Joint event outlines local business supports

Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce President Lindsay Tribble addressed those in attendance during a joint event with the Tillsonburg and District Multi-Service Centre designed to highlight what is available from both agencies for employers. (Staff Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A joint event by the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce and the Tillsonburg and District Multi-Service Centre highlighted some of the supports available for local businesses.

Held March 25, the breakfast meeting is the first of three such events planned to highlight the advantages of being a chamber member, and the services available through the Multi-Service Centre.

Randi-Lee Durham, Director of Employment and Literary Programs with the Multi-Service Centre, came up with the concept when she talked to the director of employment services in Elgin County, looking for ways to promote what is available to employers.

Job developer Ed Klassen told those in attendance that the Multi-Service Centre’s services are a provincially-funded program for job seekers. It is not a temporary staffing agency, but a non-profit organization to connect people looking for work with employers.

The Multi-Service Centre can also guide employers to programs that support new hires. Klassen described the program as one where the company makes a hiring decision, the new hire works for the company, and then government funding is provided to reimburse the wages during the training period.

The chamber works to reduce red tape and advocate for business.

“If you have any situations or problems, or have ideas on how to do something better, just tell us,” said chamber CEO Rocio Salinas.

She also outlined some of the chamber benefits, such as group employee benefits, discounts on shipping, gasoline, stationery and networking opportunities.

“To me, the chamber is the heart and pulse of our community, whether advocating with the government or working for businesses of all sizes,” said chamber president Lindsay Tribble.