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Post-Pandemic Business Confidence Continues to Decline: Chamber Report

High inflation, interest rates and housing costs continue to drive pessimism in Ontario’s economic outlook, according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) eighth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER). Despite this, many businesses surveyed remain confident in their own outlooks, with 53 percent expecting to grow.

“Business confidence in the economy has plunged from 29 percent at the height of the pandemic to just 13 percent two years later – driven by the rising costs of living and of doing business,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “There are bright spots – particularly in growth sectors such as mining – thanks to strategic investments, population growth and improved labour market resilience. In 2024 and beyond, productivity must be our priority.”

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Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Announce Business Excellence Awards Finalists

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce announced details of its signature event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEAs), presented by Windsor Star.

‘The Premier Business Event of the Year’, recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals and community groups, the 2024 Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) will be held in person Wednesday May 15th, starting at 6:00pm.

The event includes a Red Carpet Arrival, Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre showcasing 12 categories, and an elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom at the St. Clair College Centre For the Arts.

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Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches First Annual Business Confidence Survey

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce its inaugural Business Confidence Survey. It is reaching out to businesses throughout the region because for their insights on economic and policy matters. This survey is open to all businesses, regardless of Chamber membership status, and its primary objective is to pinpoint and give priority to the challenges the Windsor-Essex business community faces.

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Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Responds to Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Announcement

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased by the announcement that the Federal Government is giving businesses an extra year to repay their Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans.

“While these loans were a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic, many are still recovering from its effects,” said Chamber CEO Rakesh Naidu. “In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses are still dealing with high inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain challenges. The CEBA loan repayment at the end of the year was a challenge that many businesses might not have been able to handle.”

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2023 Business Excellence Awards Winners Announced

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce honoured the area’s top local companies, individuals, and organizations on Wednesday May 17th at the Sold Out 2023 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star.

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Canada’s 2023 Budget Must Address Declining Productivity

With the economy facing global headwinds, Canada needs competitive investments in innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth. However, growth cannot occur without significant and sustained investments from the private sector – and those dollars will flow where productivity is highest. Today, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the 2023 Federal Budget Submission to lay the path for business predictability and competitiveness.

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Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Partners with NFP to Provide Discounts on Insurance

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today a new partnership with NFP in Canada to provide Chamber members with home, auto and travel insurance. Under this new partnership, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce members can save up to 20% on home and auto insurance and will have access to 24/7 claims submissions and a dedicated online portal to access their accounts. The partnership launches on March 2, 2023.

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Business Confidence Hits Record Low, Chamber Report

“Ontario business confidence has dropped to a record low in 2023. Labour shortages, inflation, health care system vulnerabilities, and forecasts of an economic contraction are dampening confidence in the province’s economic outlook,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC. “Only 16 percent of organizations surveyed have confidence in the economy. This is down 29 percent from last year. Promisingly, most businesses feel confident they can withstand these headwinds and continue to grow in the year ahead.”

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