Monday, October 25, 2010

Tuesday E-mail - October 19, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Upcoming Business After Hours

November 17th - Hidden Bay Leadership Camp
We are currently booking business after hours dates for 2011. If your business is interested in hosting a after hours event please contact Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.


Information Updates

Chamber staff are currently making calls to update our members business information. This information will be used for the upcoming printing of our business directory as well as to put customers through to your doors be it through our online business directory, telephone, e-mail or drop in requests for information. The more we know about your business the better we can promote you, if you are now offering new services or have made changes to your business please be sure to keep us informed.


Chamber Happenings:

Business After Hours & Salute to Small Business

Thank you to the October hosts RBC, the Stockey Centre and the Business Centre for putting on a great event with guest speakers Rhonda Scarf on Charisma, Credibility and Confidence; the 1-2-3 Plan for Success! Followed by Dawn Desjardins, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Economist, on the outlook for the 2011 Economy.

A reminder to all members to take advantage of these free events as they are a excellent networking and learning opportunity.


Dragons Den

The Chamber was happy to be a partner this fantastic event, Congratulations to the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) on hosting a successful Dragons Den from which one local business received financial support to get their new product out on the market.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Contact North and PARO workshops

Contact North and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer workshops every Wednesday in October. The sessions are available free of charge and open to all Parry Sound and area residents (both men and women) 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.

Action Planning
October 20, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre

Sales Strategies for Small Business
October 20, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Lisa Vescio, PARO Centre

Industry and Target Market Research
October 27, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
with Jesse Roberts, Thunder Bay Public Library & Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre
Industry Research
•Where to find information to conduct Industry Research
• Online research
• Gathering Canadian business information through trade publications & news media
• InfoTrac Small Business E Collection
Target Market Research
• 3 C’s of market research
• Market trends and market share
• Formulating a survey for target market research

It’s No Accident!
WSIB – Small Business Basics
October 27, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
with Randi Monteith, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario.
Ready to Hire? Need a Plan? How to get started and the resources available to you.


What’s Happening in our Community?

10 digit telephone dialing begins January 15th

Beginning January 15, 2011, our region will be required to dial 10 digits – the 705 area code followed by the seven-digit phone number– for all local calls. The introduction of 10-digit dialing in the area will pave the way for the addition of a new area code, 249, in March 2011, as the 705 area code reaches capacity.

Businesses and consumers need to begin preparations for 10-digit dialing as early as possible. For a checklist of the information your business should be updating visit
http://www.region450.com/content/documents/Checklist_Business_EN.pdf

Tuesday E-mail - October 12, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Business After Hours

Upcoming Business After Hours:
October 13th - RBC & The Stockey Centre (Following Salute to Small Business)
November 17th - Hidden Bay Leadership Camp


Join us on October 13th at the RBC & Stockey Centre Business After Hours, 5:00pm at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. Come out and network with your fellow
members and make new connections. This business after hours is following the Salute to Small
Business event, attendees can choose to attend one or both of the events.


Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.

Salute to Small Business


Join the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Centre, RBC and the Stockey Centre on October 13, 2010 for a presentation by Rhonda Scarf on Charisma, Credibility and Confidence; the 1-2-3 Plan for Success! Followed by Dawn Desjardins, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Economist, and the outlook for the 2011 Economy.


Where: Charles W. Stockey Centre
When: October 13th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Registration beings at 3:30pm
Cost: Free
A light dinner and refreshments will be available.


Registration is required, to reserve your seat, please contact Carly Hughes at: (705) 746-5892 or carly.hughes@vianet.ca (This is a part of the October Business After Hours Event)


Dragons Den


Join the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, REDAC and the Business Centre on October 15th for The Parry Sound Dragon’s Den. Watch local business owners as they pitch their ideas to the dragons, a group of high networth individuals with a vested interest in our community.


Time: 7:30pm
Location: Charles W. Stockey Centre
Tickets: $10 - Available at the Stockey Centre Box Office
For more information contact Kirsten LeDrew - Area Economic Development Coordinator at 705-746-2101 ext. 39 or kledrew@townofparrysound.com. You can also visit www.cityfree.ca for more information.


Chamber Happenings:


Chamber Fall Classic Golf Tournament

The Chamber held it’s “Fall Classic” golf tournament on October 6th. Congratulations to the following winners:

Winning Team:
- Team Sobeys: John Anderson, Dwayne Conrad, Bob Fell and Garry Cotter.


Longest Drive - Womens: Paula Mardon
Longest Drive - Mens: Joey Rainer
Closest to the Hole - Womens: Kathy Parton
Closest to the Hole - Mens: Brian Skinner
Putting Contest: Dan McCauley

Thank you to our sponsors!

Hole in One Contest - $10,000 prize! - Canada Brokerlink
Golf Cart Sponsor - Parry Sound Insurance Brokers
Longest Drive Men’s & Women’s - Bay Area Electric
Closest to Pin Men’s & Women’s - Linkhouse Media
Putting Contest - Linkhost Media


Hole Sponsors:
• Assante Capital Management Ltd.

• Comfort Inn
• Hall Construction Inc.

• LM Chimney Services
• Harris Property Management

• K&H Engines
• Oldham Law Firm

• Parry Sound KOA
• Parry Sound Sobeys

• Ritchie Insurance
• Tamarack North Ltd.

• TD Canada Trust
• Terry Clark Chartered Accountants

• Wright’s Marina Ltd.
• Mr. Electric, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Midland

• Parry Sound North Star/Beacon Star
• Remax Real Estate - Kevin Whetham


Special Thanks to Parry Sound Sobeys for their donation of bottled water for all players and to the Parry Sound Golf and Country Club Staff for their wonderful service making for a great event.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Contact North and PARO workshops


Contact North and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer workshops every Wednesday in October. The sessions are available free of charge and open to all Parry Sound and area residents (both men and women) 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.


Action Planning
October 20, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre
• Developing a Business Action Plan to reach your goals

• Defining measurable goals
• Prioritizing and setting target dates
• Measuring and evaluating progress


Sales Strategies for Small Business
October 20, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Lisa Vescio, PARO Centre
• What is the Sales Process?
• The steps toward making a successful sale
• How to close the sale


Industry and Target Market Research
October 27, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
with Jesse Roberts, Thunder Bay Public Library & Christine
Sikerbol, PARO Centre
Industry Research
•Where to find information to conduct IndustryResearch
• Online research
• Gathering Canadian business information through trade publications & news media
• InfoTrac Small Business E Collection
Target Market Research
• 3 C’s of market research
• Market trends and market share
• Formulating a survey for target market research


It’s No Accident!
WSIB – Small Business Basics
October 27, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
with Randi Monteith, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario.

Ready to Hire? Need a Plan? How to get started and the resources available to you.


What’s Happening in our Community?


MNDM&F Summer Jobs Program Claims Due

A reminder to all businesses who used the MNDM&F Summer Jobs Program this year, the claim forms are due back by October 15th. If you have questions or require more information please contact Larry Taylor - (705) 773-4217 or larry.taylor1@ontario.ca

What’s Happening With Our Members?


Sail Parry Sound - Aviva Fund


Sail Parry Sound has submitted an application for funding through the AVIVA Community Fund. The reason they have applied is for capital funding is to meet increased demands and anticipated growth in 2011 Sailing School registrations relative to their recent qualification as a Day Care provider through Parry Sound District Social Services.


If successful the funding will purchase 4 additional boats, complete the 2nd floor of their facility for a foul weather classroom, and provide increased dockage. The winners of the competition are determined by a public vote so register and vote everyday!
http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf5401


The Big Brain New Location!


Congratulations to the Big Brain on their move to a bigger and better location. Now at 45 Forest Street in Parry Sound they have more parking and a larger working space so they can better fit your business needs.

Tuesday E-mail - October 5, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Golf Tournament - Last Chance for Golf!

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce “Fall Classic” Golf Tournament is happening this Wednesday October 6th. Join your fellow Chamber members as we tee-off for a day of networking and making new connections.
The day’s events include 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner and a $10,000 Hole in One Contest. There is still time to sign up your team or as a individual by contacting the Chamber (705) 746-4213.


Business After Hours

A BIG Thank you to Georgian Bay Airways and Bear Claw Tours for hosting the September Business After Hours. Attendees enjoyed a great affair with icecream, coffee, ATV rides and 8 lucky people got to go for a flight!
Upcoming Business After Hours:
October 13th - RBC & The Stockey Centre (Following Salute to Small Business)
November 17th - Hidden Bay Leadership Camp

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.


Salute to Small Business

Join the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Centre, RBC and the Stockey Centre on October 13, 2010 for a presentation by Rhonda Scarf on Charisma, Credibility and Confidence; the 1-2-3 Plan for Success! Followed by Dawn Desjardins, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Economist, and the outlook for the 2011 Economy.

Where: Charles W. Stockey Centre
When: October 13th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Registration beings at 3:30pm
Cost: Free
A light dinner and refreshments will be available.

Registration is required, to reserve your seat, please contact Carly Hughes at: (705) 746-5892 or carly.hughes@vianet.ca
(This is a part of the October Business After Hours Event)


Dragons Den

Join the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, REDAC and the Business Centre on October 15th for The Parry Sound Dragon’s Den. Watch local business owners as they pitch their ideas to the dragons, a group of high networth individuals with a vested interest in our community.

Time: 7:30pm
Location: Charles W. Stockey Centre
Tickets: $10 - Available at the Stockey Centre Box Office
For more information contact Kirsten LeDrew - Area
Economic Development Coordinator at 705-746-2101 ext. 39 or kledrew@townofparrysound.com. You can also visit www.cityfree.ca for more information.


Chamber Happenings:


All Candidates Meeting - Parry Sound:

The Chamber recently partnered with the Parry Sound North Star, TV Cogeco and the Moose FM to host the 2010 Parry Sound Municipal All Candidates Meeting. The event took place on September 27th and included our local board trustee, mayoral and councillor candidates.

To see the schedule of when it will broadcast on TVCogeco or to see video clips of the Mayoral Candidates please visit www.tvcogeco.com/huntsville-gravenhurst


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Contact North and PARO workshops

Contact North and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer workshops every Wednesday in October. The sessions are available free of charge and open to all Parry Sound and area residents (both men and women) 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.

Financial Planning for Your Business
October 13, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Vonnie Cheng, Sunlife Financial
Learn about the importance of planning for the financial success of your business.

Action Planning
October 20, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre
• Developing a Business Action Plan to reach your goals
• Defining measurable goals
• Prioritizing and setting target dates
• Measuring and evaluating progress

Sales Strategies for Small Business
October 20, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Lisa Vescio, PARO Centre
• What is the Sales Process?
• The steps toward making a successful sale
• How to close the sale


What’s Happening in our Community?


HST - First Nations point-of-sale tax relief

Since September 1, 2010 GST/HST registrant suppliers have been able to provide tax relief to eligible First Nations peoples at the point of sale. The relief equals the 8% provincial part of HST and applies to qualifying off-reserve supplies of property or services made in Ontario.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has created a video to help goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) registrant suppliers learn about their reporting requirements for Ontario First Nations point-of-sale tax relief. To see the video, please visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/hrmnztn/wtchfrstntns-eng.html


MNDM&F Summer Jobs Program Claims Due

A reminder to all businesses who used the MNDM&F Summer Jobs Program this year, the claim forms are due back by October 15th. If you have questions or require more information please contact Larry Taylor - (705) 773-4217 or larry.taylor1@ontario.ca


What’s Happening With Our Members?

Pet Valu - New location!

Congratlations to Pet Valu on their move to a larger location! The store will be re-located next door to a larger space this week. Opening on Wednesday with a grand opening on October 16th. Be sure to stop by and check out the new store! 1 Pine Drive in Parry Sound.

Tuesday E-mail - September 28, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


Accessibility Workshop - This Wednesday

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a workshop to help your business comply with Ontario’s new customer service standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This seminar is important for ALL Businesses. For more information on the customer service standards and the subjects which will be covered by speaker Louie DiPalma please visit http://www.accessibilityworks.ca/

Wednesday September 29, 2010 at the West Parry Sound District Museum start time 8:30am. Please RSVP to Jessie at the Chamber (705) 746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca


Business After Hours this Wednesday

Join your fellow Chamber members on September 29, 2010 at a business after hours hosted by Georgian Bay Airways and Bear Claw Tours at Georgian Bay Airways location on Bay Street. Come and enjoy coffee and ice cream while touring their great facility. Enter a draw for eight lucky attendees to go on a flight following (weather permitting).

Attendees are asked to please bring a food item for our local food bank. Items in need include: canned meats, children’s lunch items, peanut butter, baby formula, canned veggies etc.

Other upcoming Business After Hours:
October 13th - RBC & The Stockey Centre
November 17th - Hidden Bay Leadership Camp

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.


Golf Tournament

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce “Fall Classic” Golf Tournament is quickly approaching. Join your fellow Chamber members on October 6th as we tee-off for a day of networking and making new connections.

The day’s events include 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner and a $10,000 Hole in One Contest. Sign up your team or as a individual today by contacting the Chamber (705) 746-4213.


Salute to Small Business

Join the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Centre, RBC and the Stockey Centre on October 13, 2010 for a presentation by Rhonda Scarf on Charisma, Credibility and Confidence; the 1-2-3 Plan for Success! Followed by Dawn Desjardins, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Economist, and the outlook for the 2011 Economy.

Where: Charles W. Stockey Centre
When: October 13th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Registration beings at 3:30pm
Cost: Free
A light dinner and refreshments will be available.
Registration is required, to reserve your seat, please contact Carly Hughes at: (705) 746-5892 or carly.hughes@vianet.ca
(This is a part of the October Business After Hours Event)


Chamber Happenings:


All Candidates Meeting - Parry Sound:

The Chamber has partnered with the Parry Sound North Star, TV Cogeco and the Moose FM to host the 2010 Parry Sound Municipal All Candidates Meeting. Taking place on September 27th at the Charles W. Stockey Centre the evening will include our local board trustee, mayoral and councillor candidates. Starting at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

The event will also be broadcast on TVCogeco Tuesday September 28th.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars:


Contact North and PARO workshops


Contact North and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer workshops every Wednesday in October. The sessions are available free of charge and open to all Parry Sound and area residents (both men and women) 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.


Bookkeeping II
October 6, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre Essentials for any Business!
• Business types and business bookkeeping
• Developing your business’ chart of accounts
• Cash Basis Accounting
• Single and Double Entry Accounting
• Debits and Credits
• The Accounting Cycle


Face-to-Face: Facebook Basics
October 6, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Jesse Roberts, Thunder Bay Public Library
Discover the benefits of having a business presence on the “social web”, and learn how easy it is to set up and manage your own page.


Financial Planning for Your Business
October 13, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Vonnie Cheng, Sunlife Financial
Learn about the importance of planning for the financial success of your business.


What’s Happening With Our Members?

Retirement Activity Fair!!

Are you retired or new to the area and wondering what to do? Join Barb Kerr, Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner Professional with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. as they host the 7th Annual Barb Kerr Retirement Activity fair! Tuesday October 5th, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre, 10am - 2pm. Admission by donation to Hospice West Parry Sound.
For more information contact Barb Kerr at (705) 746-8753.