October 31st, 2012        
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KPMG and Hamilton Chamber co-present Health Sciences Forum - November 1

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and KPMG LLP (KPMG) are pleased to present a forum exploring the role of health sciences in Hamilton's economy on Thursday, November 1, 2012 in the King George Ball Room of Liuna Station, 360 James Street North, Hamilton, from 7:30 am to 11 am. 
 
Forum attendees will:
  • Build greater awareness of Hamilton's robust health sciences sector, its role in local and larger economies, and the business opportunities it brings to Hamilton
  • Explore deliverables that resulted from the last Hamilton Economic Summit, including confirmation of next steps
  • Position Hamilton as a leader in  health sciences and as an incubator for new business opportunities
  • Connect with Lions Lair, Hamilton's marquee entrepreneurship program.
Event activities include:
  • Video overview of health sciences in Hamilton
  • Opening remarks from David Adames, President and CEO at Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Mario Paron, Managing Partner of KPMG's Hamilton office
    • Panel discussion moderated by KPMG's Mark Walton, Partner, Ontario Health Care Practice Lead
    • Janet Davidson, O.C., MHSA, LLD and Canadian Head of the Global Healthcare Centre of Excellence, KPMG
    • Murray T. Martin, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences
    • Dr. Bill Orovan, Associate Dean, Clinical Services, Health Sciences, McMaster University
    • Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of St Joseph's Health System
Cost for participant (light breakfast included) is $60 plus HST.  To register, contact, Whitney Simmons at w.simmons@hamiltonchamber.ca or 905-522-1151 ext. 229
 
Monday Morning Marketing sessions
 
The Hamilton Chamber, in collaboration with our members, has hosted the first two Monday Morning Marketing sessions at the Chamber's new office.  The first session, held on October 15, was facilitated by OK&D Marketing on the topic of "Real Time Bidding and Google Adwords".  And the second session, held on October 29, was hosted by Kubes Media Design on the topic of "Current and Emerging Tech Trends".  Copies of the presentations are available on the Chamber website or here:
 
 
The next Monday Morning Marketing Session is scheduled for November 12 and will be facilitated by The Hamilton Spectator and Newspapers Canada.

   

Chamber member CARSTAR wins Ontario Business Achievement Award

 

Last week at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Ontario Business Achievement Awards, Hamilton-based CARSTAR won the RBC Small Business Award. The RBC Royal Bank Small Business Award is presented to a company (or companies) that are forward-thinking in their overall business practices, constantly growing sales, and penetrating new markets. They are focused on employee morale and skill acquisition and exemplify corporate citizenship.

"We have a successful company and we have a great team. We're really proud to be here. We want to thank the OCC, RBC and all of our customers and franchise partners," says Sam Mercanti, President and CEO of CARSTAR Hamilton who attended the event along with members of his team.  Congratulations CARSTAR.

Human Resources Committee hosts Running on Empty

   
Running on Empty: How to Deal with Workplace Stress

 

Employers, are you feeling overwhelmed?  Do you feel guilty that you're neglecting other areas of your life?

 

Our breakfast forum will provide you with the information you need to nuture your own well-being in the workplace as well as managing your employees who may also be struggling.

When: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, from 7:30 am. to 10:00 am.

Where: Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay St. North, Hamilton

Cost: $25.00 each, includes a full breakfast

Why you should attend:

  • Keynote by Dr. David Posen, one of North America's leading experts on stress mastery, work-life balance, health and wellness
  • Information provided by Mary Ann Baynton on "Managing the Risk to Health & Safety in the Workplace"
  • Advice from Evans, Philp LLP regarding the right to accommodate employees with mental health issues
  • Brief Laughter Yoga session by certified LY instructor Kathryn Kimmins

Registration deadline is October 31, 2012.

 
Simply go online or call Cyndi at 905-521-5777. 
BIA Association tours Hamilton
 
On Friday, October 26, Hamilton hosted a regional meeting of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA).  The meeting - organized in part by Kathy Drewitt, executive director of the Downtown Hamilton BIA - was held at the AGH Design Annex on James Street North in downtown Hamilton.

We had an opportunity to share the Renew Hamilton story with association members who represent communities across our province.   The presentation recognized the important role our local BIAs play in advancing renewal in Hamilton and suggested ways our project could be replicated in other communities.

Please click here to read more.

 Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) weighs in on WSIB rates

 

In order to offset its unfunded liability, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)  has announced an average premium rate increase of 2.5% for 2013, 0.5 to 1% above projected inflation rates for the year. 

While the OCC recognizes the need to address the WSIB's $13.8 billion unfunded liability, we are disappointed to learn that employers now face higher premiums. Given the current economic climate, increased payroll costs could deter investment and job creation at a time when economic stimulus is needed. 

In addition, the Ministry of Labour is proposing amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA). Proposed changes to the WSIA would, if passed, allow the WSIB to:
  • Review Loss of Earnings benefits after 72 months; and
  • Base survivor benefits on the average earnings of the deceased worker's occupation or trade rather than the statutory minimum currently provided under the Act.
Currently Loss of Earnings benefits are generally 'locked in' after 72 months, even if an injured worker's condition improves or they rejoin the workforce. Ontario is the only province in Canada to 'lock in' Loss of Earnings benefits after 72 months.  These proposed amendments will be introduced once the Legislature resumes.
Free Networking and Information Session 

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce will host FREE Networking and Information Session on Nov 21, 2012 at 9:00 am.
 
The information session will cover free services available for local employers through the following two programs:
 
1- Free Workplace ESL classes
2- Employer wage subsidies
 
Senior representatives from community partners and service providers will be available to provide detailed information and to answer your questions.
 
Local businesses from Manufacturing and Healthcare industries are encouraged to attend this event and learn about other benefits including free HR services.

For more details, please click here for the flyer.
 
Attendance is by registration only as space is limited.
To complete your registration, contact:  Whitney Simmons
Email: w.simmons@hamiltonchamber.ca
Ph: 905-522-1151, Ext. 100
Must read - Smart Cities of the Future policy brief from Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Last week, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a policy brief, "Smart Cities of the Future" as part of a conference co-hosted with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.  The report is available on the Canadian Chamber website.
 
For the first time in human history, more people live in cities than in rural areas. An estimated one million people around the world move into cities each week and experts predict the population in the world's cities will double by 2050.

Today cities consume an estimated 75 percent of the world's energy, emit more than 80 percent of greenhouse gases and lose as much as 20 percent of their water supply due to infrastructure leaks.
In the past, growth was the main measure of economic success. In the 21st century, a city's success is measured by how wisely it uses energy, water and other resources, how well it maintains a high quality of life for its people, and how smart it is in building prosperity on a sustainable foundation. National economic success will be tied to the global competitiveness of our cities. All cities will need to make constant progress to sustain future growth and guarantee a high quality of life for citizens.

Solutions need not be complicated. Advances in information technology help link various systems together so cities can become "smarter," and remain economically competitive as they grow. In fact, most cities already collect massive amounts of data, it just needs to be put to better use of collecting and acting upon data in a holistic, connected manner.

Something as simple as lining a roadway or bridge with electronic sensors could provide an "intelligent" system that guides city drivers around congested areas. Utility grids that are digitized, for example, are able to manage electricity distribution in real-time, reducing peak power demand by 15 percent.

The Canadian Chamber's Smart Cities of the Future policy brief links well with the Hamilton Chamber's policy focus on "growing our economy through smart infrastructure".  We will be expanding on this important topic, as well as other subjects, at the Hamilton Chamber's Economic Forecast on December 3.  David Robitaille from IBM Canada will be on this year's panel discussing IBM's smart cities initiative.
Contacts2Contracts Series
 
Tuesday, November 6th
Presented by Small Business Enterprise Centre, The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Factory  and Economic Development of the City of Hamilton
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South

Learn how to do business with the Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments and about procurement for TO 2015

Free Session....to register, visit  www.investinhamilton.ca or by calling SBEC at 905-540-6400

E-Promotion Just Got Better
 

Sending an E-Promotion in The Hamilton Chamber Pipeline newsletter has always been a good idea, but now it's even better.  As well as including your 1-2 sentence message which can be hotlinked, you can also include your logo for a more eye-catching visual message. You can link your logo too! 

Chamber Division and Committee meetings and events

 

Transportation Committee: Tuesday November 6, 8am (Hamilton Chamber office) with guest speaker Bruce Wood, President and CEO, Hamilton Port Authority.


Human Resources Committee: Wednesday November 7, 8am (special meeting - Waterfront Centre, 555 Bay Street North):
 

Innovation and Technology Committee: Thursday November 8, 8am (McMaster Innovation Park). 

   
 Human Resources Committee News


 

 
"Running on Empty: How to Deal with Workplace Stress" - register now for our breakfast forum Nov. 7th from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Waterfront Centre.  Simply go online or call Cyndi at 905-521-5777. Tickets are $25.
 

For an overview of the Chamber's committees and divisions, please visit, http://www.hamiltonchamber.ca/committees
Chamber Events 

 

Health Sciences Forum
Thursday, November 1st
King George Ballroom, Liuna Station
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
$60.00 inclusive (includes buffet breakfast)
Topic:  Build a greater awareness of Hamilton's robust health sciences sector, its role in local and larger economies and the business opportunities it brings to Hamilton
Presenters:  Janet Davidson, O.C., MHSA, LLD and Canadian Head of the Global Healthcare Centre of Excellence, KPMG; Mr. Murray Martin, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences; Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Health System; 

and Dr. Bill Orovan, Health Sciences, McMaster University.  The session will be moderated by Mark Walton, KPMG.

 

Fitness Fridays

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

November 2nd - YWCA, 75 MacNab St. - in the studio...join Anne Marie for a Come to the Core Pilates Class

November 16 - Heron Creek Yoga

38 Wilson Street West, Ancaster, ON  L9G N2

 

Coffee with the CEO
November 9th - Guest to be announced
December 14th - Guest Jeff Storey, Mgr. Of Business Operations, Brand Director, AM900 CHML  

 

Contacts2Contracts Series
Doing Business with the Government Seminar
Tuesday, November 6th
Presented by Small Business Enterprise Centre, The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Factory  and Economic Development of the City of Hamilton
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
McMaster Innovation Park
Learn how to do business with the Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments and about procurement for TO 2015
Free Session....to register, visit  www.investinhamilton.ca or by calling SBEC at 905-540-6400

 

Monday Morning Marketing Series
Monday, November 12, 2012

Location:  Hamilton Chamber Meeting Rooms, 120 King St. W., Plaza Level
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
$15.00 per person inclusive (includes continental breakfast)

 

Topic: 'Newspapers: A Recipe for Success'

Presenter: Suzanne Raitt,  Vice-President, Marketing & Innovation Newspapers Canada, with Kelly Montague, Hamilton Spectator

 

Next Session:

November 26, 2012
Topic:  Good News or Bad News: Seeking and Managing Media Attention
Presented by Cynthia Janzen, Hellingman Communication 

 

Business After Business
November 22 - Host:  ableworks.ca, Location: LaPiazza Allegra, 180 James St. S.


December 13 - Host Location:  McMaster Innovation Park, 175  Longwood Road South
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission 

 

Luncheon Business Series
Reason + Instinct = Growth
Wednesday, November 28th
Location:  Hamilton Chamber Meeting Rooms, 120 King St. W., Plaza Level
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
$30.00 per person inclusive (includes lunch)
Topic:  How to Approach Financing Your Business - Funding business growth and succession planning
Presenters:  Don Forbes, Manager, Financial Services, Grant Thornton
James Lefevbre, Director of Business Services, FirstOntario Credit Union 

 

 

Mark Your Calendar 

 

Economic Forecast '13

Presented by GrantThornton

Monday, December 3

Location: LIUNA Station

$95.00 + hst per person


This year, for the International Year of the Cooperative, we are joined by 
  • Helmut Pastrick, Chief Economist for Central Credit Union 1.
  • David Robitaille, Manager, Corporate Citizen and Corporate Affairs, IBM Canada
  • Joe Watson Director, Business Development, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
  • Frank Russo Jr., Senior V.P. Business Development & Client Relations, Global Spectrum

Panel Sponsor:  Hamilton Economic Development  

Panel will be moderated by Jim Menzies, Grant Thornton
Board Chair Louise Dompierre will serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies 

* Sponsorship Opportunites still available

 

Working with Your Bank

Tuesday, December 11, 2012
7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
$15.00 per person inclusive (includes continental breakfast)
Location:  Hamilton Chamber Meeting Room, 120 King St. W., Plaza Level

Topic:  Banking 101 - A general breakdown including what lenders are looking for in a business plan or proposal.  This interactive session will provide ways to improve communications and rapport with your banker

Presenter:  Gareth Llewellyn, Manager, CIBC Commercial Banking Ontario 

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Community Calendar
 
Be sure to check out the Community Calendar and the Member News links on the right side panel of this newsletter.  Contact Diane Stephenson at 905-522-1151 ext. 220 or
 to have your information included. 

*Please Note:  Member News is reserved for Not-for-profit member news and Hamilton Chamber Member milestone news i.e. Anniversaries, Grand Openings, Awards etc.  All Chamber members are welcome to include their events in the Community Calendar. 


 
  
       

             


Hamilton Chamber of Commerce 

120 King St. W., Plaza Level 507  |  Hamilton, Ontario   L8P 4V2
Office (905) 522-1151  |  Fax (905) 522-1154
© 2012 The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.