Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday E-mail - December 21, 2010
Chamber Happenings:
Chamber Holiday Hours
>The Chamber office will be closed December 24, 2010 at 12pm and will re-open on January 3, 2011 at 8:30am. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday.
Chamber Business Breakfast
The Chamber Business Breakfast will take place on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn. With special guest Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement. Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening.
Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can RSVP ahead and pay cash at the door.
As the Chamber will be closed during the stated Christmas break if you’re interested in attending the Breakfast with Minister Tony Clement on January 5th please ensure you call to rsvp or drop by the office to pick up your tickets before Friday December 24 at noon.
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Copyright Modernization Act - OCC
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has requested support from it’s members in regards to the proposed Copyright Modernization Act- Bill-C-32 which would see the modernization of the act.
Chamber Holiday Hours
>The Chamber office will be closed December 24, 2010 at 12pm and will re-open on January 3, 2011 at 8:30am. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday.
Chamber Business Breakfast
The Chamber Business Breakfast will take place on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn. With special guest Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement. Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening.
Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can RSVP ahead and pay cash at the door.
As the Chamber will be closed during the stated Christmas break if you’re interested in attending the Breakfast with Minister Tony Clement on January 5th please ensure you call to rsvp or drop by the office to pick up your tickets before Friday December 24 at noon.
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Copyright Modernization Act - OCC
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has requested support from it’s members in regards to the proposed Copyright Modernization Act- Bill-C-32 which would see the modernization of the act.
The board of directors feels strongly that this is an issue relevant to business and although perhaps not directly affecting our membership it’s a cause worth supporting.
If you have any questions or would like to know more information on this proposed legislation please visit the OCC web site at www.occ.on.ca.
What’s Happening in our Business Community
Starting on January 15, 2011, businesses and consumers in the 705 region will have to adopt 10-digit dialing – the area code followed by the phone number – for all local communications.
In addition, on March 19, 2011 a new area code 249 will also be introduced. For your local calls, you will always enter 10 digits (area code + local number) Anyone who already has a number with area code 705 will keep the same number.
What’s Happening with our Members
Click 1 - On the move
DBA Hospitality Store Open
A reminder that the Downtown Business Association Hospitality store will be open this week offering Free gift wrapping, draw baskets, popcorn and hot chocolate.
Wednesday (22nd) - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursday (23rd) - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday (24th) - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Think Local First
While finishing your last minute shopping this week be sure to Think Local First and support our
local businesses. When you chose to shop locally you are not only helping our economy but also encouraging local job growth, helping the environment and promoting entrepreneurship.
Tuesday E-mail - December 14, 2010
Chamber Happenings:
Chamber Business Breakfast
We’re very pleased to announce that Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement will be attending the Chamber Business Breakfast on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn.
Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can RSVP ahead and pay cash at the door. Looking forward to seeing a great turn out!
Business After Hours
Thank you to our business after hours hosts Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage who hosted a great group this past Wednesday. Thank you to everyone who came out to network and check out Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility.
Business after hours events are a great opportunity to make new connections, learn about other local businesses and what they have to offer and best of all only take a hour our of your busy schedule. Watch for more information in the new year on upcoming Business After Hour events.
We are really into Social Media!
The Chamber jumped on the Social Media band wagon about three years ago and have been growing our online presence ever since! Over that time we have learned many tricks like, posting pictures on Google Maps, it’s completely free and really easy.
As a example of how it works we looked at the 12 pictures we have posted of Big Sound Marina and the Town Docks over the past three years, in that time we have had over 3650 views on those pictures. That’s a lot of impressions for a few minutes work.
If you would like help with building your businesses Social Media presence we are here to help, just give us a call at (705) 746-4213 or e-mail jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
What’s Happening in our Business Community
Canadore College Pre-Construction Program Funding
In the upcoming year Canadore College will be holding a Pre-Construction Program. Through Service Canada there is funding available for those in need of assistance to overcome barriers to employment. If you know someone who would qualify for the funding program helping to keep people employed locally and supporting our local construction trade please see the flyer in the following blog post. For more detailed course information please contact Canadore’s West Parry Sound Campus at 746-9222.
OPP Media Release - Counterfeit Money
In a following blog post is a Media Release issued in regards to counterfeit money and just shows you that your employees are the front line to your business. Not only did they detect a crime in process but they also called neighbouring businesses to warn them. Remember, you nor your employees should ever put yourselves or your customers at any risk, call the OPP!
What’s Happening with our Members
Victoria Manor
We bid goodbye this month to a long standing business and Chamber Member in our area. Victoria Manor Bed and Breakfast has closed it’s doors after 14 years of business under the ownership of Sharon and John Ranney who have made the decision to retire. They will be truly missed by not only the local business community but by their many repeat customers. We wish Sharon and John all the best in their new adventures.
Think Local First this Holiday Season
When planning your Christmas Shopping this year don’t forget to “Think Local First” and supportour local business community and your fellow members. It’s estimated that every dollar you spend at local independent businesses grows by 300 percent in terms of economic benefit for your community.
Chamber Business Breakfast
We’re very pleased to announce that Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement will be attending the Chamber Business Breakfast on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn.
Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can RSVP ahead and pay cash at the door. Looking forward to seeing a great turn out!
Business After Hours
Thank you to our business after hours hosts Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage who hosted a great group this past Wednesday. Thank you to everyone who came out to network and check out Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility.
Business after hours events are a great opportunity to make new connections, learn about other local businesses and what they have to offer and best of all only take a hour our of your busy schedule. Watch for more information in the new year on upcoming Business After Hour events.
We are really into Social Media!
The Chamber jumped on the Social Media band wagon about three years ago and have been growing our online presence ever since! Over that time we have learned many tricks like, posting pictures on Google Maps, it’s completely free and really easy.
As a example of how it works we looked at the 12 pictures we have posted of Big Sound Marina and the Town Docks over the past three years, in that time we have had over 3650 views on those pictures. That’s a lot of impressions for a few minutes work.
If you would like help with building your businesses Social Media presence we are here to help, just give us a call at (705) 746-4213 or e-mail jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
What’s Happening in our Business Community
Canadore College Pre-Construction Program Funding
In the upcoming year Canadore College will be holding a Pre-Construction Program. Through Service Canada there is funding available for those in need of assistance to overcome barriers to employment. If you know someone who would qualify for the funding program helping to keep people employed locally and supporting our local construction trade please see the flyer in the following blog post. For more detailed course information please contact Canadore’s West Parry Sound Campus at 746-9222.
OPP Media Release - Counterfeit Money
In a following blog post is a Media Release issued in regards to counterfeit money and just shows you that your employees are the front line to your business. Not only did they detect a crime in process but they also called neighbouring businesses to warn them. Remember, you nor your employees should ever put yourselves or your customers at any risk, call the OPP!
What’s Happening with our Members
Victoria Manor
We bid goodbye this month to a long standing business and Chamber Member in our area. Victoria Manor Bed and Breakfast has closed it’s doors after 14 years of business under the ownership of Sharon and John Ranney who have made the decision to retire. They will be truly missed by not only the local business community but by their many repeat customers. We wish Sharon and John all the best in their new adventures.
Think Local First this Holiday Season
When planning your Christmas Shopping this year don’t forget to “Think Local First” and supportour local business community and your fellow members. It’s estimated that every dollar you spend at local independent businesses grows by 300 percent in terms of economic benefit for your community.
Tuesday E-mail - December 7, 2010
Chamber Happenings:
Chamber Business Breakfast
We’re very pleased to announce that Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement will be attending the Chamber Business Breakfast on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn.
Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can pay cash at the door. Looking forward to seeing a great turn out!
Business After Hours - This Wednesday
Our next Business After Hours event is this Wednesday December 8th at Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage, Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility. Join one of our new area business for a wine and cheese sampling, accompanied by Christmas music, good friends and giveaways. Take a tour of their facility, and make yourself at home. Because Christmas is approaching, they will be collecting non-perishable food items for those less fortunate.
RSVP’s should be directed to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.
Social Media, don’t be left behind
Thank you to all those who participated in the December 1st Social Media seminar. It was a great learning and networking opportunity with over 100 participants. If you missed out on this event or are looking to learn more don’t worry the Chamber and the Business Centre will be co-hosting a second follow up seminar in February. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
A special thanks to our event partners Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network, we look forward to working with you in the future to bring more events to the Parry Sound Area business community.
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars
REDAC Manufacturing Seminar
The REDAC Manufacturing Seminar set to take place today, December 7th has been cancelled due to a lack of response.
PARO December Workshops
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to residents across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. 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.
Hitting the Books! Record Keeping
December 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
What to do with all that paper that flows in and out of a business...
• Filing Mechanics and systems
• Record retention guidelines
• Bank statements, cancelled cheques, accounts payable, account chart of accounts, posting invoices and payments
Best Foot Forward
December 8, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
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!
Don’t Take it For Granted!
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
December 15, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Linda Braun
• An introduction to the NOHFC
• How do you know that you are eligible
• How to apply
What’s Happening with our Members?
Tina’s Fitness Studio - Open House
Our newest Chamber member Tina’s Fitness Studio will be hosting a Open House and One year Anniversary Celebration. Saturday December 11th from 12-2:30pm. Take a break from your Christmas shopping and stop by Tina’s Fitness Studio for some fun, snacks, beverages, information on the different programs they offer, and a Free Nutrition presentation. For more information visit www.puravidayogaandspin.com
Don’t forget, when planning your Christmas Shopping to “Think Local First” and support our local business community and your fellow members.
Chamber Business Breakfast
We’re very pleased to announce that Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement will be attending the Chamber Business Breakfast on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn.
Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can pay cash at the door. Looking forward to seeing a great turn out!
Business After Hours - This Wednesday
Our next Business After Hours event is this Wednesday December 8th at Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage, Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility. Join one of our new area business for a wine and cheese sampling, accompanied by Christmas music, good friends and giveaways. Take a tour of their facility, and make yourself at home. Because Christmas is approaching, they will be collecting non-perishable food items for those less fortunate.
RSVP’s should be directed to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.
Social Media, don’t be left behind
Thank you to all those who participated in the December 1st Social Media seminar. It was a great learning and networking opportunity with over 100 participants. If you missed out on this event or are looking to learn more don’t worry the Chamber and the Business Centre will be co-hosting a second follow up seminar in February. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
A special thanks to our event partners Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network, we look forward to working with you in the future to bring more events to the Parry Sound Area business community.
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars
REDAC Manufacturing Seminar
The REDAC Manufacturing Seminar set to take place today, December 7th has been cancelled due to a lack of response.
PARO December Workshops
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to residents across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. 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.
Hitting the Books! Record Keeping
December 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
What to do with all that paper that flows in and out of a business...
• Filing Mechanics and systems
• Record retention guidelines
• Bank statements, cancelled cheques, accounts payable, account chart of accounts, posting invoices and payments
Best Foot Forward
December 8, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
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!
Don’t Take it For Granted!
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
December 15, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Linda Braun
• An introduction to the NOHFC
• How do you know that you are eligible
• How to apply
What’s Happening with our Members?
Tina’s Fitness Studio - Open House
Our newest Chamber member Tina’s Fitness Studio will be hosting a Open House and One year Anniversary Celebration. Saturday December 11th from 12-2:30pm. Take a break from your Christmas shopping and stop by Tina’s Fitness Studio for some fun, snacks, beverages, information on the different programs they offer, and a Free Nutrition presentation. For more information visit www.puravidayogaandspin.com
Don’t forget, when planning your Christmas Shopping to “Think Local First” and support our local business community and your fellow members.
Friday, December 3, 2010
12 simple questions to help make 2011 your best year ever
12 simple questions to help make 2011 your best year ever: An article by Donald Cooper, MBA
The Chamber is a subscriber to the Donna Cooper Newsletter, this is a free newsletter with information about ways to make your business better. The following is a article from that newsletter.
Now’s the time to be planning, deciding and implementing to make 2011 your best year ever. To help get you started, sit down with a few of the best minds and hearts in your business, or department, and invest an hour or so to answer these 12 simple questions. If you’re a 1-person business, you’re “it”, so just sit with yourself and go to it.
Note: These questions are simple...but some of the answers will not be. Where necessary, allocate homework and research assignments to members of your team to gather more info and new innovative thoughts. Here are your 12 questions:
1. What is our clear profit commitment for 2011 that will keep us financially healthy and reward us adequately for our time, effort and investment in the business?
2. What are the 3 most important things we need to do to improve or grow our business next year so that we achieve our profit commitment?
3. What are 3 things we do that tick our customers off...and what will we do to eliminate them?
4. What additional products or services would make us more helpful and more valuable to our customers? How can we profitably develop or implement those and add them to our offering?
5. What are 3 important things that any of our competitors do better than we do - and what will we do to fix that so that we’re clearly better than them?
6. What are 3 extraordinary things could we do to make doing business with us not all about price? What functional or emotional value could we create or what extraordinary service could we add that would ‘grab’ our target customers and fundamentally change the game? What has never been done before in our industry that would blow customers away?
7. We are what we communicate...so, what 3 gutsy things will we do in 2011 to more effectively promote our business and communicate our total value offering?
8. What are the 3 biggest expense items on which we can save money in 2011...and, specifically, how will we achieve those savings?
9. What are 3 things we can do to become “greener” in 2011...and beyond?
10. What are the 3 things we can do to improve internal communication and improve clarity about our commitments to customers, to each other and to the bottom line?
11. What is the most important new technology that we need to bring into our business in 2011?
12. We can’t grow our business without growing our people. What training, development or mentoring does each person on our team need to help us grow the business, serve customers more wonderfully and operate more effectively?
So, there you have it...12 questions to get you thinking about next year and how to make it your best ever. For each idea you come up with and commit to, be clear about who will do what, by when and measured how, to make it happen. Failure to implement effectively is one of the biggest challenges in most businesses today. Remember, businesses do not die from a single shot to the head. They die, slowly but surely, from a thousand uncompleted tasks.
The Chamber is a subscriber to the Donna Cooper Newsletter, this is a free newsletter with information about ways to make your business better. The following is a article from that newsletter.
Now’s the time to be planning, deciding and implementing to make 2011 your best year ever. To help get you started, sit down with a few of the best minds and hearts in your business, or department, and invest an hour or so to answer these 12 simple questions. If you’re a 1-person business, you’re “it”, so just sit with yourself and go to it.
Note: These questions are simple...but some of the answers will not be. Where necessary, allocate homework and research assignments to members of your team to gather more info and new innovative thoughts. Here are your 12 questions:
1. What is our clear profit commitment for 2011 that will keep us financially healthy and reward us adequately for our time, effort and investment in the business?
2. What are the 3 most important things we need to do to improve or grow our business next year so that we achieve our profit commitment?
3. What are 3 things we do that tick our customers off...and what will we do to eliminate them?
4. What additional products or services would make us more helpful and more valuable to our customers? How can we profitably develop or implement those and add them to our offering?
5. What are 3 important things that any of our competitors do better than we do - and what will we do to fix that so that we’re clearly better than them?
6. What are 3 extraordinary things could we do to make doing business with us not all about price? What functional or emotional value could we create or what extraordinary service could we add that would ‘grab’ our target customers and fundamentally change the game? What has never been done before in our industry that would blow customers away?
7. We are what we communicate...so, what 3 gutsy things will we do in 2011 to more effectively promote our business and communicate our total value offering?
8. What are the 3 biggest expense items on which we can save money in 2011...and, specifically, how will we achieve those savings?
9. What are 3 things we can do to become “greener” in 2011...and beyond?
10. What are the 3 things we can do to improve internal communication and improve clarity about our commitments to customers, to each other and to the bottom line?
11. What is the most important new technology that we need to bring into our business in 2011?
12. We can’t grow our business without growing our people. What training, development or mentoring does each person on our team need to help us grow the business, serve customers more wonderfully and operate more effectively?
So, there you have it...12 questions to get you thinking about next year and how to make it your best ever. For each idea you come up with and commit to, be clear about who will do what, by when and measured how, to make it happen. Failure to implement effectively is one of the biggest challenges in most businesses today. Remember, businesses do not die from a single shot to the head. They die, slowly but surely, from a thousand uncompleted tasks.
Tuesday E-mail - November 30, 2010
What Is The Chamber Doing For You?
Business After Hours
Our next Business After Hours event is on December 8th at Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage, Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility. Meet, greet and network with other Chamber members while enjoying some snacks and beverages. Please see the the following blog post for further information. RSVP’s should be directed to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213
Social Media, don’t be left behind
A reminder to all those who sent a RSVP, this seminar is happening tomorrow December 1st at the Stockey Centre. Registration is at 8:30am with the event running from 9-Noon.
We encourage all attendees to bring a unwrapped gift for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive.
Brought to you by a partnership between the Chamber, Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network.
Chamber Happenings:
OCC Advocacy for Apprenticeship Ratios
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has solicited our input in regards to the changes proposed to the “Role of The College of Trades”. The College of Trades is being phased in over the next three years to transfer administrative responsibilities for the skilled trades out of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and into an arms-length, self regulating, industry-led institution. The OCC is lobbying to see an increase for the apprenticeship
program worker to worker ratio that includes on the job as well as the classroom training component.
If you are currently in the skilled trades and would like to see the ratio of apprentice to skilled increased please respond back to Perry at perry@parrysoundchamber.ca
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars
REDAC Manufacturing Seminar
The Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee Redac is hosting a Manufacturing Seminar on December 7th. The Chamber supports this event and encourages all local businesses related to Manufacturing to see the following blog post.
PARO December Workshops
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to residents across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. 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.
It’s Your Money - Business Expenses & Budgeting!
December 1, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Barbara Gauthier - PARO Centre
Do 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
Secrets to Success
December 1, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Maggie Holbik, Crystal Clear Coaching
Do you want to reach your next success level? Are you struggling to make a profit? When success is the only option!
Hitting the Books! Record Keeping
December 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
What to do with all that paper that flows in and out of a business...
• Filing Mechanics and systems
• Record retention guidelines
• Bank statements, cancelled cheques, accounts payable, account chart of accounts, posting invoices and payments
Best Foot Forward
December 8, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
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!
Don’t Take it For Granted!
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
December 15, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Linda Braun
• An introduction to the NOHFC
• How do you know that you are eligible
• How to apply
What’s Happening in Our Community?
Health and Safety, it’s the Law
Did you know that if your workplace has 20 or more employees, you are required to have a joint health and safety committee with at least 2 members trained and certified in health and safety?
For more information on how this law effects your business visit www.wsps.ca/cert or call 1 877 494 WSPS (9777)
Don’t forget, when planning your Christmas Shopping “Think Local First” and support our local business community and your fellow members.
Business After Hours
Our next Business After Hours event is on December 8th at Dunn’s Parry Sound Self Storage, Parry Sound’s newest indoor self storage facility. Meet, greet and network with other Chamber members while enjoying some snacks and beverages. Please see the the following blog post for further information. RSVP’s should be directed to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213
Social Media, don’t be left behind
A reminder to all those who sent a RSVP, this seminar is happening tomorrow December 1st at the Stockey Centre. Registration is at 8:30am with the event running from 9-Noon.
We encourage all attendees to bring a unwrapped gift for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive.
Brought to you by a partnership between the Chamber, Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network.
Chamber Happenings:
OCC Advocacy for Apprenticeship Ratios
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has solicited our input in regards to the changes proposed to the “Role of The College of Trades”. The College of Trades is being phased in over the next three years to transfer administrative responsibilities for the skilled trades out of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and into an arms-length, self regulating, industry-led institution. The OCC is lobbying to see an increase for the apprenticeship
program worker to worker ratio that includes on the job as well as the classroom training component.
If you are currently in the skilled trades and would like to see the ratio of apprentice to skilled increased please respond back to Perry at perry@parrysoundchamber.ca
Chamber Annual General Meeting
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.
Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars
REDAC Manufacturing Seminar
The Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee Redac is hosting a Manufacturing Seminar on December 7th. The Chamber supports this event and encourages all local businesses related to Manufacturing to see the following blog post.
PARO December Workshops
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to residents across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. 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.
It’s Your Money - Business Expenses & Budgeting!
December 1, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Barbara Gauthier - PARO Centre
Do 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
Secrets to Success
December 1, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Maggie Holbik, Crystal Clear Coaching
Do you want to reach your next success level? Are you struggling to make a profit? When success is the only option!
Hitting the Books! Record Keeping
December 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
What to do with all that paper that flows in and out of a business...
• Filing Mechanics and systems
• Record retention guidelines
• Bank statements, cancelled cheques, accounts payable, account chart of accounts, posting invoices and payments
Best Foot Forward
December 8, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall - PARO Centre
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!
Don’t Take it For Granted!
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
December 15, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Linda Braun
• An introduction to the NOHFC
• How do you know that you are eligible
• How to apply
What’s Happening in Our Community?
Health and Safety, it’s the Law
Did you know that if your workplace has 20 or more employees, you are required to have a joint health and safety committee with at least 2 members trained and certified in health and safety?
For more information on how this law effects your business visit www.wsps.ca/cert or call 1 877 494 WSPS (9777)
Don’t forget, when planning your Christmas Shopping “Think Local First” and support our local business community and your fellow members.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
