Member Exchange

Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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

    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

    30 min
  2. Incorporating Your Business in Ontario or Canada | Federal vs Provincial Guide - Member Exchange - March 2026

    MAR 4

    Incorporating Your Business in Ontario or Canada | Federal vs Provincial Guide - Member Exchange - March 2026

    Thinking about incorporating your business in Ontario or Canada?In this presentation, student caseworkers from the Queen’s Business Law Clinic (QBLC) break down everything small business owners need to know about incorporation, including: When incorporation makes senseFederal vs Ontario incorporation (CBCA vs OBCA)Tax considerations (CCPC, Small Business Deduction, LCGE)Filing requirements and government feesOngoing compliance obligationsShareholder agreements, bylaws, and minute booksPost-incorporation meetings and corporate governanceWhether you're a startup founder, small business owner, or planning to scale, this session will help you understand the legal structure behind corporations in Canada.👩‍⚖️ Presented by:Queen’s Business Law ClinicOlivia ButzelaarMegan CoulterConnor CutlerDavid HamburgNicole BerezinThe QBLC provides free legal services to eligible small businesses and not-for-profits, including assistance with: IncorporationShareholder agreementsContract draftingCorporate governanceIntellectual property mattersLearn more or apply for services through the Queen’s Business Law Clinic website.⚠️ DisclaimerThis presentation is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.📌 Who This Video Is For: Ontario entrepreneursCanadian small business ownersStartups deciding between sole proprietorship and incorporationBusinesses considering federal vs provincial incorporationFounders preparing for investors⏱ Chapters00:00 – Introduction & About the Queen’s Business Law Clinic01:15 – What Is Incorporation?02:30 – When Does Incorporation Make Sense?03:50 – Federal vs Ontario Incorporation (CBCA vs OBCA Overview)06:20 – Advantages of Federal Incorporation08:30 – Tax Considerations (CCPC, Small Business Deduction, LCGE)10:15 – Disadvantages of Federal Incorporation11:20 – Advantages & Disadvantages of Ontario Incorporation13:40 – Share Structure & Corporate Fundamentals14:45 – Shareholder Rights & Director Responsibilities17:30 – Initial Filing Requirements & Government Fees19:45 – Annual Returns & Ongoing Compliance21:45 – Step-by-Step: How to Incorporate Federally25:40 – Post-Incorporation Requirements26:30 – Shareholder Agreements Explained27:30 – Corporate Bylaws & Minute Books28:30 – Required Director & Shareholder Meetings30:15 – Key Takeaways31:00 – How to Apply for Free Legal Support (QBLC)

    32 min

  3. FEB 20

    How an Answering Service Works: An Overview of Call Handling and Dispatch - Member Exchange - Feb/26

    Ever wondered what an answering service actually does—and how calls get handled after hours, during emergencies, or when a business is simply too busy to answer the phone?In this presentation, a Client Success Coordinator from Alliance Answer explains how professional answering services work, what makes them valuable to businesses, and how Alliance’s call handling and dispatch process supports clients across North America—24/7/365.You’ll learn: What an answering service is (and why not all services are the same)A brief history of Alliance Answer’s roots in KingstonHow businesses use answering services for overflow, after-hours, on-demand coverage, and emergenciesWhat kinds of industries benefit (from municipalities to funeral homes to property management)How onboarding, scripting, and dispatch procedures work behind the scenesHow calls are handled using call types, custom scripts, and escalation stepsExtra services like email monitoring, on-call scheduling, and lone-worker check-insTraining and quality standards (including guidelines from the Canadian Call Management Association)A closing perspective on AI in the answering service industry and why customer service still matters mostChapters 00:00 Introduction & speaker background00:47 What this talk will cover (and why services differ)01:21 Alliance Answer origins & early history (1948–1977)02:48 Early operations: switchboards, pagers, and local roots04:04 Expansion, computers, and growth across Canada/US06:21 Alliance today: team, clients, and Kingston connection06:50 What an answering service is + key benefits (ROI & balance)07:53 How businesses use answering services (overflow, after-hours, on-demand)09:13 Industries served (health, municipalities, trades, law, funeral, property, elevators)10:16 Why answering services matter (emergencies & critical events)12:07 After-hours customer support scenarios (no heat, lockouts, towing, etc.)12:49 Revenue support: capturing leads, quotes, appointments13:29 Funeral home calls: sensitivity, first contact, and coordination14:27 How it works: onboarding, intake forms, and call forwarding16:11 Agent training + call handling software (Genesis)17:02 Call types, scripting, and what info gets collected18:54 Dispatching messages: non-urgent vs urgent workflows21:03 Escalation steps and confirming message receipt23:20 Dispatch screen walkthrough + examples (including funeral homes)26:40 More dispatch examples (property management, tech support, etc.)26:59 Check-in / check-out calls and “facts” pages28:42 Email monitoring + on-call schedule management29:54 Training program + tiered account system32:14 Quality guidelines and call scoring standards37:19 AI in the industry + closing thoughts on customer service37:56 Thank you

    38 min

  4. JAN 16

    Retain, Refine & Rise: Emotional Intelligence & Employee Retention in 2026 - Member Exchange 2026

    How do you actually keep your best people in 2026—when burnout, quiet quitting, and shifting expectations (hello, Gen Z 👋) are all in the mix?In this Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Member Exchange session, Jade Bodzasy (Emotional Intelligence Facilitator, certified REBT coaching consultant, and professional life coach) breaks down a practical, people-first approach to retention using her Enjoy – Evolve – Earn framework.You’ll learn:- Why retention is the new recruitment—and what that means for your bottom line- The hidden costs of turnover (1.5–2x salary per person) and what high churn is really telling you about your culture- How emotional intelligence (EQ) drives retention, engagement, and performance- Why 70% of employees stay for growth opportunities and how to build those into your workplace- How to create emotionally safe environments where people feel seen, supported, and stretched- The 4 pillars of EQ (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management) and how they apply at work- What it means for your team to enjoy, evolve, and earn—and how that turns into ROI, client loyalty, and stabilityWhether you’re a business owner, people leader, or HR professional, this session will help you:- Spot the signals of low emotional intelligence in your culture- Design more constructive, non-toxic workplaces- Build clear career and development pathways that stop stagnation- Align purpose, performance, and profit✅ If you found this helpful:- Like 👍 this video- Subscribe for more Chamber programming- Share it with another leader who’s focused on culture and retentionMany thanks to Title Sponsor, Chambers Plan - Employee Benefits for their support on this program.#EmployeeRetention #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #gkcc Chapters0:00 – Welcome & introduction0:30 – Emotional reactions as signals for learning1:09 – The retention challenge in 20262:32 – About Jade & her background3:44 – The real cost of losing an employee5:00 – Why growth opportunities keep people (stats & insight)6:41 – Introducing the Enjoy, Evolve & Earn retention model8:29 – ENJOY: Creating emotionally safe, enjoyable workplaces12:17 – EVOLVE: Cultivating internal talent & emotional intelligence16:11 – EARN: Trust, loyalty, customer satisfaction & profitability18:25 – The ROI of emotional intelligence & soft skills (key stats)21:32 – Bringing the Enjoy–Evolve–Earn model into your culture22:12 – Summary: How enjoyment, evolution & earning drive retention23:49 – Reflection: Would you stay in the culture you lead?24:54 – Invitation: Book a complimentary call with Jade26:20 – Closing thanks & final remarks

    27 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    Kingston: Canada’s Museum Capital | Why Our Museums Power Community & Economy

    Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday! In this episode, Dr. Simge Erdogan-O'Connor, Director of the Museum of Healthcare in Kingston, explores one of the city’s greatest — and most under-recognized — strengths: its museums and heritage sector. Kingston is officially recognized as Canada’s Museum Capital, with 24+ museums, art galleries, and historic sites per capita. But these institutions aren’t just places to learn about the past — they are active drivers of tourism, local business, economic development, and community well-being. Dr. Erdogan-O'Connor shares: Why Kingston’s museum density is nationally unique Examples of the city’s diverse museums, from military history to maritime heritage to healthcare innovation How museums operate like businesses — with strategy, marketing, sustainability, and innovation needs The impact museums have on tourism, residents, and year-round local activity How museum-business partnerships create a shared cycle of growth Why supporting museums is really about supporting Kingston’s future Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, a visitor, or someone who cares about community building, this talk offers a powerful new way to see Kingston’s cultural ecosystem. Visit local museums. Partner with them. Support them. Because when museums thrive, communities and businesses thrive too. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves Kingston! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday + Speaker Introduction 01:34 – Kingston’s Museums: A Great Strength, Underrated Asset 02:33 – What Makes Kingston Unique 03:23 – Kingston Is Officially Canada’s Museum Capital 04:15 – The 24+ Museums Across Kingston 05:02 – Museum Spotlights: Murney Tower, Great Lakes Museum, Museum of Healthcare 06:58 – Museums as a Community & Pride-Building Network 07:29 – Museums Operate Like Businesses 08:00 – Key Difference: Profit vs Community Impact 09:11 – Museums’ Shared Business Realities (Strategy, Finance, Marketing) 10:02 – Museums as Untapped Economic Development Assets 11:14 – Museums Drive Tourism & Visitor Experience 12:57 – Museums Serve Locals Year-Round 14:18 – Social Impact: Belonging, Pride, Healthier Communities 15:37 – Youth Programs & Long-Term Community Benefits 17:23 – When Museums Thrive, Communities Thrive 18:06 – Museum-Business Partnerships: Benefits for Business 19:21 – Why Partnerships Are Vital for Museums 20:10 – The Shared Cycle of Growth 21:07 – What Supporting Museums Really Means 22:00 – Kingston’s National Model for Heritage-Led Vitality 22:52 – Call to Action: Visit, Partner, Support 23:55 – Thank You!

    24 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    How Employee Benefits Give Small Businesses a Competitive Edge | Wisdom Wednesday

    Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday! In this episode, Matthew Howell, Advisor at PPF Benefits and Retirement, explains how offering employee benefits can become a true competitive advantage for small businesses — helping you attract and retain talent, strengthen workplace culture, and build long-term stability. Learn how the Chambers Plan, available through your Kingston Chamber of Commerce membership, supports business owners with flexible, affordable group benefits and valuable professional resources. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - Why benefits are key to attracting and keeping great employees - The history and purpose behind the Chambers Plan - How small businesses can access “big company” benefits- Extra supports like HR, legal, and accounting services - Tools for mental health, telemedicine, and online pharmacy options Chapters 0:00 Welcome to Wisdom Wednesday — Introduction with Matthew Howell 0:26 Why Employee Benefits Matter — Protecting your people and strengthening your business 1:05 The Story Behind the Chambers Plan — Helping small businesses since the 1970s 1:44 Canada-Wide Growth — Supporting 33,000+ businesses across the country 1:55 Attracting & Retaining Talent — Why benefits often matter more than pay 2:52 Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health — Addressing workplace stress 3:04 What the Plan Offers — Health, dental, disability, and life coverage 3:34 Extra Business Support — HR, accounting, and legal resources 4:01 Unique Advantages — Telemedicine, pooled risk, and stable rates 5:00 The Not-for-Profit Difference — Keeping premiums fair and predictable 5:22 How Pooled Risk Works — Shared strength across Canadian businesses 5:41 Telemedicine in Action — 24/7 virtual healthcare through Teledoc 6:25 Professional Advice On Demand — Business Assistance Services 7:13 PocketPills Partnership — Added convenience and savings for members 8:07 MyBenefits Platform — Digital access to coverage and health tools 9:16 Top 10 Reasons Businesses Choose This Plan — Matthew’s countdown 10:32 Transparency and Service — Not-for-profit and member-focused 11:18 Customizable Coverage — Tailoring benefits to your team’s needs 12:17 Get Started — How to explore your options or book a consultation 12:19 Closing Remarks

    12 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    Branding Beyond the Logo: How Trust and Purpose Shape Success | Wisdom Wednesday with Brian Dodo

    What makes a brand truly powerful?In this Wisdom Wednesday session, Brian Dodo, Principal / Strategic Designer, BmDodo Strategic Design, shares insights from two decades of helping organizations design with purpose.Branding isn’t just about a logo or colour palette — it’s about how people feel about you. Brian explains how alignment between your values, actions, and audience perception defines lasting success.💡 You’ll learn: What a brand really is — beyond visuals and marketingWhy trust and authenticity matter more than everHow perception shapes reputation and opportunityWays to build meaningful community connections10 actionable principles to strengthen your brand📍 About the Speaker:Brian Dodo is the Principal / Strategic Designer, BmDodo Strategic Design, a Kingston-based studio helping organizations communicate clearly, design intentionally, and connect through purpose-driven storytelling.🌐 Learn more: www.bmdodo.com🎯 Perfect for: business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profits, marketers, and anyone who wants to elevate their brand through clarity and integrity.#BrandStrategy #DesignThinking #PurposeDriven #MarketingTips #Leadership #BrandIdentity #BusinessGrowth #WisdomWednesday #KingstonBusiness #BMDodo #BrianDodoChapters00:00 – Introduction – Meet Brian Dodo01:00 – What Is Branding Really About?03:00 – Why Every Organization Should Care About Branding05:00 – The Power of Perception and Trust08:00 – Managing Reputation and Social Impact12:00 – Understanding the Connection Between Brand and Community16:00 – The Human Side of Branding20:00 – Beyond Logos: Building Brand Integrity25:00 – Knowing Your Brand and Your Audience30:00 – Doing Good and Creating Positive Impact36:00 – Examples of Authentic Local Branding43:00 – Evolving and Owning Your Brand Story47:00 – Branding for Social Awareness and Change53:00 – Designing with Purpose and Sustainability57:00 – Giving Back Through Community and Education1:00:00 – Ten Lessons for Stronger, More Resilient Brands1:05:00 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    1h 7m

  8. 08/29/2025

    Wisdom Wednesday: Financial Wellness 101 — Budgeting, Credit & Debt Relief

    Join Joanna Bold-McLean, Senior Insolvency Advisor at BDODebt Solutions, for a practical walk-through of financial wellness: how to build a workable budget, set SMART goals, use simple tools like envelope/jar systems and paycheck planners, and spot places to save each month. She alsocovers credit and borrowing basics, a quick credit-card payoff quiz, fraud red flags, and how credit reports, ratings, and scores actually work in Canada. Finally, Joanna outlines debt-relief options—consolidation loans, debt management programs, consumer proposals, and bankruptcy—plus how to avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.   Recorded as part of Wisdom Wednesdays (Kingston Chamber of Commerce). Educational only—talk to a licensed professional for advice about your situation.   Chapters   00:00 – Intro & speaker (Joanna Bold-McLean, BDO DebtSolutions) 00:00:21 – Who is BDO Debt Solutions? 00:01:22 – What is financial wellness (vs. financialstress)? 00:02:06 – Savings & budgeting overview 00:02:21 – What is a budget? + SMART goals 00:02:48 – Income, expenses, debts & savings in yourbudget 00:03:25 – Goal-setting: short / medium / long term; payyourself first 00:04:02 – Tips to meet goals (amount, months, trim, earn) 00:04:16 – Needs vs wants; track spending 3 months 00:04:52 – Easy budgeting: envelopes & paycheck planner;tracking 00:06:11 – Areas to save: bills, plans, food, rent vs own,financing vs leasing 00:07:25 – Credit & borrowing basics (rates, terms,risks) 00:08:31 – Credit-card quiz: how payments change payofftime/interest 00:10:26 – Smart credit habits (pay in full, avoid cashadvances, etc.) 00:11:33 – Cost of credit & what lenders consider 00:12:31 – Co-signer vs guarantor; supplementary cards 00:13:50 – Fraud awareness & where to report (CAFC,RCMP, etc.) 00:15:29 – Credit reports, ratings & scores (Equifax,TransUnion…) 00:18:36 – Financial stress & warning signs of too muchdebt 00:20:31 – Canadians & debt: key stats & risks 00:20:56 – Debt-relief options: consolidation, DMP, consumer proposal, bankruptcy 00:22:38 – Beware “too good to be true” ads & unlicensedconsultants 00:23:43 – Thanks & closing (Wisdom Wednesdays)

    24 min
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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
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Member Exchange