Burlington Chamber of Commerce

THE BURLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Welcome to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. We have been the voice of business in Burlington since 1947. With over 1,000 members we advocate on behalf of local business and provide valuable networking opportunities to help your business grow and prosper.

The Latest News from the Burlington Chamber

ECONOMIC FORECAST REVIEWS NATIONAL & LOCAL TRENDS

On February 9, The Chamber kicked off its series of major business education events in 2006 with Economic Forecast 2006. John Anania, Assistant Chief Economist with RBC Financial Group, presented the results of his considerable research. Click here for more details about the presentation.   Mr. Anania also commented on the difference between the Burlington Chamber's survey on the economy and national economic trends.

RESULTS OF CHAMBER'S ECONOMY IN 2006 SURVEY

The results of our most resent survey, The Economy in 2006, have been compiled. Respondents are less optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago but they are very optimistic about their business in 2006.

29% of respondents think the economy will improve in 2006

74% of respondents think their business will improve in 2006

41% of respondents think their employment levels will increase in 2006

Click here to read the full survey results.   .

UPCOMING BUSINESS SEMINARS

Chamber members know mental health is the number one cause of lost productivity and absence from work and have asked the Chamber to provide a seminar to help business leaders improve employee productivity in stressful times. You won't want to miss our Keeping Employees Productive seminar on February 15.

Want to keep those clients you worked so hard to sign up? Learn the number one reason why companies lose clients and what you can do about it. Learn the secret to understanding and exceeding client expectations. Sign up now for our Clients for Life seminar on March 29 (the February 16 Clients for Life seminars is sold out).

ALL CANDIDATES MEETING

With the federal election looming, the Chamber's Political Action Committee hosted an All Candidates Meeting. Candidates from all parties in the Burlington riding were invited. Go to our Advocacy page for details. To compare party policies, check out the Canadian Chamber Party scorecard.

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SMALL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Chamber’s sixth annual Small Business Christmas Party was an outstanding, sold-out success. Over 280 people (the largest crowd ever) attended the fun-filled, action-packed evening with great food, first-rate entertainment and an awesome festive atmosphere. Again this year, needy families were the recipients of party guests' largesse as toy donations were collected by Halton Women's Place and Big Brothers Big sisters. For all the details and more photos, go to the Recent Special Events section of our Events page.

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RECENT BURLINGTON CHAMBER ADVOCACY WORK

In November, representatives from the Burlington Chamber have been involved in discussions with the provincial government on two key issues; a Greater Toronto Transportation Authority and the 2006 provincial budget. Read a summary on our Advocacy page.

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MEETING WITH MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES

On November 9, members of the Chamber's Board of Directors and Political Action Committee met with local MP Paddy Torsney and The Honourable Scott Brison, MP, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the changes being made by PW&GS to reduce government costs and increase small business opportunities to work with the government.  For more details of the meeting, go the the Advocacy page.

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MAYORS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

On October 6, the Chamber hosted the sold out Mayor’s State of the City Address. Mayor MacIsaac outlined his personal view on the successes of the city during the past year and the challenges and opportunities for the upcoming year. Read the highlights on our Events page.

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CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce held it's annual general meeting on September 24 to 26. Details can be found on our Advocacy page and at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.

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ADVOCACY LETTER: WSIB PREMIUMS

The Burlington Chamber is concerned about the impact of the proposed increase in WSIB premiums on business in Burlington. We view these increases as an increase in payroll taxes. The Chamber has sent a letter to our provincial representative in Queen's Park, Cam Jackson, MPP Burlington, urging Mr. Jackson to present our position on the WSIB issue. Read more and access the letter on our Advocacy page.

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