January 2026 InTouch Magazine

Every watt saved is a boost to your bottom line.

From building retrofits to equipment upgrades to professional training, we’re here to help Ontario businesses thrive.

Programs, Incentives and Expert Advice for Every Business

Get financial and technical support to achieve your energy-efficiency goals.

Small Business Programs

Receive financial incentives for saving energy. Becoming more energy efficient doesn’t take a lot of time, even for the busiest business owners.

Retrofit Program

Get financial incentives to upgrade equipment that will lower energy costs, improve productivity and support your business’s sustainability goals.

XLerate Program

Receive up to $15 million in funding and comprehensive support for large-scale energy efficiency projects through a streamlined pay-for-performance initiative.

FIND OUT MORE

Instant Discounts Program

Receive upfront discounts from participating distributors on the purchase of energy-efficient lighting products that will help to lower your business’s energy consumption, improve your bottom line and transform your space.

Expanded Energy Management Program

The expanded Energy Management program offers financial support for industrial facilities as part of Natural Resources Canada’s Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program.

Scan the QR code or email saveonenergy@grandbridgeenergy.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Joy O’Donnell Grand Financial Planning

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT

Mike Gatopoulos Seventh Coffee Company Inc.

SECRETARY

Rob Simmons Cozzmic Communications

PAST PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc.

DIRECTORS

Nancy Billard

St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation

Bill Emmott Brant County Federation of Agriculture

John Imola Bank of Montreal

Eardly Judah BDO Canada

Steve Lacelle Photohouse Studios

Kristin Pass Braemar House School

Maxwell Roach JonAyves Learning Club

Caitlin Turner

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

David Prang

LIAISONS

John

Linda

Message from the CEO

Looking Ahead: Leadership, Advocacy, and Impact in 2026

Welcome to 2026! Winter has just arrived as I write this, and our 2026 events and programming calendar is nearly finalized. We begin planning in June each year and continue refining dates, venues, sponsors, and ideas through the summer and fall. Through volunteer input and event feedback surveys, the Chamber team has some surprises in store that retain the best parts of your favourite events while improving areas in response to the changing business environment. We are always delighted to hear your ideas and, with the support of our sponsors, partners, and attendees, look forward to welcoming you to events in 2026.

I would like to extend a warm January welcome to our 2026 Board of Directors and President Joy O’Donnell. Joy brings a breadth and depth of community experience in Brantford-Brant and the surrounding region, and her more than 30 years of involvement with Chambers of Commerce and service clubs will continue to support the Chamber. Early in her term, she has been active in reaching out to local leaders for meetings with the Chamber Executive. Look for more insights on Joy in our cover feature this month.

It is important to acknowledge Don Williamson’s two terms on the Board as a dedicated leader, following in the footsteps of several members of his family. We wish him well as the demands of his business, Oak House Benefits, and other community work focus his priorities elsewhere.

We are pleased to welcome Kristin Pass of Braemar House School, Nancy Billard of St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation, and Steve LaCelle of Photohouse Studios to the Board. Each brings a unique perspective and valuable small- and

mid-sized business experience to complement the Board.

Optimism arrives with each new year across the Chamber membership and

network, strengthened by the purpose of business: delivering economic prosperity and improved quality of life. Government intervention in the economy remains significant, even as all levels appear more open to considering the costs of regulation. This presents an opportunity to build and protect strategic industries in Brantford-Brant, including Agrifood, Advanced Manufacturing, and Warehousing.

As noted in our Advocacy feature this month, employers and employees are demanding more of each other in today’s working environment, with some workplaces spanning up to five generations. We must continue investing in a diverse and inclusive workforce to grow our economy and bridge expectations.

Continued on Page 19 >

Brant United Way: Charity of Choice for Local Businesses

Business leaders are often approached with charitable requests — all of them important, all of them deserving. But with limited time and resources, determining where your support will make the greatest difference can be challenging.

That’s where Brant United Way comes in. For 75 years, Brant United Way has invested in programs that keep people safe, fed, and connected in Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations. One gift supports more than 30 local programs, ensuring your contribution reaches the broadest range of needs

— from food security and youth supports to trauma therapy, supports for victims of crime and programs that encourage family stability.

What makes this model especially valuable for business leaders is its efficiency and accountability. An Impact Committee of over 50 community volunteers assesses funding applications and identifies where charitable dollars will have the greatest impact. This communityled process means businesses can give with confidence, knowing that every dollar is stewarded carefully and evaluated regularly for measurable outcomes.

For many employers, supporting Brant United Way also provides a clear and consistent response to the many donation requests they receive. Making Brant United Way your charity of choice is a practical, high-impact

solution for busy professionals who want to make a difference without needing to vet dozens of organizations individually.

By supporting Brant United Way, Chamber members help strengthen the social infrastructure that local businesses rely on — healthier families, a more stable workforce, and a more vibrant community. One gift. Thirty programs. 30,000 people receiving support.

PS: Workplace giving campaigns are also a great way to engage staff and provide an opportunity for your entire team to experience philanthropy. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to:

info@brantunitedway.org

What we raise here, stays here.

Taxes – A Summary of Changes and Updates

With the November 2025 release of the budget, the Canada Revenue Agency has made a few changes that affect all taxpayers. Here is a quick summary to keep you in the know:

Increase to the Federal Basic Personal Amount

The basic personal amount is a nonrefundable tax credit that all taxpayers claim on their personal tax return. For 2025, this limit has increased to $16,129 (from $14,156 in 2024). Any income earned under this amount is not subject to federal tax. In Ontario, the basic personal amount is $12,747 for 2025.

Charitable Donations Deadline

In 2024, the Department of Finance announced their intention to extend the deadline for charitable donations. The change proposed was such that charitable donations made within the first 60 days after 2024 could be claimed on your 2024 tax return (similar to the rules relating to RRSP contributions). Although this proposal was administered by CRA for the 2024 tax season, the legislation of this change has not received royal assent. As such, for 2025, only charitable donations made on or before December 31, 2025 will be eligible for the charitable donation tax credit on your 2025 tax return.

Digital News Subscription Tax Credit

Starting in 2025, the government has eliminated the digital news subscription tax credit. This credit first became available in the 2020 taxation year and allowed taxpayers to claim a nonrefundable tax credit of 15% of their annual digital subscriptions costs up to a maximum annual credit of $75. To be eligible, the subscription has to be with a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization.

Canada Disability Benefit

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new program that provides up to $200 per month (max $2,400 annually) to low-income working-aged Canadians residents (aged 18 – 64) with a disability. To be eligible for this program, individuals must be approved to receive the disability tax credit and must have filed their 2024 federal income tax return. The benefit amount is based on your adjusted family net income. For single individuals, the maximum benefit is reduced by 20% of any adjusted

income in excess of $33,000 and is fully eliminated for individuals that have adjusted income in excess of $45,000. For individuals who are married or common-law, the maximum benefit is reduced by 20% of your combined adjusted income in excess of $46,500 and is fully eliminated for individuals that have combined adjusted income in excess of $58,500. In the event that both your and your spouse or common-law partner are both eligible for the CDB, the reduction factor for income earned over the combined adjusted income threshold is reduced to 10% for each of your calculations.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at Millards at (519)759-3511 or visit us at www.millards.com I

COVER STORY

Driven by community: Joy O’Donnell takes over as Chamber President

ABy Zach Zettel

s the calendar turns to 2026, Joy O’Donnell is embracing the role of President of the Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant, with a deep sense of purpose and a long track record of community involvement.

O’Donnell has owned and operated a successful financial planning business in Brantford for more than 20 years, but giving back has always been part of her professional life. Her commitment to the community has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, she received the City of Brantford’s Ambassador Award, followed by the Canada 150 Award in 2017, recognizing her ongoing contributions to the region.

For O’Donnell, her background as a small business owner is central to how she approaches leadership at the Chamber.

“If I didn’t own my own small business, you might not understand what other

small business owners go through, or any business owner for that matter,” she said. “You know the struggles they’re facing, and the frustration that can come with dealing with government relations.”

Her leadership journey wasn’t carefully mapped out, but it was driven by a willingness to get involved. When she first joined the Chamber of Commerce network, O’Donnell said yes to every opportunity that came her way. Over time, that led her to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant, and, eventually to the Executive Committee of the Board in 2023.

While becoming President was not the initial goal of her Chamber involvement, her steady engagement and leadership made the transition a natural one.

This is not her first time in a leadership role within the community. O’Donnell previously served as President of the Rotary Club of Brantford in both 2008 and 2022. She says volunteering has a way of drawing people in.

“Once you get started on something

like that, you really do get addicted,” she said. “It feels good when things come together and you know you’ve changed the world in some little way. It doesn’t have to be big. You just made somebody’s life a little easier.”

Looking ahead, O’Donnell has no shortage of priorities. One of her goals is to relaunch the Women in Business Committee, which dissolved during the pandemic. She hopes to strengthen the committee and advocate for issues women continue to face in the workplace.

“I think it’s important that we recognize some of the additional challenges women face in business,” she said.

She also sees 2026 as an important year for organizational renewal at the Chamber. Early priorities include updating bylaws, committee terms of reference, and governance policies to ensure everything is current, clearly structured, and aligned with how the organization operates today.

“It’s a much-needed refresher,” O’Donnell said.

2026 ADVOCACY

From Trade Uncertainty to Transit: Chamber Advances Advocacy Agenda

In 2025, the Chamber’s Advocacy work experienced several unique priorities. Initially faced with US Tariffs and Trade uncertainty, the Chamber delegated to Brantford City Council on three occasions in support of local procurement and business supports. In addition, the Chamber engaged with the City’s Ward 4 and Ward 5 Town Halls and hosted our own as part of Small Business Week in October. Based on feedback from these engagement opportunities and our Committee, the Chamber’s Advocacy priorities for 2026 will include Regional Transportation and Transit, Small and Medium Sized Business (SMEs), Housing and Homelessness, and new for this year, multi-generation workforce development, as supported by the Education Committee’s work as well.

The Ward 4 Town Hall in June helped to develop provincial and national advocacy work by the City towards scrap metal regulatory reform and bail reform. The Chamber will advance the Scrap Metal reform as part of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy development this winter, in addition to supporting the City’s work through our webpage.

Long overdue, the Chamber’s Advocacy webpage now lists not just our local policies like Transportation, but also features our entire Policy Compendium of municipal, provincial, and national policy work that we have authored or contributed to, as well as our process for considering advocacy priorities. We also link to the entire Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Compendiums for 2025-2028, and features topical pages on Scrap Metal Reform and Immigration Reform.

The Chamber hosted our 2nd Annual Harvest Lunch with Mayor David Bailey

Above: Ontario Chamber of Commerce Business Advisory Committee Roundtable on Rural Issues with the Hon. Lisa Thompson, MPP, Huron-Bruce and Minister of Rural Affairs, November 2025. Courtesy of the Chamber.

in September, which aligned with his guest appearance at the Advocacy Committee in May, the Chamber’s Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy work in rural transportation, and the Chamber’s meeting with the Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, in November. In 2026, the Chamber will welcome MPP Will Bouma as the Harvest Lunch guest in September, due to the adjacency to the municipal election in October.

2026 Advocacy Committee

Vice President and Chair

Seventh Coffee Company

Joy O’Donnell

President (ex-officio)

Grand Financial Planning

Bill Emmott

Emcrest Farms/ Brant County Federation of Agriculture

Jay Allen

Advantage Insurance

Courtney Lucas

VitaHeal HomeCare

Jeff Memmott

Cowan Insurance Group Ltd.

Michelle Miller

GK York Management Services

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRANTFORD • BRANT

AdvocacyOriented Events in 2026

›› MPs’ Breakfast

Friday, March 6, 2026

›› Brantford 2050 Lunch & Mayors Panel Discussion

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

›› MPP Harvest Lunch

Friday, September 11, 2026*

›› 2026 Municipal Election Activities*

*to be confirmed

Committee Members

Brett Scace

TD Commercial Bank

Jacob Tiffin

Protection Security Investigations

Andy Woodburn

Woodburn Insurance and Consulting

Lana Burchell

Steve’s Tea

Joshua Wall

BRREA/BensonCrew Real Estate

David Prang

CEO (ex-officio)

Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant

Mark your calendars for the Advocacy Oriented Events in 2026

The Chamber will continue to work diligently and collaboratively with stakeholders in our region to strengthen the work of the Chamber throughout 2026. Here is a snapshot of our 2025 advocacy milestones and what’s ahead in 2026. NEW!!! We are excited to introduce the Women in Business Committee in late 2025, its inaugural meeting occurring just after press time for this issue.

Local

October will bring our municipal elections. The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is the only organization with a mandate for regional economic development and cooperation.

The Chamber will look to our future municipal leaders to identify their strategies and tactics to improve the quality of life for all in our region, through business-friendly communities. Key issues include the development of the boundary lands including north of Powerline Road, Oak Park Road, and the Cainsville Premier Employment Hub, the Brantford Sports and Entertainment Centre and Downtown Entertainment District, transportation and transit infrastructure across both municipalities, physician recruitment, and the new hospital development. Our municipal election planning is still in development, but the ever-popular RogersTV debates are in development pending mutual capacity.

Provincial

This spring, the Chamber was awarded an Honourable Mention by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for its Advocacy work with our municipalities. Building on this work, the Chamber authored a policy resolution titled Encouraging Municipal Government Collaboration to Address Transit Needs and Gaps to address transit issues across municipalities in Ontario. In addition, our policy Create and Implement a Provincial Strategy to Address Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addictions, was renewed and updated, and the Advocacy team looks forward to constructive debate around policy issues across the province, including transit, education, skills development, and health care.

Federal

In October, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Convention adopted several policies co-sponsored by the Chamber: Equitable Tax Distribution to Assist Canadian Municipalities Invest in Affordable Housing, and Bridging the Infrastructure Gap. The Chamber’s engagement at the national level on these and other issues such as tariffs, trade, immigration, and workforce development directly impact local business through government policy. In addition, the Chamber was recognized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as one of its founding 100 members, as part of the 100th Anniversary of the CCC this year.

Get in touch with us! www.chamberbrantfordbrant.com/advocacy

Cover Story: Driven by Community

Beyond internal work, she is also focused on broader community issues. One idea she hopes to revisit is improving transportation links between Brantford and surrounding communities, pointing to a regional bus service that existed decades ago and could serve a renewed purpose today.

Environmental conservation is another passion. O’Donnell currently serves on the board of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and has previously been involved with the Grand River Conservation Authority Foundation. She believes connecting people— especially younger generations—to nature is increasingly important.

of ‘build, build, build,’ and sometimes that means losing green space. That’s not good for us.” She hopes to encourage more developers to think about building up, not out.

the need for long-term, collaborative strategies to create meaningful change. At the heart of her leadership style is collaboration. She describes herself as a consensus builder who values hearing every voice at the table.

“Once we get all our arrows lined up in the right direction, it’s an easy march forward,” she said. “But you have to make sure everyone’s included. When people feel heard, you build agreement, you build consensus, and you build a clear direction.”

“We’re natural creatures. We should be comfortable in our natural environment, and we’re losing that,” she said. “We live in a fast-paced world

O’Donnell is also committed to addressing opioid addiction and homelessness in Brantford, emphasizing

As she steps into the role of President, O’Donnell is energized by the year ahead and ready to get to work— focused on strengthening the Chamber, supporting local businesses, and continuing to build a community she’s been committed to for decades. Zach Zettel is a second-year Journalism student at Conestoga College.

< Continued from Page 12 I

Is it Time to Incorporate my Business?

As the new year begins, many business owners may be reflecting on the growth of their businesses over the past twelve months, and as we move towards tax season, they may begin asking a very common question, “Is it time to incorporate my business?”

The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors. A business owner may choose to incorporate their business on the advice of their legal or tax advisors. Commonly, the choice to incorporate is impacted by the relative growth, profit or taxation of the business. However, there are various benefits to incorporation outside of potentially beneficial tax implications. Some examples of these benefits include:

Limitation of Liability

One benefit of incorporation is that a corporation is a distinct legal entity, which carries its own separate liability. When operating an unincorporated business, the sole proprietor holds full liability over the actions of the business, including claims against the business or debts accrued by the business. This means that an individual’s personal assets, including real estate, can be seized should the business default on its obligations or fail to satisfy a judgment against the business. Incorporations have their own liability, and generally speaking, their liability can only be realized through assets held within the corporation. The assets which may be seized to satisfy a debt

or judgment are restricted to those which are in the corporation. This allows a business owner to separate their business and personal assets to avoid unwanted consequences.

Succession Planning

Incorporation can also be a helpful tool in terms of succession planning. Should a sole proprietor pass away, their business passes away with them. This means that sole proprietor’s next of kin, or executor, as the case may be, may be responsible for handling the business-related taxes, debts, and other obligations. However, an incorporation cannot die and instead can continue on despite the passing of the owner of that corporation. Through thoughtful estate and corporate planning, an individual can ensure that their chosen beneficiaries can continue to benefit from their business for generations to come.

While incorporation can be beneficial from a liability and succession planning perspective, there are certain disadvantages to incorporation that a business owner may wish to weigh against the benefits. For example, the initial cost of incorporation can be daunting to some business owners.

Moreover, there are ongoing annual costs, and administrative burdens associated with ensuring that once incorporate, the corporation remains complaint with the Ontario Business Corporations Act. It is important that a business owner weights the costs of incorporation against the potential benefits when determining whether to incorporate their business.

If you are considering incorporating your business, it is important to consult with a tax and legal professional to ensure that incorporation is the right fit for your goals. Moreover, tax and legal experts can assist you in ensuring that your incorporation is structured in the most beneficial way possible.

At Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP our corporate lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience to assist you in ensuring your business is structured in the most productive manner.

Save Energy. Save Money. Strengthen Your Business.

GrandBridge Energy partners with Save on Energy to deliver powerful conservation programs for local businesses

There’s big news for business owners this year. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which operates the Save on Energy program, has renewed its partnership with local electricity distributors and GrandBridge Energy is officially on board. Approved in October 2025, this partnership marks a new chapter in helping businesses access incentives that lower energy use, strengthen efficiency, and unlock rebates for making smart upgrades.

This initiative is a key part of GrandBridge Energy’s approved electricity Demand Side Management (eDSM) plan, supporting local marketing, customer education, and business outreach. The goal is simple: help you cut consumption, reduce costs, and support a reliable provincial electricity grid.

Small Business Program

This is perfect for businesses with up to 50 employees.

Small businesses across Ontario can now receive up to $3,000 for lighting upgrades and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment, with direct-

install support at no cost. Available improvements include efficient lighting, refrigeration, controls, and more.

Why join?

n Reduce monthly energy bills

n Improve comfort for customers and staff

n Benefit from simple, expert installation

n Qualify even if you participated in previous Save on Energy programs

Peak Perks

Get paid to help reduce demand. This fast-growing program offers incentives for allowing short, smart thermostat adjustments on hot summer days, shifting use away from peak periods. Earn $75 for signing up and $20 every year you stay enrolled.

Instant Discounts Program

Fast savings. No paperwork. Enjoy point-of-sale discounts on energy-efficient lighting products from participating distributors. Eligible for commercial, industrial, agricultural, institutional, and multi-unit residential facilities.

Retrofit Program

Large savings for long-term improvements.

The Retrofit Program rewards customers who invest in/purchase equipment upgrades that deliver measurable, sustainable energy savings. Businesses can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, with two streams available:

n Prescriptive: targeted retrofits such as solar PV, HVAC controls, motors, pumps, industrial equipment, and network lighting

n Custom: solutions based on your facility’s unique operating conditions

XLerate Program

The Save on Energy XLerate Program offers a streamlined, payfor-performance approach for large energy-efficiency projects. Designed for industrial, municipal, institutional, and healthcare organizations, the program simplifies planning and funding for major upgrades, with support from the Province of Ontario.

Expanded Energy Management Program

This enhanced offering provides commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities with greater financial support to improve energy management. Businesses can receive up to $250,000 for installing an energy management information system (EMIS), hire an energy manager, and participate in expert-led coaching cohorts to make strategic, long-term energy decisions.

Whether you want to reduce dayto-day energy use, upgrade aging equipment, or invest in larger facility improvements, Save on Energy offers a wide range of support and financial incentives. Learn more, visit: www.SaveOnEnergy.ca

GrandBridge Energy is here to guide businesses through the process, from identifying opportunities to accessing funding and completing upgrades. Reach out today by email to saveonenergy@grandbridgeenergy.com to start your energy-efficiency journey.

< Continued from Page 4

Your investment in the Chamber is essential to improving the business environment in Canada. Look for our 4th Annual Advocacy Update in this edition, outlining priorities at all three levels of government and highlighting the work of the Advocacy Committee in 2025 and its plans for 2026. While municipal, provincial, and federal governments face many challenges, it is incumbent on the business community to offer solutions and resources while demanding responsible, transparent use of tax dollars and sound decision-making. I look forward to seeing you at an event or connecting with you this year. I

Dave david@chamberbrantfordbrant.com

Make Your Business Digital Presence a Priority in 2026 Digital Playbook

For many businesses, social media still feels unfamiliar — something “other companies” seem to master while you’re still figuring it out. But a new year is the perfect moment to refresh your digital presence and view it as a real opportunity for growth. You don’t need expertise to make progress; you just need a starting point and a willingness to capture the everyday moments already happening in your business.

Here’s the truth: every polished brand once stood exactly where you are — learning on the go, experimenting, and showing the people and process behind their work. If you’re new to digital marketing or don’t have someone dedicated to it, the good news is this: you likely already have more content than you think. This year, shift your mindset and make digital a priority by training your team to notice the value in the daily work you normally overlook.

Begin With What You Already Do

Your strongest content lives in your day-to-day operations. If you manufacture products, show materials arriving, production steps, testing, and packaging. If you offer services, capture prep work, tools, behind-the-scenes moments, and how you interact with clients.

Audiences want more than polished results. They want the detail, care, and personality behind the delivery.

Assign a “Content Collector”

You don’t need a full-time creator — just one or two team members who consistently capture clips, photos, interviews, and progress shots. Their job isn’t perfection; it’s collecting what’s happening. Chances are, someone on your team already enjoys this creative role.

Once content flows consistently, posting becomes easier and more strategic.

Centralize Everything in One Cloud Folder

Create a shared “Content Drop” folder in Google Drive, OneDrive, or any team platform. Encourage staff to add photos and videos from events, installs, production days, and daily wins.

This simple habit delivers an immediate payoff:

n You gain a wider variety of authentic visuals.

n Your in-house or external marketing team works with real, relevant content.

n You avoid losing great photos and videos in someone’s phone gallery.

This shared library becomes your digital archive — ready for marketing, storytelling, and year-round visibility.

Events Are Content Gold

Trade shows, demos, client visits, and community events naturally supply days of content. Capture wide shots, close-ups, action, reactions, and team energy.

Short, Repeatable Content Wins

Simple formats help you stay consistent:

n Before and After

n Product Spotlight

n Meet the Team

n How It’s Made

n Tools of the Trade

n What’s Happening Today

These require minimal prep and keep your content moving.

Progress Over Perfection

The biggest barrier is believing everything must be flawless. It doesn’t. Audiences value authenticity and respond to real, everyday moments. Start small, keep it simple, and let your team’s content bring your business to life.

Follow us:

n Instagram: chamber.brantford.brant

n Facebook: chamberbrantfordbrant

n LinkedIn: Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant

In the next issue, we’ll explore how to turn your content library into a clear posting plan for 2026. I

The Influence Co., a marketing and consulting division of Tasty Road

For information about membersonly advertising opportunities, please contact Greg Evans at: 519-753-2617

Membership Corner

Strapping In for 2026: Big Ideas, Stronger Community

January always sneaks up on me the same way a meeting does when I swear I had five more minutes to tweak my fantasy football lineup before it started. But here we are with a brand new year, a clean slate, and another month to start practicing writing 2026 on everything even though you’ll be writing 2025 instinctively until about March Break. The seasonal sadness hits me the same way it hits many others, but otherwise I love this time of year. There’s something energizing about looking ahead at what’s coming for the community, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of those years where it’s especially important to strap in and make big moves or risk falling behind. One of the biggest shifts we all know we’ll be continuing to navigate is AI. As long as our GPTs don’t become sentient and collaborate to take us over, AI tools will keep advancing rapidly and allow organizations to run smoother and smarter. It’s exciting, but it also brings questions and ethical dilemmas. How do we use AI responsibly, and how do we make sure the actual humans who keep businesses alive stay supported and protected?

The Chamber will continue to help businesses explore new technology without losing sight of the people who make everything work. Innovation is great, but only if it works for our community instead of leaving anyone behind.

We’re also refreshing our events this year. New formats, better networking opportunities, and more chances to invite a friend or neighbour you’ve been casually nudging to join the

Chamber. Bring them out. There’s nothing like experiencing this community in person.

Remember that you do not have to be a business owner or business leader to join the Chamber. Many individuals join us at the reduced individual membership rate to take advantage

of networking, learning, and personal development opportunities that continue to improve and remain a key way members help drive the special things happening in Brantford-Brant. I include this often in my correspondence and conversations, but still don’t say it enough –Brantford-Brant is blessed to have so many leaders who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Lean on your fellow members for advice, soundboarding, a rant session, or even just a bit of cheerleading.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited for all the new ideas, new opportunities, new energy, and the same connected community that makes BrantfordBrant home. Members are the people who make that happen, and I appreciate everything you do to build on what Chamber members have worked hard on for the last 159 years.

Membership Renewals

n Access Self Storage Inc.

n Ardency Corporation

n Arlington Hotel and River’s Edge

n Aspira Brants Landing - Retirement Living

n Aspire Bakeries B.C. ULC

n Atomic Spark

n Brant Mutual Insurance Company

n Brant Skills Centre

n Brant United Way

n Brant Waterways Foundation

n Brantford Golf and Country Club Ltd.

n Brantford Industrial Warehousing Ltd.

n Brantford Regional Real Estate Association

n Brantford Toyota

n Brantwood Farms

n Brave Waves Swim School

n Britain West Automotive Specialties Ltd.

n BScene

n Career Colleges Ontario

n Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Foundation

n The Children’s Safety Village of Brant

n CPR Cell Phone Repair (2509405 Ontario Ltd.)

n D J Recreational Products

n Doug Campbell Construction

n Enbridge Inc.

n Financial Navigators

n Genesis Metalworks Inc.

n The Graffic Link Design Studio Inc.

n Grand River Council on Aging

n GrandBridge Energy Inc.

n NetOptiks (a div. of the GrandBridge Group)

n Grandview Flour and Feed Company

n Greenspace Waste Solutions

n R. A. Grinton & Associates

n Isaac Rosebrugh, Mortgage Broker

n Ellens & Associates Inc.

n Kneaded Care - Massage | Physiotherapy | Acupuncture

n Lucero Legal Services Professional Corporation

n McGowan Office Interiors Incorporated

n Valhalla Mortgages-Michel St. Pierre

n Middelkoop Sheet Metal Ltd.

n Nova Cleaning Supplies

n Nu-u Float

n OE Canada Inc.

n Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG)

n Rec-Check Inspections Inc.

n Renway Energy Inc.

n Rotary Club of Brantford

n Rubberline Products Ltd.

n Scotlynn

n Smashing Pixels

n Sociable Kitchen + Tavern

n Speak Technique

n Specsavers Lynden Park Mall

n Stebbing Butcher PC

n Synergy MouldWorks Inc.

n Tae Photography

n Tasty Road Trips Inc. & Marlin Travel Brantford

n Tenaxx Logistics

n Translations Paris Traductions

n Wade Antenna, Inc.

n West Brant Window World

n Whole Body Health

n Willowbridge Community Services Inc.

n J. H. Young & Sons Ltd.

New Members

n Applure Studio Inc.

WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Chibuzor Ogbu (226) 270-7507

chibuzor.ogbu@applure.ca Brantford, ON

n BGC Brantford

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Amy Valletta (519) 752-2964 ext. 128 bgced@bgcbrant.ca Brantford, ON

n Bingemans

CATERERS & EVENT FACILITIES

Laurie Schell (519) 744-1231 ext. 2269 lschell@bingemans.com Kitchener, ON

n Dan McCreary

ASSOCIATIONS / MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

Dan McCreary (519) 761-2439

dan.mccreary@rogers.com Brantford, ON

n Grissin Bon Limited

MANUFACTURING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Julia Homeniuk (519) 751-2121 ext. 411 julia.homeniuk@grissinbon.com Brantford, ON

n Lunar Webb Vendor Market

VENDOR MARKET / ASSOCIATIONS

Veronica Webb (548) 885-1781

vwebb.official@gmail.com Brantford, ON

Advertise with the Chamber!

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