Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - May 2015

Thank you, again!

We have circulated many notes of appreciation about the Aurora Chamber Home Show that was held in April, but once again we would like to express our gratitude for all the support from the sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers. We continue to hear positive feedback from members who are ecstatic about the real business that was generated from the show. “This wasn’t a tire-kicking show,” one exhibitor said, “people were out to spend money and they followed through. Participating was one of the best business decisions I have ever made.” 

Educational Sessions - Human Resources

In response to many requests from members, we will be introducing a series of human resources workshops starting in June and ending in March or April 2016. We will be confirming dates shortly. Some of the topics will include: 
  • The Basics of HR Compliance: What you really need to know?
    This is an essential workshop for all employers regardless of whether you have one employee or many.
  • Engaging your Employee Base to Drive Results 
  • Managing Performance
  • Managing Terminations and Resignations
The sessions will be presented by Jodi Zigelstein, Williams HR Consulting and/or Laura Williams, LLB, Williams HR Law. Both Jodi and Laura are excellent and engaging speakers. 

Don’t Forget

  • Aurora Chamber Street Festival – Sunday, June 7
    There are a few booths still available but we are close to being sold out!
  • Aurora Chamber Golf Tournament – Thursday, June 25
    This is a GREAT networking event. It will be held at Silver Lakes Golf & Conference Centre.

ORPP – Another burden for business?

As hard as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and its affiliated Chambers have worked against the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP), it is a go! 

The Plan will require employers and employees to contribute 1.9 percent of an employee’s yearly earnings per year, to a maximum of $90,0000. According to a survey conducted by the OCC, only one in four businesses in Ontario can afford the costs associated with the new plan, while 44 percent have indicated that they will reduce payroll or hire fewer employees in order to respond.

The government is committed to establishing a body (ORPP Administration Corporation) that will be charged with administering the plan and investing contributions. It is expected that the ORPP will be established by January 1, 2017. 

Increasing Electricity Rates

Aurora Chamber members have often told us that one of the greatest financial challenges for their businesses is out-of-control electricity rates.  According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), increasing electricity rates are the number one factor effecting a business’s ability to compete. An OCC survey suggests four percent of businesses will either shut their doors and/or move in the coming years due to rising rates.

An article written by The Canadian Press (CP) in December 2013 indicated that Ontario electricity rates were expected to keep rising. CP warned businesses that their bills could jump almost 50 percent in the next three years under the long-term energy plan. 

In the 2015 Ontario Government budget, the government announced an initial public offering (IPO) of approximately 15 percent of the common shares in Hydro One with additional share sales in subsequent years totalling up to 60 percent of the Province’s common shares. Even though funds from the sale of the shares are earmarked for the Trillium Trust Act and will be used to support the Province’s key infrastructure priorities such as highways, bridges and public transit, $5 billion will be used to pay down the utility’s debt. 

In response to concerns over the impact on electricity rates, the government has committed to ensuring that sales of a portion of Hydro One will not lead to higher rates. 

Annual Employment Survey

York Region will again conduct its annual door-to-door employment survey of all businesses that have a physical presence in the Region. During the months of May through August businesses can participate in the survey when an employment surveyor visits. Home –based businesses can submit business information online at: www.york.ca/employmentsurvey You may also communicate via telephone or email.  

The survey data is used to:
  • Monitor local economic trends
  • Analyze and market local business sectors
  • Form business attraction and retention strategies
  • Forecast future transit and infrastructure needs
  • Create business directories
Sensitive information will be used internally and will be kept confidential. According to York Region, “Your business counts!” You are encouraged to participate. 

One Book One Aurora 

. . . is back for the second summer. The book this year is Burmese Lessons by award- winning author Karen Connelly. Visit www.onebookoneaurora.com for further information on the book and author as well as dates for supporting events and an opportunity to contribute to the discussions. 

Enjoy the warm weather. Watch for the next Update the second week of June. 


Judy Marshall, CEO
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
905-727-7262 Ext. 33

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