Traffic Concerns in Parry Sound

Tuesday Email - March 30, 2010

Successful Launch of the New Business After Hours Program

On Wednesday, March 24, the YMCA Employment Resource Centre hosted a bevy of small business people eager to network with their peers and to learn about programs offered through the Centre to both employers and those looking for employment.

Business After Hours Schedule

Networking – who needs it? You do! Every business, no matter how big or small, can prosper through networking. Whether it is meeting a potential client, establishing relationships that lead to referrals, sharing business knowhow, or just catching up with your peers, everyone can enjoy
the benefits of networking.

Upcoming Dates:

• Canadore College, April 21, 5 pm to 6 pm
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for any Business After Hours. We look forward to seeing you there!

Honouring the Nominees

The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented in partnership with Bell, is being held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. It was a banner year for nominations and congratulations should go out to all of the nominees:

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection
Ahmic Lake Resort
Ardco
Artistic Endeavours
Artists Round the Sound
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Distler Construction
Festival of the Sound
Georgian Bay Airways
Georgian Bay Country
Kellerman’s Resort
LeBlanc’s O.K. Tire & Auto Service
K&H Engines
Linkhouse Media
LM Chimney Services
McNabb Home Building Centre
Now That’s Catering
Parry Sound KOA
Sound Software
Royal Lepage Team Advantage
The Big Brain
Town of Parry Sound
Wellington’s Pub & Grill
White Squall
Zeuter Development Corp.

The winners will be announced at the Gala, so don’t miss the chance to support our local businesses. Tickets for the Awards Gala are currently available for $65 plus tax per person for an evening that will include dinner, entertainment, and many fantastic silent auction items.

Book your tickets today by contacting the Chamber Staff (Jessie, Kathy, or Rebecca) at (705) 746-4213 or by e-mailing info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
RBC Royal Bank and Comfort Inn

Greening Up Your Business

Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network are presenting “Greening Up Your Business” on Wednesday, April 14 from 8 am – noon at Kellerman’s Resort. Speakers will include Joseph Klein speaking on Green Tourism and Larry Taylor sharing information on how the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund can help your business go Green.

This workshop is free and open to everyone (men included!) and includes a buffet breakfast. As space is limited, please RSVP to annamarie@gbcountry.com or (705) 378-5105.

Ontario Minimum Wage Increases

The final amendments to Regulation 285/01 of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to implement the increases to the general minimum wage that were announced in the 2007 Ontario budget will come into effect on March 31, 2010. The regulation increases the minimum wage rates for students, liquor servers, homeworkers, and hunting⁄fishing guides by the same percentage as the general rate.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Labour website.

K&H Engines Expanding Services

Congratulations go out to K&H Engines Ltd. who recently announced that they are expanding to offer a RETAIL STORE at their location on James Bay Junction Road North! K&H Engines Ltd. supplies engines, repair services, parts, accessories and storage facilities for marine, hot rod and
custom vehicles, in addition to sleds and ATVs.

In the process of setting up this new venture, Ryan Tarrant is putting a call out to all of his peers who might be able to lend a little advice on finding reliable suppliers for retail “display units” for parts and clothing. If any fellow Chamber Member can help source these display units, please contact Ryan directly at 746-5665 or info@khengines.com. As Ryan says, remember to work ON your business every day, not just IN your business!

Local Business Awards Nominees Announced

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for its annual Business Awards.

The nomination categories for this year's awards are Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Tourism Award. This annual awards program recognizes and honours the professional achievements and contributions of extraordinary people and businesses in our community who personified excellence, customer service and community support over the past year (2009). Every year, the President of the Chamber of Commerce also recognizes a deserving individual or group with the President’s Award.

This was a banner year for nominations. Provided by a diverse group of business leaders and community members, the nominations reflect the value and significance that local business injects into our area.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE NOMINEES:

A Buyer's Choice Home Inspection
Ahmic Lake Resort
Ardco
Artistic Endeavours
Artists Round the Sound
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Distler Construction
Festival of the Sound
Georgian Bay Airways
Georgian Bay Country
Kellerman's Resort
K&H Engines
LeBlanc's OK Tire & Auto Service
Linkhouse Media
LM Chimney Services
McNabb Home Building Centre
Now That's Catering
Parry Sound KOA
Royal Lepage Team Advantage
Sound Software
The Big Brain
Town of Parry Sound
Wellington's Pub & Grill
White Squall
Zeuter Development Corp.

The Awards will be presented at the President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala presented by Bell on April 10.

The Gala is being held at the Charles W. Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, tickets are each $65 plus tax, available from the Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chamber at 746-4213 or info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

This event is made possible through the contributions of many organizations including Premiere Sponsor Bell, Gold Sponsors the Royal Bank and Comfort Inn, and partners such as the Parry Sound North Star.

Welcome to the new blog

Well, it's time had passed. Our trial blog had served it's purpose and it is now time to launch our official blog about business and community in the Parry Sound Area.

Where is Parry Sound you ask? Parry Sound is located approximately 2 hours north of Toronto, in the ever-popular cottage country that entices hundreds of thousands each summer to flee the city life for a back to nature experience. Of course for those who live here, we also know that it is a top notch outdoor playground all year long.

So come for a visit, but be warned - you may end up staying for a lifetime.