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Happy 2014 from the Board and Staff of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce!
As we start the new year, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our year in a most significant way. We value our relationship with our members and look forward to working with you in 2014. We wish you all a year filled with peace and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Bob Malcolmson, CEO & General Manager
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HAVE YOUR SAY!
What Should Be In The Next Provincial Budget?
Take the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's latest survey and add your voice to Canada's most credible survey of business opinion.
Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey and keep our record intact! Please forward onto your colleagues!
Last November the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC) members set a record number of responses to the Ontario Chamber survey "How Confident Are You In Ontario's Economy".
The GOCC's CHALLENGE now is to MATCH or BEAT our November number of respondents to the survey below.
We are on a mission to be tops again! Congratulations to Keith Miller of W.B. White Insurance who won two tickets to the Johnny Reid concert by participating in the last survey.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
By taking a moment to complete the short survey, you will be entered into a draw to win one of three great prizes:
- 2 tickets to see Miley Cyrus in
 - Toronto on March 31st
- (value of $300)
- A $250 gift certificate to Canadian Tire
- An Apple iPad mini
The survey closes on January 31st, 5pm (EST).
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Economic Forecast: GTA Economy To See Growth In 2014
The Greater Toronto Economic Region can expect moderate growth through 2014, according to a new economic outlook released by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Credit Unions of Ontario.
Economic growth was moderate in the region in 2013, despite higher than average employment growth and rising business investment. Growth is held back by slowing residential construction and government spending and this year's large employment gain does not automatically translate into GDP growth.
Click here to download the full economic forecast [PDF]
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ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST SESSION
The Pension System Is Changing - HAVE YOUR SAY! Thursday, January 30 - 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Canada and Ontario's pension landscape may be undergoing dramatic change. We are soliciting business input on the two big proposals currently under consideration - enhancing the Canadian Pension Plan and the introduction of Pool Registered Pension Plans.
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario), will be hosting a breakfast roundtable with key employers to solicit their opinions on the potential parameters of a renewed pension framework on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Boardroom at 44 Richmond St. W. Suite 100, Oshawa.
The information collected at these roundtables will be used to develop a public facing paper to the Governments of Ontario and Canada, which outlines business opinion in Ontario. We expect this report to draw considerable attention from media and decision makers.
In Partnership With: |
Building New Business Connections!
Now you can register for all events ONLINE!
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ONLY 5 TICKETS LEFT! Under 40 "Hockey Night in Oshawa"
Friday, January 24, 2014 - 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Are you under 40? A Young Entrepreneur? A Young Business Professional? If you answered yes to any of the above...this fun networking event is for you! COME OUT AND WATCH YOUR OSHAWA GENERALS TAKE ON THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.
Join the YP40 group (Young Professionals under 40) for an evening of networking, finger food and beverages while supporting your Oshawa Generals. A cash bar will be available.
GM Centre, 99 Athol Street East, Oshawa
Click here for more information and to REGISTER. _______________________________________________
Regional Chair Annual Luncheon Tuesday, January 21, 2014 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 Regional Municipality of Durham Chair Roger Anderson's annual address to the business community. Join us to find out what and how the Region is doing.
Oshawa Golf & Curling Club 160 Alexandra Street, Oshawa Click here for more information and to REGISTER. _______________________________________________
A Tasting Evening at Parkwood Tuesday, February 11, 2014 - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mark the date! Talk and taste...this is a great opportunity to sample great food and beverages and network with others in our business community! Exhibitor tables available. Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate 270 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa Click here for more information and to REGISTER. _______________________________________________ 
INFORMATION NIGHT!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
44 Richmond St. W. Suite 100, Oshawa
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Kemp Travel and China Visit Tours, is planning a 10-day trip to China scheduled for October 15-25, 2014. This trip is open to the general public and the partners are hosting an information evening to provide an outline about this amazing, once-in-a- lifetime trip. This is a FREE information event, everyone is welcome!
For more information about the China trip, and to register to attend the FREE information evening, click here. _______________________________________________
Mayor's Annual Luncheon Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  City of Oshawa Mayor John Henry addresses the business community. Join us to find out what and how the City of Oshawa is doing.
Quality Hotel & Conference Centre 1011 Bloor Street East, Oshawa
Click here for more information and to REGISTER. ________________________________________________
Lunch & Learn Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Topic: The Power Of Marketing YOU! Facilitated By: John Sturrup and Karen Martin of Power Talk Marketing. This is a Member's only event! Bring your own lunch Greater Oshawa Chamber Boardroom 44 Richmond St. W. Suite 100, Oshawa Click here for more information and to REGISTER. ________________________________________________ 6th Annual Challenge! Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  We're looking for teams of 5! No team, no problem, we will add you to a team! This is an event where having fun is the name of the game! Events include: Bowling, GoKarts & Hoops!
REWARD: $500 to Winning Team for their Charity of Choice! You can also win just by dressing as your favorite Wild West character!
NEB's Fun World 1300 Wilson Road North, Oshawa Click here for more information and to REGISTER. _________________________________________________ |
Business Of The Month
Trillium Trails Banquet Hall & Conference Centre
 On behalf of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Committee, congratulations to Trillium Trails Banquet Hall & Conference Centre on being named Business of the Month!
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Celebrating 40 Years! Congratulations to The Gift House as they celebrate a milestone on their 40th Anniversary. Over the years the store has built a solid reputation in providing unique gifts and creating beautify silk floral arrangements. Pictured above at the official cake cutting, from left to right, are current operator Diana Kirk, store manager Mary Ann Kinach and founder Wilma Lovell. The Gift House can be found at 18 King Street East, right in the heart of downtown Oshawa.
Congratulations Lakeridge Health, The 2013 Green Hospital of the Year! Lakeridge Health was named the Green Hospital of the Year by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) during their annual HealthAchieve conference in November 2013. Lakeridge Health had been one of five finalists selected by the OHA for the top prize and won the award that recognizes hospitals for becoming energy efficient and reducing waste. "From new light bulbs to solar panels on our roof, we're working hard to be leaders at energy efficiency in health care," says Kevin Empey, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health. "Our innovative program is using the energy savings to invest in further improvements and direct patient care. We've made huge strides and we're thrilled that our team is being recognized as leaders."
Youth Employment Funds Still Available The fund will help employers offer four-to six-month job and training placements for young people seeking work with hiring incentives, supports and services. Ontario will provide up to $7,800 to cover a range of supports and services for each eligible young worker under the fund. VPI Inc. is recruiting candidates and employers NOW! Funds must be spent by March 31. If you are reruiting...call VPI today! For more information, please contact: VPI Inc. Oshawa, 843 King Street West, Unit # 9, Oshawa at 905-571-3301.
Book A Complimentary Eco-Efficiency Assessment The Durham Partners in Project Green Eco-Efficiency Program is your one-stop shop for reducing your energy, water and waste costs. If your company is looking to reduce its energy costs, increase its productivity and improve its environmental performance, this program is for you! To book your COMPLIMENTARY Eco-Efficiency Assessment or for more information, call (905) 985-3279 or visit www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/durham.
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Welcome New Members...
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome all new members who joined in January 2014.
- Blue Water Cooler Solutions
 - Jazman e-bikes & Motorsports
- St. Louis Bar & Grill - King St. W.
- St. Louis Bar & Grill - Simcoe St. N.
- Varsity Properties Inc.
Click here for a complete list of members who have joined since the Business Directory was published on April 1, 2013.
The 2014 edition of the popular Business Directory and Buyer's Guide containing business listings of all Greater Oshawa Chamber members is in the works. Don't get left out! If you are interested in advertising in the Business Directory and Buyer's Guide contact Michelle Lea at (905) 433-7854. You can download the 2013 Buyer's Guide at www.oshawachamber.com.
We encourage you to always . . . . . . .
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Highlighting Chamber Benefits Programs!
Why Chambers Plan?
Over 25,000 businesses purchase group benefits from the Chambers Plan. Comprehensive benefit packages apply to home-based businesses and small business firms - with no industry restrictions. For-profit businesses with three people and up are eligible for guaranteed coverage. Coverage for 1 to 2 people is also available.
- Customized Coverage for Firms
- Pooled Benefits - Keeping employee benefit costs stable from year to year
- Guaranteed Non-Cancellable Regardless Of Your Firm's Size
- Customer Service Operated at the Local and National Level
- Health & Dental Claims Usually Paid Within 48 Hours
Enjoy Group Benefits with a Difference!
Click here for a complete list of Chamber Cost Savings Benefits! |
TESTIMONIALS!  Have you received great service or a one of a kind experience using the Chamber's Group Plan?
We would love to know!
Please take the time to send us your feedback.
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Contribute!
Send us your news! Put an event on the calendar!
Announce something to everyone!
This is a FREE service for members! Promote your business in the next edition of Business Matters, Business Matters eNews or on the Chamber's website, please send the details by email. Copy deadline for eNews is the first of each month, for Business Matters it is the 15th of each month, and for the website, there is no deadline, send it anytime! |
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Chamber Events
Business Events
Click here to view all events, scroll down right side of home page
Oshawa Invites Nominations For Urban Design Award Now thru Fri. Mar, 14/14
Sustainability CoLab Grand Opening Thu. Jan, 16/14
Win Tickets to The Profit Formula! Fri. Jan, 17/14
TEDx Trent University Sat. Jan, 18/14
The Profit Formula Event - Seminar Tue. Jan, 21/14
CORE21 presents Free Co-working Days Tue. Jan, 21/14 Tue. Feb, 18/14 Tue. Mar, 18/14
PENSION PLAN ROUNDTABLE SESSION Thu. Jan, 30/14
Adventure to CHINA! Wed. Oct, 15/14 - Sat. Oct, 25/14
Community Events
Pucks 4 Heart - Charity Hockey Game Fri. Feb, 14/14
Boys and Girls Club - 2nd Annual Cowboy Chic Event Sat. Mar, 8/14
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