“I joined The Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce to make a difference in the community in which I live and work.  This Chamber has a strong track record in making a positive contribution to the businesses and the community at large.  It is because of their commitment to the betterment of Dufferin that I got involved not only as a member but as a Board Director. I feel that involvement in GDACC not only provides me with the satisfaction of connecting with Dufferin residents, but it also ensures that the business I represent is connecting with community needs”

Pete Renshaw-Bell

Mark your calendar's for the following Dufferin Women in Business events.

Wednesday February 24, Orangeville Agricultural Centre, 11:30am-1:30PM, Topic: The Secrets to Successful Worklife Balance, Speaker: Carol Ring, Vice President Business Transformation for Rogers Communications

Wednesday March 24, Orangeville Agricultural Centre, 11:30am-1:30pm, Topic: Olympic Spirit, Speaker: Bernadette Bowyer, Former Olympian.

Join the Chamber of Commerce this January and you could win a pair of tickets to see the World Premiere of Freedom Eighty Five.

February 18th-March 7th, 2010

To find out about upcoming shows www.theatreorangeville.ca

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and The Wellington-Dufferin Health Unit are encouraging local businesses to prepare themselves for the H1N1 virus this fall. Despite the fact that the disease has decreased its spread over the summer, health officials warn that the fall could bring damaging effects to businesses if they aren’t prepared. This warning emphasises the importance for businesses to put an Infectious Disease Plan in place, before they are affected by work interruptions from their staff or their suppliers. Most businesses may already have a plan for disaster preparedness, which only applies to tornados, fire, floods etc. To read more on this article.

To find out what you can do, click here to download  The Ontario Chamber of Commerece, Pandemic Tool Kit.

February Dufferin Women in Business Luncheon.

Presented by: Centre for Business and Economic Development

Speaker: Carol Ring, VP Business Transformation, Rogers Communications 

Topic: Stop multi-tasking and start multi-purposing-The Secrets to Successful Work-Life Balance

Wednesday February 24, 2010

11:30AM-1:30PM

Orangeville Agriculture Centre

Early bird pricing: On or Before 4:00PM Monday February 22, 2009

Members $25.00+GST, Non-Members $32.00+GST

After $35.00 + GST Members and Non-Members

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Media Partner:  Rogers TV

The Greater Dufferin Home Builders' Association, The Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Orangeville presents...

2010 Industry Luncheon

Guest Speaker: U.S. Consul General Kevin Johnson

Date: Thursday February 11, 2010

Time: 11:30am-2:30pm

Location: Best Western Orangeville Inn & Suites

Tickets: $65.00 + GST available at info@gdhba.ca or 519-938-6086

CLICK HERE for more information and Sponsorship Opportunities.

If you wish to make a difference in your community, we hope you will consider becoming a board member of the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce. We need talented, dynamic leaders to help us continue to be "The Voice of Business" in Dufferin County.

If you are interested in joining the Board, Nominations need to be received to the Chamber office no later than March 1, 2010. Nomination forms are available at the office. To read more about the position please CLICK HERE or contact the office at 519-941-0490

 Presented by:

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 Business Excellence Awards. All nominees must either operate a business in Dufferin County, or if outside of Dufferin County, be a member of the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Being recognized as a nominee or an award winner is a cost effective way to promote your business because it is FREE. The 14 categories are as follows:

Business Excellence – under 25 full time employees:  sponsor RBC Royal Bank       

Business Excellence – over 26 full time employees:  sponsor Scotiabank       

Customer Service Excellence:  sponsor Meridian Credit Union   

New Business Excellence: sponsor Best Western Orangeville Inn and Suites    

Dufferin Business Woman of the Year:  sponsor Gord Davenport Automotive Ltd.                                                                                                                                         ****New category - Small Office – Home Office Excellence:  sponsor Patti Reid Insurance Agency         

****New category - Skilled Trade Excellence – sponsor Orangeville Hydro       

Dufferin Home Builder Excellence: sponsor Enbridge Gas Distribution

Community Service – Not for Profit Excellence: sponsor Carters

Professional Corporation        

Chamber Member Excellence: sponsor Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants         

Environmental Excellence: Town of Orangeville   

Manufacturing Excellence:  sponsor Dufferin County Manufacturers Association       

Agricultural Business Excellence:  Town of Shelburne

Community Business Student Excellence:  sponsor TD Canada Trust

To nominate a business or individual please CLICK HERE and complete this interactive pdf form, which will then be forwarded back to the chamber office. It is quick and easy to use, so nominate as many people as you wish. For more information please contact the office at 519-941-0490.

Please let our members know you saw them on our website.

Looking for entry level employees? Register as an employer for the

SourceOne Youth Job Fair SourceOne Job Fairs were developed to provide youth from 15-30 with better awareness of, and access to, local entry level job opportunities by providing easier linkages between employers who are hiring and local youth.

 Wednesday March 3, 2010

1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Best Western Orangeville Inn & Suites

Cost is $100 and space is limited

Visit WPB’s website at www.workforceplanningboard.com and click on the SourceOne page for registration information

This project is funded by Service Canada.

Looking for ways to get the most out of your Chamber Membership? We have compiled 10 helpful tips and strategies for doing business as a Chamber Member. To learn more about business advertising, networking and savings programs Click Here.

For more information visit www.taketwofilmfest.ca

Stay connected with The Canadian Chamber of Commerce newsletters. Get instant news updates, convenient at-a-glance view for upcoming events, current news and policy wins.

Click Here to access current information.

Mark these dates on your calendar: And bring lots of business cards for a great evening of networking

Thank you to the Mad Hatter for a wonderful Open House.

2010

Monday January 18th, Pia's Bakery, 177 Broadway, Orangeville. Sample your way through this After 5 Event, with warm, fresh baked bread and sweets. Network with other business professionals and find out more about the NEW Bakery on Broadway. Please RSVP to rsvp@gdacc.ca.

Wednesday February 10, 2010, Ryco Liquidation in conjuction with Bj's Bookkeeping Services, 80 Centennial Rd, Unit 7, Orangeville. Just in time for Valentines find out what treasures you can find at Ryco Liquidation Centre, and also accompanying will be BJ's Bookkeeping Service just in time for tax season. Browse through the store and sample some great food, don't forget to bring lots of business cards. Please RSVP by February 8, 2010 to rsvp@gdacc.ca.