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News, updates, and so much more…
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This message is to let you know about some of the ways you can create or enhance your businesses digital presence with Digital Main Street this year. For starters the $2500 Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) is back and the portal is now open for application submissions! If you had previously begun an application for this round of funding, you can login to the portal and pick back up where you left off. I’ve attached the FAQ sheet that outlines the eligibility requirements on page 1, the application steps on page 3, and the list of eligible costs on page 2.
Digital Main Street also has many tools, resources and vendors that businesses can access to help with their digital adoption such as our FREE ShopHERE website builder program. Qualifying businesses also have access to 1:1 digital support through the Digital Service Squad (that’s me!) — you can get assistance with Google Business, 360 photos, email marketing, social media and more! Book a call with me to learn more about the DTG, ShopHERE and the other ways Digital Main Street and the Digital Service Squad can help to create or enhance your online presence.
Last but certainly not least, we have an upcoming Digital Main Street In-Person Workshop that will be taking place in Port Colborne on February 6th from 1 pm to 4 pm at L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives. The Workshop will cover This workshop will cover digital tools, software, and apps that you can use to efficiently manage your small business. From accounting to scheduling, file sharing to project management, there are digital tools to help with every aspect of running a small business. This beginner-level workshop will help you learn what’s out there to help you manage with efficiency and ease. For more information and to register for the event please visit the Eventbrite page!
Thank you for taking the time to read through this message. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or require my support.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Tianna
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Tianna Thomas
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Community invited to Transportation Master Plan PIC
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2023
Welland, ON – The first of two Public Information Centres (PIC) for Welland’s Transportation Master Planning has been scheduled for February 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall.
The PIC allows residents to provide feedback and input on the plan’s direction.
Dubbed a City on the Move, the plan provides Welland with a long-term road network and active transportation strategies to support existing and accommodate projected population and employment growth.
“Ahead of unprecedented growth in the City, we’re working with residents to create a transportation plan that suits our current needs but also prepares for the future growth expected in the City,” says Livia McEachern, manager of engineering. “Our goal is to engage residents in our City on the Move development to create a transportation plan that residents can rely on.”
The Master Plan aims to:
- Connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
- Enhance active transportation (cycling and pedestrian).
- Promote safe, environmentally responsible, and accessible transportation.
- Promote links to areas of growth, neighbouring municipalities, and key transport corridors.
- Update and create transportation policies to support community vision.
- Update transportation section and schedules within the City’s Official Plan.
- Create a capital plan to meet the City’s future transportation needs.
The PICs will feature an ‘Open House’ format to allow the community to play a role in the Master Planning process. The public will be able to obtain and provide information on the key issues, opportunities and constraints that will be considered in developing the Transportation Master Plan. Additionally, members of the project team will be in attendance to discuss any questions related to the project.
You can visit the City on the Move page at www.engagewelland.ca/transportation-master-plan-study.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Corporate Communications Manager
905-735-1700 x2337
znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn
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Ontario announces plan to reduce wait times with community surgery and diagnostic centres
The Ontario government has announced its new measures to further leverage community surgical and diagnostic centres to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times. As the government significantly expands the number of surgeries being done through community surgical and diagnostic centres, it will do so with measures in place to protect the stability of health human resources at public hospitals, including requiring new facilities to provide detailed staffing plans as part of their application and requiring a number of physicians at these centres to have active privileges at their local hospital.
There are currently 206,000 people estimated to be waiting for surgical procedures. For reference, last fall, there were approximately 209,000 patients waiting for a hospital operating room-based surgical procedure in Ontario, and about 200,000 before the pandemic. Further information on surgical wait times is available here.
Community surgical and diagnostic centres licensed under the Independent Health Facilities Act already perform approximately 26,000 OHIP-insured surgeries and procedures annually.
Click here to read more.
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.Port Colborne’s Digital Service Squad is hosting a free workshop for small business owners on Feb. 6, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the L. R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives (286 King Street). Focused on the theme of “Digital Tools, Software, and Apps for Managing your Small Business”, reserve your spot right now by registering on Eventbrite.
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PenFinancial cautions members about hacking attempts
On January 11, 2023, PenFinancial identified attempts to gain access to member accounts through Online Banking, targeting accounts with weak passwords. Unfortunately, these types of attacks are becoming increasingly common-place, affecting not only financial institutions, but also other companies and organizations that hold personal data criminals look to access.
PenFinancial is continuing their investigation and can confirm that only a limited number of members have been impacted. In an abundance of caution, some features have been temporarily disabled for some members while the credit union completes their investigations.
Click here to read more.
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City’s Economic Development Department partnering with Niagara Catholic DSB to promote the trades
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2023
Welland, ON – Welland’s Economic Development Department is pleased to partner with the Niagara Catholic District School Board to promote apprenticeship pathways and re-education to the public about the value of skilled tradespeople.
Two events are scheduled in the first half of 2023 – January 19 and May 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – and are open to students and their families. Stemming from discussions with industry leaders in the city, Welland’s Economic Development team is well-versed in the needs of industries operating in Welland.
“We know there will be a shortage of skilled trades workers,” said Lina DeChellis, manager of economic development. “Partnering with the Niagara Catholic and offering a line into what industries are looking for will hopefully shine a light on this very needed, lucrative career path.”
Designed to promote the trades to parents and students in Grades 6 to 10, the events will strengthen the industry-school relationships.
“Niagara Catholic is excited to bring this event to our families and students with the participation of our industry partners. The knowledge that students, parents, and educators will learn from the associations and companies at these events is intended to better prepare students for their post-secondary decisions and highlight the viability of the apprenticeship pathway in our region,” said Anthony Corrizzato, Niagara Catholic’s Experiential Learning Consultant.
The January 19 event is held at Denis Morris Catholic High School in St. Catharines, and the May 17 event is at Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Corporate Communications Manager
City of Welland
905-735-1700 x2337
znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn
Jennifer Pellegrini
Communications Officer
Niagara Catholic District School Board
905.735.0240 ext. 297
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Season 2 of What’s Up, Welland? podcast debuts Jan. 19
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2023
Welland, ON – After 52 episodes, downloads in 18 countries and 179 cities, and thousands of downloads and streams, the City of Welland’s podcast is back for another season on January 19.
Kicking off the season will be Mayor Frank Campion discussing what’s on the horizon in 2023 and also for this year’s term of council, followed by topics such as seasonal recruitment, city committees, and purchasing.
“Coming back for a second season amid the excitement and anticipation from our listeners is something we’re looking forward to,” said Marc MacDonald, corporate communications manager and co-host of the podcast. “We learned a lot in the first season; what works, what doesn’t, and we’re looking forward to trying some new things this year, bringing in some new features, and staying committed to providing the community with information and updates.”
What’s Up, Welland? continues to mix municipal procedures and processes with essential community conversations, and the program will again serve as a conduit to the community.
New episodes are released every Thursday, with special or additional episodes released throughout the year.
Listeners can hear the podcast on sites such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcasts, but it is available almost everywhere you listen to your favourite podcast.
For those unfamiliar with the podcast and are looking to catch up on past episodes, leave a comment, or suggest content for season two can visit www.engagewelland.ca/podcast.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald
Corporate Communications Manager
905-735-1700 x2337
znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn
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Regards,
Alexis Higginbotham
Executive Director
WDBIA
60 East Main Street
Welland, ON
L3B 3X4
905.736.2884
downtownwelland.ca
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