Big changes happen when you start with saving energy
With energy-efficient upgrades, you can find cost savings to reinvest in growing your business. Plus, you can improve productivity, employee comfort and your customer experience along the way—keeping you competitive.
What is the RETROFIT PROGRAM?
The Save on Energy Retrofit program offers businesses in Ontario incentives to upgrade equipment, reduce energy bills, lower their carbon footprint and increase productivity. The incentives are designed to help businesses speed up their payback on energy-efficiency equipment upgrades. The program offers incentives in two streams:
• Prescriptive stream for targeted retrofit projects focusing on commonly used products and technologies
• Custom stream for larger, more complex retrofit projects to capture greater energy savings.
FIND OUT MORE
Scan the QR code to find out if you’re eligible or email saveonenergy@grandbridgeenergy.com with your questions.
GrandBridge Energy customers may be eligible for double the incentive normally available from the Retrofit program for most non-lighting measures through the Retrofit regional adders.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Joy O’Donnell Grand Financial Planning
VICE-PRESIDENT
Rob Simmons Cozzmic Communications
SECRETARY
Maxwell Roach
JonAyves Learning Club
PAST
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
Caitlin Turner Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP
Mike Gatopoulos
Seventh Coffee Company Inc. (On Leave)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
David Prang
LIAISONS
John
Linda
Message from the President
Navigating Uncertainty Through Business Leadership and Collaboration
The business landscape continues to shift under the weight of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Just as many organizations were adapting to a “new normal,” new pressures have emerged, from unpredictable trade relations to regulatory barriers and evolving policy frameworks. Yet, as highlighted at the recent Canadian Chamber of Commerce Canada–U.S. Trade: Challenges and Opportunities event, “internal trade barriers and excessive red tape must be dismantled to ensure businesses can thrive.” These challenges underscore the importance of strong, coordinated leadership across sectors.
With some federal and provincial electoral certainty in place, Canada’s economic potential remains significant. With abundant supplies of food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals, our country is well positioned to lead in global markets. But realizing that potential requires strategic infrastructure investment in roads, airports, rail networks, pipelines and high-speed internet for rural and Indigenous communities. Businesses and investors need regulatory clarity and predictable timelines, as uncertainty and policy inconsistency undermine confidence and hinder growth.
Locally, the Chamber continues to collaborate with the Economic Development departments of both the City of Brantford and the County of Brant to support businesses navigating this period of uncertainty. Our region has repeatedly demonstrated resilience and creativity, and this moment calls for that same spirit of collaboration and innovation.
David Prang, CEO
For those still considering the value of Chamber membership, the connection is clear: a direct line exists between a phone call, an email, or attendance at a Chamber event and key decisionmakers at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Through our advocacy efforts with the Ontario and Canadian
Chambers of Commerce, your voice is heard where economic policy is shaped. Now, more than ever, Chamber membership matters.
I am delighted to welcome the Chamber’s new Manager of Membership and Business Development, Gord McCreary, to the Chamber team! Gord brings extensive community experience throughout our region in many aspects of the membership experience. Gord joined us in mid-May, with his first day being our Business After Hours event hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University at the Belmont, and has already made an immediate impact. Please reach out to Gord with your membership ideas and opportunities!
While our events slow down over the summer, Chamber staff remain busy planning and preparing for the autumn season.
David Prang
Brant Skills Centre Helps Community Build Skills for Success
As workforce demands continue to evolve, the Brant Skills Centre is helping adults build the practical and transferable skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. Operating for more than 40 years, the centre offers training programs for adults and youth over 18, with a focus on real-life skills and hands-on learning.
Lori Bruner, Executive Director of the Brant Skills Centre, has been with the organization for 24 years and says the goal is to match training with what employers need.
“We offer customized, tailored in-
person and online training in areas such as literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and soft skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork,” Bruner said.
Digital skills training includes Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as basic computer skills.
While the centre’s main location is on
Grey Street, programs are not limited to one place. Staff can also travel to workplaces across the region, making it easier for employers and employees to access trainig throughout BrantfordBrant.
The organization works closely with individuals and employers, helping people gain the skills needed for a new job or improve the ones they already have. It also supports businesses looking to strengthen their workforce and overall work environment.
“We work as a team to make sure both the employer and the employee are getting what they need to be successful,” Bruner said.
The centre’s work goes beyond employment. The same skills can help individuals build confidence and manage everyday responsibilities, creating benefits both at work and in life.
COVER STORY
Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence Across Brantford-Brant
By Chamber Staff
The Chamber of Commerce
Brantford-Brant proudly hosted its 42nd Annual Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 7, at the Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre.
Recognized as one of the premier business events in the region, this year’s celebration, presented by BDO Canada LLP, welcomed 300 guests, including City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis, County of Brant Mayor David Bailey, members of both municipal councils, business leaders, community partners and Chamber members.
The evening recognized fifteen local businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and community leaders nominated across five award categories. Each nominee represented the innovation, resilience, leadership and community spirit that continue to shape the Brantford-Brant business community.
More than an awards evening, the Business Excellence Awards are a
reminder of what can happen when local businesses and organizations invest their time, talent and energy into making our region stronger. The Chamber extends warm congratulations to all award recipients, finalists and nominees, and sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers and
guests who helped make the evening such a success.
Congratulations as well to all Chamber members for their ongoing commitment to excellence, collaboration and the continued growth of our local business community.
Nick Freeman presents the David Baxter Outstanding Achievement award to Josie and Rick Mannen.
Photo credit: Photohouse Studio.
Is Your Ex Alienating Your Children?
Parental alienation may arise where one parent, either intentionally or unintentionally, undermines or interferes with the child’s relationship with the other parent. This can occur through negative comments, subtle manipulation, or interference with parenting time. Over time, the child may begin to display unwarranted fear, hostility, or rejection toward the alienated parent, often adopting the views of the other parent without independent thought or justification. Parental alienation can involve behaviours such as:
n Making negative comments about the other parent in the child’s presence
n Interfering with parenting time, phone calls, or communication
n Rewarding the child for rejecting the other parent
n Excluding the other parent from school, medical, or extracurricular information
Legal Framework in Ontario
In Ontario, family courts are guided by the principle of the best interests of the child. Courts recognize children benefit from maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Proving alienation can be complex. Courts require more than allegations
or isolated disagreements between parents. When assessing allegations of alienation, courts may consider:
n The child’s age and maturity
n The reasons the child gives for rejecting the parent
n Whether the child’s views appear independently formed or influenced by the other parent.
n Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
Remedies Through Court
If parental alienation is established, Ontario courts have several remedies available. The court may modify the parenting plan to give the alienated parent more time or order counselling/ family therapy to help repair the parent-child relationship.
In more serious situations, the court may:
n Transfer primary residence or decision-making responsibility
n Order reunification therapy
n Appoint a parenting coordinator
n Impose sanctions on the alienating parent
What You Can Do
If your ex is alienating your children, you should:
n Maintain consistent contact and attend scheduled parenting time.
n Avoid mirroring the alienating behaviour. Do not speak negatively about the other parent to the child or involve the child in adult disputes.
n Keep records of missed visits, communications with the other parent, and your efforts to maintain the relationship. I
Social media has become part of your professional digital reputation.
A common question I hear from business owners is, “What should I post?”
The answer is simpler than you might think. Your content should help potential customers answer one question:
Why should they choose you?
This is your value proposition—the unique value, expertise, experience that sets your business apart from others in your industry.
Too often, businesses spend their time promoting what they sell. While sales are important, the businesses
that stand out online spend more time showing why they are unique and how they solve problems for their customers.
What do customers compliment you on? What keeps them coming back? What do you do differently than others? What is your secret sauce?
Those answers can be your best content ideas.
Share customer success stories. Showcase your team. Take your audience behind the scenes. Explain your process. Highlight community involvement. Answer frequently asked questions. Celebrate achievements. Every post should help build familiarity and trust. After all, people buy from businesses they know, like, and trust. Right?
In the January issue of InTouch, we shared how creating a content library using Google Albums, is where that strategy can pay off. Every day, content opportunities are happening around your business—customer experiences, projects, events, videos, and testimonials.
When it’s time to create a post, the
answer to “What should I post?” is often already sitting in your content library.
The next frequently asked question is, “Which platform should I use?”
Facebook works well for local engagement, events, and community building. Instagram is ideal for visual engagement. LinkedIn is a professional platform for sharing expertise, business achievements, and insights.
While each platform serves a different purpose, your audience is likely using all three for difference reasons. The platform matters, although how you deliver, matters even more.
The businesses seeing the greatest success online aren’t necessarily posting the most. They’re posting consistently and sharing content that reflects who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
Showing up is the key.
The next time you wonder what to post, ask yourself:
What story can I share today that helps someone understand why they should choose my business?
Now there’s your best content.
Membership Renewals New Members
n Anytime Fitness-Brantford
n Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Grand Erie, Halton & Hamilton
n Bin There Dump That Brantford
n Brant Community Foundation
n Brantford Public Library
n Chander Professional Corporation
n Terry Collins
n Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre
n David W. Wilson Manufacturing Ltd.
n Devlin’s Country Bistro & Catering
n ESSE Canada
n Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
n Grand Erie Public Health
n Impact Home Staging
n Ironstone Entrance Technologies Inc.
n J T Auto Repair
n Lionhead Electric Inc.
n The Lions McInnes House
n MAK Consulting Group
n Michael Alonzo Hair Studio
n Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler
n Nautalex Business Services Inc.
n Nu-u Float
n Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc. Canadian Division
n Sacha Pinto - Marketing Strategist and Educator
n Seventh Coffee Company
n Sexual Assault Centre
n SVS Greenhouses Ltd.
n TK Liquidation and Auction
n Top Shelf Industrial Inc.
n Total Rentals
n Vive Brant Mechanical Services Inc.
n Walking Floor International Canada
n Xplore Business
n A Minute for Mental Health
Kathleen Foldvari (519)573-8433
kathleen@amfmsolutions.com Brantford,ON
n Bookkeeping by Markus BOOKKEEPING SERVICE
Markus McDaniel booksbymarkus@gmail.com
n Cataleya Beauty Aesthetics
SPAS - BEAUTY, HEALTH AND DESTINATION
Alicia Rae (905)906-3857
aliciaraenurseinjector@gmail.com Brantford, ON
The Paris Hypnotist
Are you looking to make positive changes in your life? Hypnosis may help support goals such as weight loss, quitting smoking, managing stress, building confidence, improving sports performance, addressing phobias, pain management and more.
Renia Pruchnicki, also known as The Paris Hypnotist, is certified in clinical hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming, commonly known as NLP. She is part of an international network of leading hypnotists who use the Master Hypnosis Society system of hypnosis.
These proven systems of change have helped many people work toward meaningful personal goals. Renia offers a free screening session where
you can learn more about hypnosis, ask questions, and discover how the process may help you. During the screening, Renia will also complete a simple test to see how you respond to hypnosis before you decide whether to book sessions.
In your sessions, Renia acts as a motivational coach using hypnosis and NLP techniques. Clients learn practical, customized self-help skills designed to support positive change and help them better manage everyday challenges. The goal is to empower you with tools
you can continue using in your life. To read what past clients have shared about their experiences, visit: lovinghypnosis.com/reviews
Book your free screening today. Call Renia at 519-860-6911.
Free Talks for Businesses and Organizations
Renia is also available to provide free talks for businesses and organizations, either in person or online. Topic examples include “How to Manage Stress,” “Letting Go of the Past,” “How to Stop Negative Self-Talk,” “How to Break a Habit” and more.
Her talks are engaging, interactive and designed to give participants helpful takeaways they can use in their daily lives.
To book a free talk for your business or organization, call Renia at 519-860-6911.
Membership Corner
The Enduring Value of Chamber Membership
Remember when becoming a Chamber of Commerce member was a feather in the cap for businesses? It still is.
Since May 12, when I joined the Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant as Manager, Membership & Business Development, I’ve been approached by more than a dozen businesses wanting to discuss becoming members. And I wasn’t even soliciting.
That tells me something important: local businesses still see value in belonging to something bigger than themselves.
It feels good to be part of an organization that supports business at the grassroots level. Through networking events, speaking opportunities, trade shows, recognition events, advocacy work and volunteer committees, the Chamber brings people together in ways that strengthen businesses and the broader community.
The great thing about membership is that involvement can look different for everyone. Some members attend events. Some join committees. Some advertise, sponsor, speak, mentor or simply lend their support through their annual membership fee. However involved you choose to be, your membership helps us support businesses large and small, advocate for our community, and create opportunities to connect, grow and be recognized.
For most of my career, I helped small and medium-sized businesses grow through advertising — in print, radio and digital. That work was about understanding a business, identifying its audience, building visibility, strengthening reputation and
creating the right connections.
In many ways, my work with the Chamber feels like a natural extension of that. Instead of helping businesses grow through advertising alone, I now have the opportunity to help them build credibility, relationships, community presence and long-term connections.
At its best, the Chamber is not just an organization you join. It is a community you become part of.
If you’re curious about membership, upcoming events, or how the Chamber may support your business, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to join, thinking about getting more involved, or simply have questions, I’d be happy to help.
