Tuesday E-mail - April 27, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Great Business After Hours Event at Canadore College

A huge thank you goes out to our most recent BAH host, Canadore College. On Wednesday, April 21st over fifty people took the opportunity to network, view the plans for the soon-to-be-constructed campus, and enjoy catered beverages and snacks from the Log Cabin.

The strength of the Chamber Network can be tangibly felt at events such as the Business After Hours gatherings and we encourage all of our members to join in on these excellent mixers.

Upcoming Business After Hour Dates:

• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm (pre-event golf is available – see details below!**)

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm

• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 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!

**The Ridge at Manitou would like to invite Chamber members to join them for a round of golf prior to the BAH on May 19th for the great rate of $75 per person.**


Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar in February, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce are offering a hands on learning opportunity dedicated to integrating social media into your marketing or customer awareness campaign.

Sue Sutcliffe, The Web Coach, can help you harness new and upcoming technologies to your advantage. The free three-hour seminar will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28, from 1 pm-4 pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. The content will be at an intermediate computer skills level. Few seats remain for this extremely interactive session, so please call today (746-4213) if you are interested in attending.
If you have specific questions about social media and marketing your business on the web (ie. how do I make a Facebook Fan Page), please include those questions with your RSVP.

Thank you all for your interest and dedication to ongoing professional skills development. Special thanks to our sponsoring partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


YMCA Employer Panel

Who’s hiring now? The YMCA Employment Resource Centre at 60 James Street, Suite 303 will be helping prospective employees figure that out on Friday, April 30 at 1:00 pm.
Employer panels are held several times a year. Businesses are invited to present information about what their business does, what types of skills and people they are looking for, and to hold on the spot interviews with potential candidates. This week’s panel will include representatives from Home Depot, the Parry Sound Mall, Kellerman’s Resort, and Selkirk.
Everyone is encouraged to let unemployed or underemployed individuals that you may know about this opportunity.
Businesses interested in participating on the panel in future should contact Dawn Rouse at 746-8480.
These employment services are delivered by the YMCA on behalf of Employment Ontario.


An Evening with the Deputy Ministers

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where: Design Exchange, Toronto
Tickets: $210 plus GST (Ontario Chamber of Commerce Member rate)

Launched in 2006, this is an annual evening of dialogue, discussion and sharing of ideas between business and community leaders and the leaders of Ontario’s public service.
Through a networking reception, hosted dinner Roundtables, and a Q&A period moderated by Shelley Jamieson, the Secretary of the Cabinet, the evening offers direct access to Ontario’s Deputy Ministers in an informal setting.
Each Roundtable is hosted by a different Deputy Minister, allowing an informal exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions with the DMs as well as with other business leaders at the table. Should guests wish to discuss issues pertaining to more than one ministry, they do so during the open Q&A period during which all the Deputy Ministers will respond to questions. Alternatively, some bring a colleague to join the discussions at another table.
Registrations are limited for this unique opportunity and they quickly reach capacity seating each year. The 2009 An Evening with the Deputy Ministers was a sold out event. For more
information on this OCC event, please contact Rosanna Ho at rosannaho@occ.on.ca.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Petal of Honor Award Winner

Congratulations to Kathrin Radu-Liesenfeld and the Pardon My Garden team who were recently awarded Teleflora’s Petal of Honor Award. Quality is considered to be at the heart and soul of the Petal of Honor award winning businesses. The award was created to help recognize florists with the ability to exceed expectations and exemplify exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Great job Pardon My Garden!

16 people, one room, Sue Sutcliffe talking about social media. There were quite a few furrowed brows in the room, but there was also a lot of discussion. Actual discussion. Yes, that's right, the April 28, 2010 1-4 pm interactive seminar was truly interactive and entirely guided by the group in the room. It was a great thing to see.

Networking is the future, like it or not - business owners and employees alike, and the simple fact is that include online networking. Get with it - join in now, don't be left in the dust! Talk to your peers, your friends, your colleagues. Let's move our agendas forward together.

Join in on Chamber events - visit our events calendar to know what is happening across the Parry Sound region or give us a call (705-746-4213) to learn more about the Chamber Network.

Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day! What have you done to help our Planet? The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Staff participated in our local "20 minute Makeover" and collected two bags of litter from the area surrounding our office. We encourage all local businesses to get out and help make our area even more beautiful!

Business After Hours at Canadore College

Business After Hours!

Yesterday April 21, Canadore College hosted a Business After Hours Event and it was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event and to Canadore for being wonderful hosts!

Below are pictures of the attendees showing off the plans for Canadores new campus!

Tuesday E-mail - April 21, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours at Canadore College

Don’t miss your chance to get engaged in your business community and NETWORK! Business After Hours events are not just for business owners and managers; we encourage members to give front line, sales, tech, or other staff the opportunity to meet and mingle and make new contacts.

Join us and your host, Canadore College at 60 James Street, Suite 201, Parry Sound on Wednesday, April 21 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Beverages and snacks will be provided by the Log Cabin. Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

Other Upcoming Business After Hours Dates:
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
(pre-event golf will be available – details to come!)
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest, July 14, 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!


Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar in February, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce are offering a hands on learning opportunity dedicated to integrating social media into your marketing or customer awareness campaign. Sue Sutcliffe, The Web Coach, can help you harness new and upcoming technologies to your advantage.

The free three-hour seminar will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28, from 1 pm - 4 pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. The content will be at an intermediate computer skills level and we encourage everyone to bring a wifi-enabled laptop with them if they can. As space is limited for this extremely interactive session, sign-up will be on a first come, first served basis.

Please send your RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213 by April 23rd. If you have specific questions about social media and marketing your business on the web (ie. how do I make a Facebook Fan Page), please include those questions with your RSVP.

Thank you all for your interest and dedication to ongoing professional skills development. Special thanks to our sponsoring partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund
and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.


New OCC Initiative Announced: Accessibility Works

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been actively involved in developing accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The goal of the act is to make the province accessible by 2025 by developing standards in key areas including customer service, transportation, information and communications, employment, the built environment.

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Standard (O. Reg 429/07), also known as the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008 and is the first standard developed under AODA. It applies to all businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to the public or other organizations and have at least one employee in Ontario.

Compliance dates and reporting requirements for organizations in the private sector, including non-profit are as follows:
• Businesses with 20 or more employees must comply by January 1, 2012, and report in 2012.
• Businesses with one to 19 employees must comply by January 1, 2012, but are exempted from reporting.

Accessibility Works is a new initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. The OCC will work collaboratively with the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade to help businesses in Ontario become aware of and comply with the customer service standard.

Key resources and tools of the project will include:

• Web-based information and an online training module designed specifically to help business implement and comply with the customer service standard.
• Facilitators information kit to help the OCC’s 160 affiliated local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade disseminate information to their corporate members.
• Up to 40 information sessions held with local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

For more information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act visit: http://www.accesson.ca/


What’s Happening In Our Community?


An Evening with the Deputy Ministers

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where: Design Exchange, Toronto
Tickets: $210 plus GST (OCC Member rate)
Agenda:
5:00pm – Cocktail Reception
6:30pm – Dinner & Deputy Minister Roundtable Discussions
7:30pm – Moderated Question & Answer Period with all Deputy Ministers
9:00pm – Closing Remarks

Launched in 2006, this is an annual evening of dialogue, discussion and sharing of ideas between business and community leaders and the leaders of Ontario’s public service. Through a networking reception, hosted dinner Roundtables, and a Q&A period moderated by Shelley Jamieson, the Secretary of the Cabinet, the evening offers direct access to Ontario’s Deputy Ministers in an informal setting.

Each Roundtable is hosted by a different Deputy Minister, allowing an informal exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions with the DMs as well as with other business leaders at the table. Should guests wish to discuss issues pertaining to more than one ministry, they do so during the open Q&A period during which all the Deputy Ministers will respond to questions. Alternatively, some bring a colleague to join the discussions at another table.

Registrations are limited for this unique opportunity and they quickly reach capacity seating each year. The 2009 An Evening with the Deputy Ministers was a SOLD OUT event.
For more information on this OCC event, please contact Rosanna Ho at rosannaho@occ.on.ca.


What Are Our Members Doing?


“20 Minute Makeover” This Thursday

The Chamber staff challenges all Chamber members to participate this Thursday April 22, in the “20 Minute Makeover”

It’s simple, when the clock strikes 2:00pm:
• Stop what your doing
• Walk outside and look around
• Take notice of the litter scattered around the area
• Take action for 20 minutes and clean it up

By working together we can help make our area even more beautiful!

Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Award Winners Announced!

Tourism Award - This award recognizes an individual or business that has demonstrated a commitment to leading, developing and growing the Tourism industry in the Parry Sound Area in 2009, through innovative concepts, partnerships, and initiatives.
.
Winner - Parry Sound KOA



Entrepreneur of the Year - This award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of a person or person(s) responsible for accepting the challenges and risks in purchasing, opening, expanding or significantly diversifying a business in the Parry Sound Area in 2009.

Winner - Jason Rosewell, owner of LinkHouse Media






Business of the Year - This award recognizes a business that has consistently provided superior service and products to their customers in the Parry Sound Area in 2009.
.
Winner - LeBlanc's Ok Tire & Auto Service

Community Leadership Award - This new award recognizes the time and dedication it's recipient has made to serving and building community initiatives in the Parry Sound Area.

Winner - Perry S. Harris

2009 President's Award - This award is selected by the President of the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the significant contributions it's recipient has made to the business environment in the Parry Sound Area.

Winner - Moose FM CKLP 103.3

Tuesday E-mail - April 13, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Congratulations & Thank You!
The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented by Bell, was held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. The evening was a great success, recognizing many worthy individuals and businesses in our area. The Award Winners were:

Tourism Award - Parry Sound KOA

Entrepreneur of the Year - Jason Rosewell of Linkhouse Media

Business of the Year - LeBlanc’s O.K. Tire & Auto Service

Community Leadership Award - Perry S. Harris

President’s Award - Moose FM CKLP 103.3 Parry Sound

Special Thanks to our Sponsors & Silent Auction Donors

Premiere Sponsor:

Bell


Gold Sponsors:

Comfort Inn
RBC Royal Bank


Wine Sponsors:

Connor Industries
Desmasdon’s Boat Works
Terry D. Clark Accounting


Silver Sponsors:

Assante Capital Management
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Parry Sound Insurance Brokers
Parry Sound Mall
Sounders Cleaning Products


Bronze Sponsors:

Digital Office Solutions
Georgian Bay Software
Now That’s Catering
Metroland North Media – Parry Sound North Star


Silent Auction:

4-H Club
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Bearly Used Books
Beverly’s
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
Canadian Tire
Charles W. Stockey Centre
Coyle & Greer
Crafts ‘N’ Things Hobbies & Games
Delta Rocky Crest
Diver’s Nook
Festival of the Sound
Florence’s Finery
Georgian Bay Country
Georgian Bay Airways Ltd.
Grand & Toy
Harley’s Music Shop
Huckleberry’s
Jeans Unlimited
Kellerman’s Resort
Linkhost Media
Linkhouse Media
Little Garden Ltd.
LM Chimney Services
Log Cabin Inn
Minuteman Press
Moose FM
Mr. Electric Near
North Recreation
Newtons Dry Cleaners
Orr’s Fine Meats & Deli
Parry Sound KOA
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Perfectly Pampered Spa
Parry Sound TV & Appliance
Pollards IDA
Quality Inn and Conference Centre
Ross Windows & Doors
Staples
The Great Art Studio
The Ridge at Manitou
Walmart
Trapper’s Choice Restaurant & Inn
Whitestone Lake Resort
West Parry Sound District Museum
Wasauksing Communications
Rez91

The Chamber offers congratulations to all of the very worthy winners and nominees. This year saw one of the highest nomination response rates in recent history, resulting in a diverse pool of talented, service-oriented, community-minded individuals and businesses from which the winners were identified. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who attended or supported the Gala and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year.


Business After Hours at Canadore College
The Parry Sound Campus of Canadore College is the local provider of a large assortment of workshops as well as full & part-time courses offered through Continuing Education. Representatives from the main campus in North Bay will be joining the local Campus Staff to host this event, answering questions about what Canadore offers, and displaying the architectural renderings of the new local campus, scheduled to be open for learning in Spring of 2011!

Join us and your host, Canadore College at 60 James Street, Suite 201, Parry Sound on Wednesday, April 21 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided by the Log Cabin.

Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

Other Upcoming Business After Hours Dates:
• 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!


What’s Happening In Our Community?


New Legislation – Know Your Responsibilities
Businesses with more than five employees will need to develop workplace violence and harassment policies as of June 15, 2010 according to an amendment to Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act. Learn more in the article on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Website Click Here for OCC Website


Summer Jobs Deadline April 30th
The Summer Jobs Deadline is fast approaching, applications must be submitted by April 30th, 2010. Through this program your business can receive a subsidy of $2.00 per hour to hire young people during the summer. For more information please contact Larry Taylor at (705) 773-4217.


What Are Our Members Doing?

Bridging The Way - VCARS
On April 19 and 20, the District of Parry Sound Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service and the Muskoka Parry Sound Community Mental Health Services will be hosting a 2-day summit focused on improving inter-agency coordination through the development of a shared understanding and response to victims with mental health issues. The goal is to align strategies, structures, and practices with the core purpose of providing a coordinated continuum of service in the Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka.

The “Bridging the Way” Summit is inviting all individuals and agencies from the mental health sector, justice sector, crisis services and victim services in Central Ontario (Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka) to participate.

The summit will be held at the Tim Horton’s Children’s Camp on Lorimer Lake. For more information on this initiative, please contact Ann Swallow at VCARS, 746-0508.


Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Prepares for Induction Ceremony
On May 1st, 2010, the 7th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, honouring Peter Conacher, Bob Beaumont, Roger Galipeau and Rick Thomas.
For more information on the event, please contact Cheryl Ward at 746-4466. Congratulations to all of the inductees and thank you for your contributions to sport in our community!


Marc De Groote’s Art featured on Tourism Guide Cover
Marc De Groote of the Great Art Studio is featured on the cover of this months addition of Curious, The Tourist Guide. Congratulations Marc! Check it out at: The Curious Guide


Penney and Company Open House
On April 20, 2010, from 10 am – 5 pm, Penney and Company will be throwing open their doors to show off their new branded promotional items at 246 Worthington Street East in North Bay and they have invited all of their fellow Chamber members to come in for a visit. Congratulations to Penney and Company on the new promotional line!

Tuesday E-mail - April 6, 2010

Menu Choices Due This Week

The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented in partnership with Bell, is being held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. All expected attendees have been sent a meal selection form that we need to have returned to us by Thursday, April 8. If you are planning to attend the Ball and have not yet purchased tickets or received your meal selection form, please contact us as soon as possible at 746-4213 or info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

Premiere Sponsor:
Bell

Gold Sponsors:
Comfort Inn
RBC Royal Bank

Silver Sponsors:
Assante Capital Management
Connor Industries
Desmasdon’s Boat Works
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Parry Sound Insurance Brokers
Parry Sound Mall
Sounders Cleaning Products
Terry D. Clark Accounting

Bronze Sponsors:
Digital Office Solutions
Georgian Bay Software
Now That’s Catering
Metroland North Media – Parry Sound North Star


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 know-how, 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!


Greening Up Your Business – Everyone is Welcome

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, includes a buffet breakfast, and is open to everyone – not just women! As space is limited, please RSVP to annamarie@gbcountry.com or 705-378-5105.


Canadore President Barbara Taylor Retires

As Barbara Taylor, President and CEO of Canadore College, finishes up her term and plans for her retirement, the Chamber would like to take a moment to thank her for all of the effort that she has put into building a lasting legacy in the Parry Sound Area. On the occasion of her retirement, an informal reception has been planned at the North Bay campus on Thursday, April 8th, from 3 to 5 pm.
If you will be attending, please RSVP to Carrie Dokis at
705-474-7600 ext. 5147. Congratulations Barbara and we wish you the best in your retirement!

Connor Industries Upholstry Shop

Connor Industries Upholstry Shop has expanded into a newer, larger facility allowing them to service the growing needs of the Parry Sound and surrounding areas, from new boat tops to new interiors, whether it’s replaced or needs repair, they’ve got you covered.

Our congratulations go out to the Upholstry Shop Team at Connor Industries, and everyone is encouraged to visit them at their location on Tudhope Street North to see the new facility and what they have to offer. For any questions about the expansion or services, please contact Jay at 746-5468 or by email at info@connorindustries.com.


1st Annual Barb Kerr Speaker Series Event

Barb Kerr of Investors Group Financial Services Inc. presents a Evening of Motivation with Wendel Clark. April 28th, 2010 at the Charles W Stockey Centre.

Wendel will speak on overcoming obstacles to achieve success and how with teamwork, determination and great leadership you can achieve anything!

For more information contact Barb Kerr at (705) 746-8753.

How Do You Make Decisions?

Today highlighted for me an important and often overlooked method of decision making - the flowchart.

I followed a quick tweet from @GuyKawasaki to Alltop.com to discover the answer to whether or not I should buy an iPad.

After I stopped laughing at the creative transitions, I really did think flowcharts are under-utilized in most businesses. The next time I need to put a process into effect for the Chamber, I'm definitely mapping it out this way. Maybe that would be a good use for a new iPad.....