. The executive also influenced the improvement of several other policies from across Canada, and President Paul Bisanti led the Ontario Caucus at the debate microphone (in both official languages!) Look for more details in E-News linking to the Advocacy page of the Chamber’s website, and in our January InTouch. Provincially, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has developed a robust policy schedule for 2024, and will be delivering a number of policy announcements throughout the fall

and winter. Chamber members should be proud of their joint membership in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has a close working relationship with OCC staff, and with all of our neighbouring Chambers, and many friends across the network. When your business has an issue or idea to improve government policy, the Chamber can find similar voices in Ontario, and build a strong position to provide recommendations and advocate for improvement. Another challenge the Chamber is addressing is the multiple economic impacts of housing development. Specifically, we are advocating for a unique, made-in-Brantford solution to the pressures impacting our longtime member S.C. Johnson. The Chamber has played an important role in during past challenges to corporate survival in supporting

We are Booking Now for Our 2024 Business After Hours Programs Hosting a Business After Hours is an excellent way to showcase your business/ organization and let our membership know what it is that you do! Contact Alex at alex@brcc.ca for more information

innovative, local ideas to retain and support our business community. The Chamber has connected with S.C. Johnson and the City, and authored a letter to the editor and to the City encouraging innovative and ongoing dialogue to address this matter, and to raise awareness that these types of residential and industrial conflict may continue to occur as an unintended consequence of accelerating much needed housing intensification, aligned with essential employment expansion. Finally, a brief acknowledgement of, and congratulations to, the City and County for the re-establishment of the Joint City-County Shared Services Committee, and a note of thanks to Mayors David Bailey of the County of Brant and Kevin Davis of the City of Brantford for their work in making this I a reality.

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Membership Corner Year in Review: Celebrating a Year of Chamber Achievements BY GREG EVANS

s we approach the end of another eventful year, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the remarkable achievements and milestones that the Chamber has accomplished over the past twelve months. This year has been filled with growth, collaboration, and community engagement, and we are excited to share some of the highlights that have made it a memorable one for our members. Membership Growth and Engagement One of the most significant achievements of our Chamber in 2023 has been

the steady increase in membership. We’re proud to welcome many new organizations into the fold, further expanding our network of entrepreneurs, visionaries, and community builders. The diverse range of businesses that have joined us this year demonstrates the continued appeal of our Chamber in fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities. Successful Events and Initiatives Throughout the year, the Chamber has organized and hosted a series of successful events and initiatives. From informative workshops and seminars to networking events and contributing to community service projects, these events have provided valuable platforms for our members to connect, learn, and give back. A return to a full-time focus on in-person events JANUARY 2023

WITH BRA NTFO

RD • BRA NT

Chamber of Commer ce Brantford • Brant

Advocacy Outlook 20 23

How Working Together Help Brantford-B s the rant Busines s Commun Become Stro ity nger Than Ever. Page 12

On the Cover:

Family owned and operated for 50 years

RCH 202

The Hon. MA Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, meets with Chamber stakeholders to discuss federal policy developm ent.

WI TH BR

D• AN TF OR

ns tulatio CongTOraALL OF OUR ellence Exc ss e n usi sts! 2023 B ards Finali Aw NTING PRESE

S 14 & PAGE

SOR BDO SPON

15.

DA LLP CANA

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BOOK YOUR AD TODAY! Contact Greg at: 519-753-2617 or email: greg@brcc.ca

Advocacy and Support Our Chamber has been a strong advocate for the local business community, working tirelessly to address the challenges and concerns faced by our members. Through effective collaboration with local government agencies and policymakers, we’re proud to continue to successfully push for beneficial changes in regulations and policies that directly impact our business environment. Community Outreach and Giving Back In line with our commitment to community betterment, our Chamber has continued to support local charities and organizations. Whether it’s through fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, or partnerships with local nonprofits, we’ve remained dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in our community as we’ve done since 1866. Looking Forward to 2024

BR AN T

LS ON DETAI

saw many events at capacity, offering significant opportunities and value for local businesses and individuals who contribute so much to the BrantfordBrant community.

As we conclude this year of remarkable achievements, we also look forward with enthusiasm to what the future holds. In 2024, our Chamber will continue to expand its offerings, advocate for the interests of our members, and create even more opportunities for growth and success. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and active participation of our members. It’s your dedication, enthusiasm, and collaboration that drive our Chamber forward, and we are excited to continue this journey together into the new year. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant and thriving business community. Here’s to another year of achievements, growth, and prosperity I in Brantford-Brant!

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

STAY MEET

PLAY

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Cover Feature Najia Habib: Community Spirit Drives This Business Owner and Philanthropist BY GEORGIA YORK

aiji Habib; an inspiring woman who continues to make a difference. Today a successful business accountant and owner of her own firm. From sleepless nights and many mountains to overcome, she looks back at her journey with pride. 20 years ago, she arrived in Canada from Pakistan with only a high school diploma backing up her dreams. She began by opening a home day care to build income while simultaneously taking care of her five children. Habib funded her own education and built it up exponentially. With long night classes and the risk of betting on herself, she became the hero she was waiting for. She is heavily involved in community work and makes it a priority in her life to give back. Habib is involved in local charities, hosts free workshops on small business accounting and finance, and spends countless hours volunteering with the Soles4Souls organization. The organization collects gently used or new shoes that would end up in landfills and puts them to good use. Their main goals being to provide relief, create jobs and empower people to break the cycle of poverty. Habib’s mission is to collect 10,000 shoes for Soles4Souls, and she is well on her way to completing her goal. In addition to Soles4Souls, Najia is involved with Easter Seals; an organization providing disability

Above: Najia Habib, philanthropist and owner of Bioped Brantford. services. Additional support areas serve veterans and military families, seniors, and caregivers. “Every year we host a walk to raise donations throughout Canada,” said Habib. This year, BioPed Brantford raised the highest amount for Easter Seals in donations. This accomplishment was huge for Najia, as it meant her goals of giving back were coming to fruition. Her success at BioPed hasn’t gone unnoticed. She joined the company six years ago and has become their lead accountant, overseeing the finance operations and accounting. Not only does she oversee the finances for this location in Brantford, but manages the financial questions, troubleshooting, and full cycle accounting for all 85 locations across Canada. After all her success, Najia decided it was time to begin her journey as a business owner. She bought the local foot care franchise.

Above: Certified Pedorthist, Evan Barks fits a custom orthotic at the Bioped Brantford facility. quality of the services.” Her upcoming goals include working with nursing homes and retirement homes to help the residents improve their knee, leg, and foot care. It can be costly to transport these patients to certain clinics, so Najia hopes to be able to take her services to them via a mobile clinic.

“When I took over this clinic, I looked around and saw a lot of work I can do in this community,” said Habib.

When she does get a break, Najia enjoys flying small planes and enjoying a nice game of chess.

Najia opens up her clinic to low-income individuals and families who otherwise wouldn’t have access to care.

“Because of my long struggle, my passion is to make the difference in lives of others by helping those in need.”

“The mission is to alleviate pain by the

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Presenting Sponsor

Wine, Women & Shopping Wednesday, November 22, 2023 5PM to 9PM Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre

Featuring

Entrepreneur and guest speaker: Tonia Jahshan

Enjoy a glass of wine while you shop amongst a diverse group of Chamber businesses, especially selected for a great shopping experience. A perfect evening of shopping, networking, dining and most importantly laughing! Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor

Musical Entertainment

Shaun Mulrain

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

Raffle proceeds in support of

Strong Start to Reading

THE FUTURE OF FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE

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Local News for Brantford and Brant

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WHAT’S KEEPING YOU WARM THIS WINTER? Call today and talk to a BML professional about our preventative maintenance program

Our Services:

· HVAC/R · Plumbing

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· Millwrighting · Fire Protection

Call: 519-756-4150 www.bmlmultitrades.ca Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1920

Assurance & Accounting • Business Valuation • Estate Planning • Financial Planning • Information Technology • Succession Planning • Taxation

M I L L A R D R O U S E & R O S E B R U G H L L P, 96 N E L S O N S T R E E T, B R A N T F O R D, 5 19.759.351 1 PARTNERS: M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA • H.C. Johnston CPA, CA • S.E. Goodwin, CPA, CA • D.A. Cleary, CPA, CGA, CFI • S.D. Klein, CPA, CA • G.S. Gravett, CPA, CA • S.A. Salole, CPA, CA • J.B. Baetz, CPA, CA • R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • S.W. McGaghran, CPA, CA • J.E. Chowhan, CPA, CA • P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA • J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA • R.A. Parker, CPA, CGA, CFI • G.M. Malecki, CPA, CA • Q.E. Bateson-Hotte, CPA, CA, LPA • W.A. Deane, CPA, CA ASSOCIATES: B.Y. Brenneman, CPA, CA • C.J. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • K.B. Weames, CPA, CA • D.E. Paxton, CPA, CA • M.M. Malecki, CPA CA • N.T. Nguyen, CPA CA • S.C. Dykstra, CPA CA • Wes. E.B. Caldwell, CPA CA • T.W. Schein, CPA, CA

www.millards.com 16

November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Financial Feature

Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

Proposed Alternative Minimum Tax Changes

Brooke Brenneman, CPA, CA, LPA Associate

What is the Alternative Minimum Tax? The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was introduced in 1986 in response to public awareness that some wealthy individuals and trusts were paying little or no income tax (by taking advantage of legitimate exemptions, deductions, and tax credits). It ensures that all individuals/trusts pay at minimum a base rate of tax. Budget 2023 proposed changes to the AMT system, effective January 2024. The goal was to increase AMT revenue and shift the burden of AMT to higherincome taxpayers. HOW DOES THE AMT SYSTEM WORK? Income tax is calculated under two methods and the higher amount is paid. 1. Regular method – calculate tax using regular rules. 2. AMT method – recalculate tax with the following adjustments: a. Fewer deductions, exemptions and tax credits are allowed. b. A flat rate of tax is applied. c. A basic amount of income is exempted (for individuals and certain trusts).

If AMT is paid, excess tax paid may, with proper planning, be recovered by being applied against regular tax within the next seven years.

Proposed Changes AMT RATE The rate will increase to 20.5% (from 15%). AMT BASIC EXEMPTION The basic exemption will increase to $173,000 (indexed) for individuals and certain trusts (from $40,000). Some trusts will no longer be subject to AMT, including graduated rate estates. AMT BASE Adjusted taxable income will increase because:

inclusion rate will decrease to 50% (from 80%). ■ Employee stock options benefit inclusion rate will increase to 100% (from 80%). ■ Capital gains inclusion rate on donations of publicly listed securities will increase to 30% (from 0%). ■ Deductibility of certain expenses, deductions and loss carryovers will be limited to 50%. Most non-refundable tax credits will be limited to 50% (from 100%). The proposed changes could significantly increase the tax burden of certain taxpayers. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at (519)759-3511 or visit us at I www.millards.com

■ Capital gains inclusion rate will increase to 100% (from 80%). ■ Capital loss carry-forwards and allowable business investment losses

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

Ask a Lawyer

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

When Was Your Employment Contract Last Reviewed?

Derek Sinko, Associate

he importance of having written employment contracts is invaluable for employers and employees. Employment contracts typically set out the usual terms such as position, compensation and benefits, hours and location of work, and term, and can also address confidentiality, post-employment obligations, and entitlements upon termination. It is helpful for both employers and employees if employment contracts include a clear termination clause. The clause should set out the particular amount of notice that an employee will receive if they are terminated without cause. A termination clause that may be interpreted in a manner that would provide the employee with less than their minimum entitlements under the Employment Standards Act is unenforceable, and will result in an employee being owed notice at common law. The length of common law notice is determined by a judge based on the employee’s length of service, age, position, and the availability of similar employment. Notice entitlements under the Employment Standards Act are typically a matter of weeks, whereas common law notice is typically a matter of months. As a result of recent court rulings, a termination with cause clause must

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford 20 Wellington St., Brantford. also be carefully drafted, otherwise it runs the risk of violating a without cause termination cause – even where the employee is not dismissed with cause. The result is that an employee dismissed without cause and with an otherwise enforceable without cause termination clause may be owed common law notice. This stems from a 2020 case in which the Ontario Court of Appeal held that where a termination with cause clause violates the Employment Standards Act, then the entire termination clause (including the without cause portion) is unenforceable. The Employment Standards Act provides that employees are entitled to notice of termination unless they are guilty of wilful misconduct, disobedience or wiful neglect of duty that is not trivial. A “without notice or payment for just cause” clause might fall short of nontrivial wilful misconduct.

other ways to invalidate otherwise enforceable termination clauses. For instance, a confidentiality clause that provides an employee may be terminated for cause for a breach of confidentiality also renders an otherwise enforceable without cause termination clause unenforceable. Although it may be difficult for employers and employees to contemplate ending their relationship when it is just beginning, it is mutually beneficial to determine and set out obligations ahead of time. If you are contemplating hiring and have not had a lawyer review your employment I contract recently, now is the time.

Since then, the court has also found November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n November 2023

Member Profile

ICON Office Environments

Empowering Children Through Personalized Learning

e at ICON Office Environments believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. We are excited to share our commitment to supporting those in need in the Brantford, London, and Toronto areas. As part of our ongoing mission to make a positive impact, we are proud to talk about how we have recently donated to three vital food banks in the area: the Brantford Food Bank, the London Food Bank, and the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank. These organizations play a crucial role in alleviating hunger and supporting local families during these

challenging times.

communities that have supported us.

Every time an ICON product is sold, a portion of the sale goes toward providing meals that are not only healthy but flavourful and farmed in an environmentally friendly way. To this point, we have been able to give away upwards of 68,695 meals, and that number continues to grow. You can check our website to see this number grow at iconoffice.com/giving.

We believe in not only providing great products and services but also fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the well-being of those around us. We are immensely proud of their dedication and enthusiasm in making a difference. We believe that together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant I community for all.

Our contribution reflects our unwavering dedication to the

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November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

BRANTFORD'S LOCAL IT EXPERTS

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MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PRICING At Brantford Toyota, Chamber of Commerce members receive:

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Exclusive VIP Pricing on new and pre-owned vehicles No admin fee Great sales and service experiences! Brantford Toyota donates a portion of all vehicle sales to the Brantford community and numerous charities including: The Shoebox Foundation, Brantford Food Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Brantford, Skip Burst and more (see our website for details).

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November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Ask the Experts Get Naloxone Training and You Could Save a Life! What is Naloxone? Naloxone is a medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. Naloxone is used to restore a person’s breathing if they have overdosed on opioids and their breathing has slowed or stopped. If the person has not overdosed on opioids, giving naloxone will not harm the person. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyNEO), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.

Signs of an Opioid Overdose ■ The person is unresponsive (unconscious) ■ Their breathing is very slow and shallow, erratic, or has stopped ■ For lighter skinned people, their skin tone turns bluish purple, for darker skinned people, it turns grayish or ashen ■ The person is making sounds, or a snore-like gurgling noise ■ Their face is very pale or clammy ■ Their pupils are very small ■ Their fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black ■ The person’s pulse (heartbeat) is slow, erratic, or not there at all

Workplace Naloxone As of June 1, 2023, workplaces where the employer is aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, there may be a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose at work while performing their duties must have a naloxone kit in good condition and stored near a worker trained in the administration of naloxone. Further information on

workplace naloxone can be found on the province’s website here: Naloxone in the workplace | ontario.ca

Free Naloxone Kits

■ Six Nations Mental Health and Addictions.

You Can Get a Free Naloxone Kit From:

Free naloxone kits can be accessed by eligible individuals, without a health card, through some pharmacies and community organizations. Visit the province’s website to learn more.

■ The Brant County Health Unit

Where To Get a Free Naloxone Kit | Ontario.ca.

The Brant County Health Unit can provide free Naloxone Administration Training. If you are interested, please call 519-753-4937, Ext: 460

Local organizations include: ■ St. Leonard’s ■ Salvation Army ■ Rosewood House ■ Grand River Community Health Centre ■ Brantford Downtown Outreach Team ■ Haldimand Norfolk Brant Van Program ■ Grand River Community Health Centre ■ Brant County Health Unit

■ Many of the community organizations mentioned above ■ Participating Pharmacies

Brenda Shiell Public Health Nurse Brant County Health Unit brenda.shiell@bchu.org

On Six Nations, visit: ■ Crisis Hub

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Welcome New Members ■ Bulldogs Foundation NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Peggy Chapman (905) 719-0061 peggy.chapman@brantfordbulldogs.com 79 Market St. S Brantford, ON

■ Carrier Tirecraft Auto Centre TIRE DEALERS - RETAIL

Robert Long (519) 750-8473 robertlong@carriergroup.ca 575 West St. Brantford, ON

■ Collard Properties Mutual Fund Trust REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Jamie Collard (519) 754-7286 jamie@collardproperties.ca 352 Governers Rd. E Paris, ON

■ IT Force COMPUTER NETWORKING

Jason Stitt

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Your propane company since 1951 (519) 753-1111 jstitt@itforce.ca 501-1100 Walkers Line Burlington, ON

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■ CHCH Television

TV STATIONS & BROADCASTING

Rob Montanaro (905) 522-1101 Rpbmontanaro@chz.com 4 Innovation Dr. Dundas, ON

■ Royal LePage Brant Realty REAL ESTATE

Jason Tangorra (519) 759-6800 jason.tangorra@gmail.com 1001 – 80 Brant Ave. Brantford, ON

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Offer ends December 31st, 2023. Services available within Bell’s network coverage areas where technology permits; see bell.ca/coverage. One-time Connection Service Fee ($60) will appear on your first bill. Taxes extra. Additional one-time fees are subject to change over time. See bell.ca/onetimefees for details. If you end your Commitment Period early, a Cancellation Fee applies; see your Agreement for details. This amount will be reduced when required by the Wireless Code. Conditions apply. Subject to change without notice. (1) Based on a third party score (Global Wireless Solutions OneScore™) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks. See bell.ca/network. 5G/5G+ access requires a compatible device and a compatible rate plan (even if a 5G/5G+ symbol appears on your device). Coverage is approximate, may vary and may not include indoor coverage; see bell.ca/5G. Speed, performance and whether a 5G/5G+ device uses the available 5G/5G+ network depend on various factors including, your rate plan, topography, environmental conditions, the current serving radio conditions at your location and whether the device is actively downloading or uploading data. Access is subject to Bell’s management of network resources, using methods which include Internet traffic management practices. See bell.ca/ITMP. (2) in-store only . Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used in Canada under license. Google and Pixel 7 Pro are trademarks of Google Inc. MOTOROLA EDGE is a trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and is used under license. © 2023 Motorola Inc. All rights reserved. November 2023 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com