Tuesday E-mail - May 25, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours (BAH)

Thank you to The Ridge at Manitou, our gracious May BAH host. On Wednesday, May 19th, many business owners and operators gathered to network, tour The Ridge facilities, enjoy beverages and snacks, and unwind for a few minutes on the patio thanks to some fantastic weather!

MP Tony Clement dropped in and informed the crowd about several initiatives that have been recently announced, such as funding for the Festival of the Sound in the amount of $240,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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 BAH Dates:
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 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!

Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area.

Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program. Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at 705-378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the
Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

The Dragon’s Den event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

‘Glow and Grow’ with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

The following workshops are being offered in June by Paro Centre for Women’s Enterprise. The sessions are available free of charge to Parry Sound Area residents by using Contact North’s distance education delivery system. The Contact North Center is located at 60 James Street, suite 201. Please register by emailing buildingbridges@paro.ca by May 31st and remember to indicate which Contact North location you wish to attend through.

Wednesday, June 2nd, 11:00 – Noon
ACTION PLANNING
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.
Do you know how to develop an action plan and reach your goals?
We will show you how to:
• Develop action plans to clearly define measurable goals
• Prioritize and set target dates
• Measure and Evaluate one’s progress!

Wednesday, June 2nd, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
VALUES BASED LEADERSHIP
Stacia Kean & Suzanne Tighe, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. When you think about change, what is your vision for a better future? This is the first in a series of workshops that PARO will offer throughout 2010. Come discover what your true values are!

Wednesday, June 9th, Noon (2hrs)
INDUSTRY AND TARGET MARKET RESEARCH
Christine Sikerbol & Thunder Bay Public Library, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. Looking to find resources to complete research for your Business Plan?
• Where to find resources and information to conduct industry research
• Online research
• Canadian business information through trade publications and news media
• InfoTrac small business eCollection
• Stats Canada

Wednesday, June 16th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
CONTRACTS – HOW DO THEY WORK?
Bonnie King, King Konsulting. Contracts do not have to be complicated! Bonnie will explain step by step how to navigate the world of contracts.

Wednesday, June 16th, 10:00 – Noon (2hrs)
PRICING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise We will teach you the following:
• Importance of pricing and factors overlooked when developing a pricing strategy for your business
• Quality, expertise and image of your business
• Intangible factors and consumer perception and value of Goods and Services
• Establishing price ranges to cover costs, break-even analysis

Wednesday, June 16th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP
Stacia Kean & Suzanne Tighe, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. When you think about change, what is your vision for a better future? This is the second in a series of workshops that PARO will offer throughout 2010. Discover your authentic self!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:00 – Noon (2hrs)
DEVELOPING YOUR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STRATEGY
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.
• Marketing and advertising essentials for any business
• Developing your strategy for effective exposure

Wednesday, June 23rd, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
ASPIRE TO HIRE
Brenda McDougall, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
Are you overwhelmed? Did you know that one reason women’s businesses have lower average sales than male entrepreneurs is because women are more reluctant to hire.
Did you know that hiring a skilled person, whether an individual or another business, can bring you more profits? At this workshop, you learn how you can better “Glow & Grow” and how you can shine by hiring great employees.

Wednesday, June 30th, 11:00 – Noon
BUSINESS EXPENSES AND BUDGETING
Barbara Gauthier, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
Business Expenses and Budgeting leave you confused?
We will help you make sense of it all …
• Variable vs. Fixed Expenses
• What is your reliable income?
• How to budget for your business

Wednesday, June 30th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Brenda McDougall, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
How much thought and time do you give to presentation? Whether it’s how you appear to your customers or how you present yourself for a job, whether in writing or in person…
This workshop is for you!

The Power of Social Media for Small Business

Discover the true power behind social media and see how it can benefit your business with minimal cost thanks to a free webinar offered by TD Canada Trust on June 3, 2010.
This Webinar Workshop will show you:
• What social media is and how to use these tools to market your business
• Why social media sites are generating buzz and how you can profit from it
• That you don’t need to be tech-savvy to build an online presence and make it known
• Real examples of small businesses using social media as a cost-effective marketing tool

Host: Irene Law, Senior Manager Business Banking, TD Bank Financial Group
Guest Speakers:
• Erin Bury, Community Manager, Sprouter
• Amber MacArthur, New Media Journalist & Co-Founder, MGI Media
• Lyn Wilson, Online Marketing Consultant, 6s Marketing

Join the FREE Webinar Workshop on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 12 pm ET, to learn how to boost your marketing efforts by leveraging the power of social media.
Click here to register

Ride for Refuge

On June 5, Parry Sound will be the venue for the local Ride for Refuge. This participatory biking event helps support refugeeserving organizations with programs including relief and humanitarian aid, settlement, housing, immigration advice, education and counseling.
For information on the Parry Sound RIDE, please visit http://www.rideforrefuge.org/home.php?c=1&l=12

Waste Diversion Survey

Ontario’s Auditor General is conducting a review of the Ministry of the Environment; specifically, it is examining the effectiveness of the ministry’s non-hazardous waste management program. As part of the review, the Auditor General is examining the business community’s level of involvement in reducing, reusing and recycling its waste, with the purpose of making recommendations to the Ministry on how to improve waste diversion from the Industrial-Commercial-Institutional sectors. This review may have implications for the broader business community.

The purpose of this Ontario Chamber of Commerce survey is to seek the business community’s input on what, if any, obstacles or challenges exist in their own waste diversion programs, or whether such programs exist in the business. The survey should only take about 5 minutes and is located at the following link:
http://surveys.occ.on.ca/ls/index.php?sid=83375&lang=en

Please complete this survey by Monday, May 31 at 4:00 pm. The OCC will use your input to help shape and influence the Auditor General’s report to the Ministry of Environment.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insight.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Canadore College Appoints New President

The Board of Governors of Canadore College has recently announced the appointment of George Burton as President and CEO. Mr. Burton is currently Vice President, Enrolment Management and Student Services, at Loyalist College. He is a graduate of the Recreation Leadership program at Canadore College and was a Canadore staff member working in several leadership roles in the office of the Registrar for seven years beginning in 1985.

Mr. Burton will assume his post beginning July 15, 2010. In the interim he will be visiting the College and area on several occasions. Please help us welcome him, and his family, to that area, and congratulations to the Canadore team for bringing such a talented member of the alumni back home.

Business After Hours at the Ridge

On Wednesday May 19th the Ridge at Manitou Golf Club hosted a Business After Hours event.

Thank you to the Ridge for hosting the event and offering such tasty treats :) The weather was perfect and allowed those in attendance to mingle on the Patio overlooking Lake Manitouwabing.

Tuesday E-mail - May 18, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. 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!

Please note there is a detour currently in place due to the construction on McKellar Centre Road, Middle River Bridge. Please follow the directional signs off of Highway 124 onto Hurdville road, proceed to McKellar Centre Road then to Camp Road. For more detailed detour directions Click Here
RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours.


Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area. Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program.

Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at 705-378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den

The Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners are planning a Parry Sound Area “Dragon’s Den” on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a new business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

In preparation for this exciting opportunity for economic growth, REDAC will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau. The information session will allow entrepreneurs (both private individuals and business owners) to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons.

For more information or to RSVP (by June 20th) please contact:
Kirsten LeDrew
Area Economic Development Coordinator
kledrew@townofparrysound.com
705-746-2101 ext. 39
http://www.cityfree.ca/

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.


Connect to Innovate: the Business – University Collaboration Imperative

Looking to enhance an existing product?
Develop a new one?
Improve a process or productivity levels?
Not sure where to start?
LET’S TALK.

Ontario’s economy has been challenged over the past year. At the heart of global competitiveness is never-ending innovation and the rapid commercialization of new ideas. Now, more than ever, is the time for Ontario businesses to join with university to foster and sustain a robust climate for innovation. It’s critical to Ontario becoming an economic powerhouse once again.

The Ontario Economic Summit (OES) in partnership with the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), local chamber partners and universities will host three dynamic workshops for companies that are already working with university partners and those looking to start.

The sessions aim to:
• Provide a better understanding of the need for, and value of, university-business research partnerships
• Share best practices and discuss new ways of creating effective, results-driven, and sustainable partnerships
• Be honest about the challenges faced by university and business in securing funding and in successfully transferring applied research to the private sector including concerns about intellectual property rights. Quite simply, how could the current environment be better?

Join the following workshop:
• May 26, 2010 Sudbury (11:00 am – 1:00 pm) - $40 pp +GST (incl. lunch)

For the latest agenda and up to date information on the event please visit
http://occ-oes.com/connect-to-innovate.

These issues, and the results of the discussions held at the above workshops, will feature in the agenda of the 2010 Ontario Economic Summit, to be held November 1-3, 2010 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For more information about the Summit, please visit http://www.occ-oes.com/.


The Power of Social Media for Small Business

Discover the true power behind social media and see how it can benefit your business with minimal cost thanks to a free webinar offered by TD Canada Trust on June 3, 2010.

This Webinar Workshop will show you:
• What social media is and how to use these tools to market your business
• Why social media sites are generating buzz and how you can profit from it
• That you don’t need to be tech-savvy to build an online presence and make it known
• Real examples of small businesses using social media as a cost-effective marketing tool

Host: Irene Law, Senior Manager Business Banking, TD Bank Financial Group

Guest Speakers:
• Erin Bury, Community Manager, Sprouter
• Amber MacArthur, New Media Journalist & Co-Founder, MGI Media
• Lyn Wilson, Online Marketing Consultant, 6s Marketing

Join the FREE Webinar Workshop on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 12 pm ET, to learn how to boost your marketing efforts by leveraging the power of social media.

Click here to register


Breakfast Television Live from Muskoka Wharf

On Friday, May 21 from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, Breakfast Television will broadcast live from Muskoka Wharf. Kevin Frankish and Dina Pugliese, hosts of Breakfast Television, will be on the top deck of the Wenonah II that will be docked at the end of the Boston Pizza/Regatta dock. Coffee and muffins will be available on the Wenonah II, Regatta Patio and Boston Pizza Patio’s will be open for the public and will have coffee and treats available.

Breakfast Television have committed to 2 interviews that they have already scheduled, but they will also roam the crowds to talk to others. Michael Kuss, weather man with City News, will also do the weather during the evening news on Friday, May 21 between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm live from the end of the dock at Regatta and Boston Pizza.

This show is open to everyone, so head on down and to help Muskoka and surrounding areas welcome Breakfast Television as they kick off the summer.


Workplace Violence & Harassment Requirements

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has shared the following bulletin with the Chamber Network to inform everyone of the importance guidelines surrounding the introduction of Bill 168 (this Act amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters).

The Ontario government has released a “HOW TO” TOOL KIT, which is a template guide to help businesses comply with new requirements relating to workplace violence and harassment. Starting June 15, businesses must: develop workplace violence and harassment policies and programs; assess risks of workplace violence including situations involving handling of cash, dealing with potentially violent clients, working alone, working in high-crime areas, protecting valuable goods and transporting people or goods; and, identify possible ways to control those risks for employees.

All workplaces must review these policies as often as necessary, but at least annually. They must prepare these policies, ensure they are in written form, and post them in a conspicuous place at work. (Businesses with 5 employees or less must prepare the policies in a written form, but don’t have to post them in a conspicuous place, unless otherwise ordered by a ministry inspector).

Employees must be informed and instructed on the policies and programs, and such policies must address risks, and provide measures to control them. Failure to do so may result in orders to comply, or provincial fines or criminal charges. Businesses, for instance, should be aware that among other regulations, employees can refuse to work or do particular work if they believe workplace violence is present. Employers must provide details on a workplace violence incident to their joint health & safety committee or rep within four days of it happening and inform the Ministry.

Employers should be aware that domestic violence may occur in the workplace, so they must take every precaution to protect a worker at risk of physical injury. In addition, they must tell employees about colleagues who may pose a physical risk to them.

MOL’s Tool Kit for Employers: Click Here

Workplace Violence & Harassment Act: Click Here

“Understanding this New Law”: Click Here

In brief , what you’ve got to do: Click Here

MOL’s Inquiry Line for Employers on the new requirements-Province-wide: 1-800-268-8013


Ride for Refuge

On June 5, Parry Sound will be the venue for the local Ride for Refuge. This event helps support refugeeserving organizations with programs including relief and humanitarian aid, settlement, housing, immigration advice, education and counselling.

For information on the Parry Sound RIDE, please visit
http://www.rideforrefuge.org/home.php?c=1&l=12


What Are Our Members Doing?


CAA’s Great Battery Roundup Starts this Week

Understanding the need to support green initiatives and encourage environmental awareness, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) is “charged up” for their Eighth Annual Great Battery Roundup. The Roundup started Saturday, May 15th and runs until Friday, May 21st. This program allows residents of North & East Ontario to safely dispose of their used automotive batteries for recycling free of charge.

This year, as always, all proceeds will be going to “Scoutrees for Canada”, Scouts Canada’s tree planting program. Scoutrees has planted over 70 million seedlings since its inception in 1974, and CAA North & East Ontario is proud to support such an environmentally friendly cause. Last year’s Roundup helped raise $2234 for this valuable program, and CAANEO is excited to top that number this year.

The Great Battery Roundup is free to CAA Members as well as the general public. For drop off in Sudbury, Dryden, Timmins, Parry Sound, North Bay, Pembroke, Renfrew and Cornwall please visit www.caaneo.ca/gbr for locations, or see below.

Local Parry Sound Drop Off Location:
Constables Towing and Body Shop, 48 Hoddys Side Road, Parry Sound 705-746-7021

Congratulations to CAA on this great and environmentally conscious program!

Tuesday E-mail - May 11, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Located on Lake Manitouwabing, 20 mins north east of Parry Sound, The Ridge at Manitou offers fantastic golf with amazing beauty and promises a truly memorable golfing experience!
If you wish to golf before the Business After Hours, The Ridge is offering 18 holes for $75, including cart!

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. 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!

RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours & to book your tee time – we look forward to seeing you there!


Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area. Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program.

Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at (705) 378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


YMCA Peer Mentoring Program

The YMCA Employment Resource Centre is pleased to announce that they will be delivering new employment programs in Parry Sound including programs intended to provide unemployed older workers with programming aimed at increasing their employability, reintegrating them into the work force, and ensuring they remain active and productive labour market participants.

The objectives of the program are to prepare older workers for new and immediate employment and to increase employability of older workers in communities where there is little likelihood of immediate employment. Employers realize that older workers can make a significant contribution to the success of their organizations and businesses. Older workers are an asset offering maturity, experience and commitment.

Local community service agencies, employers, community leaders, local government and First Nation community leaders are invited to learn more and offer input towards the design of the program. Your contributions are critical to the success of the program.

The YMCA Employment Resource Centre will hold an information session and discussion on program details on May 19, 2010 at 10 am. Please RSVP your intention to attend to Dawn Rouse at 746-8480 by Monday, May 17th.


WSIB Training Course

The Parry Sound Family Health Team and the West Parry Sound Health Centre have worked together to organize a WSIB training course to be held in Parry Sound.

Course: Basic Certification Course for Joint Health and Safety Committees (JH&SC)
Date: Tuesday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 9
Location: West Parry Sound Health Centre
Facilitated By: Comp Advantage Inc.

This WSIB-approved Basic program is offered in a two-day classroom format (minimum 10 participants, maximum 25). Part One, Basic Certification provides an overall knowledge of health and safety that applies to all workplaces. Basic Certification must be completed prior to the Worksite Specific Training required by your workplace. All JH&SC members should be adequately educated in order to carry out their duties as noted in the OSH Act. The Basic Certification course is a great course to ensure your JH&SC members have knowledge in the fundamentals of Health and Safety. This course is also of benefit to Supervisors and Managers not on the JH&SC.

Basic Training provides training in:
• Health and Safety Law
• Hazard Identification and Control
• Investigation Techniques
• Prevention Resources

Registration for your employee(s) must be sent by fax (773-4632) to Lynne Gregory at the WPSHC no later than May 20. Please include:
• Name of Participant
• Indicate Worker Member or Management Member
• Name of Organization/Business and main contact
• Address and phone

A cheque for $275 payable to West Parry Sound Health Centre must be forwarded to the attention of Accounts Payable, Finance Department, WPSHC, 6 Albert Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 3A4 no later than May 25. Cost includes all materials and a copy of the OHS Act.

NOTE: If a minimum of 10 participants are not registered and payments received by May 25, the course may not be held. If the minimum of ten participants are booked, any cancellations
after May 26 or later will not receive a refund.


Glow and Grow Wednesdays in May

Contact North and the PARO Center for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer the following workshops:
• Sustainable Livelihoods Model
• Developing Personal Creativity
• The Art of Negotiation

The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to women across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. (The sessions are designed for women as PARO is an organization that works with women.) The video-conference sessions are available free of charge to Parry Sound residents though Contact North distance education delivery system.

The Contact North Center is located at 60 James Street, suite 201. Please register by e-mailing buildingbridges@paro.ca. There is no registration fee.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Community Living Tees Up

Community Living Parry Sound will be hosting their 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 26, 2010 at Rocky Crest Golf Club. With the return of the Million Dollar Shootout and even more prizes, this year’s event promises to be their best yet!

The support and generosity of the participants and local businesses over the past eleven years has resulted in close to $100,000 being raised in support of local Special Olympic athletes, Community Inclusion and Volunteering opportunities. If you are interested getting involved in this worthwhile event, please call: Kyle Turriff at 705-746-9330, ext. 255.


Congratulations Spring Jam

Can-Am Spring Jam 2010, held April 29-May 1, generated approximately $200,000 in business for the local economy. Approximately $3,600 was also raised for the Kelly Shires TraX4 Breast Cancer Campaign, the first year for this charity fund-raising portion of the weekend.
Congratulations to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and participants for showing how successful and important to the local economy an event held outside of the traditional summer tourism months can be.

Tuesday E-mail - May 4, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Located on Manitouwabing Lake, 20 mins north east of Parry Sound, The Ridge at Manitou offers fantastic golf with amazing beauty and promises a truly memorable golfing experience!

If you wish to golf before the Business After Hours, The Ridge is offering 18 holes for $75, including cart!

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. 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!

RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours & to book your tee time – we look forward to seeing you there!


Business on the Bay

This year’s annual Business on the Bay Networking Cruise will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm. The Chamber, in partnership with Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network will be hosting this free one hour networking get together onboard the Island Queen.

The event is for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go.

Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area – don’t miss this great opportunity!


What Has The Chamber Done For You?


Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce offered a hands on learning opportunity to our members. The afternoon seminar was very informative with attendees learning about effective social media, how to make contact everyday, how to gain a following through the different social media outlets available and a tutorial on building a Facebook fan page for their business.

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 Peer Mentoring Program

What is Peer Mentoring? Mentoring is a form of informal professional development where a newer business person develops professional skills or competencies with feedback from a more experienced person.

The mentor is a sort of trusted counselor or guide—someone whose skills the mentee respects. Peer mentoring is a unique approach to mentoring where two people choose to work together on common or complementary goals.

The mentoring pair may have different professional skill sets or work experience – or you may share certain skills or work experiences. The key is that you have something you can learn from each other.

You don’t have to have “seniority” or years of experience to be a good peer mentor. No matter what your current job or work experience is, you have developed a set of professional skills that you can share with your co-workers or colleagues.

What can you expect to get out of Peer Mentoring?
• Expanded knowledge of professional skills and practices
• Exposure of fresh ideas, a faster learning curve than trying to “do it all on your own”
• Personal growth
• Sense of Sharing
• Opportunity to reflect on effective skills and work practices
• Challenge of learning and applying new skills
• Reduced sense of isolation
• Access to broader professional networks
• Increased self-confidence
• Satisfaction gained from growing yourself and helping someone else to grow professionally

If you have two hours per month that you would be willing to donate to the Peer Mentoring Program, please send your contact information to the Parry Sound YMCA Employment Resource Centre at 705-746-8480.


Twitter Workshop

When it comes to micro blogging, are you scared twitless?
Leaving the tweet to everyone else is keeping you out of the loop -- and that means lost opportunities to engage. Twitter is more than a fad. Twitter’s annual growth has reached 1,100% from 2009 to 2010 and too many businesses are still holding back. If your staff is tweeting and your colleagues are a-twitter, you might think you’re covered. But if your voice is missing, the story just might not be complete. Discover how to find new business opportunities, connect with like minded professionals, build a community, and monitor what others are already saying about your brand.

Speakers:
Anne White, Director of Public Relations, Deerhurst Resort
Bill Anderson, Owner/Social Media Expert, Muskoka Outdoors

Register online at www.eventsinmuskoka.com for this event being held in the evening on May 12th at the Shamrock Lodge in Port Carling.


WSIB Training Course

The Parry Sound Family Health Team and the West Parry Sound Health Centre have worked together to organize a WSIB training course to be held in Parry Sound. The workshop has been booked at the classroom at the Hospital for June 8th & 9th, and there is still room for a few more participants. If anyone has been looking for the opportunity to take the course but have been deterred by the need to travel out of the area to do so, please contact Helen Ayers to register at 705-746-9321.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Local Newspaper launches new website and highlights e-mail

Congratulations go out to the Parry Sound North Star for recently launching a new and improved website, cottagecountrynow.ca, serving the entire Parry Sound, Muskoka and Almaguin region. The site is divided into sections for each of the three geographic regions, with top stories and breaking news for the entire area posted on the home page throughout the week.

Towards the end of each week, the North Star will be sending out an email summary of local news highlights. It’s like a free weekly subscription to cottage country news arriving on your Blackberry or personal computer – so you won’t miss a thing!

To subscribe, please visit:
www.cottagecountrynow.ca/article/661773 and sign up to become a registered user.

Check out www.cottagecountrynow.ca, including links to coupons, flyers, great deals for homes and cars, job notices, obituaries, birth announcements and more from across the province! If you have any questions, please contact Janice Heidman, Advertising Sales Manager or Jack Tynan,
Managing Editor at 705-746-2104.