Chamber News THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA Message from the Board of Directors Crossing the Border has a Greater Impact than Saving a Few Bucks I was at the Gales Center last weekend and couldn’t help but notice all of the corporate sponsors that are spending money to ensure our kids have a hockey team to play on. Almost every team that was playing on one of the four ice surfaces was sponsored by a small business. I left the arena and as I made my way across town bill boards and radio provided me with more evidence that small business is truly investing back into Niagara. With hundreds of thousands of dollars that are carefully gleaned from the small profits eked out by local business we see countless investments made back into our communities to help, and to ensure that we have a good quality of life and that our children have the same opportunities we had – or better! On the way to the south end I passed the Rainbow Bridge and couldn’t help but notice the lines of cars leaving and returning to the city after a shopping night in our American sister city. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of those businesses would invest their profits to help our local communities. Over the last year your local Chamber of Commerce has been working diligently with the Retail Council of Canada – in fact, the two organizations held a town hall meeting on the subject that was well attended by local concerned business. From this meeting a policy paper was developed called “Mitigating the Negative Effects of the New Tax Exception Limits for Canadian Retailers”. This paper was so well researched that it caught the interest of the Spruce County and District Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade who co-sponsored the paper for presention to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. It was debated at the National Convention held in Hamilton in 2012 and became policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Our lobbying efforts have been so successful that the Senate has requested a review of the Canadian Tariffs and we are now turning our lobbying efforts to Minister Flaherty hoping to have him develop a timeline so that we will know when this review will take place. We will continue to work diligently until changes are made that will better protect our community businesses that protect and support our communities. So the next time your neighbours are headed for a cross border shopping experience it might be worth asking them for a little neighbourly help for our businesses, the same kind that they have become so accustomed to. Larry Vaughan Vice Chair, Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada Fast Facts: 1.In February, 2011, Prime Minister Harper and President Obama signed a declaration to enhance security and accelerate the flow of people, goods and services between Canada and the US. This declaration led to the harmonization of personal tax exemptions on the border effectively increasing the consumer threshold for cross-border shopping putting more stress on the already challenged Canadian retailer. 2.In 2009, the retail sector directly contributed over $74 billion dollars to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product. 3.Between 2007 and 2008 the retail sector invested over $12 billion in machinery, equipment, logistics, transportation and infrastructure which led to an addition $2.7 billion in investment by other industries. 4.According to the most recent Stats Canada Report between January and October 2012 sameday trips to Canada by US residents decreased by 1.3 % over the same period the year before. Same-day trips by Canadians to the US increased by 5.2% representing 1.3 million additional day trips. THE HEAT MOVERS…. We Move Heat In & Out of Your Life! Membership has its Benefits Please contact Al MacNevin at [email protected] if you are interested in Advertising Jack Custers, Cogeco Cable Canada LP and Robert Lalonde, Greg Frewin Theatre Pose for a picture at the State of the City luncheon. M City’s new brand unveiled at State of the City luncheon State of the City ayor Jim Diodati unveiled a new brand for Niagara Falls at the annual State of the City luncheon sponsored by the Niagara Falls Review and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada at the Americana Conference Resort on Friday March 8. All in all, the Mayor touched on the past, present and future for Niagara Falls and the contribution of Industry as well as the Hospitality industry. So let’s all get together and be-NF. Introduced by Chamber Chair, Anna Pierce, Mayor Jim spoke of the past years accomplishments for Niagara Falls and peered into the future. The Mayor asked for patience when waiting for dreams to become reality. He used the analogy of the Chinese bamboo plant which grows 90 feet in 6 weeks after taking 5 years to germinate. One of the many slogans the Mayor used was “don’t get bitter get better” and suggested that this is an approach we should take when criticized. We must learn from our mistakes. The mayor spoke of the success of the Sleep Cheap campaign and thanked local hoteliers for their support of this very worthwhile charity. He also spoke of some successes, such as the Women’s Hockey Championships, Red Bull Crashed Ice, Nick Wallenda’s walk over the Falls and numerous events at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. Jim announced plans for an incubator and business information centre to be launched on Queen Street. All WEGO buses will soon be fully accessible. In addition to tourism, Mayor Jim spoke of industrial investment in our community from Hatch Acres, Minacs and Cytec. The Mayor concluded with a major announcement that the Grassl family, business people from Toronto has donated 30 acres in the Montrose & Lyons Creek area to be used to build the new Southern tier Hospital. MOBILE IS HERE! IS ISYOUR YOUR WEBSITE BUSINESS READY? READY? Attention Chamber Members! Call today for your Insurance Quote and as a member, see how you can save! Additional savings by combining your Home and auto policies! Over 100 years ago R. C. Young delivered his clients’ policies on his Bicycle. Today we at Youngs still have that same Philosophy CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE OR VISIT ONE OF OUR 20 LOCATIONS NEAR YOU! “Our clients are important to us and we’ll do what’s necessary to put our customers first.” Pledged to a second century of excellence! 905-374-7000 www.youngsinsurance.ca [email protected] 5681 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls HOME � AUTO � COMMERCIAL � LIFE � EMPLOYEE BENEFITS �� Visit us at www.niagarafallschamber.com Business After Five Harry Walker and Janet Adams pose for a picture at the Willodell Business After Five. Business After 5 hosted by Willodell Golf Club of Niagara M embers and guests were welcomed by Chamber Chair Anna Pierce to our March BAF hosted by Willodell Golf Club of Niagara and sponsored by the Niagara Falls Review. While the weather didn’t cooperate, the venue certainly did. Members were treated to an outstanding array of food compliments of Willodell. Anna Pierce conducted door prize draws with the assistance the Board of Directors present. Prizes were donated by Willodell Golf Club of Niagara, Waters Meredith & Tchang LLP, Beatties Basics Office Products, Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada, Brock Ford, Meridian Credit Union, Swimming Along, PenFinancial Credit Union, Bridges to Wellness, Veda Horner-Mobile Marketing, Bert Schertzing Anna introduced dignitaries and Board Members in Insurance Agency, Bullet Media Niagara, Sunstrum’s Florist, attendance and asked Mario Caputo, General Manager of Niagara Cottage Rentals, Niagara Helicopters Limited and Willodell Golf Club, to speak on behalf of our host. Mario Niagara Falls Review. thanked members and guests for attending the event and invited everyone to come back once the course is open for play. The course has weathered well with no winter damage and will be playable as soon as temperatures rise. Anna presented Mario with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Chamber. Plaques are donated by Alison Sports, Awards & Promotions. Al MacNevin invited new members present to come forward and introduce themselves to the group. Al also introduced Bert Schertzing of Bert Schertzing Insurance Agency who represents the Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan. The Chamber also offers preferred rates on Merchant Services. Please contact Al for more information. Anna Pierce promoted the upcoming events: a luncheon “Transformation of the WSIB,” will be held April 23, 2013 at Club Italia. Our next Business After 5 will be hosted by the Niagara Parks Commission at Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex on April 17. Membership Has Advantages DJB’s professionals provide �� Assurance & Accounting Business Valuations Canadian, U.S. & Commodity Taxation Estate Planning Financial Planning Human Resources Consulting Litigation Support Succession Planning 6100 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls Tel: 905.357.5711 Fax: 905.357.7932 Email: [email protected] www.djb.com Stay informed on our advocacy work and issues impacting your business by our direct emails to your inbox www.niagarafallschamber.com • [email protected] • (905) 374-3666 � � � � Burlington Fort Erie Grimsby Hamilton Niagara Falls St. Catharines Stoney Creek Welland Special Low Merchant Rates for members of the Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada Rates as low as HELP IS HERE! WITH AFFORDABLE GROUP COVERAGE SPECIFICALLY FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES $1.59% $0.069% $1.64% For more information call Al MacNevin, (905) 374-3666 or e-mail [email protected] If you are not currently a member...you can join today! BERT SCHERTZING FINANCIAL SERVICES INC Chambers ooff Commerce Group Insurance Plan® 6251-2 O‘NEIL STREET, NIAGARA FALLS ONTARIO, L2J 1M6 PHONE: 905-356-6489 • FAX: 905-356-4392 2013 Buyer’s Guide Coming Soon Watch for your copy in the Niagara Falls Review From left: Krystel Page, Deborah Sunstrum, Dennis Sunstrum and Dan Page. Coming Events New Members AQUARIUM SERVICES Swimming Along 225 High Street Fort Erie, ON L2A 3R4 Phone: (905) 329-9447 Lee Routhier ASSOCIATIONS Niagara Falls Community Outreach Kitchen 4865 St. Lawrence Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3Y1 Phone: (905) 354-1640 Christina Watling ATTRACTIONS Zapzone Niagara 4238 Bridge Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2R5 Phone: (905) 354-0749 Peter Shepard AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICES Pin Oak Automotive 7361 Pin Oak Drive Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S5 Phone: (905) 357-3456 Fax: (905) 357-7977 Kelly Bissette HOSPICE / PALLIATIVE CARE Daval Hospice 3428 Portage Road Niagara Falls, ON L2J 2K4 Phone: (289) 296-9970 Rosemary Rusk CAR WASH Mr. Quick Car Wash 5733 Ferry Street Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S8 Phone: (905) 356-3011 Jaswinder Saini Luncheon Tranformation of the WSIB April 23, 2013 Club Italia 2525 Montrose Road Niagara Falls INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Tatiana Slepukhin 60 Saybrook Avenue Toronto, ON M8Z 2V7 Phone: (647) 893-4661 Tatiana Slepukhin REALTORS Reio Realty 5850 Royal Manor Drive Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1E9 Phone: (905) 358-9800 Fax: (905) 358-9808 Lou Grottola Business After 5 April 17, 2013 Niagara Parks Commission Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex 9561 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls Waters Meredith & Tchang LLP Chartered Accountants Accounting 4607 Huron Street Audits & Reviews Niagara Falls, ON Tax Services Tel: 905-356-4324 Consulting Fax: 905-356-0964 Financial Planning Estate & Succession Planning Email: [email protected] Website: www.watersmeredith.com Serving Niagara Since 1965 Partners Associates George L. Waters, CA Julius J. Javor, BA William E. Meredith, B Sc, CA J. Fred Henderson Patrick T. Tchang, CA, CFP Les J. Griffis, BA, CGA Stacey J. Dean, BBA, CGA member 2 member DISCOUNT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Alexander Medical Innovations Allan’s Mobile Wash All Tax & Bookkeeping Service Inc. Alltech Automotive ASAP (Alison’s Sports, Awards & Promotions) Auto Works Niagara Bain Printing Batter UP! Fish and Chips Beatties Basics Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Bloomers Flower & Gift Market Boston Pizza Bulk Barn Business Link Niagara Ltd., The Canyon Creek Chophouse Carquest Auto Parts Caswell’s Cavendish Manor Coach Canada Continental Pancake House, The Delrix International Extreme Clean Power Washing Inc. Falls Manor Resort & Restaurant Fallsview Market Fix A Leak, By Marlig Industries, Inc. Flower House, The Greg Frewin Theatre Guinness Museum of World Records Hamblet's Roofing & Siding Inc. Heart Niagara Inc. Herbalife International – Independent Distributor Jiffy Lube Kiwanis Club of Stamford LAMAR Canadian Outdoor Advertising Louis Tussaud's Waxworks Mama Mia's Italian Eatery Marlin Travel M&L Sports Cards & Collectables My Top Drawer Lingerie & Sleepwear Niagara Battery & Tire Ltd. Niagara Moving & Storage Inc. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Parks "Edgewaters Tap & Grill" Restaurant Niagara Parks "Elements on the Falls" Restaurant Niagara Parks "Queenston Heights" Restaurant Niagara Parks Retail Stores Niagara's Fury Niagara Weddings Canada Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show Olsen-Sottile Insurance Brokers Inc. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Ripley’s Moving Theatre Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Rossi Glass Spa at Sterling Inn, The Stamford Home Hardware Limited St. John Ambulance Association Superior Orthopaedic Solutions Tower Hotel, The Transitions College of Business and Career Studies TST Safety Training UPS Store 192 (McLeod Road), The UPS Store 194 (Dorchester Road), The Village Leather Furniture Wine Place Niagara Falls Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc. Would you like to profile your Business? What a great way to tell the business community a little bit about your business, a special anniversary or what accomplishments your business has made to the community. Call the Chamber office today and reserve your profile for the next available edition. Dan Bouwman and Bert Schertzing pose for a picture at the Willodell Business After Five. Club Italia Club Italia Presents Napoletana Night on April 20, 2013. Come join us for an evening of authentic food and fun. Music by: Dynamic Entertainment. For further information or to purchase a ticket please call 905-374-7388. The Niagara Regional Literacy Council The Niagara Regional Literacy Council will be holding its 8th Annual Scrabble Fund Raising Tournament on April 26, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre. There will be a cash bar, hot/cold buffet, penny table, silent auction, 50/50 draw and lots of door prizes. Tickets are $35.00 each or $210.00 for a team of 6 (Register before March 15th and team of six is $200.00) Call 905-687-8299 to reserve your table. The Rotary Clubs of Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Sunrise The Rotary Clubs of Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Sunrise are hosting the 1st annual Elimination Draw and dinner Tuesday April 16th 2013 at the Americana Resort at 8444 Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls. Prizes include $2000 for the last ticket drawn, $500 for the 2nd last drawn and $250 for the 3rd last ticket drawn. Every 25th ticket that is eliminated will qualify for a mystery prize valued at $50 or more!! In addition to the grand prizes of cash every ticket will also have the chance to win an iPad 3, 16GB and golf for 4 with cart at Hunters Point. Dinner, cash bar and many ways to win for just $65 per person. The cash bar and food stations will open at 6pm followed by the elimination draw starting at 7pm. Come and be part of what’s sure to be an annual “must attend” event in Niagara Falls. Tables of 8 can be reserved ahead of time. Please contact Rotarian Diane Kon at 905-933-3652 or email dkon@pathstone .ca for tickets. Payment by cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard can be accepted. Don’t delay and get your tickets soon to be part of this fun and fellowship night that will raise funds for many of the worthwhile Rotary causes that both clubs support. Niagara Falls Community Kitchen Niagara Falls Community Kitchen announces OUR SPRING FLING on Saturday April 20/13 at 6pm. This event will take place at Our Lady of Scapular Hall located on 6557 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls. Full Dinner catered by the Saccos and bar service available . There will also be a Silent Auction with Entertainment by “Now and Then”—the Burnetts. Tickets are $25.00 ea.—$15 tax receipt each ticket. For tickets call the kitchen or the Watlings 905-358-9390. Project SHARE’S 11th annual Niagara Falls Review SHARE Grand Prix charity go-kart race will be held on Saturday, May 11th, 2013 at the Niagara Go-Kart and Mini-Putt. This unique fundraiser is an opportunity to bring your staff, family and friends out for an exciting day of go-kart racing accompanied with a barbecue and complimentary mini-putt. Enter your team today. The goal for each team is to raise $500 or more. Racing teams will consist of 4 racers and a pit boss. For further information please call 905-3575121 ext. 33 or visit www.projectshare.ca Heartland Forest ‘Heartbeats’ April 9 ~ 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Meeting monthly, we share our experience, creativity, and individual talents to help make HEARTLAND FOREST a FUN, FAMILY resource for our community. And, WE NEED YOU! Join us, (when you can), and be a part of this dynamic group of WOMEN, who know that every contribution of time, whether large or small will make a DIFFERENCE! Laughter guaranteed! (Women’s Volunteer Committee – FREE!) Heartland Forest presents: Kids Gift-Making Workshop April 27 ~ 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Remember all the fun YOU had making your Mom something ’special’ for Mother’s Day? The anticipation and excitement was almost too much to bear. And then, when she opened her card and gift, and hugged you close, you were absolutely THRILLED! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! $20 per child. (Family rate: 3 or more $15 each.) The Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada Presents... a LUNCHEON ………… with Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Witmer, WSIB Chair Topic: “Transformation of the WSIB” �� Tuesday, April 23, 2013 5:00pm - 7:00pm Club Italia YOUR HOST 2525 Montrose Road �� Niagara Parks Commission �� Registration 11:30 am – Lunch 12:00 Please reserve ________ ticket(s) for this Luncheon ____________________________________________ Company Name __________________________________________ Contact Name Method of Payment: ___ VISA, MC, AMEX __________________________ Account Number April 17, 2013 ______________ �� the Niagara Legends on Golf Complex �� 9561 Niagara �� Parkway �� Expiry ______ Invoice me (NOTE! PAYMENT IS DUE BY LUNCHEON DATE) Members: $35.00 Includes HST • Non-Members: $45.00 Includes HST To reserve a ticket(s), fax this form to Chamber of Commerce (905) 374-2972 or email [email protected]. Please call (905) 374-3666 for further information. Please R.S.V.P. prior to April 15, 2013 (SORRY NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 19, 2013) Sponsored By: Complimentary Hors D’oeuvres & Refreshments Chamber has gone Mobile Contact us at 905-374-3666 to find out how you can get YOUR coupon on our Mobile Site Chamber Chair, Anna Pierce thanks Mario Caputo, General Manager of Willodell Golf Club for hosting the March Business After Five. Keeping your Financial Focus Federal Pension Income Credit The Federal Pension Income Credit is a nonrefundable tax credit which you are allowed if you receive pension income. Federally, you are allowed a credit of to a $2,000 credit each year, while provincially the amount varies. Note that a similar credit is available in Québec for up to $2090 of pension income. However, some particularities apply to the Québec credit. The federal credit is calculated on the lowest tax rate of 15%, thus a $2,000 credit produces a federal tax savings of $300. This credit is not indexed and is dependent on your eligible pension income. If the eligible pension income received is under $2,000 then the credit is based on the actual amount received. Locked-in RRSP. 3. Payments out of or under a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) including a Life Income Fund (LIF), Locked-in Retirement Income Fund (LRIF) and a Prescribed Retirement Income Fund (PRIF.) Income that is not eligible for the federal and Québec credit The following payments are not included as pension income: 1. Old Age Security (OAS) benefits and Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan 4. Annuity payments under a deferred profit (CPP/QPP) payments. sharing plan (DPSP.) 2. Death benefits. The Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, Canada 5. Interest component of the payments under 3. Retirement Compensation, Arrangements an annuity contract purchased with non- and Salary Deferral, Arrangement payments. registered funds. 4. Unfunded Supplementary Employee, The Federal Government has proposed that Retirement Plan benefits. periodic payments under a money purchase provision of a Registered Pension Plan will also Payments from a LIF, LRIF or PRIF are not be eligible for the federal credit where the “qualified pension income” and will not In addition, if you have pension income that recipient is at least age 65. However, this will qualify for the credit until the owner of the qualifies for the federal credit, you can “split” not be effective until it is proclaimed into law. LIF, LRIF, or PRIF reaches age 65. (However, these payments do qualify as pension income up to 50% of this income with your spouse in Québec for an individual who is under 65.) or common-law partner, under the “pension When You are Under 65 incomesplitting” provisions. If you are under age 65 you are entitled to the Planning opportunities federal credit if you have “qualified pension Income eligible for the income”, which means income from the Some planning opportunities are: federal pension income credit following sources: 1. If you are under 65 and you are a recipient When You are 65 or Older 1. Life annuity payments or periodic payments of a RRIF by virtue of the death of your spouse, you may want to increase your annual Generally you have to be 65 years of age from superannuation or pension plans. or older to be entitled to the credit for an 2. Annuity payments under a RRSP, RRIF or withdrawals to $2,000, as they will be fully amount equal to the lesser of $2,000 and the DPSP arising by virtue of the death of your eligible for the federal credit. 2. If you are over 65, you can create pension pension income. spouse. income by converting part of your RRSP plan “Pension income” includes: 3. Income portion of any annuity payment into a RRIF or life annuity. Note that there is 1. Life annuity or periodic payments out of arising by virtue of the death of your spouse no such age restriction in Québec. or under a superannuation or pension plan or common law partner under the law Unlike the federal pension income credit, there is no 3. You may want to make spousal RRSP (includes taxable foreign pensions.) contributions so your spouse has qualifying 2. Annuity payments under a Registered age restriction in Québec, so that the Québec income when they reach the age of 65. Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) including amount is available to any individual who a Locked-in Retirement Account (LIRA) or receives an “eligible pension income”. This However, income eligible for the pension credit is reduced by 15% when the family’s income credit is not necessarily “tax-free”. net income exceeds If your income exceeds the lowest federal a certain threshold. and Québec tax brackets, then you will still Talk to your Investors owe some taxes with respect to the pension Group Consultant for income received. details. In addition, the pension income will be added 2013 Partnership Banner Your Company Name Advertised for the Entire YEAR Since‘87 to your net income and this may impact your Guaranteed Income Supplement and/or OAS benefits. Terms for Banner Advertising The Partnership Banner, a promotional banner of The Chamber of Commerce Niagara Falls, will be displayed at all events such as Business After Five. Luncheons and Niagara Networks, just to name a few!!! Thirty-six (36) company names will be listed on two retractable banners . Lettering measures approximately 2” high and will remain on the banner for a term of one year starting May 2013. OFFICIAL RETAILER OF 4300 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls, On L2E 6C3 Contact: Carlene Prohaszka or Bonnie DiVito Tel: 905-357-6555 • Fax: 905-357-1800 Companies wishing to advertise on the display must be members in good standing of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce. Sample Only 4741 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, L2E 2M2 email: [email protected] �� Advertising Agreement A fee of $275.00 plus HST is due upon signing of this contract. Name: Company Name: Invoice www.crawfordss.com �� C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S L L P Phone: Credit Card Cardholder’s Name: Credit Card Number: Expiry Date: Authorized Signature: Please fax/scan back to The Chamber of Commerce at (905) 374-2972 or at [email protected] James Arnold Hons. B.B.A. Consultant with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. �� “Serving the Niagara Region for over Seventy years.” � �� 531 Lake Street, St. Catharines, L2N 4H6 email: [email protected] �� 76 Jarvis Street, Fort Erie, L2A 5M6 email: [email protected] �� 1567 Highway 55, Niagara-on-the-Lake, L0S 1T0 email: [email protected] �� 486 Steele Street, Suite 15, Port Colborne, L3K 6A7 email: [email protected] ��