Monday, January 24, 2011

Tuesday E-mail - January 18, 2011

Chamber Happenings:

Business Collage

The Chamber would like to promote your business even more by placing a “business collage” display in the office. We’re requesting that all members interested drop off or send in a picture of your business, preferably showing the name in the shot as well, and we’ll arrange to have them posted here in the office.

President’s Ball

The date has been set for our annual President’s Ball and Business Awards. Mark April 16th, 2011 to your calendar to attend the event and watch coming communications for information on nominating a fellow chamber member.

E-Business Seminar - February 23rd

Following the great response from the December 1 “Social Media, Don’t be Left Behind” event plans are underway for a more in-depth follow up. This is a event not to be missed so mark February 23rd on your calendar and stay tuned for more details in the next few weeks.


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

Using Social Media to grow your business Webinar

Have you started using social media marketing to expand your business? This free one hour webinar hosted by TD Canada Trust will teach you 10 tips to build your online social strategy.

Learn how to:
- Build an effective social media marketing campaign
- Respond to what is being said about your brand & business
- Set up an online page and maintain your online presence
- Use social media to drive traffic to your website and engage prospects
- Distribute your targeted messages using multiple online channels
- Advertise online on a small budget

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 12 pm - 1pm
Click Here to Register

Women in Business Lunch

Are you a woman in business looking for great ideas? Join Barb Kerr, CFP for lunch to hear business tips & ideas to grow your business. Network with others sharing their successful business experiences!

When: Tuesday January 25th
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Wellingtons Pub & Grill
Cost: $11.95 (plus tax and gratuity)

Reserve a spot for you and a friend with Barb or Kathy at (705) 746-8753 or email barb.kerr@investorsgroup.com


What’s Happening with our Members

Wright’s Marina Wins Award

Wright’s Marina has won a national award for their continued effort towards bettering their practices to ensure preservation of the environment. Congratulations to owners Graham &
Karrie Lacey on winning the Green Marine Environmental Award at the Canadian Safe Boating Awards.

The Lacey’s took over the business in 2000 and by 2008, had received all 5 green anchors under the Ontario Marine Operator’s Association’s clean marine program. This past year they scored a gold rating, just a point and a half away from a platinum rating! A huge accomplishment!

As fellow members under the Green Marina Program, Big Sound Marina and the Chamber would like to congratulate Wright’s Marina on this tremendous award!

New Funding announced in support of local entrepreneurship

Seven entrepreneurs in Parry Sound are launching or expanding their businesses and helping to create more than 20 new jobs in the area.

With support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, these businesses will help diversify the economy and bring new products or services to the area. Two of the businesses receiving funding are Chamber Members, congratulations to Applause Party Rentals and CE Bennett Limited on their new business ventures.

Tuesday E-mail - January 11, 2011

Chamber Happenings:

E-Business Seminar - February 23rd

Following the great response from the December 1 “Social Media, Don’t be Left Behind” event plans are underway for a more in-depth follow up. This is a event not to be missed so mark February 23rd on your calendar and stay tuned for more details in the next few weeks.

Chamber Business Breakfast

On Wednesday January 5th the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Breakfast with Tony Clement” at the Log Cabin Inn. Over 60 business owners/operators and community leaders attended this event to meet with Minister Clement and discuss current issues.

Minister Clement appreciated the opportunity and mentioned “It was a pleasure to hear the views and news from the Chamber and it’s members as I am doing my best to hear from as many grassroots business leaders as possible. You are the bedrock of our economy and your work will help drive the economic growth, research, innovation and job creation that the region will need for future success.”

“Grassroots” Roundtable

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, met on Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 with Parry Sound business leaders as part of a series of consultations the Minister will be holding with Canadians on the government’s upcoming budget.

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to have facilitated the event which included a cross section of business owners from the area allowing them to have open and frank discussions with Minister Clement.

Minister Clement stated that “We are fortunate in Canada to have returned to growth faster then many of our G7 partners” and those attending the meeting felt guarded optimism for the
upcoming business year.

Chamber Annual General Meeting

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting was held last night at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We would like to thank the members who were in attendance and welcome everyone into the 113th year of operation for the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce.


What’s Happening in our Business Community

10 Digit Dialing - January 15th

A reminder that you only have until this Saturday January 15th to update all of your business contact information to include the 705 area code.

New Funding announced in support of Small Business Growth

The Federal Government announced last week a boost in support of small business growth in the Parry Sound Area. The support money will be funneled through our local Community Business and Development Centre in the form of repayable loans, equity and loan guarantees. Great news for our local business community.

OMHA Top Ten Lists

Parry Sound was recently named on three top-ten lists in the OMHA’s annual Top Ten edition of Hometown Hockey magazine. The BOCC was named the sixth best minor hockey arena in the league while the Town of Parry Sound was named second OMHA centre to play in. The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame also made the cut as the sixth best attraction to see on the road.
This great achievement is a nod to all the support our community and local businesses give to minor hockey in our area. Congratulations to everyone involved in supporting our local passion for the game of Hockey.

Facebook and your business

If you run a business, you should be on Facebook. A simple statement but why? Follow the link below to read a great article on the benefits of Facebook for businesses, why you should have your business listed, why you now need more than just a website for online presence and the importance of engaging with your customers.

Click Here to read the informative article


What’s Happening with our Members

Airport Expansion Funding

During last weeks funding announcements, Minister Clement also announced funding for the airport expansion project. Congratulations to the airport and all the best throughout the duration of the project.

Tuesday E-mail - January 4, 2011

Chamber Happenings:

Chamber Business Breakfast

The Chamber Business Breakfast is taking place Tomorrow January 5, start time 8am. RSVP’s must be received by Noon today.

Join special guest Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement for a sit down plated hot breakfast at the Log Cabin for only $15.00 tax & grat included. This is a great opportunity to get out with fellow chamber members and hear about hot topics items effecting our business community.


Chamber Annual General Meeting

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held next Monday 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

10 Digit Dialing - January 15th

A reminder to update all of your business contact information to include the 705 area code.
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.

Canada Post rates on the rise
On January 17, 2011 postage rates will rise bringing up the cost of mailing for your business. For updated rates please visit:
http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/ratesprices/postalprices2011.jsf


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

Community Living - The World Cafe

Community Living through the Synergy Project bring you the World Café for inclusive communities! Join them for an evening discussion about facilitating positive changes in the town of Parry Sound. No charge to attend and includes one FREE non-alcoholic beverage and snack per person.

Wednesday January 19th, 2011 7:00pm - 8:30pm at Wellington’s Pub and Grill
For more information please contact the Synergy Project
Coordinator at Community Living. Alyssa Koenderink, Phone: (705) 746-9330, ext. 243


What’s Happening with our Members

Fireplace and Leisure Centre


Congratulations to Jay and Shelley Wallace from the Fireplace & Leisure Centre on the recent editorial in the winter edition of “Our Homes” magazine! It’s great to see this type of editorial on our members and as you know Jay and Shelley have been in business for over 20 years serving our area and are well respected. Congrats again guys!!

Ardco New Location

Congratulations to Ardco Systems Inc. on their recent move to a new location at 51 Miller Street in Parry Sound. Be sure to visit them at their new location and checkout all of the great products they have to offer.