Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - July 27, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Upcoming BAH Networking Events

• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Georgian Bay Airways, September 29, 5 pm to 6 pm

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for any Business After Hours.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Business Planning Seminars - REDAC

One of the most important tools any business has is it’s business plan. A well-crafted business plan will inspire crucial research, clarify the business model, determine sales goals and expense caps, identify expansion and growth opportunities, and ultimately answer any questions about the business investment potential. Learn more about writing your business plan in these informative seminars, which overview the starting points for gathering and writing the major components of the plan. Not to be missed by anyone looking to start or expand a business!

Writing a Business Plan
July 27 or July 28, 2010, 3 pm – 5 pm
Parry Sound Fire Hall (Upstairs), 4 Church Street Parry Sound

Contact Area Economic Development Coordinator, Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or (705) 746-2101 ext. 39 for more information or to RSVP to these great seminars!


China Market Educational Workshop

Are you a tourism supplier interested in attracting new business from the emerging China market?

In 2008, Ontario welcomed almost 76,000 visitors from China for total spending of more than $150 million. Canada’s recently announced Approved Destination Status (ADS) promises to boost tourism and economic activity by opening the door for Ontario to market tourism experiences directly to consumers in China. It also allows for the sale of group travel through tour operators serving China.

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) invites you join them for a program specifically created to educate those Ontario suppliers new to the China market. The program will include speakers from OTMPC and Tourism Toronto, in addition to receptive tour operators and industry suppliers.

Also included:
• China market intelligence / Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats (SWOT)
• Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) / OTMPC / Tourism Toronto marketing activity in China
• Best practices for conducting business with China and serving visitors from China
• Panel discussion with Q & A At the workshop’s conclusion, you will be better able to answer:
• Is China the right market for my business?
• What do I need to do to prepare and move forward?

WHEN: Tuesday August 3, 2010
TIME: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Registration begins at 1:30 PM)
WHERE: Ontario Investment & Trade Centre, 250 Yonge Street, Toronto (35th Floor)
COST: $20, payable onsite at time of registration - via cash or cheque payable to OTMPC

Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Please RSVP to sonya.stevenson@ontario.ca by Thursday, July 29th to confirm your attendance.


Labour Market Group – Employer Registry
The Labour Market Group is delivering an exciting program in our area, EmployerRegistry.ca.
This tool offers a collaborative approach to experiential learning across the province, with the mission to meet the following goals:

• To connect employers in communities across Ontario with the people and organizations who can help them find or strengthen involvement in new and existing experiential learning programs
• To provide Passport to Prosperity deliverers, educators and other administrators with fast, accessible and usable tools for managing, developing and tracking relationships with local employers
• To provide a platform for an online community focused around experiential learning programs like the Specialist High Skills Major that will allow for the sharing of resources amongst educators and the promotion of local programs across the province.

Get involved today to build the human resource potential of your business. Questions or comments can be directed to Dallas Sampson, Employer Registry Database Officer at (705) 474-0812 ext. 4801 or lmg@thelabourmarketgroup.ca.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Distler Construction - Ground Breaking

Distler Construction invites you to join them on Saturday July 31st from 11am-2pm for the ground breaking of Silver Birch Condominiums, located at 134 William Street. If you are interested in attending please RSVP to (705) 746-5465 or alex@distlerconstruction.ca.

Congratulations to Distler Construction on this exciting new development!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - July 20, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours


A big thank you goes out to our gracious BAH hosts at Delta Rocky Crest Resort who put on a great display of the hospitality they can offer at the July 14th event. With a view of the water sports park, the docks and the outdoor pool, Chamber members were treated to tasty hors d’oeuvres, a room tour and the opportunity to win a nights stay at the soon to re-open Delta Sherwood property. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to network with your peers. Treat one or two of your staff members for their great performance, or bring that new hire along to get a chance to immerse themselves in the business community.

We look forward to seeing YOU at the next event. Upcoming BAH Networking Events:
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Georgian Bay Airways, September 29, 5 pm to 6 pm

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for any Business After Hours.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Business Planning Seminars - REDAC

One of the most important tools any business has is it’s business plan. A well-crafted business plan will inspire crucial research, clarify the business model, determine sales goals and expense caps, identify expansion and growth opportunities, and ultimately answer any questions about the business investment potential. Learn more about writing your business plan in these informative seminars, which overview the starting points for gathering and writing the major components of the plan. Not to be missed by anyone looking to start or expand a business!

Writing a Business Plan
July 27 or July 28, 2010, 3 pm – 5 pm
Parry Sound Fire Hall (Upstairs), 4 Church Street Parry Sound

Contact Area Economic Development Coordinator, Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or (705) 746-2101 ext. 39 for more information or to RSVP to
these great seminars!


Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council Releases Report


The 2010 tourism labour supply and demand report, The Future of Canada’s Tourism Sector: Economic Recession Only a Temporary Reprieve from Labour Shortages has recently been released. The full report along with summaries for Canada and all the provinces are available as a free download from the CTHRC website. To access the report simply click on this link

Over the next two years, the CTHRC will communicate the findings to employers, associations, and government to ensure that they are aware of the coming labour shortages and strategies that can be used to diminish their effect.

Labour Market Group – Employer Registry


The Labour Market Group is delivering an exciting program in our area, EmployerRegistry.ca. This tool offers a collaborative approach to experiential learning across the province, with the mission to meet the following goals:


• To connect employers in communities across Ontario with the people and organizations who can help them find or strengthen involvement in new and existing experiential learning programs

• To provide Passport to Prosperity deliverers, educators and other administrators with fast, accessible and usable tools for managing, developing and tracking relationships with local employers


• To provide a platform for an online community focused around experiential learning programs like the Specialist High Skills Major that will allow for the sharing of resources amongst educators and the promotion of local programs across the province.


Get involved today to build the human resource potential of your business. Questions or comments can be directed to Dallas Sampson, Employer Registry Database Officer at (705) 474-0812 ext. 4801 or lmg@thelabourmarketgroup.ca.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Sail Parry Sound - Big Sound Challenge


Congratulations to Sail Parry Sound for hosting another successful Big Sound Challenge. The club hosted entrants from Lake Joseph Yacht Club, South Muskoka Sailing Club and the Sturgeon Lake Sailing Club. Read the full article on Sail World by Clicking Here


Festival of the Sound back in full swing

The Festival of the Sound has returned once again to the shores of Georgian Bay and is currently filling the breezy local air with sounds of Chamber Music. Congratulations and best of luck to the organizers on a successful 31st year.

Monday, July 19, 2010

What's everyone blogging about??

With a major shift in marketing trends many businesses are using social media to reach their target markets more effectively and with less expense. Many Parry Sound Area Chamber members have jumped on the social media band wagon and are using it very effectively.

The Chamber has been using this blog for several months and we find it to be a great way to fill content on our facebook page as well as to share business news/updates by publishing our weekly Tuesday e-mail.

Today we would like to put a spotlight on some of our members using blogs to populate their social media outlets and drive customers to their business by showcasing their products/services.

40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast - What's happening in Parry Sound? Susan shares her take on the area be it weather, events or attractions.

Georgian Bay Airways - Keep up with the happenings at Georgian Bay Airways as Keith shares outtakes and pictures from their business.

Linkhouse Media - Blogging about their web design services, Linkhouse's blog is a great place to see and hear about new website launches.

Moose FM - If you already enjoy listening to the Moose FM hosts James and Kent you will enjoy reading their ("questionably") witty blog posts.

Where Magazine - A summer blog about activities happening in Parry Sound.

Whitesquall - A great place to catch up on the happenings at Whitesquall. If you are looking to get out paddling or looking for a kids program check this blog out! While you're there be sure to sign up for the Hoot and Blat Newsletter and/or Wassup Parry Sound a pair of informative and entertaining newsletters.

Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) - A place to read about REDAC's upcoming programs and get links to important area surveys.

Know of other great blogs in or around our area?? Be sure to comment and share with them with us.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - July 13, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours - Rocky Crest Tomorrow

Join your fellow Chamber members at Delta Rocky Crest on Hamer Bay Road this Wednesday, July 14 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Come out and tour their magnificent property. Those in ttendance will be served a offering from their kitchen and can pick up a dining coupon valued at $25.

Upcoming BAH Networking Events:
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Georgian Bay Airways, September 29, 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?


Modernization Regulatory of Fruit & Vegetable, Honey & Maple Products

Businesses involving agricultural producers, as well as food and grocery wholesalers and retailers may wish to note the provincial government’s proposed regulatory amendments affecting food safety, labeling, and declaration standards for fruit and vegetables, honey, and maple products.

The government is currently accepting feedback on these proposals, which are publically available on the provincial Regulatory Registry. If you are interested in obtaining further
information or in submitting comments, please refer to the following links:
Modernization of Regulation 378 – Fruit and Vegetables
Modernization of Regulation 384 – Honey
Modernization of Regulation 386 – Maple


An Evening with the Consuls General

Inspired by our popular Evening with the Deputy Ministers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce introduces An Evening with the Consuls General. Exploring new export markets and international partnership opportunities is essential for business growth in today’s integrated global economy. We would like to help you put your company or community in the forefront as Canada seeks new free trade arrangements, and as markets open in a global economic recovery. Join us as we gather together the Consuls General from our top import/export markets in an intimate evening of conversation and networking.

Beginning with hosted round table discussions and ending with a moderated Q&A, the evening will give you a unique opportunity to exchange opinions and gain insight about trade and investment opportunities around the world. Each table will be hosted by a Consul General; following dinner all Consuls General in attendance will move to the stage for the moderated Q&A. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the Consular Corps and establish connections that may help you bridge the distance to the world’s key export destinations.

Date: Wednesday October 20th, 2010
Location: One King West, The Grand Banking Hall.
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5H 1A1
Tickets: $165 plus HST (OCC Member rate)
$185 plus HST (Non-Member rate)
Dress Code: Business Attire

Agenda
5:00pm: Cocktail Reception
6:30pm: Dinner & Consul General Roundtable Discussions
8:00pm: Moderated Question & Answer Period with all Consuls General
9:00pm: Closing Remarks

Registration:
Invitations have been mailed the week of June 14th, 2010. If you wish to register, you can also do so by downloading the Reply Card and faxing it to 416-482-5879. Registration fees will be refunded if a refund request is received by Friday October 8th, 2010.
If you require further information on this event, please email miabettio@occ.on.ca.


Conference Board of Canada Survey on Innovation and College Research

Colleges Ontario has asked The Conference Board of Canada to investigate the contribution that Ontario colleges make to innovation and economic performance when they work with Ontario businesses. As part of the project, the Conference Board is asking businesses for their views on innovation and their awareness of and participation in Ontario colleges’ applied research activities.

The Conference Board has identified the members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as an important source of insights about innovation and research in Ontario and therefore members of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce are invited to complete the brief survey.
The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

To ensure your anonymity, your responses to this survey will be combined with those of other respondents, and results will be reported in the aggregate only – responses will not be attributable to a specific organization or individual. The results of the survey will be presented in a report scheduled for release in Fall 2010. The report will include recommendations to governments and colleges about how to build on and improve colleges’ applied R&D capacity and
their contribution to innovation performance in Ontario.

To access the online survey, please Click Here

The survey will be available until July 31, 2010.
The Conference Board of Canada and Colleges Ontario appreciate your participation.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Near North Recreation Ltd.

Congratulations to July Benjamin G. Sansal who has been accepted among the ranks of leading professionals with Stanford Who’s Who as a result of his sensational work in the Sports and Recreation Industry. As President of Near North Recreation Ltd. since 2002, Benjamin has consistently demonstrated the dedication and diligence necessary to be successful in the business world.

Near North Recreation Ltd. is a company which provides sales, service, storage, parts, accessories, rentals and repairs of marine and a variety of recreational vehicles. Among the vehicles they carry are Arctic Cat ATV’s, UTV’s and snow mobiles, Arcticwear, Triton trailers, Shorland’r trailers, Connect-A-Dock, Rave towables and water trampolines, Hyperlite wakeboards and bindings, ITP tires and rims, and Thor sportswear.

Stanford Who’s Who empowers executives, professionals and entrepreneurs around the world through their mission to recognize successful individuals in multiple industries by providing a forum for networking, consulting, exposure and credibility to broadening one’s future success.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Canada Day Celebrations 2010

Another Canada Day has come and gone. We would like to thank our event partner the Town of Parry Sound as well as all the businesses and associations which help to make the celebrations possible.

Below are some pictures from the days events.


Tuesday E-mail - July 6, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours

Upcoming BAH Networking Events:
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Georgian Bay Airways, September 29, 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!


Canada Day a Resounding Success

July 1st saw the Chamber of Commerce leading celebrations at the waterfront in partnership with the Town of Parry Sound. Activities included a petting zoo, snake and reptile interactive exhibit, bouncy castles, eighteen hole mini-putt, kids activity zone, free test paddling with White Squall, vendors, musical entertainment and much more. The day was capped off with a truly spectacular boat parade and fireworks display in the harbour.

Our thanks go out to everyone who visited, helped or was involved in this very successful event. Special thanks and recognition go out to those involved in the official proceedings of the day including flag-bearers from the 295 MacPherson Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Members from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 117 and the Ladies Auxillary, The Honorable Tony Clement, MP Parry Sound-Muskoka, Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka, Richard Adams, Mayor of Parry Sound, Andrew Ryeland, President of the Chamber, and the Seguin Sarahs.

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Parry Sound proudly organized the 2010 Canada Day celebrations with the generous support of Canadian Heritage and the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre.


What’s Happening In Our Community?

The Parry Sound Area – The New Hollywood North?

Last summer saw several months of local production on the film “The Dogfather”, starring Chris Parnell of Saturday Night Live fame. In late summer, the French River area provided the backdrop for several days of filming on “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”, a film highlighting teen idols the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. (If you don’t know who those people are, just ask your kids!) This summer has started with another film project starring veteran actor Ray Liotta, with a production schedule of approximately one month in the area.

These productions bring multiple benefits to the businesses and communities in the region. Beyond the obvious role the locations play in highlighting the best our region has to offer, film and production crews make a direct impact on local revenues, needing everything from food and lodging to administrative services to local contract employees. Let’s welcome members of the production teams to our area and let them know that we are always “Open for Business”.


Conference Board of Canada Survey on Innovation and College Research

Colleges Ontario has asked The Conference Board of Canada to investigate the contribution that Ontario colleges make to innovation and economic performance when they work with Ontario businesses. As part of the project, the Conference Board is asking businesses for their views on innovation and their awareness of and participation in Ontario colleges’ applied research activities.

The Conference Board has identified the members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as an important source of insights about innovation and research in Ontario and therefore members of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce are invited to complete the brief survey.

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. To ensure your anonymity, your responses to this survey will be combined with those of other respondents, and results will be reported in the aggregate only – responses will not be attributable to a specific organization or individual. The results of the survey will be presented in a report scheduled for release in Fall 2010. The report will include recommendations to governments and colleges about how to build on and improve colleges’ applied R&D capacity and their contribution to innovation performance in Ontario. To access the online survey, please visit
http://conferenceboard.checkboxonline.com/collegeinnovation.aspx

The survey will be available until July 31, 2010. The Conference Board of Canada and Colleges Ontario appreciate your participation.


M&M Meat Shops Franchise Opportunity Seminar

M&M Meat Shops are currently seeking Franchisees for an exciting re-franchise opportunity in Parry Sound. On July 17th, M&M Meat Shops is holding a Franchise Opportunity Seminar in Parry Sound for those interested in leading and working in a community-minded, customer serviceoriented environment. At the seminar, M&M Meat Shops will demonstrate its commitment to Franchisee success and show you what they will bring to the table!

M&M Meat Shops takes pride in the fact that when you become part of the team you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. Extensive training and support are just the beginning of this business opportunity. For more information or to register for the seminar, please contact:
Stacey Burgess, Franchisee Qualification Specialist
1-800-461-0171 Ext. 313
www.franchise.mmmeatshops.com

Tuesday E-mail - June 29, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours

Thank you to everyone who attended the Big Sound Marina BAH on June 25. Through the generous support of local business partnerships such as Parry Sound Sobey’s, Ritchie’s Insurance, and Georgian Bay Software, the waterfront facilities are a great place for transient boaters and area visitors alike to gather information and enjoy the services offered, soon to include WiFi hotspots during the summer season.

Upcoming BAH Events:
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Georgian Bay Airways, Date TBA

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!


Canada Day in Parry Sound!!

Where will you be celebrating Canada Day this year? Join in the celebrations at the Town Dock and Stockey Centre! Activities will include a petting zoo, reptile show, bouncy castles, eighteen hole mini-putt, kids activity zone, vendors, musical entertainment and much more! Finish your day with the best fireworks display you will find in central Ontario, dazzlingly arrayed over the Harbour after sunset.

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Parry Sound are proud to organize Canada Day celebrations with the generous support of Canadian Heritage and the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre. For more information about the event please call 746-4213.

G8/G20 International Media Centre

After more than a year of advisory meetings and consultation, several representatives from the Parry Sound business community had the opportunity to join others from Muskoka, Toronto, Ontario and Canada to act as Information Ambassadors in the Experience Canada Pavilion at the International Media Centre over the last week. The Parry Sound Representatives included Anna Marie Harris (Georgian Bay Country), Bill Spinney (Parry Sound Community Business and Development Centre), Cheryl Forth and Ron Begin (FedNor), and Rebecca Cowan (Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce).

Watch for an upcoming summary of the Chamber’s role on the Investment Branding Advisory Committee for the G8/G20 Summits. In the meantime, please enjoy a few pictures from
this world-class event.



Press Scrum at the Dock


The CityScape and 4-D Theatre got quiet at midnight



World Cup Games in the “Bridge”


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Canada Day Long Weekend – Lots of Local Activities

Farmers Markets, Craft Sales, Pancake Breakfasts and other celebrations will be held throughout the area over the Canada Day Long weekend, including celebrations in Pointe au Baril on Saturday, July 3. The Pointe Au Baril Chamber of Commerce will play host that day to Canada Day celebrations and the 3rd Annual Arts & Crafts Fair. For more information, please call them at 705-366-2331.

Find out information about all of the exciting happenings in our region on the Chamber Event Calendar! Click here for the Event Calendar


Approved Destination Status agreement with China

With the June 24th official signing of the Approved Destination Status agreement with China, Canada’s tourism industry is now presented with an excellent opportunity for growth.
“This is a great day for tourism in Canada, and a great day for travelers from China,” said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).
“This agreement will create a greater openness between our countries, allowing Chinese visitors greater access to all of Canada’s iconic attractions while providing our travel industry with the opportunity to market to the world’s fastest growing outbound travel market.”

The agreement, which had been announced in principle in December 2009, was formally signed in a ceremony in Ottawa by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese President Hu Jintao. Approved Destination Status will allow Chinese citizens to more easily obtain tourist visas to travel to Canada for leisure purposes, and will allow Canada to actively market its tourism products in China. The ADS agreement will also authorize Chinese travel agencies to market and promote leisure group tours for travel in Canada.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Premium Dock & Marine Systems

Congratualations to Premium Dock & Marine Systems on their sucessful move to the Bowes street entrance (next to Sobeys).