DECEMBER 2015

Volume 6, Issue 12

Happy Holidays from the Board and Staff of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce!

Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year.

The Chamber will be closed during the holidays from Thursday December 24th at noon and reopen on Monday, January 4th at 9:00 am. If there are any urgent inquiries, please email info@oshawachamber.com. This email will be checked regularly.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Sincerely,
Bob Malcolmson,
CEO & General Manager

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New Trade Classification Process Recommended By Dean Report
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UPCOMING EVENTS!

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Lunch & Learn:

Income Tax Tips for Small Business

Wednesday, January 6, 2016
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
44 Richmond St., W., Oshawa

Learn from the experts about income tax tips for small business during the round table lunch & learn.

Facilitated by Sarah Netley, Tax Manager and Laura Wilson, Client Service Manager at Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants.

Please remember to bring your own lunch! This is a free member's only benefit! Only one member per member business!

Registration Deadline: January 4, 2016

Facilitated by:

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Regional Chair Luncheon
Thursday, January 14, 2016 Roger Anderson

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Oshawa Golf & Curling Club
160 Alexandra St., Oshawa

Regional Chair Roger Anderson will provide his annual address to the business community. Join us to find out what and how the Region is doing.

Registration Deadline: January 7, 2016

Sponsored by:

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Biz After 5
New Member's Reception
Thursday, January 21, 2016
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
44 Richmond St., W., Oshawa

This is your opportunity to network and welcome our new members to the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, as well as learn about the benefits and value of your membership in a relaxed atmosphere.

This is a free member's only event!

Registration Deadline: January 14, 2016

Sponsored by:

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Women in Business Roundtable Discussion

"Out with the OLD, In with the NEW!"
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 null

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
72 Queen St., Oshawa

Facilitated by: Cate Collins, International Speaker & Author

Registration Deadline: January 20, 2016

Sponsored by:

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Mayor's Annual Luncheon

Thursday, February 18, 2016 Mayor John Henry Official Photo

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Quality Hotel & Conference Centre
1011 Bloor St., E., Oshawa

City of Oshawa Mayor John Henry addresses the business community. Join us to find out what and how the City of Oshawa is doing.

Registration Deadline: February 11, 2016

Sponsored by:

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Hockey Night in Oshawa

Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Puck drops @ 7:05 p.m.

General Motors Centre
99 Athol Street, E., Oshawa

Join us for an evening of networking, finger foods and hockey as your Oshawa Generals take on the Mississauga Steelheads!

Registration Deadline: February 17, 2016

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8th Annual Chamber Challenge

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

NEB's Fun World
1300 Wilson Rd., N., Oshawa

Put on your poodle skirt and leather jacket and participate in this year's Chamber Challenge...Bowling, Go Karting, Air Tag...an afternoon of fun and friendly competition.

Registration Deadline: February 17, 2016

Business Of The Month

Channel 12 Durham

On behalf of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Committee, congratulations to Channel 12 on being named BUSINESS OF THE MONTH for December!

READ MORE > > >

[Nominate a Deserving Business as "Business of the Month"]

Annual Santa's Parade of Lights

Congratulations to Oshawa's Santa's Parade of Lights 2015 Committee...they did an amazing job bringing joy to kids of all ages at this year's parade! Enjoying a well deserved party, pictured left to right, (front) Lorenzo, Eileen, Josie, Louise, Jaclyn, Jodi, Janet, Christine, Janette, Jerri, Chris, (middle) Carolyn, Nadine, Mary, Cindy, Tom, Julie, Kim, Adam, John and (back) Lynn, Cameron, Pierre, Glenn, Dan, Amber, Harvey, Dave, Phil, Shante, Jessica, Ken, Jay and at the North Pole visiting Santa is Bruce.

Welcome to Fionn MacCool's!

Chamber Ambassadors Lisa McKnight of McCAM Insurance Brokers Ltd., Linda Porritt of Century 21 Infinity Realty Inc. and Thomas Grieger of Meridian Credit Union were on hand to welcome Fionn MacCool's owners Tracey and Shawn Lacey to Oshawa at their Grand Opening held December 14th. The Irish-style pub and restaurant is located at 214 Ritson Road North beside Panera Bread in the Costco plaza.

Smoke's Weinerie To Open In Oshawa!

You are invited to attend an Official Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Smoke's Weinerie Oshawa on Monday December 21. The ribbon cutting will be held at 10:45AM with the official opening at 11:00 AM. Located at 77 King Street East (beside Smoke's Poutinerie) this is the FIRST Smoke's Weinerie to open in Ontario and SECOND location in Canada!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Thank you to The Salvation Army Oshawa Temple Senior Band for sharing the spirit of Christmas at the Chamber President's Christmas Reception. Those gathered reminised about Christmases past and present. The Salvation Army has been serving in Oshawa for over 130 Years!

Christmas Cheer!

Congratulations to Sandra Magnone of Rocpal Custom Cabinets & Woodworking Ltd.! She won a pair of first class round-trip tickets on VIA Rail at the Chamber's Annual Christmas party on December 9th at The Ontario Regiment Officers' Mess. It pays to network! Just ask Sandra. Pictured with Sandra (centre) is Regional and City Councillor, Bob Chapman and Chamber President Jeff Hayes of Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations.

A Gift To Simcoe Hall Settlement House

Simcoe Hall's Foodbank coordinator Elizabeth Fernandes was overwhelmed with the generosity of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce members who brought donations to the Chamber's Annual Christmas party, held on December 9 at the Ontario Regiment. All toys and non perishable food items were given to Simcoe Hall Settlement House to help make their Christmas promise to families in need in our community a reality. We are accepting donations until December 18th. Pictured with Elizabeth (centre) is Mickie, Minnie, Mayor John Henry (left) and Chamber President Jeff Hayes of Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations.

DC and UOIT Job Fair
Plan to attend the DC and UOIT Job Fair and promote your graduate and student employment opportunities on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. This year, the format will once again be less formal than their traditional job fair. Recruiters will be provided with comfortable space to meet with potential candidates. Each booth will be furnished with a round bistro-style table and four chairs. This layout will allow you to discuss opportunities, possible career paths, and your organization's vision for the future. If you prefer the traditional set-up, you can do so via the registration system. Location: 2000 Simcoe St., N., Oshawa. Register by January 6 for the early bird rate.

Oshawa Is Looking For Community Legends

Do you know a community legend? The City of Oshawa is looking for nominations for the annual Community Legends Award. The Community Legends Award celebrates individuals and organizations whose everyday actions make a positive impact on Oshawa. The deadline to submit a nomination is December 31, 2015. For details call 905-436-3311, visit www.oshawa.ca/CommunityLegends, or email communitylegends@oshawa.ca.

WRAP IT UP RED!

Donate blood this holiday season and join the movement to Give Life. Your group or office can adopt a day to donate or you can donate as a group. When you donate together, your power to Give Life grows. Please call Melissa Smith-McGuire @ (416)550.0934 or email melissa.smith-mcguire@blood.ca to book an appointment or visit BLOOD.ca

Do You Have News To Share?

If you are celebrating a major milestone such as receiving a professional award, celebrating a grand opening, new location, major expansion or special anniversary, or have news you want to share with fellow Chamber members, contact the Chamber at 905-728-1683 or email details to marketing@oshawachamber.com.

Welcome New Members...

Join us in welcoming our newest members

who joined in the last 45 days.

Books In Line Professional Services Inc.
Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre
Hoofers Performing Arts
Dr. Steve Mascarin
Pilar's Catering
The House Wren Virtual Assistant Solutions

Click here for a complete list of members.

STAND OUT AMOUNG YOUR COMPETITORS!

The Chamber is currently preparing the 2016 Business Directory & Buyer's Guide. Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your business to over 5600 key business decision makers.

All members receive a FREE listing in the printed Business Directory and Buyer's Guide. Please ensure your information on file with the Chamber is accurate!

Advertising space is limited! For more information and advertising rates, contact Michelle Lea at 905-433-7854 or
905-728-1683.

We encourage you to always . . .

Chamber Benefit - Switch To First Data and SAVE!

First Data Canada, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, brings you exclusive benefits.

Visit chambermerchantservices.ca to find out more about the program.

Highlighting Chamber Member Benefits...

Many members have switched and have reported to the Chamber that they are saving money and time with the new Grand & Toy Member Savings program. In the coming weeks you will receive a phone call from Cameron or Leroy from Grand & Toy - we encourage you or your purchasing team to have a discussion with them to learn how your business can enjoy the savings benefits. Members receive up to 85% off over 7,500 quality office products. Can't wait 'til the New Year? Contact Cameron Ackerblade at (905) 409-2175 or CameronAckerblade@grandandtoy.com

As a member of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, you are considered a preferred shipping partner of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and as such, can receive volume discounts starting at 25% on Purolator Services. Learn more at purolator.com/occ and start saving today!

Chamber members receive discounted rates on Audio Conferencing, Web Collaboration and Webinar Services. For
more information and to get started today, visit www.evolvecollaboration.com/ccc_oshawa.

Chamber members, take advantage of the UPS Members Benefit Program and save on a variety of UPS services! You'll receive 30% off small package shipments, 25% off imports, at least 75% off freight shipments over 150 lb. and more. To get started today, visit membersbenefitprogram.com/gocc or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377), M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST.

TESTIMONIALS!

Have you received great service or a one of a kind experience with us?

We would love to know!

Tell us your story of how the Chamber provided support either through programs, networking or advocacy and/or tell us why you would recommend the Greater Oshawa Chamber to other businesses!

Please take the time to send us your feedback.

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!

In This Issue

Happy Holidays

LATEST NEWS

Networking Events

Business Of The Month

Members in the News

New Members

Chamber Member Benefits

Testimonials

Feature Advertisers

Chamber Events

Community Events

DC and UOIT Job Fair
Wed. Feb. 3/16
Register by January 6 for the early bird rate.

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11th Annual Heart
to Heart Gala
Sat. Feb, 27/16

heart2heartgala.com

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
44 Richmond St. W., Suite 100, Oshawa, ON L1G 1C7
T. 905-728-1683 | F. 905-432-1259 | E. marketing@oshawachamber.com
www.oshawachamber.com