Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - August 31, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Golf Tournament “Fall Classic”

Our “Fall Classic” Tournament is quickly selling out so please contact the Chamber office to reserve your spot. The event will be held on Wednesday October 6 at the Parry Sound Golf and Country Club, $125.00 per person plus hst, inclusive of golf cart, shotgun start at 11am, lunch optional, silent auction and dinner at 5pm with awards presentations, a great day away from the office and a chance to mix and mingle with fellow business operators.


Office Rental Space

The Chamber has a rental office for rent located in the CN station. This office space has a separate office area, separate entrance and would be ideal for a professional service. If you’re interested in more information please contact Perry at the Chamber.


Red Tape Principles: Bill 68-Open for Business Act Submission

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce as well as the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce are seeking your help understanding how businesses feel about red tape in the province. A group of Chambers in Ontario as well as corporations have formed a task force to discuss unresolved issues with red tape in the province.

We’re opening up discussion for our members in order to ensure that all businesses, small and large, Northern and Southern have an opportunity to have your views heard.

Please Click Here to share your feedback.


Accessibility Workshop Hosted by the OCC and the PSACOC

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a workshop to help Ontario businesses comply with Ontario’s new customer service standards.

Please join us on Wednesday September 29, 2010 at the West Parry Sound District Museum start time 8:30am to Noon for this important information session by speaker Louie DiPalma, Accessibility Works, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. We as chamber associations are determined to help businesses so that they can better serve the growing population of people with all types of disabilities.

For additional information and to rsvp please contact Jessie at the Chamber 705-746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca


Chamber Happenings:

We feel it’s important for you, our members, to know the involvement that we in the Chamber office and our directors participate in so this will be a new section each week to advise and enlighten on the happenings of the Chamber involvement.

Chamber Meetings:
The Chamber managers of Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes as well as our chamber meet every 5 weeks to discuss chamber items. This is a great networking event for us as we share ideas on how to promote our members, new business seminars and workshops and business in general. We’ll be sharing information with our members about upcoming seminars held in Parry Sound/Muskoka and I’ll be advising you through this publication in case you wish to attend.

Probus Origination:
Andrew Ryeland, President of the Chamber and myself were invited to speak with this group of retired professionals to provide the basic principals of a Chamber of Commerce and to provide information as to what our chamber is currently working on. We’d like to thank them for the invitation and we certainly enjoyed this opportunity.

Shawanaga: Youth Fair:
I attended this great opportunity for the youth of Shawanaga First Nations to expand their opportunities with business members and community associations of the area during the trade show and workshops.

Canadore College:
I was pleased to attend the third annual Canadore College Convocation held at the Parry Sound High School. Congrats to all the grads and let’s look forward to having this ceremony take place at the new college in 2011.

24 Hour Members TV:
I met with an individual who has come up with a very interesting marketing and promotional item geared toward the tourism and retail sectors. This would provide an opportunity for businesses to buy into a 24 hour television station that would also be able to be received through your blackberry and gps units. More information on this exciting new opportunity to follow.

Rosseau Road Power Sports & Marine Ltd.:
The staff and I attended this After Five event with hosts Bill and Jennifer Parks and family at their new location on Blackstone Crane Lake Road. We’d like to extend a warm thanks for their hospitality and to the members in attendance.

Canadore College:
The Chamber is involved with their advisory committee and I attended a meeting last week and it’s great to see the progress of the new campus as well as the proposed plans on courses that will be offered.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Business Planning Seminars – REDAC

Are you ready to pitch to the Parry Sound Dragon’s this fall? Are you looking to improve your overall business knowledge or brush up on some specific skills? Don’t miss the following seminars geared to improving your business savvy.

September 1 - Presentation Skills
As presented by Local Entrepreneurs, Keith Saulnier of Georgian Bay Airways and Andrew Ryeland of Bear Claw Tours.
Contact Area Economic Development Coordinator, Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39 for more information or to RSVP.

September 15 - Presentation Rehearsals
Dragons Den Applicants will have the opportunity to perform a mock presentation and gain valuable feedback on their presentations from a panel of business-minded individuals. Please contact Stephanie at The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound at 746-5892 to book a time.


District of Parry Sound VCARS Seminar

Parry Sound VCARS will be hosting a seminar regarding Documentation, Confidentiality, Disclosure and Access Policy presented by Robert M Solomon at Kellerman’s Resort on September 13, 2010, 5-8pm and cost per person will be $40.00 inclusive of dinner. Please register before September 3rd and for more information and to reserve your ticket please contact VCARS at (705) 746-0508.


The Synergy Project Presents Management & Leadership Skills

Management & Leadership Skills for First Time Supervisors and Managers presented by: National Seminars Group. The seminar will take place at the West Parry Sound District Museum and runs from 9-4pm on September 21st and 22nd with registration beginning at 8:30am.

Please register by September 10th and for more information on this highly interactive workshop contact Alyssa Koenderink, Synergy Project Coordinator, 746-9330 or email akoenderink@clps.ca


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Pension Reform Announcement

In case you are not aware, the Ontario Government has just announced proposed reforms to Ontario’s pension system. The government is proposing to tighten the funding rules and to increase Pension Benefits Guarantee Funds (PBGF).

The Chamber as well as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) believes that this approach will have significant consequences for businesses, by increasing costs of companies that our sponsoring pension plans.

The OCC is currently striking a Task Force to review the proposed changes, and to develop concrete recommendations as part of our response to the government’s intentions. For more information on this news release please visit www.news.ontario.ca. We will ensure that as information comes our way we will keep you posted.


Have a great week,
Perry

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - August 24, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours this Wednesday

This Wednesday August 25 from 5 - 6pm at Rosseau Road Powersport and Marine. Come out and tour their new location, network with fellow chamber members and enter a draw for the chance to win a deck chair.

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


Red Tape Principles: Bill 68-Open for Business Act Submission

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce as well as the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce are seeking your help understanding how businesses feel about red tape in the province. A group of Chambers in Ontario as well as corporations have formed a task force to discuss unresolved issues with red tape in the province.

We’re opening up discussion for our members in order to ensure that all businesses, small and large, Northern and Southern have an opportunity to have your views heard.

To add your thoughts please visit https://fd8.formdesk.com/ontariochamberofcommerce/red-tape-survey

If you are interested in learning more about the current status of this issue, please see the OCC’s submission at http://occ.on.ca/2010/08/open-for-business-act-good-first-step-to-reducing-red-tape-occ/


Golf Tournament “Fall Classic”

Our “Fall Classic” Tournament is quickly selling out so please contact the Chamber office to reserve your spot. The event will be held on Wednesday October 6 at the Parry Sound Golf and Country Club, $125.00 per person plus hst, shotgun start at 11am, lunch optional, silent auction and dinner at 5pm with awards presentations, a great day away from the office and a chance to mix and mingle with fellow business operators.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Accessibility Workshop Hosted by the OCC and the PSACOC

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a workshop to help Ontario businesses comply with Ontario’s new customer service standards. Please join us on Wednesday September 29, 2010 at the West Parry Sound District Museum start time 8:30am to Noon for this important information session by speaker Louie DiPalma, Accessibility Works, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. We as chamber associations are determined to help businesses so that they can better serve the growing population of people
with all types of disabilities.

For additional information and to rsvp please contact Jessie at the Chamber 705-746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca


Business Planning Seminars – REDAC

REDAC and The Business Centre have been offering numerous educational seminars throughout the month of August. All seminars are free and have been very informative. In the early stages of Dragons Den many applicants identified that they require assistance with Valuation and Intellectual Property and therefore private consultants have been hired to offer these seminars this week.

These seminars are open to everyone and are not exclusive to Dragons Den applicants. They should not be missed by any business professional! Please RSVP to Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39 should you wish to attend.
Invite your friends, colleagues, and business partners!

Valuation presented by Jeffrey D. Cling and Morgan McIntyre
Join Valuation Experts of AP Valuations Limited for a presentation done in partnership with The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound on how to determine the economic value of your business, product, or service.

August 25th – 6:00-8:00pm
Parry Sound Fire Hall-upstairs - 4 Church Street

Intellectual Property
Please join The Business Centre and Steven Leach B.A.Sc. (Eng. Chem.), LL.B., LL.M. of RIDOUT & MAYBEE LLP, Canada’s Intellectual Property and Technology Law Firm for an overview and question period designed to outline the importance and strategic use of Intellectual Property.
Participants will have an introduction to trade secrets, patents, trade-marks, copyrights and industrial designs; and gain access to useful resources and tips.

August 26th - 5:00-7:00pm
Parry Sound Fire Hall-upstairs - 4 Church Street


District of Parry Sound VCARS Seminar

Parry Sound VCARS will be hosting a seminar regarding Documentation, Confidentiality, Disclosure and Access Policy presented by Robert M Solomon at Kellerman’s Resort on September 13,2010, 5-8pm and cost per person will be $40.00 inclusive of dinner. Please register before September 3rd and for more information and to reserve your ticket please contact VCARS at (705) 746-0508.


The Synergy Project Presents Management & Leadership Skills

Management & Leadership Skills for First Time Supervisors and Managers presented by: National Seminars Group. The seminar will take place at the West Parry Sound District Museum and runs from 9-4pm on September 21st and 22nd with registration beginning at 8:30am.

Please register by September 10th and for more information on this highly interactive workshop contact Alyssa Koenderink, Synergy Project Coordinator, 746-9330 or email akoenderink@clps.ca


What’s Happening In Our Community?


What does Poverty look like:

As many of us are aware, poverty takes many forms, not all of them visible: the inability to find or afford transportation, no access to safe, appropriate and affordable housing, not enough or unhealthy food which leads to chronic hunger cycles and lack of adequate nutrition.


Not only is this a social issue that we should all be concerned about, it’s also a business operational issue. An unhealthy social and economic environment leads to inadequate sleep and a lack of nutritious food in the labour force. This contributes to reduced productivity and therefore negatively impacts overall operations.


On the flip-side, a healthier social environment yields healthier families, improved productivity and a stronger economy. “The District of Parry Sound Speaks Out on Poverty: A Call to Action,” provides in-depth information on local circumstances and recommends strategies to link economic development and poverty prevention.


Contact info – Copy of report available at www.dpspr.ca. To receive a paper copy by mail call 1-800-563-2808 ext 3200, or email pspoverty@gmail.com to reach a co-chair (Dianna Allen or Tami Boudreau) of the District of Parry Sound Poverty Reduction Network.

What’s Happening With Our Members?


Susan Poole of 40 Bay Street B&B
Congratulations to Susan Poole of 40 Bay Street Bed and Breakfast on her accreditation with the BB Canada to be a certified instructor for coaching Bed and Breakfast operations!!


Georgian Bay Software New Location


Georgian Bay Software is thrilled to announce they are officially moving to their new, larger store! Located at 42 Gibson Street they now have double the retail space, double the tech space, and a new training area for classes and Internet Cafe.

They are hosting a grand opening on Saturday, August 28th so swing by, check out the new store, and enjoy a BBQ lunch.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - August 11, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Chamber Comings and Goings

A note from Perry;
On behalf of the board of directors and myself we’d like to extend to Rebecca all the best for the future. She has played an important roll in the Chambers growth the past two years and we certainly appreciate her hard work.


Golf Tournament

The Chamber is currently finalizing the plans for our Annual Golf Tournament which will be held at the Parry Sound Golf and Country Club. We’ll have detailed information out to you shortly under separate email cover.


Business After Hours

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 (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for any Business After Hours.


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Business Planning Seminars - REDAC

Are you ready to pitch to the Parry Sound Dragon’s this fall? Are you looking to improve your overall business knowledge or brush up on some specific skills? Don’t miss the following seminars geared to improving your business savvy. All seminars are FREE but RSVP is required.

August 4 - Market Research presented by The Business Centre
Join The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound and discover how marketing is key in making a good business great. Whether you are a seasonal or year-round business selling a product, service, or both this workshop will provide small business owners with the information necessary to successfully market your business.

4:30 to 6:00PM - Nipissing/Parry Sound Board Room, 1A Church St.

August 11 - Marketing - presented by the Business Centre
Nipissing/Parry Sound Board Room, 1A Church St.

August 18 - Financial Planning for Business
Parry Sound Fire Hall, 4 Church Street

August 25 - Valuation
Nipissing/Parry Sound Board Room, 1A Church St.

August 26 - Intellectual Property
Parry Sound Fire Hall, 4 Church Street

September 1 - Presentation Skills as presented by Local Entrepreneurs, Keith Saulnier of Georgian Bay Airways and Andrew Ryeland of Bear Claw Tours.
Nipissing/Parry Sound Board Room, 1A Church St.
***This seminar is mandatory for anyone who wishes to participate in the presentation rehearsals***

September 15 - Presentation Rehearsals
Dragons Den Applicants will have the opportunity to perform a mock presentation and gain valuable feedback on their presentations from a panel of business-minded individuals.
Please contact Stephanie at The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound at 746-5892 to book a time.

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!


Travel Intentions Study – Summer/Fall 2010

The Summer/Fall 2010 presentation of the Travel Intentions Study has just been posted to the Ministry’s website.

This presentation includes:
- Intent to travel to/within Ontario
- Perception of Ontario and specific destinations
- Barriers to travelling in Ontario
- Traveller’s attitudinal and behavioural trends
- The Social Benefits of Travel
The presentation is available at:
http://www.tourism.gov.on.ca/english/research/travel_intentions/index.html

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - August 3, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Chamber Comings and Goings

There is also an element of change in the air at the Chamber. General Manager Rebecca Cowan has accepted a position with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Alberta, but will be handing the reins of the Chamber operation over to the very capable and familiar Perry Harris.

Having previously held the role of General Manager, as well as having been actively involved in the Chamber Board for several years, Perry is perfectly positioned to guide the Chamber in this exciting and innovative time.

A note from Rebecca;
I would like to thank everyone involved with the Chamber – staff, members, directors, advisors, partners, municipalities, etc. – for making the past two years such a wonderful time of learning, growth and development. In the words of broadcaster Tom Brokaw, “It’s easy to make a buck, it’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” My dearest hope is that our team efforts have made a difference for both individual businesses and the community as a whole. I look forward to crossing paths with my many Chamber friends and family in the future. Thank you all for your support and best wishes!


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Business Planning Seminars - REDAC

Are you ready to pitch to the Parry Sound Dragon’s this fall? Are you looking to improve your overall business knowledge or brush up on some specific skills? Don’t miss the following seminars geared to improving your business savvy.

Market Research - presented by The Business Centre

Let The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound help you learn how to sift through the endless amount of statistical data and uncover what is meaningful and useful for your particular needs. This session focuses on the importance of market research when developing a business idea. Whether you are an entrepreneur who is just starting out or an existing business owner looking to learn more about your market, this seminar will contain useful information for you.

August 4th - 4:30 to 6:00PM
Community Business and Development Centre, 1A Church St.


Marketing - presented by the Business Centre

Discover how marketing is key in making a good business great. Whether you are a seasonal or year-round business selling a product, service, or both this workshop will provide small business owners with the information necessary to successfully market your business.

August 11th - 4:30 to 6:00PM
Community Business and Development Centre, 1A Church St.


Financial Planning for Business

This session covers the basics of what you need to know to understand your financial statements including the profit and loss statement, cash flow, and balance sheet. Be sure to bring your numbers along and leave with a more detailed financial plan.

August 18th - 4:30 to 6:00PM
Parry Sound Fire Hall, 4 Church Street


Valuation - presented by Jeffrey D. Cling & Morgan McIntyre

Join Valuation Experts of ap Valuations Limited for a presentation done in partnership with The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound.

August 25th - 4:30 to 6:00PM
Community Business and Development Centre, 1A Church St.


Presentation Skills - Presented by Entrepreneurs, Keith Saulnier of Georgian Bay Airways and Andrew Ryeland of Bear Claw Tours.

Entrepreneurs hoping to impress clients, attract customers, secure financing, and keep employees happy must have the ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
This interactive workshop is designed to enhance the oral presentation skills required to increase one’s professional effectiveness.

September 1st - 4:30 to 6:00PM
Community Business and Development Centre, 1A Church St
***This seminar is mandatory for anyone who wishes to participate in the presentation rehersals***


Presentation Rehersals

Dragons Den Applicants will have the opportunity to perform a mock presentation and gain valuable feedback on their presentations from a panel of business-minded individuals.

September 15th - contact Stephanie at 746-5892 to book a time

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!


Reporting Procedures for Ontario First Nations Point-of-Sale Relief

The Province of Ontario recently announced it intends to continue to offer Ontario First Nations relief from tax on certain purchases made off-reserve. Vendors and service providers who sell to eligible Ontario First Nations customers should be aware of reporting procedures for the point-ofsale relief of an amount equal to the provincial part of the harmonized sales tax (HST).

Effective September 1, 2010, eligible Ontario First Nations customers can benefit from a credit equal to the 8 per cent provincial part of the HST at the point of sale when they purchase qualifying goods and services off-reserve.

The Canada Revenue Agency has prepared an Information Sheet that discusses how GST/HST registrants who provide this credit at the point of sale would be required to report the HST, beginning September 1, 2010. Please see GST/HST Info Sheet GI-106, Ontario First Nations Point-of-Sale Relief - Reporting Requirements for GST/HST Registrant Suppliers.

For more information on who is eligible for this credit and which supplies of goods and services will qualify, go to the Province of Ontario Web site at: www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/firstnations.html

For more information on the HST, go to www.cra.gc.ca/gsthst


Travel Intentions Study – Summer/Fall 2010

The Summer/Fall 2010 presentation of the Travel Intentions Study has just been posted to the Ministry’s website. This presentation includes:
- Intent to travel to/within Ontario
- Perception of Ontario and specific destinations
- Barriers to travelling in Ontario
- Traveller’s attitudinal and behavioural trends
- The Social Benefits of Travel

The presentation is available at:
http://www.tourism.gov.on.ca/english/research/travel_intentions/index.html_



What Are Our Members Doing?

Moose FM & Health Centre Foundation Radio-thon


Thursday August 12th, The Moose is teaming with their friends at the “West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation” in aid of their “Support The Girls” digital mammography project. They are looking to raise funds to replace the current outdated mammography machine at the hospital.
Tune in, open your hearts and wallets AND tell your friends! Number to call and make a pledge is 746 4291 or 746 2163. Also donations can be brought in to 60 James Street Suite 301. The Radio-thon will go from 6am-6pm.