2016 PRE-BUDGET SURVEY
WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE NEXT PROVINCIAL BUDGET?
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We want to know more about the critical issues impacting your bottom line.
Take the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's latest survey to help shape Ontario's 2016 Budget and add your voice to Canada's most credible survey of business opinion. What are the critical issues impacting your bottom line? Can you afford the proposed Ontario Retirement Pension Plan? How is your business being affected by Ontario's skills gap?
By taking a moment to complete this short survey, you will be entered into a draw to win one of two $500 gift cards to Cara Restaurants (Milestones, Harvey's, Kelsey's, Montana's, Swiss Chalet, Biermarkt, Casey's, Prime Pubs, and East Side Mario's).
Please note that this survey closes on January 29th, 2016 at 5PM and only the prize winner will be contacted.
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Chamber Intervention In OEB Hearings Garners A Win of Almost $5.5M For Ratepayers
 Chamber applied for and was granted Intervener status in the hearings to consider OPUCN's request to raise its electricity distribution rates.
The Chamber noted the proposed increases, if the application was approved, would be 6.5% annually to an average business customer in the 50 to 999kW service classification, significantly above the rate of inflation. The OEB issued its decision last month which required Oshawa PUC to develop new rates for each year 2015 through 2019.
The end result...the total bill increase averages annually 1.6% over the 5 years, down significantly from the initial proposal by the OPUC of 6.5% for a customer with a 400 kW demand which translates into savings of almost $5.5 million in total for all ratepayers. Read more >>>
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MORE NEWS!
Dealing with Downturn - Is Infrastructure Spending the Answer? Read more >>> Nuclear Refurbishment a Smart Investment for Ontario's Economy Read more >>> Building A Canada That Wins: Canadian Chamber Annual Report Read more >>> OCC Urges Government To Consider Impact Of TTP On Auto Industry Read more >>>
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 UPCOMING EVENTS! ____________________________________________________
Women in Business Roundtable Discussion
"Out with the OLD, In with the NEW!" Wednesday, January 27, 2016  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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Lunch & Learn - 9 3/4 Tips To Add Pizzazz To Your Public Speaking
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m..
Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
44 Richmond Street West, Oshawa
Many of us shake in our boots at the mere thought of Public Speaking. Networking events, boardroom meetings, and business presentations make us feel nauseous. Learn to calm your nerves, focus your message and deliver with energy to leave a lasting impression with your audience.
Facilitated by: Karen Martin, KM2 Communications
This is a free member's only benefit! Only one member per member business!
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 9, 2016
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Biz After 5New Member's Reception Thursday, February 11, 20165:00 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: February 10, 2016
Sponsored by: ______________________________________________________
Mayor's Annual Luncheon
Thursday, February 18, 2016  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
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The Greater Oshawa Golf Tournament
is May 19th...SAVE THE DATE!
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Business Of The Month
THE WALTZING WEASEL
 On behalf of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Committee, congratulations to The Waltzing Weasel on being named BUSINESS OF THE MONTH for January!
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We Have A Winner!
Congratulations to Dan Carter, Regional and City of Oshawa Councillor! Dan won a pair of first class round-trip tickets on VIA Rail at the Chamber's Annual Regional Chair Luncheon on January 14th at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre. It pays to network! Just ask Dan. Pictured with Dan (centre) are Gary Dalby of Roy Nichols Motors Ltd. (event sponsor), Regional Chair Roger Anderson, Chamber President Natalie Sims of Durham Medical and Scott Sonley of Collins Barrow Durham LLP (event sponsor). A big thank you to our event sponsors...we could not do what we do without you!
 Smoke's Weinerie Opened In Oshawa!
Chamber Ambassador Lisa McKnight of McCAM Insurance Brokers Ltd. was on hand to welcome Smoke's Weinerie Oshawa when they officially opened their doors last month. 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!
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations - SAVE THE DATE!
Join the Chamber team as we celebrate the Grand Re-opening of Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre on Saturday, March 12 at 15 Harmony Road North, Oshawa (on the corner of Harmony/King, looks like a church). Ribbon cutting is at 1:15 pm.
Abilities Connect Fund Now Accepting Funding Applications
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Abilities Connect Fund provides financial assistance to employers in the hiring and training of college/university students or recent graduates with disabilities. This funding initiative is open to businesses (for-profit sector) and organizations (not-for-profit) with 5 to 500 employees, currently established and operating in Ontario, and registered (federally/provincially) for a minimum of 2 years. For more information visit www.abilitiesconnect.ca.
Durham Region Tourism Directory
If you are a place to eat, shop, stay or play in Durham Region, you are invited to register to be included in the the Durham Region Tourism Directory. Visit bit.ly/1OHjobu to register.
Welcome to Export Market Access
Think your company is too small to be an exporter? Well, think again. Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program (EMA) is designed to assist small to medium size organizations (SMEs) to access and expand their growth in foreign markets. If your company has 5 or more employees and annual sales of $500,000 or more, you may qualify. For more information visit www.exportaccess.ca.
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. Click here to Register.
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.
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Join us in welcoming our newest members
 who joined in the last 45 days.
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STAND OUT AMONG 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 online and in the printed Business Directory and Buyer's Guide. Please view your information in the online directory to ensure it 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 . . .
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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.
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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 they contact you, contact 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.
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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.
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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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BUSINESS
Chamber Events
Community Events
1/18/2016
Public Information Sessions - Regional Council Composition Review
1/21/2016
21st Annual Hearth Place Ski and Spa Day
1/27/2016
Bell Let's Talk Day!
2/3/2016
Job Fair - Durham College & UOIT
2/5/2016
Durham Arts and Culture Night - Denim and Diamonds
2/13/2016
Competitive Showcase - Hoofers Performing Arts
2/27/2016
6th Annual Wingfest to Benefit BBBS
2/28/2016
Ontario Shores Extreme Challenge
3/12/2016
Grand Re-Opening - Harmony Creek Community & Events Centre
3/14/2016
Doing Business in Quebec Conference
5/4/2016
BBBS Bowl 4 Kids Sake
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