As the new governance model for the board of directors moves forward, the Chair Brad Gavan identified the lead on many of the governance committees moving forward. Vice Chair Charles Elliott heads the human resources committee, Vice Chair Tanya Bedard will lead the governance committee and Treasurer Jake Lacourse will head the finance and audit committee.

The board will also be planning a strategic planning session for late March, early April to guide the Chamber through the next five years. The membership will be provided with a draft of the strategic plan for additional input as we move forward.

The board was updated with meetings that occurred over the last month. Those included: the YYZ Focus Group that occurred at the Canadore College Aviation Campus in December discussing opportunities for

YYZ and more specifically with unmanned aerial vehicles industry; ongoing regular meet-ings with the Mayor and CAO of the City of North Bay; potential for staffing changes under the new governance model; and changes to operational committees.

Patti Carr, executive director provided details on the final push in December to delay the implementation of Cap and Trade in the province. Howev-er, as we’ve seen, it was imple-mented and now businesses and the public are seeing first hand of what this means; simply by the increase at the gas pumps. Ms. Carr was asked to provide a Cap and Trade calculator to the newsletter to make it easy for the business community to calculate what the increase would be to their business, for their budget processes.

Ms. Carr also expressed her disappointment that the provin-cial government did not renew the contract with our local NUG, Atlantic Power. We were not the only casualty, other NUGs across the province were not renewed. Ms. Carr had been lobbying the government for almost two years on this issue; however through the provinces Climate Change Action Plan and the long-term energy plan, they had other ideas. Unfortunately, we did not agree with their view of this very reliable, clean and cheaper option to other wind and solar contracts.

More recently the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the network across the province has submitted a fourteen page document to the provincial government to assist with solutions to mitigate any further increases through the province’s

long term energy plan.

Chamber representatives will be meeting with Minister Thibeault, Ministry of Energy, the third week of January, to further discuss the challenges business-es in northern Ontario are facing and our dismay at the cancelling of our local NUG contract. Items of importance, after the board meeting:

Another item of concern that has come to light recently is the federal government is looking at the potential for taxing health and dental benefits on group plans. While the federal gov-ernment sees it as an addition to their coffers to the tune of approximately $2.9 billion, this could substantially back-fire by employers no longer providing benefit plans to their employees or reducing plans. Therefore, the government would not see the taxes expected; businesses are tired of all the added taxes to the cost of doing business and will need to find reductions to remain competitive. This is certainly one area the federal government needs to do a cost analysis prior to approving this tax, as it may end up being a huge net negative in the long term to the federal budget.

The report to council on the Dionne Quints Museum and artefacts was presented this past Monday. The Chamber supported the recommendations presented months ago while the executive director was a part of the committee. The intent that the artefacts remain in the region was fully supported; there were no local options presented that were viable and would not affect the City of North Bay budget and operations. We look for-ward to council’s approval.

January 2017

The voice of business since 1894 www.nbdcc.com

Inside this issue

Congratulations Justin Rancourt, our YP of the Month!

First Data, Purolator, Esso, UPS and Evolve Member benefits

Feds considering taxing health & dental benefits

Upcoming seminars & events

Business After

Hours 2017

Mark your calendar!

WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017

4:30 pm to 7:00 pm hosted by

525 Main Street East, North Bay

& co-hosted by

We are fully booked for 2017

Thursday, February 23, 2017 The Grande Event Centre

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Asian Art Academy & 4MMM

Thursday, April 27, 2017 Mini-Trade Show

Notes from the January Board Meeting

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2017 Board of Directors

Executive:

Chair Brad Gavan 1st Vice Chair Charles Elliott 2nd Vice Chair Tanya Bédard

Past Chair John Strang Treasurer Jake Lacourse

Executive Director Patti Carr

Directors:

Thomas Brown Paul Daigle Rob Deleo

Elizabeth Evans Marc Rancourt Peter Rooney Andrea Silveri

Ed Valenti

Staff:

Sue Adams Executive Assistant

Nina Nordbeck

Membership Sales

Carol Porter Get Trained Workers - Nipissing Coordinator

North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce

205 Main Street East North Bay, ON P1B 1B2

Tel: 705-472-8480 Fax: 705-472-8027

Website: www.nbdcc.ca Twitter: @nbdcc

Facebook: /NBDCC

CHAMBER NEWS is a publication of the North Bay and District Chamber of

Commerce. Advertisements and the views expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the

Chamber, its Board of Directors, staff or its membership.

Tweet with us! Any sales?

Upcoming Events? Add @nbdcc to your “tweet” and we will “re-tweet” to all of

our followers.

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Send us your upcoming events,

so we can post them on the

Calendar of Events!

To view the calendar, CLICK

HERE!

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A warm welcome to our NewMembers KNACK DIGITAL Voting Member: Renee Nesseth North Bay, ON Phone: 705-200-0026 Website: www.knack.digital Facebook: www.facebook.com/knack4that * Knack digital is a digital marketing agency offering web services including development, SEO audits, accessibility audits and web applications. LINDSAY WELD CENTRE FOR CHILDREN Voting Member: Robin Smith 200 First Ave. West North Bay, ON P1B 9M3 Phone: 705-497-0296 Website: www.lwcc.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindsayweld * Child Care

PLAN A NIPISSING Voting Member: Rachael Hargan 269 Main St West, Unit 314 North Bay, ON P1B 2T8 Phone: 705-482-0992 Website: www.planahealthcarestaffing.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlanANipissing * Provide healthcare personnel to long term care facilities or on an as-need basis.

THE WHITE OWL BISTRO Voting Member: Laura Dubois 639 Lakeshore Dr. North Bay, ON P1A 2E9 Phone: 705-472-2662 Fax: 705-472-6877 Website: www.whiteowlbistro.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/whiteowlbistro * Full service restaurant offering Farm to Table dining experience.

Maintain control while saving time and money with the Esso Business Card. The Esso Business Card programs give you exceptional fuel savings, powerful yet easy-to-use fuel management tools. Plus North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce members receive 3.5 cents per litre discount regardless of volume. Pick the degree of control and reporting that's right for your business.

CLICK HERE for the online registration or call 1-888-330-2419

to request more information

UPS® Savings Program Discounts of 30% on shipments within Canada and to worldwide destinations, 25% on imports into Canada and 75% (starting at) on freight shipments services with the UPS® Savings Program. ‘Get More’ Member Card from The UPS Store®.

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Share your employment opportunities

with us…just one more way to find

potential employees. Visit our Face-book page at North Bay and District

Ontario Jobs or CLICK HERE

Purolator Savings Program Delivering savings of

25% or more on shipping. We are proud to offer you volume discounts starting

at 25% on Purolator services. Learn more

at purolator.com/occ and start saving today.

In the changing business landscape virtual collaboration tools are becoming more and

more important. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has

partnered with Evolve Collaboration, Canada’s leading

provider of conferencing and collaboration services in an effort to make these tools

available to you. For more information

CLICK HERE

BOART LONGYEAR Joel Cherewyk 1111 Main Street West; P.O. Box 330 North Bay, P1B 8H6 Phone: 705-475-3839 Fax: 705-474-2373 Website: www.boartlongyear.com Description: Manufacturer of mining equipment and contract drilling services Change Note: New Voting Member MICHAEL CARR-CENTURY 21 Michael Carr North Bay, ON Phone: 705-477-5345 Website: www.letacarrdriveyouhome.com Description: Sales Representative for Century 21 Change Note: New Company Name, Description and Website EXP SERVICES INC. Kevin McKay 757 Main Street East North Bay, P1B 1C2 Phone: 705-474-2720 Fax: 705-474-8515 Website: www.exp.com Description: Consulting engineers, Geomatics Change Note: New Address HEARTZAP SERVICES INC. Ray Snow 176 Lakeshore Drive, Unit 5 North Bay, P1A 2A8 Phone: 705-494-8488 Fax: 705-494-9788 Website: www.heartzap.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/HeartZAPServices-Inc/388443871197997 Twitter: @HeartZAPService Description: First Aid; CPR; AED; WHMIS; Defibrillator Training; Distributor for Zoll Defibrillators; First Aid Supplies. Change Note: New Voting Member

KENNEDY INSURANCE/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE PLAN Jacques Lacourse 160 King St. West North Bay, P1B 5Z7 Phone: 705-495-4264 Website: www.kennedyinsurance.ca Twitter: @JakeCLacourse Description: Kennedy Insurance has done significant research into which group insurance plans will best benefit our clients. Pooled and semi-pooled plans such as the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, are tailored to small and medium businesses. A pooled benefit plan simply means that costs are shared with all members, and no one single business is targeted for an increase if they have a high number of claims. This keeps costs down and is manageable for all members. Change Note: New Company Name, Address, Phone Number and Website MITCHELL JENSEN ARCHITECTS INC. Paul Mitchell 124A Main Street East North Bay, P1B 1A8 Phone: 705-474-3250 Fax: 705-474-0737 Website: www.mitchelljensen.ca Twitter: @_MitchellJensen Description: Architectural firm Change Note: New Company Name, Website and Twitter SEE MORE GRAPHICS Roland Fowler 506 McGaughey Avenue North Bay, P1B 1W6 Phone: 705-476-7701 Description: North Bay's Vinyl Lettering Specialists; Fleet Graphics; Magnetic Signs; Banners; Ads; Large Format Printing; Displays; 3M Paint Protection Film; Canvas Frame Prints Change Note: New Description

NORTH BAY FARMERS' MARKET Stephanie Booth Lot #10 Corner of Wyld & Oak Streets Phone: 705-358-8947 Website: www.northbayfarmersmarket.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthBayFarmersMarket Twitter: @NBFMarket Description: The market is made up of various local farmers; small business owners; crafters and artists. We strive to provide our community with a variety of quality; locally grown and handmade products. Open every Saturday: 8:30am to 1:00pm; Wednesday market - 10am to 2pm; May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving. Change Note: New Phone Number, Facebook Page and Twitter ROYAL LEPAGE/NORTH BAY REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD. Sue Symons 117 Chippewa Street West North Bay, P1B 6G3 Phone: 705-472-2980 Fax: 705-472-5421 Website: www.royallepage.ca/northbay Facebook: www.facebook.com/182891995086648

Description: Real Estate sales. Find us on Facebook! Change Note: New Address SHARK SIGNS AND GRAPHICS Dylan Allison 425 Fisher Street North Bay, P1B 2E2 Phone: 705-476-6566 Description: We provide large scale printing, vinyl product, graphics, business cards, banners, signage, vehicle wraps and promotional material. We offer a vast array of products and services; window tint; remote starters; complete car audio; cruise controls, heated seats; in dah navigation units; GPS tracking; DVD installation; auto detailing and rear back up cameras. Change Note: New Company Name, Address, Phone Number, Website and Description

Member Updates

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Red Tape Challenge:

Help Fix Outdated

Financial Regula-

tions

The Ontario government encourages businesses and

the public to provide their input on unclear, outdated,

redundant or unnecessarily costly regulations that

apply to insurance companies, mortgage brokerages,

credit unions/caisses populaires and loan and trust

corporations.

While we are currently consulting on regulations that

apply to the financial services sector, but we welcome

your ideas no matter what field you work in.

Submit your feedback by January 31, 2017.

OCC updates: Health Transformation Action Plan This month, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) will release the final report in the Health Transformation Initiative series. This report will draw on the research and consultation done in 2016, and will outline a strategic action plan for the Government of Ontario to transform the health care system. This plan is centered around three recommendations: move towards a value-based approach, reform procurement and supply chain practices and better integrate Ontario discoveries and innovations into our public health system.

OCC Crafting Letter on the Importance of Ontario-U.S. Trade Later this month, the OCC will be releasing a letter on the importance of continued and strengthened Ontario-U.S. trade. In 2015, Ontario exported over $190 billion to the U.S., while importing over $180 billion. Canada is the most important trading partner for a majority of American states. However, there are actions that can be taken to further harmonize and facilitate cross-border economic activity. For both countries, it is essential that our trading relationship continues to grow and thrive.

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Feds have to be aware of fallout Submitted by Patti Carr, executive director (Nugget, January 16, 2017) As the governments of Ontario and Canada get ready to set their budgets for this year, the Chamber network delves into issues and budget changes that may affect business. An interesting article I read recently was the federal government was looking at a number of tax exempt areas that could potentially raise more money in the federal government coffers. One such area they were looking at was group insurance plans that employers offer to their employees. While life insurance is already taxed, the health and dental benefits are exempt. The federal government has estimated that if they taxed these benefits they could gain $2.9 billion. Governments encourage employers to provide private benefits to their employees as a bonus to their rate of pay and allowing these coverages to benefit the employees who need extended health care. Well I hate to say it, I believe the government will deter employers from providing benefits or employers will choose to reduce benefits by adding this tax. Employee health is important and it is not a mandatory benefit that employers need to provide. Additional taxes on what they already do provide will just put additional strain on employers and hard decisions will have to be made on whether or not to provide any benefits over and above their salaries or pay. I’m not an accountant, but my guess would be that the cancellation of health care and dental benefits if this taxation were approved by the federal government, would well outweigh their estimated gain of the $2.9 billion in taxes. Health care and dental benefits are not cheap to pay in the first place; any reduction to these plans offered would therefore not gain the proposed taxes in the first place and may also take out the monies spent to pay for the benefits. I’d hope the federal government would recognize there is an alternate side to just adding a tax. The effects on business could very well be counter productive to what they are trying to achieve in the federal budget. This types of decisions are made on a regular basis at all government levels, without the taxpayers knowing until it happens. I am certain that the business community would be very concerned if this moves forward. Don’t be afraid to contact your government representatives on issues such as these. They are there to work for the constituency.

Ensure that they are looking at both sides of the equation when making a decision on taxes. On any issue of added taxation, what might be good for the federal coffers may not be good for the taxpayers as a whole. The federal government needs to do more investigation on what their added tax to private health and dental care would mean for future business operations. They may find

that the added tax is not worth the potential for decreased benefits or the determination of no benefits for employees and new hires.

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