Member Exchange

Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce
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Member Exchange is our digital webinar series that spotlights the expertise of Kingston Chamber members while sharing practical knowledge and insights with the broader business community. Each episode is published on our website, YouTube channel, and podcast platforms, extending the reach of every conversation and bringing our members closer to the special guest and the ideas being shared. Many thanks to Title Sponsor, Chambers Plan - Employee Benefits for their support on this program.

  1. Oct 22

    How to Get Your Business Found by ChatGPT, Google AI & Other AI Search Tools | Member Exchange

    The way customers search for businesses is changing.Instead of simply typing a few keywords into Google, customers are increasingly describing their problems, needs, location, budget, and preferences to AI tools and asking them which businesses they should consider.In this episode of Member Exchange, Alexia and Matthew, cofounders of Seekly (https://www.seekly.ca/), explore how AI is changing the way customers discover, compare, and choose businesses and what organizations can do to strengthen their visibility in this new search environment.Learn how AI systems use information from websites, Google Business Profiles, directories, reviews, social media, third party sources, and other online content to understand whether a business is relevant to a customer’s needs.You’ll also discover practical steps your business can take to become easier for AI systems to find, understand, verify, and recommend.Topics include:• How AI search differs from traditional search• How AI determines which businesses to recommend• Why accurate and consistent business information matters• How reviews can strengthen your online credibility• Why specific service pages outperform generic marketing language• How case studies and customer evidence support AI visibility• How to test whether AI understands your business• Five practical actions businesses can take today• How AI search may continue to evolveThe key takeaway: make the information about your business easy to find, easy to understand, easy to verify, and easy to act on.Member Exchange is a digital webinar series from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce that highlights the expertise of Chamber members while sharing practical knowledge and insights with Kingston’s broader business community.Learn more about the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce and upcoming programs at kingstonchamber.ca.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Meet Seekly00:37 What You’ll Learn01:36 How AI Is Changing Customer Search02:56 The Growth of AI Search03:39 How AI Builds Search Answers05:10 What Makes a Business Understandable to AI06:28 Test How AI Sees Your Business08:34 The AI Search Prompt Ladder10:32 How to Diagnose Your AI Visibility12:40 Building a Strong Online Presence14:56 Weak vs. Strong Content for AI Search16:24 Action 1: Strengthen Your Most Important Service Pages17:40 Action 2: Keep Your Business Information Consistent19:21 Action 3: Turn Reviews Into Useful Evidence20:31 Action 4: Publish Evidence and Case Studies21:33 Action 5: Run a Monthly AI Visibility Check23:20 The Five Minute AI Visibility Exercise24:27 Where AI Search Is Going Next25:43 How to Future Proof Your Business25:57 Key Takeaways#AISearch #ArtificialIntelligence #SmallBusiness #DigitalMarketing #BusinessGrowth #LocalBusiness #KingstonBusiness #KingstonChamber #MemberExchange #YGKBusiness

    How to Get Your Business Found by ChatGPT, Google AI & Other AI Search Tools | Member Exchange

  2. Sep 18

    Recruiting a Diverse Workforce: Resources for Kingston Employers | Member Exchange

    How can employers expand their talent pool, strengthen recruitment practices, and build more inclusive workplaces?In this edition of Member Exchange, local and regional partners share practical resources available to help employers recruit, integrate, and retain Francophone, bilingual, newcomer, and diverse talent.The session explores strategies for inclusive recruitment, onboarding and employee retention, while highlighting programs and services available to employers across Kingston and Eastern Ontario.You’ll also learn about resources designed to support business development, entrepreneurship, workforce needs, and connections between employers and qualified talent.Presented with the participation of the Réseau de Soutien à l’immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario, l’Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario, Conseil régionnal des Mille-ìles, la Société économique de l’Ontario, and the Kingston Economic Development, in collaboration with the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.Whether your organization is actively recruiting or planning for future workforce needs, this session provides practical information and connections that can help support your business.🔗 Learn more about the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce and upcoming programs at kingstonchamber.ca.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:34 Francophone Immigration Support Network of Eastern Ontario01:38 Building a More Diverse Workforce02:26 Career Connection: Recruiting Bilingual Talent03:02 Recruitment Challenges and Kingston’s Bilingual Talent Pool04:26 Employer Services and Support05:23 Inclusive Recruitment Strategies06:02 Integration and Retention06:35 Translation, Adaptation and Networking Support07:21 How Employers Can Get Started08:40 Société économique de l’Ontario10:53 Connecting Employers with Newcomer Talent13:29 Business Development and Entrepreneurship Programs14:46 Kingston Economic Development Corporation17:11 Kingston’s Priority Economic Sectors21:29 Business and Entrepreneurship Support22:41 Foreign Direct Investment and Business Growth24:15 Support for Existing Businesses25:01 Business Succession Support26:38 Closing Remarks#KingstonBusiness #KingstonChamber #WorkforceDevelopment #InclusiveHiring #BilingualTalent #Francophone #NewcomerTalent #YGK

    Recruiting a Diverse Workforce: Resources for Kingston Employers | Member Exchange

  3. Aug 27

    Mental Fitness: How to Perform Without the Armour | Member Exchange

    How mentally fit are you when stress, pressure, criticism, or uncertainty show up?In this Member Exchange webinar, Gordon Robinson explores Mental Fitness: The Missing Skill in Today’s World and shares practical strategies to help you recognize the thought patterns that may be holding you back, strengthen your mindset, and respond to challenges with greater clarity and resilience.Drawing on his personal journey and the principles of Positive Intelligence (PQ), Gee introduces the three core mental fitness muscles: the Saboteur Interceptor, the Sage, and Self-Command. He explores how our inner “saboteurs” can influence our thoughts and reactions, and how developing mental fitness can help us shift toward a calmer, more constructive perspective.In this session, you’ll learn about:• What mental fitness is and why it matters• How to recognize your inner Judge and other saboteurs• The difference between Saboteur and Sage thinking• How perspective can influence the way we respond to challenges• The role of the Self-Command muscle• How PQ reps can help bring your attention back to the present moment• Practical strategies for strengthening your mental fitness• The importance of consistent practice in creating lasting changeWhether you’re a business owner, leader, employee, or simply looking for practical ways to better navigate everyday challenges, this conversation offers an introduction to building a stronger and more resilient mindset.Presented as part of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange series.Learn more about the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce at www.kingstonchamber.ca.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Mental Fitness01:00 Gee’s Story and a Life-Changing Experience05:40 Meet Gordon “Gee” Robinson06:20 Are You Sabotaging Your Own Happiness?08:18 Meet Your Inner Judge09:58 What Is Mental Fitness?12:23 The Three Mental Fitness Muscles13:02 Saboteurs vs. Sage14:06 The Saboteur Interceptor16:33 Understanding Your Saboteurs17:52 Your Brain in Saboteur vs. Sage Mode19:50 Are Negative Emotions Useful?22:50 Understanding the Sage Perspective24:52 The Stallion Story: Changing Your Perspective27:34 Choosing How You See a Challenge30:07 From Judge to Sage31:30 Building the Self-Command Muscle32:12 What Are PQ Reps?33:09 Guided PQ Rep Exercise36:41 What Happens After a PQ Rep?38:45 The PQ Operating System40:32 Can You Shift Your Response in Tough Situations?41:46 Creating Lasting Positive Change43:37 Ways to Build Your Mental Fitness45:29 Closing Thoughts46:47 Are You Ready to Shift Your Perspective?#MentalFitness #PositiveIntelligence #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #KingstonBusiness #KingstonChamber #MemberExchange

    Mental Fitness: How to Perform Without the Armour | Member Exchange

  4. Aug 10

    Canadian Payroll Solutions for Small Business | Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Members | ME

    In this edition of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange, Matt from PPF Benefits & Retirement sits down with Kathleen Collins, Account Executive at Payworks, to discuss how Canadian businesses can simplify payroll, workforce management, and employee benefits administration.Learn how Payworks' unique integration with the Chambers Plan helps eliminate duplicate data entry, reduce administrative errors, and streamline employee information between payroll and benefits systems.Kathleen also shares how Payworks supports businesses of all sizes with personalized service, payroll processing, workforce management tools, employee self-service technology, and exclusive savings available to Chamber members.Topics covered:✔ Canadian-owned and operated payroll solutions✔ One-to-one customer service model✔ Chambers Plan payroll and benefits integration✔ Workforce management and employee scheduling✔ Time-off and absence management✔ Employee onboarding and lifecycle management✔ Mobile employee self-service app✔ Chamber member savings and preferred pricingFor more information about Chamber member benefits and partnerships, visit:https://www.kingstonchamber.caChapters00:00 Introduction & Welcome00:25 Meet Kathleen Collins from Payworks01:12 What Makes Payworks Different01:56 Payworks Company Overview03:02 Dedicated Canadian Customer Service03:27 How Payworks Integrates with the Chambers Plan04:53 Payroll & Workforce Management Solutions06:09 Employee Self-Service Mobile App07:16 Chamber Member Benefits & Preferred Pricing07:50 Contact Information & Support08:18 Key Takeaways for Chamber Members08:45 Closing Remarks#KingstonChamber⁠ ⁠#Payworks⁠ ⁠#PayrollSolutions⁠ ⁠#SmallBusinessCanada⁠ ⁠#ChambersPlan⁠ ⁠#WorkforceManagement⁠ ⁠#EmployeeBenefits⁠ ⁠#CanadianBusiness⁠ ⁠#Payroll⁠ ⁠#KingstonOntario

    Canadian Payroll Solutions for Small Business | Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Members | ME

  5. Aug 10

    Ethical Web Development in the Age of AI | Privacy, SEO, Accessibility and Business Best Practices

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way websites aredesigned, developed, and optimized. But how can businesses use AI responsiblywhile protecting users and building trust? In this Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange webinar, Tina from Website Design Kingston explores the principles of ethical web development and explains how organizations can embrace AI while maintainingstrong privacy, accessibility, transparency, and SEO practices. In this session, you'll learn about:   ✅ Using AI as a tool instead of a replacement for human expertise ✅ Why human created content continues to outperform AI in many SEO metrics ✅ Privacy, data protection, and Canadian hosting considerations ✅ Website accessibility and AODA compliance ✅ Transparency, user trust, and ethical design practices ✅ Sustainable web development and website performance ✅ Finding the right balance between AI efficiency and human creativity   Whether you're a business owner, marketer, developer, orcommunications professional, this webinar offers practical insights for creating websites that are responsible, effective, and built for long term success.   Presenter: Tina Circelli Organization: Website Design Kingston   Learn more about the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce: 🌐 https://www.kingstonchamber.ca   Subscribe for more Member Exchange webinars featuring local business experts, practical strategies, and valuable insights to help your business grow.   #EthicalWebDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence#WebDevelopment #SEO #Accessibility #BusinessTechnology #DigitalMarketing#KingstonBusiness #WebsiteDesign #AI   This webinar was presented as part of the Greater KingstonChamber of Commerce Member Exchange series.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:45 What Is Ethical Web Development? 01:23 Using AI Responsibly 02:56 Why the Human Touch Still Matters 03:58 AI Compared with Human Content 07:14 Understanding SEO, AEO and GEO 08:17 Privacy and User Data Protection 10:50 Accessibility and AODA Compliance 13:02 Transparency and Building User Trust 14:14 Sustainability and Website Performance 15:02 The Developer's Ethical Responsibility 15:53 Finding the Right Balance Between AI and Humans 17:21 Final Thoughts

    Ethical Web Development in the Age of AI | Privacy, SEO, Accessibility and Business Best Practices

  6. May 27

    Navigating Municipal Law in Kingston: A Small Business Guide (Licensing, Zoning & Funding) - Member Exchange - June 2026

    Learn how to successfully navigate municipal law as a small business owner in Kingston, Ontario.In this comprehensive presentation from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange, first-year law students from Queen’s University break down the essential legal and regulatory requirements every local business owner should understand.This session covers everything from business structures and municipal legislation to licensing, zoning bylaws, funding opportunities, and tax considerations—all tailored specifically to Kingston.Whether you're starting a new business or looking to stay compliant, this guide will help you understand your obligations and make informed decisions.⚖️ Presented by:Queen’s University Law Students in collaboration with Pro Bono Students CanadaSupervised by a Kingston lawyer🔑 What You’ll Learn- Types of business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)- Key municipal legislation affecting your business- Licensing requirements and fees in Kingston- Zoning bylaws and the Official Plan- Funding tools and legal resources available- Tax obligations and CRA updates- Development charges and real case insights⚠️ DisclaimerThis presentation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.🔗 Helpful Resources Mentioned- City of Kingston Website- Government of Canada Business Benefits Finder Tool- Queen’s Business Law Clinic- Pro Bono Ontario- Legal Aid Ontario- CRA My Business Account👍 If you found this helpfulLike 👍 | Subscribe 🔔 | Share with a fellow business owner⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction & Speakers00:33 Overview of Presentation & Disclaimer01:12 Business Structures Explained02:45 Key Municipal Legislation in Ontario04:01 Municipal Powers & Strong Mayor Powers06:50 Business Licensing in Kingston07:29 Funding Tools & Legal Resources08:35 Federal Tax Considerations & CRA Updates10:19 Business Setup Checklist (Step-by-Step)12:46 Industry-Specific Requirements (Food, Salons)14:01 Kingston Official Plan & Zoning Overview14:30 Commercial Area Designations Explained17:35 Development Charges & Fees18:06 Case Study: Stelmach vs. City of Kingston19:24 Key Takeaways for Business Owners20:36 Closing & Feedback

    Navigating Municipal Law in Kingston: A Small Business Guide (Licensing, Zoning & Funding) - Member Exchange - June 2026

  7. May 1

    Cybersecurity and Privacy for Small Businesses PIPEDA Explained and Best Practices - Member Exchange

    Protecting customer data is essential for every small business.In this Member Exchange session, Queen’s Law students from Pro Bono Students Canada explain cybersecurity and privacy in a practical and easy to understand way. Learn how Canadian privacy law PIPEDA applies to your business, what counts as personal information, and the steps you can take today to reduce your risk.In this video you will learn• What qualifies as personal information• Key cybersecurity threats such as phishing weak passwords and unsecured Wi Fi• Your legal responsibilities under PIPEDA• How to handle data breaches and customer requests• Real world scenarios and common mistakes• Practical cybersecurity strategies for small businessesWhether you are a small business owner entrepreneur or team member handling customer data, this session will help you build stronger privacy practices and protect your organization.View the slides here: https://bit.ly/4dxSEA3Key takeaways• Use strong passwords and multi factor authentication• Limit access to sensitive data using the principle of least privilege• Train employees regularly on cybersecurity risks• Create a breach response plan• Invest in secure systems and backupsDisclaimerThis presentation provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Pro Bono Students Canada participants are not licensed lawyers.Special thanks toQueen’s Law and Pro Bono Students CanadaSupervising Lawyer Alexander McPhersonCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:34 Disclaimer 01:06 What You Will Learn in This Session 02:06 Key Terms Personal Information and Data Breaches 03:01 Consent Express and Implied 03:37 Cyber Threats Malware and Phishing 03:56 Collection Use and Disclosure Explained 04:33 Additional Key Terms Access Requests Safeguards Encryption 06:37 What is PIPEDA Canadian Privacy Law 07:19 PIPEDA Principles for Businesses 08:30 Legal Obligations and Reasonable Person Test 10:18 Reporting Data Breaches 11:09 Customer Access Rights 12:36 Real World Scenario What Went Wrong 13:38 Risk One Zoom Calls in Public 15:19 Risk Two Data on Personal Devices 18:25 Common Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses 20:16 Phishing and Smishing Explained 23:37 Password Security Best Practices 24:40 Multi Factor Authentication 25:52 Reputational Risk and Customer Trust 27:04 Cost of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses 28:13 Key Takeaways and Best Practices 30:20 Final Thoughts and Resources 30:50 Closing and Disclaimer

  8. Mar 27

    2026 Kingston Retiree Tax Traps: 5 Legal Strategies Most Advisors Miss - Member Exchange - Apr. 2026

    In this Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange, Sean May shares practical retirement and estate planning ideas for Kingston-area retirees navigating the 2026 tax landscape.Sean covers five legal and tax-efficient strategies that may help reduce unnecessary taxes, minimize probate, protect more of your estate, and improve what you pass on to family or charities.Topics include: RRSP meltdown strategies before age 72Prescribed rate loansCottage insurance swapsInsured annuitiesCharitable remainder trustsAlter ego and joint partner trustsHe also explains key retiree concerns for 2026, including: Capital gains inclusion rate uncertaintyOld Age Security (OAS) clawbackRRIF minimum withdrawal concernsAlternative Minimum Tax (AMT) changesOntario probate feesThis session is intended as educational information for retirees, business owners, and families thinking about retirement income, tax planning, estate preservation, and succession planning.Speaker: Sean May, CFP, CIM, FCSICertified Financial Planner serving Kingston families and businesses since 2004Presented as part of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member ExchangeChapters00:00 Introduction00:49 2026 tax challenges facing Kingston retirees04:21 Overview of the 5 legal strategies04:56 Strategy 1: RRSP meltdown before age 7208:47 Strategy 2: Prescribed rate loan14:47 Strategy 3: Cottage insurance swap18:05 Strategy 4: Insured annuity or charitable remainder trust22:55 Strategy 5: Alter ego trust / joint partner trust26:05 Quick comparison of all 5 strategies27:23 Team expertise and closing remarks

    2026 Kingston Retiree Tax Traps: 5 Legal Strategies Most Advisors Miss - Member Exchange - Apr. 2026
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About

Member Exchange is our digital webinar series that spotlights the expertise of Kingston Chamber members while sharing practical knowledge and insights with the broader business community. Each episode is published on our website, YouTube channel, and podcast platforms, extending the reach of every conversation and bringing our members closer to the special guest and the ideas being shared. Many thanks to Title Sponsor, Chambers Plan - Employee Benefits for their support on this program.

Information

  • Creator
    Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Member Exchange