A wonderful Holiday Business Connect at the Grimsby Legion

What a wonderful way to close out 2024! Our Holiday Business Connect at the Grimsby Legion was a fantastic evening, all in support of Catch The Ace and McNally House Hospice.

One of the highlights was hearing the exciting news that McNally House will break ground on their new build on January 7, 2025 – woohoo!

A big congratulations to Justin Iacoboni of Verve Mortgage for winning the festive holiday sweater contest!

It was a great night of connecting with chamber and community members, sharing good times, and celebrating the spirit of the season. As we wrap up the year, we are already looking forward to lining up more incredible events for 2025; another year of connection, collaboration, and growth in our amazing community!

What a wonderful way to close out 2024! Our Holiday Business Connect at the Grimsby Legion was a fantastic evening, all in support of Catch The Ace and McNally House Hospice.

One of the highlights was hearing the exciting news that McNally House will break ground on their new build on January 7, 2025 – woohoo!

A big congratulations to Justin Iacoboni of Verve Mortgage for winning the festive holiday sweater contest!

It was a great night of connecting with chamber and community members, sharing good times, and celebrating the spirit of the season. As we wrap up the year, we are already looking forward to lining up more incredible events for 2025; another year of connection, collaboration, and growth in our amazing community!

Congratulations Rebecca! 2024 YW Champion Award Recipient

A huge congratulations to Rebecca, our Executive Director, for being honoured with the YW Champion Award by YWCA Niagara Region during their Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024. This award recognizes individuals who show unwavering dedication to supporting the YW’s critical work addressing homelessness, advocating for survivors of human trafficking, and empowering marginalized communities in Niagara.

Rebecca shared how inspiring it was to hear about the incredible efforts of the YWCA team and their impact. With characteristic humility, she expressed gratitude for being recognized and emphasized her privilege in amplifying the vital, often unseen work happening “right in our backyard.”

The YWCA provides emergency shelters, transitional housing, and skill development programs to help women and families find stability and independence. They also operate “Home, to New Beginnings,” a safe house for survivors of human trafficking—the first of its kind in Ontario.

We’re also thrilled to see another Grimsby favourite, Station 1 Coffeehouse, recognized at the awards! Congratulations and so very well-deserved.

Congratulations again, Rebecca, and bravo to all the award recipients for their inspiring contributions to our community. And lastly, thank you to the YWCA for making such a profound difference in Niagara.

For more about the YW’s programs and how you can support their mission, visit ywcaniagararegion.ca .

A huge congratulations to Rebecca, our Executive Director, for being honoured with the YW Champion Award by YWCA Niagara Region during their Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024. This award recognizes individuals who show unwavering dedication to supporting the YW’s critical work addressing homelessness, advocating for survivors of human trafficking, and empowering marginalized communities in Niagara.

Rebecca shared how inspiring it was to hear about the incredible efforts of the YWCA team and their impact. With characteristic humility, she expressed gratitude for being recognized and emphasized her privilege in amplifying the vital, often unseen work happening “right in our backyard.”

The YWCA provides emergency shelters, transitional housing, and skill development programs to help women and families find stability and independence. They also operate “Home, to New Beginnings,” a safe house for survivors of human trafficking—the first of its kind in Ontario.

We’re also thrilled to see another Grimsby favourite, Station 1 Coffeehouse, recognized at the awards! Congratulations and so very well-deserved.

Congratulations again, Rebecca, and bravo to all the award recipients for their inspiring contributions to our community. And lastly, thank you to the YWCA for making such a profound difference in Niagara.

For more about the YW’s programs and how you can support their mission, visit ywcaniagararegion.ca .

Benchside Magazine Issue #2 is out!

Have you had a chance to flip through the latest edition of Benchside Magazine? This publication is Niagara’s premier print magazine, dedicated to showcasing the vibrant businesses and community features that make our region so special. We are proud to have a page highlighting many of our valued chamber members, and we’d like to thank Spaceless Marketing for making it possible to showcase these incredible businesses.

Take a moment to explore the magazine and discover the local businesses that make our community a wonderful place to work, play and thrive!

Have you had a chance to flip through the latest edition of Benchside Magazine? This publication is Niagara’s premier print magazine, dedicated to showcasing the vibrant businesses and community features that make our region so special. We are proud to have a page highlighting many of our valued chamber members, and we’d like to thank Spaceless Marketing for making it possible to showcase these incredible businesses.

Take a moment to explore the magazine and discover the local businesses that make our community a wonderful place to work, play and thrive!

THANK YOU to all who contributed to the GBF Hamper 2024!

We are incredibly proud to share the generosity of our chamber community this holiday season! THANK YOU to all who contributed to the GBF Holiday Hamper program. Your generosity and kindness are going to truly help a local family enjoy the holiday season this year. This is what community is all about!

Simply Moto
Mrs. Greenway
Town of Grimsby Councillor Freake
Community Living-Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln
Advantage Waste
Terence Webster Design

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
Kinetic Elements Dance
The Dutch Shop
McNally House Hospice
Arrowhead Construction Leadership Solutions
DeSantis Homes
Spaceless Marketing
Bioped Grimsby
Verve Mortgages
Canurta Therapeutics
Calibrator Coaching & Consulting

We are incredibly proud to share the generosity of our chamber community this holiday season! THANK YOU to all who contributed to the GBF Holiday Hamper program. Your generosity and kindness are going to truly help a local family enjoy the holiday season this year. This is what community is all about!

Simply Moto
Mrs. Greenway
Town of Grimsby Councillor Freake
Community Living-Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln
Advantage Waste
Terence Webster Design

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
Kinetic Elements Dance
The Dutch Shop
McNally House Hospice
Arrowhead Construction Leadership Solutions
DeSantis Homes
Spaceless Marketing
Bioped Grimsby
Verve Mortgages
Canurta Therapeutics
Calibrator Coaching & Consulting

GST/HST Break: New information for restaurants and for businesses in a supply chain

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated its website to include new information on how the proposed goods and services (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) break would apply for restaurants and for businesses in a supply chain.

There are unique considerations for restaurants and businesses in a supply chain during their transition to the GST/HST break period, and the CRA is here to help.

What to do as a business in a supply chain that charges the GST/HST

• The items that would qualify for the GST/HST relief between December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025, would apply at every stage of the supply chain, from manufacturer to wholesaler, wholesaler to retailer, and retailer to consumer.
• The GST/HST break covers all sales and imports of qualifying goods throughout the supply chain, including those by producers and distributers.

What to do as a restaurant or another eating or drinking establishment

• Prepared meals, food, all non-alcoholic beverages and eligible alcoholic beverages would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period when provided at restaurants, pubs, bars, food trucks, and other establishments serving food and/or beverages.
• If an eating establishment bills a customer directly for delivery of a prepared meal, the delivery service would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period.
  • However, when a delivered meal is ordered through a platform, the delivery service made by the platform provider would not qualify for GST/HST relief.
• For orders with both qualifying and non-qualifying items, the GST/HST relief would only apply to the qualifying items.
• Mixed drinks made with only eligible beverages like beer, malt liquor and wine would qualify for the GST/HST relief.
• Mixed drinks containing non-qualifying alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, would not qualify for GST/HST relief.
• A mandatory tip or gratuity included in the bill would have the same tax status as the prepared meal and would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period.
• Catering services would generally qualify for the GST/HST relief, as long as they are for the provision, preparation and serving of food, non-alcoholic beverages or eligible alcoholic beverages.

For more information about how the GST/HST break would apply to restaurants and businesses in a supply chain, please visit GST/HST break – Canada.ca. Check this page regularly as we will update it as new information emerges to help individuals and businesses understand the GST/HST break.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated its website to include new information on how the proposed goods and services (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) break would apply for restaurants and for businesses in a supply chain.

There are unique considerations for restaurants and businesses in a supply chain during their transition to the GST/HST break period, and the CRA is here to help.

What to do as a business in a supply chain that charges the GST/HST

• The items that would qualify for the GST/HST relief between December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025, would apply at every stage of the supply chain, from manufacturer to wholesaler, wholesaler to retailer, and retailer to consumer.
• The GST/HST break covers all sales and imports of qualifying goods throughout the supply chain, including those by producers and distributers.

What to do as a restaurant or another eating or drinking establishment

• Prepared meals, food, all non-alcoholic beverages and eligible alcoholic beverages would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period when provided at restaurants, pubs, bars, food trucks, and other establishments serving food and/or beverages.
• If an eating establishment bills a customer directly for delivery of a prepared meal, the delivery service would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period.
  • However, when a delivered meal is ordered through a platform, the delivery service made by the platform provider would not qualify for GST/HST relief.
• For orders with both qualifying and non-qualifying items, the GST/HST relief would only apply to the qualifying items.
• Mixed drinks made with only eligible beverages like beer, malt liquor and wine would qualify for the GST/HST relief.
• Mixed drinks containing non-qualifying alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, would not qualify for GST/HST relief.
• A mandatory tip or gratuity included in the bill would have the same tax status as the prepared meal and would qualify for GST/HST relief during the eligible period.
• Catering services would generally qualify for the GST/HST relief, as long as they are for the provision, preparation and serving of food, non-alcoholic beverages or eligible alcoholic beverages.

For more information about how the GST/HST break would apply to restaurants and businesses in a supply chain, please visit GST/HST break – Canada.ca. Check this page regularly as we will update it as new information emerges to help individuals and businesses understand the GST/HST break.

The Business Stakeholder Engagement Session, hosted in partnership with the Grimsby Downtown BIA and the Town of Grimsby’s Planning Department, was a success!

The session brought together local business owners to engage with the Town’s Official Plan Review process. Attendees participated in interactive exercises, shared their insights on challenges and growth opportunities, and asked thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful discussions during an impromptu group Q&A.

The feedback and ideas collected will be added to the many considerations the Planning Department balances as the roadmap that guides Grimsby for the next 25+ years takes shape. As Director of Planning, Harold Madi, noted during the session, the Official Plan review is a “generational opportunity” to ensure that the municipality’s Official Plan reflects the unique and diverse needs of our community.

Heartfelt thanks to Station 1 Coffeehouse for providing us with the 24 Steps Lounge and delicious refreshments! 

We will be sharing updates and keeping the conversation going through email communications in the new year. Thank you to everyone who attended for helping shape Grimsby’s future!

The session brought together local business owners to engage with the Town’s Official Plan Review process. Attendees participated in interactive exercises, shared their insights on challenges and growth opportunities, and asked thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful discussions during an impromptu group Q&A.

The feedback and ideas collected will be added to the many considerations the Planning Department balances as the roadmap that guides Grimsby for the next 25+ years takes shape. As Director of Planning, Harold Madi, noted during the session, the Official Plan review is a “generational opportunity” to ensure that the municipality’s Official Plan reflects the unique and diverse needs of our community.

Heartfelt thanks to Station 1 Coffeehouse for providing us with the 24 Steps Lounge and delicious refreshments! 

We will be sharing updates and keeping the conversation going through email communications in the new year. Thank you to everyone who attended for helping shape Grimsby’s future!

Helpful Resources from Consumer Protection Ontario – December 2024

Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act | Video
The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 governs most personal and household transactions between consumers and businesses. You can view our short new video to learn some useful basics for businesses about the Consumer Protection Act.

Recreational Goods
The ministry’s new fact sheet for businesses that sell recreational goods can be access here. This will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities to be sure that you are compliant with the law.

Business Guide to Consumer Protection
The ministry’s Business Guide to Consumer Protection summarizes actions your business must take to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. If you would like to order copies in English and/or French, please contact us at ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca.

Business Education Webinar | December 12, 2024
We are here to help you to learn more about the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, and your rights and responsibilities as a business owner. We invite you to join our webinar in partnership with the Renfrew County Small Business Enterprise Centre on December 12, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Email us at ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca for details and an electronic link to join!

Test Your Knowledge
Take our self-assessment quiz to test your knowledge and learn about key concepts for businesses in the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. Or, for more information on how to comply with consumer protection laws and avoid complaints, visit our Consumer Protection Ontario and business compliance web pages.
Ontario.ca/BusinessCompliance
Consumer Protection Ontario

You can email Consumer Protection Ontario via ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca to share feedback, ask questions, or find more information. As part of providing accessible customer service, if you have any accommodation needs, require communication supports, or alternate formats, you can also advise them via email.

Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act | Video
The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 governs most personal and household transactions between consumers and businesses. You can view our short new video to learn some useful basics for businesses about the Consumer Protection Act.

Recreational Goods
The ministry’s new fact sheet for businesses that sell recreational goods can be access here. This will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities to be sure that you are compliant with the law.

Business Guide to Consumer Protection
The ministry’s Business Guide to Consumer Protection summarizes actions your business must take to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. If you would like to order copies in English and/or French, please contact us at ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca.

Business Education Webinar | December 12, 2024
We are here to help you to learn more about the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, and your rights and responsibilities as a business owner. We invite you to join our webinar in partnership with the Renfrew County Small Business Enterprise Centre on December 12, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Email us at ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca for details and an electronic link to join!

Test Your Knowledge
Take our self-assessment quiz to test your knowledge and learn about key concepts for businesses in the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. Or, for more information on how to comply with consumer protection laws and avoid complaints, visit our Consumer Protection Ontario and business compliance web pages.
Ontario.ca/BusinessCompliance
Consumer Protection Ontario

You can email Consumer Protection Ontario via ConsumerProtectionOutreach@ontario.ca to share feedback, ask questions, or find more information. As part of providing accessible customer service, if you have any accommodation needs, require communication supports, or alternate formats, you can also advise them via email.

2024 GBF Holiday Hamper Program – join us in rounding out the year by giving back!

This holiday season, the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor a hamper for a local family in need of a little extra holiday cheer. Together, we can make a meaningful difference by coming together to provide essentials, gifts, and holiday treats for this special family of five.

We are asking for donations to be dropped off by Friday, December 6 to ensure the hamper is ready for delivery on Thursday, December 14. Please email info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange drop off day/time.

Let’s come together to show the true spirit of the season by supporting our Family with gifts, necessities, and the joy of a shared holiday meal. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small.

Drop-Off Details:
Grimsby Chamber of Commerce Office
33 Main St. West, Grimsby
Please email info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange drop off day/time.

If you’d like to contribute but can’t drop off items in person, please reach out to us at info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange alternative options.

Thank you for helping us make this holiday season a little brighter for a family in our community. Your generosity and kindness mean so much.

This holiday season, the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor a hamper for a local family in need of a little extra holiday cheer. Together, we can make a meaningful difference by coming together to provide essentials, gifts, and holiday treats for this special family of five.

We are asking for donations to be dropped off by Friday, December 6 to ensure the hamper is ready for delivery on Thursday, December 14. Please email info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange drop off day/time.

Let’s come together to show the true spirit of the season by supporting our Family with gifts, necessities, and the joy of a shared holiday meal. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small.

Drop-Off Details:
Grimsby Chamber of Commerce Office
33 Main St. West, Grimsby
Please email info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange drop off day/time.

If you’d like to contribute but can’t drop off items in person, please reach out to us at info@grimsbychamber.com to arrange alternative options.

Thank you for helping us make this holiday season a little brighter for a family in our community. Your generosity and kindness mean so much.

BA5 in partnership with the Stoney Creek Chamber at the Grimsby Curling Club

We had a fantastic time at the Grimsby Curling Club on Tuesday, Nov 5! A huge thanks to everyone who joined us, especially our friends from the Stoney Creek Chamber—it was a pleasure to share the fun with you!

Special shout-out to our wonderful hosts at the Grimsby Curling Club for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and giving us a hands-on introduction to the sport (thanks for showing us the ropes—or should we say, rocks!).

A big thank-you also to Pizza Di Nonna for the incredible food. Owner James outdid himself, providing delicious pizza, wings and snacks that ensured no one went home hungry. Please reach out to James to order something delicious for yourself, your family or your business, now that you know how fantastic his food is! Congratulations to Joy at Terence Webster Design, who won the door prize; a gift certificate for dinner for two, courtesy of The Casablanca Hotel!

Stay tuned for exciting news about our upcoming Affiliate collaboration between the Grimsby and Stoney Creek Chambers. We also have more events on the way, including the Business Vitality Summit (grab your $20 ticket here), our November Chamber Spark, and a holiday-themed Business Connect at the Grimsby Legion in December. Let’s wrap up 2024 by building even more connections within our community!

Thank you again to the Stoney Creek Chamber, the team at the Grimsby Curling Club, and Pizza Di Nonna for making this event such a memorable evening. We’re looking forward to many more moments like these!

We had a fantastic time at the Grimsby Curling Club on Tuesday, Nov 5! A huge thanks to everyone who joined us, especially our friends from the Stoney Creek Chamber—it was a pleasure to share the fun with you!

Special shout-out to our wonderful hosts at the Grimsby Curling Club for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and giving us a hands-on introduction to the sport (thanks for showing us the ropes—or should we say, rocks!).

A big thank-you also to Pizza Di Nonna for the incredible food. Owner James outdid himself, providing delicious pizza, wings and snacks that ensured no one went home hungry. Please reach out to James to order something delicious for yourself, your family or your business, now that you know how fantastic his food is! Congratulations to Joy at Terence Webster Design, who won the door prize; a gift certificate for dinner for two, courtesy of The Casablanca Hotel!

Stay tuned for exciting news about our upcoming Affiliate collaboration between the Grimsby and Stoney Creek Chambers. We also have more events on the way, including the Business Vitality Summit (grab your $20 ticket here), our November Chamber Spark, and a holiday-themed Business Connect at the Grimsby Legion in December. Let’s wrap up 2024 by building even more connections within our community!

Thank you again to the Stoney Creek Chamber, the team at the Grimsby Curling Club, and Pizza Di Nonna for making this event such a memorable evening. We’re looking forward to many more moments like these!

2024 Grimsby Glows Pumpkin Parade: A Night to Remember!

We were thrilled to have been part of this year’s 3rd annual Grimsby Glows Pumpkin Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Grimsby in collaboration with the Town of Grimsby. This festive community event has become a beloved evening, bringing together families, friends, and neighbours to celebrate spooky season with one last glow!

The event was a tremendous success, with countless creatively carved pumpkins lighting up the night and showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of our community. It’s inspiring to see how Grimsby Glows continues to grow each year, drawing more people together and creating special memories for everyone involved.

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to support events like these that foster connection and pride in our community. Thank you again to the Rotary Club and the Town for your hard work and commitment to our community. We’re grateful to be a small part of an event that highlights the dedication and effort of our local Rotary and Town teams. 

We look forward to seeing Grimsby Glow continue to grow in the coming years!

We were thrilled to have been part of this year’s 3rd annual Grimsby Glows Pumpkin Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Grimsby in collaboration with the Town of Grimsby. This festive community event has become a beloved evening, bringing together families, friends, and neighbours to celebrate spooky season with one last glow!

The event was a tremendous success, with countless creatively carved pumpkins lighting up the night and showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of our community. It’s inspiring to see how Grimsby Glows continues to grow each year, drawing more people together and creating special memories for everyone involved.

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to support events like these that foster connection and pride in our community. Thank you again to the Rotary Club and the Town for your hard work and commitment to our community. We’re grateful to be a small part of an event that highlights the dedication and effort of our local Rotary and Town teams. 

We look forward to seeing Grimsby Glow continue to grow in the coming years!