A short note from your Executive Director As we close out another Chamber year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of community. Recently, we celebrated two incredible reminders of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose. Earlier today, we officially unveiled the Downtown Beamsville Pride Installation, which will be on display throughout the month of June. Pride means different things to different people, and there are often many conversations and assumptions surrounding it. At its core, however, this installation represents something simple: that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, welcomed, and valued in the community they call home. It is a visible reminder that there is no place for hate in our community and that Lincoln is a place where people matter, where differences are welcomed, and where everyone deserves to know they belong. That same spirit of community was on full display at our Chamber Cup Golf Tournament. Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, donors, and community partners, $29,000 was raised to strengthen the work of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, support long-term community investment through the Niagara Community Foundation Lincoln Chamber Fund, and raise awareness for our Charity of the year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. As many people are surprised to learn, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is not a government-funded organization. While we are proud to work closely with the Town of Lincoln and many community partners, the Chamber is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through memberships, sponsorships, events, and partnerships. That distinction matters. It allows us to be an independent voice for business while continuing to provide advocacy, networking opportunities, business support, community initiatives, and programs that strengthen our local economy and community. Everything we accomplish—from community events and advocacy efforts to supporting local nonprofits and creating opportunities for connection—is possible because businesses and community members choose to invest in one another. As one chapter closes, another begins. We are now accepting nominations for our 2026–2027 Non-Profit of the Year. If there is a nonprofit making a meaningful impact in Lincoln, I encourage you to submit a nomination before June 19. Our selected organization will be announced at the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards on September 17. Thank you for continuing to show up for your community, support one another, and invest in the future of Lincoln. Together, we continue to prove that great things happen when a community works together. Emilia Amaro
Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce | Breakfast Before 9 – TO BE RESCHEDULED Please note that our Breakfast Before 9, originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, will be rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience and will share the new date and details as soon as they are confirmed. Stay tuned! | | NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN for the 2026 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards! 🏆 The Lincoln Chamber's Outstanding Business Achievement Awards have been recognizing business excellence since 2002. Nominate a deserving business and help us celebrate the accomplishments and resilience of our Lincoln business community. Learn more about the event. Nominees do not need to be members of the Lincoln Chamber. Nominations close Friday, June 19. Nominate a Business Today | 🙋 Your Community Needs Your Leadership! Apply for the Lincoln Chamber's Board of Directors. We are currently seeking candidates with strong financial acumen. Additionally special consideration will be given for candidates that are representing the Hospitality, Agricultural and Tourism industries. Apply Today | 🗳️ Candidate nominations and third-party advertiser registration opened May 1st. Individuals interested in running in the 2026 municipal and school board elections can file their nomination papers from May 1 to Aug. 21, 2026. Nomination papers are available through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website or at municipal Clerk’s Offices. For more information about becoming a candidate, attending the candidate information session or registering as a third-party advertiser, please visit the Niagara Votes website. | 🚗 Town of Lincoln announces visitor paid parking coming to Charles Daley Park July 2: Residents can register for free parking access. The program is intended to help manage increasing visitation, support ongoing maintenance and operations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of one of Lincoln's most popular waterfront destinations. For details on parking rates, resident eligibility, how to register for a resident parking code, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit Lincoln.ca/paid-parking. | 🦺 Take advantage of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety's Business Safety Portal, available at no cost to WSIB‑registered businesses in Ontario. The Portal helps employers build and maintain a basic health and safety program without needing specialized expertise. It includes specifically curated plain‑language guidance, templates, interactive learning, and practical tools that business owners can work through at their own pace. They are also hosting webinars to help business owners across the province learn more about this great tool: | 💰 Funding for businesses in southern Ontario. FedDev Ontario is investing to build and compete by supporting companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions, enhance productivity, break into new markets and build for the future. Learn more | 🖥️ Ontario Investing $5 Million to Help Small Businesses Adopt Digital Technologies. This new investment will help nearly 450 businesses increase sales and revenue while creating good-paying jobs. Read News Release | The Pivot Point: Talent, Skills & Ontario's Competitive Edge Join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Skills Bridge team, and Northeastern University Toronto on June 11, 2026, for a special leadership conversation, as we bring together a powerhouse panel of CEOs and senior executives to explore what institutional agility looks like—and how your organization can remain competitive in an AI-driven economy. - Registration & Networking: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Panel Discussion: 9:30 AM - 10:50 AM
- Networking & Partner Hub Tour: 10:50 AM - 11:30 AM
- Location: Northeastern University – Toronto Campus, 375 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5
Attend in Person or Join Online | Nominations for the 2026 OCC's Outstanding Business Achievement Awards are now open, and we’ve already started our search for outstanding businesses whose achievements deserve to be recognized. As a valued Ontario Chamber Network member, you can nominate a business at no cost using the promo code Chamber26 when submitting a nomination through the link below. Nominations close on June 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Submit a Nomination | NOW OPEN: 2026 Summer Term for the Talent Opportunities Program The Lincoln Chamber is delighted to share this opportunity for businesses hiring post-secondary students. The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) is accepting applications for the Summer 2026 term (April 1 to August 31, 2026). TOP is an initiative led by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and supported by funding from the Government of Canada, that offers subsidized wages of up to $5,000 to eligible employers who employ postsecondary students on a student work placement program. Funding for this program is limited and spots fill up quickly. To learn more or to apply, visit our website in the link below. Apply Today For any inquiries, please contact the Talent Opportunities Program team at top@occ.ca. | The OCC's Skills Bridge Program is a digital training platform designed to upskill and reskill your team. Until the end of August 2026, get access to over 60+ courses at no cost! Register your business and up to 10 different employees to unleash your businesses' potential. Register Your Business | Congratulations, Arms Open Counselling! 🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate our member, Arms Open Counselling, as one of four winners of the 2026 FirstOntario 1Awards! Competing against finalists from across the region, Arms Open Counselling delivered a standout pitch at Hamilton Stadium and earned a share of the $200,000 prize pool. This is a wonderful recognition of the incredible work they do in the Niagara community and we are so excited for them — congratulations! Learn more about the award | Pride Installation Returns to Downtown Beamsville 🌈 The Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce are proud to once again partner on the annual #LoveisLoveLincoln Pride installation. Supported by the Town of Lincoln through the Grow Prosper Belong Fund, this year's installation celebrates belonging, inclusion, and community. Featuring a colourful rainbow display and interactive photo opportunity, the installation invites residents and visitors to come together in support of a community where Pride belongs. The installation launched today at the Community Chalkboard in Downtown Beamsville and will remain on display throughout Pride Month. Everyone is welcome to visit, take a photo, and join us in celebrating Pride Month in Lincoln. | Supper. Sunset. Community. Lincoln’s only summer market premieres on June 10th. ☀️ Expect an incredible line-up of food vendors, artisans, nonprofit organizations, and live music. All in one incredible location. 📍 3329 North Service Road, Lincoln ON Follow on Instagram | 🎡 Participate as a vendor at the upcoming 2026 West Niagara Fair, taking place from September 11–13, 2026. This highly anticipated event brings together a diverse range of businesses, artisans, and service providers, attracting thousands of visitors over three days. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your products, connect with new customers, and grow your brand. Learn more about the fair Apply Today | Photo caption: Matt Johnston (left) and Will Johnston (right), Co-Presidents of The Johnston Group, present Jim Garrett with the Ontario Business Builder Award. Jim Garrett Celebrates Major Growth Milestone Jim Garrett has been awarded the Business Builder Award for Highest Net Premium Growth in the medium market segment category (3,000–6,000 employers). “Jim’s achievement reflects his strong local presence and dedication to helping small businesses succeed,” said Michele Mactaggart, Regional Marketing Director (Ontario), Johnston Group, which administers the Chambers Plan. “We congratulate Jim on this well-earned honour. He is an important members of the Chambers Plan family.” About the Chambers Plan The Chambers Plan is Canada’s leading group benefits program for small businesses, representing over 30,000 participating employers across the country. Designed specifically for small- to mid-sized operations, the plan offers flexible, comprehensive coverage including health, dental, disability, and wellness supports. Known for its pooled pricing stability, ease of administration, and local advisor expertise, the Chambers Plan helps businesses attract and retain talent while supporting employee well-being. Learn More About the Chambers Plan | Welcome New Members! We're so excited to welcome new members to our community. Check out these entrepreneurs and organizations who've joined us at the Lincoln Chamber this past month. | Arctic Cleaners For clothes that love you back! Clean, fresh, vibrant clothes free of toxic dry cleaning chemicals and harmful solvents. From wedding gowns to woolen sweaters, blue jeans to baby blankets, table linens to linen suits, all your clothes will be fresher and cleaner after their stay with us. Visit Website | | Capital Wealth Management Capital Wealth Management is a private wealth management firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners build, protect, and transition their wealth with confidence. Based in the Niagara Region for over 25 years, our team provides personalized financial planning and investment management strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals and priorities. Visit Website | | As warmer weather arrives, the team at Grimsby Hyundai is ready to help you transition into the season with specialized spring maintenance and genuine Hyundai parts. Whether you need a comprehensive vehicle check-up or want to upgrade your ride with lifestyle accessories like bike racks, roof boxes, and all-weather cargo mats, their factory-trained staff have you covered. Contact Grimsby Hyundai’s service and parts department today to equip your vehicle for your next summer adventure! Book Service | KIND WORDS FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP “In short, we love being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. It really allows us to strengthen and nurture the bond we have with this community. We get to build great relationships with other local businesses so that we can collaborate and communicate on ways to better serve the community." — Matt G., Founder, Bench Brewing Company | We'd love to hear from you! Your experiences inspire others and help us show the impact of membership with the Lincoln Chamber. Take a moment to submit a short testimonial about how the Lincoln Chamber has supported you and your business. Submit a Testimonial | | | | |
