As of Sept. 22, 2021, Ontario residents who are 12 and older need to show proof of vaccination or proof of a legitimate medical exemption when accessing certain indoor public settings. This Ask an Expert webinar on October 6 will outline information and best practices for businesses and organizations to be compliant and best serve their customers, employees and the general public.

Our Experts:

Deborah Joslin, CEO President-ess Next Gen Hub Inc. Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. Entrepreneur, HR & Safety Specialist, Business Developer & Coach

Deborah will be providing guidance and templates for the development of Operations and Human Resource Policies and Procedures, including the appropriate accommodations, to ensure a smooth transition for vaccine certificate compliance.

Pamela Patry, HBOR, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services – Acting Pandemic Program Lead – Field Operations

Pamela will provide information on the Layering approach of Controls in the workplace (new PPE guidance), the newly released Safety Plan Builder and Violence & Harassment Resources.

Kevin Shelley, Ministry of Labour, Trades and Skills Development (MLTSD)

Regional Program Coordinator for the Newmarket office, covering York Region, and Simcoe County. Kevin will be talking about the MLTSD position on an employer creating vaccination policies and employers having to review proof of vaccination status in those select businesses.

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Part two of the two part mini-series on transitioning work models; More and more businesses are planning new working and service delivery models that will be effective for their customers, company culture and employees moving forward.

Join on September 8 for an exclusive session featuring Dr. Lisa Belanger, Behavioural Change Expert discussing work models (remote, hybrid, in-person) and key considerations from a culture and change management lens.

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Part one of a two part mini-series on transitioning work models. On August 17, this session will be a focused discussion on key considerations for employers if their employees are working remotely, returning the office, or a blend of both.

Link to YouTube Recording COMING SOON

Cybersecurity is a growing risk for all industries, Grant Thornton’s extensive cybersecurity work shows that many clients don’t understand the threats their business’ face, or the real impact a cyber-attack would have.

On July 21, you will learn about cybersecurity risks that threaten Canadian companies and to get the knowledge and tools to ensure your organization is protected. This exclusive session will be hosted by Sandy Boucher, of the Grant Thornton Cybersecurity Practice. His extensive experience investigating cyber breaches has given him a unique perspective on what organizations should be doing to protecting themselves. He’s a frequent speaker on the topic across the country and his plain language approach resonates with business leaders who want to know where to start.

Link to YouTube Recording

Digital Marketing best practices are often widely known. Things like frequent posts to your social media, consistent email marketing, and blogging are not overly complicated but they are all time consuming. In this session on June 23, we want to discuss how technology adoption and automation can enhance your productivity so that your digital marketing is on par with or better than today’s standard best practices. Whether you’re managing your social media, your online store, Advertising, or content creation, we will share, using real time local stories, tips and technology to make your life easier and keep your business running smoothly.

Speaker Ben Frisch has been working in Marketing and Communications for over 15 years. Since launching BFresh.Media in 2015 Ben has worked with many local, national, and even global brands and organizations, producing content and providing digital marketing solutions. In early 2019, Ben was honoured to represent the Digital Main Street Program and become this area’s first Digital Service Squad representative. Since then, Ben has helped hundreds of businesses transform their digital marketing and has built a team of amazing squad members to help even more local businesses achieve their digital goals.

Link to YouTube Recording

The past 12 months have seen a series of events that have permanently impacted both the nature of the workplace and women’s opportunities within it. Many of the hardest hit sectors where many women work – like retail, travel, hospitality – haven’t fully recovered. They bore the brunt of job losses. Working practices have become more flexible, new leadership traits are coming to the fore, and the need for a diverse workforce and inclusive culture has never been more apparent. In these extraordinary times, agile, forward-looking businesses will recognize this moment of change as a chance to evolve and thrive.

On June 9, hear from national leaders and a panel of ambitious women in business from across our region that have persevered through the pandemic and the impacts they have faced as a result. At different stages and various levels of business, listen as they provide their shared perspectives and what opportunities lay ahead for the equity of women in business.

Link to YouTube Recording

In the past year we have experienced an event like never before in our lifetime. The impacts of a global pandemic have affected businesses and organizations, and their ability to deliver goods and services. Taking the time to develop a business continuity plan can help organizations identify vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans in order to reduce the negative consequences of all types of emergencies. 

This session on May 6, will provide the knowledge and tools required to initiate a business continuity plan as well as enhancing emergency preparedness among staff members.

Local experts presenting at this virtual session include:        

• Rob Heffernan, Emergency Services Program Supervisor, County of Simcoe
  Rob joined the Emergency Management Department at the County of Simcoe in 2008. He delivers a range of emergency management training courses and for staff at the County, local municipalities and partner organizations. As an Alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator he works on the development and maintenance of the County’s Emergency Operations Centres and Emergency Response Plans, including the Continuity of Operations Plan. Rob is committed to helping residents and organizations to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters in our region.
  
• Colleen Simpson, Manager of 911 and Emergency Planning, County of Simcoe
  Colleen joined the County of Simcoe as Manager of 911 and Emergency Planning in 2019. She oversees the Emergency Planning department, while ensuring the development, implementation and administration of the County’s emergency management programs. Colleen has over 20 years experience in emergency services along with extensive knowledge in 911 and emergency management. She has a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management and is certified as an Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP). 

Link to YouTube Recording