Budget sets game plan: government must deliver

Ottawa, March 4, 2010 - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the federal government’s strategy to achieve its recovery plan, to return to balanced budgets and to promote a more innovative and competitive economy.

“Business people throughout Canada are worried about the federal deficit. We’re glad that the government responded to the Canadian Chamber’s call for a commitment to balance the books, but they must now make it happen. The substantial spending increases of past years are clearly not sustainable and the Canadian Chamber will focus on ensuring that Ottawa reins in spending and improves efficiencies as the recovery takes hold,” said Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty.

The Canadian Chamber strongly believes that the government can balance its books over the medium term without increasing taxes. “In recent years we have made Canada a more attractive place to invest, innovate and create jobs by improving our international tax competitiveness. We cannot afford to erase this hard-earned progress,” said Beatty.

DJB & Company Chartered Accountants sponsored a very informative and simple overview on the upcoming harmonized sales tax which will become Provincial Law on July 1st, 2010 for Stoney Creek Chamber Members at Michelangelo's, February 25th.

Theresa Beninger, B. Math, C.A., is the specialist in HST at DJB & Company and her slide presentation educated her large audience on the advantages and disadvantages of HST for both business and consumer.

Ms. Beninger used serveral examples to explain the anticipated savings that companies can expect when receiving rebates of HST.  These savings should eventually be passed on to the end buyer.

The administration of monthly reports was explained and as pointed out, one remittance will cover all taxes.

We thank DJB & Company for their assistance in explaining the new HST and the administration of reports.

Record breaking attendance for the January 14th Pool Tournament at Boilers Restaurant made for a great night of networking for Chamber Members.

Our President Brad Perco presented 1st Prize to Joe and Bill, 2nd to Lori and Dennis.  Special thanks to Boilers, Barbara Gough Insurance Agency Ltd. and The Old Powerhouse Restaurant for providing prizes.  All players and spectators enjoyed the food and fun.

Marvin Ryder spoke to Stoney Creek Chamber Members at a luncheon held at The Grand Olympia, sponsored by NeoGraphics.

Marvin explained that recessions come and go. The wise businessperson plans for the longer term trends.  The next 25 years holds many opportunities for Stoney Creek and its business community. Like the period following World War II, this is a dramatic period of immigration with a changing community profile.  “Winners” will be those companies who offer market niches, products and services with a sustainable competitive advantage. The challenge and critical success of the Stoney Creek business community will be adapting to a modified City population over the next 25 years.

"To be the best place in Canada to raise a child, promote innovation, engage citizens, and provide diverse economic opportunities."

This statement forms the basis of the Corporate Strategic Plan, approved by Council, in June of 2008.

These 20 thoughtfully selected words summarize in a single sentence the potential for the Next Hamilton.

Under Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s leadership, Councilors, dedicated city staff of departments such as Economic Development, along with business and community leaders have come together and set out to make this vision a reality.

The vision along with a program called Next Hamilton: Your City and Your Future describe the focus of Mayor Fred’s Administration. His approach involves the 4 C’s (Collaboration, Cooperation, Consensus, and Confidence) and its aim is to create a Hamilton that is Clean, Green, and Prosperous.

To quote Mayor Fred, “Hamilton has a strong foundation upon which to build our city's future, a future I like to call the NEXT Hamilton.”

Written by Branka Vidovic, NeoGraphics

The Stoney Creek Chamber held their Annual General Meeting on September 16th at the nearly opened Nash Jackson House in Battlefield Park.

Members and guests enjoyed refreshments, ice cream from our local Stoney Creek Dairy and tours of Battlefied Museum House, Monument and the Nash Jackson House.

Our President, Brad Perco, C. A., of Brownlow Partners, presented on update on Chamber activities, introduced the Board and Staff and thanked the Members for their ongoing support.

The Finacial update was presented by Treasurer, Robert Hynes, Manager of RBC Royal Bank.  Robert indicated that the Chamber experienced another successful year in both Membership increase and financial viability.

The event was sponsored by Brownlow Partners, Dan Lawrie Insurance, and RBC Royal Bank.

Area small businesses were informed at a recent seminar, hosted by the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce, by both levels of Government on their respective procurement processes and how they can get more involved with doing business with government.

Attendees discovered that getting properly informed allows them to get more appropriately involved in doing business with Government.  There was good discussion and positive feedback during the session.

For more information on how to do business with the Government, go to www.contractscanada.gc.ca