Be sure to drop by and enjoy some light refreshements while mingling with your local buiness community.  Check out there operation and see how they do it and try some real Maple syrup.

The event will feature the presentation of the annual report, full course dinner, the awarding of the Honorary Life-Time Membership to Mark Phillips.

Overall there are not huge differences between what local companies are saying about their confidence in the Ontario Economy and their own Economic Outlook than what is presented in the OER 2019.  We were able to receive the local results from the survey that was conducted by the Ontario Chamber.

62.1% of local companies say they are confident in the economic outlook for their own organizations.  A growing client base followed by and increased demand for their product or services were listed as the top two reasons.

13.8% of companies say they are not confident in the economic outllook for their organizations.  Difficulty in finding/retaining staff was the top reason followed by decline in demand for their products or services and increased competition.

To read the full results, click on the link below.

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IMPROVES BUT MORE REMAINS TO BE DONE: 2019 ONTARIO ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

2019 OER outlines vulnerabilities and opportunities within the Ontario economy

Yesterday,the Bay of Quinte Regional Chambers of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released their third annual Ontario Economic Report (OER), offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province. Through the Business Confidence Survey, the Business Prosperity Index, and the Economic Outlook, this report presents a candid look at private sector sentiment and opportunities for economic growth for the year ahead.  read more

Earlier this week, an opinion editorial appeared in The Hill Times regarding pharmacare.

Through our policy resolution process and roundtables with stakeholders, our members have been very clear about where the chamber network stands on this issue.

Last fall, we made a submission to the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare.

Our delegates at the 2018 AGM and Convention in Thunder Bay passed the resolution Ensuring a National Pharmacare Plan is Effective And Sustainable.

It is clear that the The Hill Times op-ed does not accurately express the views held by the majority of the network. We wanted to share our response to that letter sent to the The Hill Times today.

There has never been more advertising methods available to small business owners than there is now. With so many choices it can be difficult to know which ones to use. Each has their own advantages and their own challenges. If you're not careful you can end up spending $1,000's of dollars and have little or nothing to show for it.

Click here to get details on what we will cover in this FREE workshop

The first Ontario Wedding Awards 2019 welcomed 100 guests at the Sheraton Parkway North Hotel & Suits on Wednesday, February 27, in a memorable celebration of Ontario’s wedding industry.  The Ontario Wedding Awards 2019 are an exclusive celebration of local businesses. Winners are a true reflection of quality and customer service, as they are chosen by members of the general public.

The black tie event was hosted by TV presenter, producer and CEO of Roc & Monroe, Amin Dhillon, who rewarded the talented individuals and businesses that constantly deliver high-class weddings, and ensure an amazing wedding experience for their clients.

Some of the awards were split into local regions to ensure businesses from Ontario are recognized for their hard work.  The competition was fierce but Jennifer Putman owner of Emma’s Bridal Boutique (Trenton) won the Eastern Ontario Wedding Boutique of the year category and took the trophy home.

“I was so happy and humbled that my Trenton Boutique was nominated and won.  With just 2 short years on the books it’s quite an honor for me. Being awarded for my hard work and determination is an Indescribable feeling.”

Did you know that buying a (good) Stock has similarities to buying a House or a Business?

Join us on Wednesday, March 20th between 6:30-8:30pm at Occasions-by-the Bay.

My clients know that I refer to EdgePoint as a “Boutique Investment Firm” – and here is why:
• Founded in Nov 2008, they now have 67 employees,
• Most of the employees are partners in the firm and have their savings in EdgePoint portfolios,
• The firm now manages >$27 Billion of clients’ retirement money,
• No CEO or Portfolio Manager has ever left the firm AND
• It is a truly Canadian investment firm with global knowledge, AND …

 The performance of their four portfolios over the past 10 years speak for themselves.

 All their four portfolios have outperformed the underlying stock-market indexes big time.

This talk will informative, educational and most likely entertaining.

Sign up by R.S.V.P. to Jodi at 613.394.8200 or Jodi.Milligan@raymondjames.ca

Like my Facebook page

What:  The City of Quinte West in partnership with Loyalist College and Quinte Economic Development Commission is proud to present Leadercast 2019. Returning for the second year in a row, this one day Leadership Development Conference is for local leaders passionate about developing their skills alongside fellow community and business leaders.

Leadercast provides participants with a simulcast broadcast of world famous leadership experts from around the world, as well as an in person presentation.

When: May 10, 2019

Where: Duncan McDonald Community Gardens, Trenton

Presenting Partners: Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) and Loyalist College Training and Knowledge Centre

Participate by getting your ticket for this unique and rewarding leadership developing experience!

This 12 days Egypt & Dubai tour begins in Cairo where you can visit the Pyramids at Giza and opt to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and much more. Then you go to Luxor, where you embark on a relaxing four-night cruise up the Nile. You will have plenty of time to explore the stunning Valley of the Kings and the Temples on the East Bank, including Karnak and Luxor Temples. During the cruise, you can enjoy several shore excursions to see some fascinating historical sites. In Aswan you will discover the High Dam and Temple of Philae.

After visiting the best of Egypt, you will continue your adventures in Cosmopolitan and amazing City of Dubai. Discover the major Traditional & Modern Land marks of this city during a half a day guided city tour and use your free time to enjoy diverse and exciting optional tours, activities, shopping and Night life that Dubai has to offer.

We are also working with CAA Travel and Collette to offer a European Tour leaving on December 7 including tours of medieval towns and Classic Christmas Markets. This tour is featuring markets in Strasbourg, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Innsbruck and Munich along with City Tours and Attractions.

An information Night is going to be scheduled soon, but wanted to give you the information on this newly released trip first.

Even with economic political uncertainties on the minds of travellers, tourism in Canada continues to prove its resiliency. Record visitor arrivals continue to be achieved; the year 2018 ended with an increase of 1.2% over 2017 to 21.13 million visitors. While China and Mexico represented the top performers in terms of year-over-year growth, the US continues to be our top source market at 14.44 million or 68% of all international overnight arrivals.

Quinte Mall could make your retail dreams come true!

Submissions must be received by Quinte Mall Guest Services by 5:00pm on Saturday, Mar 31st, 2019.

April 22-26, 2019
Looking for a team-building activity? Why not pick litter together! The group challenge is an opportunity for workplaces, service groups and non-profits to compete and be recognized for their community spirit. The group that collects the most trash per participant wins! The winning group gets a trophy, bragging rights and recognition for their awesome efforts on social media.

To Register for Group Challenges:

1) Save the date. Ask your employer or principal for permission to assemble a group of volunteers. Groups can pick litter anytime from April 22-26, 2019 . Choose the date that works best for your crew.

2) Contact Rachel Revoy by email at rachel@quinterecycling.org  or call 613-394-6266 to register your group.

3) Once you complete your litter round-up, email Rachel the number of participants from your group that took part and the number of bags collected.

Winners will be announced the week following Trash Bash!

To learn more about the chamber plan or to request a free quote contact Wendy Riley at the Riley Financial Group 613-771-1244 or by email

No experience is necessary!  To register your team or for further information, please visit our website www.trentoncurlingclub.ca or email us at trentoncurling@hotmail.com.”

Click here if you are interested in a corporate sponsrship