Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Blog

Breakfast Television Kicks off Summer in Parry Sound!

2011-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce is excited to be assisting Georgian Bay Country with the Breakfast Television 'Kick Off To Summer' Show in Parry Sound on May 20, 2011. Check out the Media Release below for more information.

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Join residents and visitors to the Parry Sound Area as we celebrate the Kick off to Summer with Breakfast Television on May 20th. This is a free event open to anyone so bring your lawn chair and come down to the Town Dock on Bay Street in Parry Sound from 6:00am – 9:00am.

As our area offers so many fantastic activities Breakfast Television will also be in the area on May 19th taking in a variety of attractions, watch for them filming at various locations around town and the surrounding area.

Georgian Bay Country is pleased to announce that the Honorable Minister Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, will also be in attendance participating in the mornings events. This opportunity is going to allow the Parry Sound Area to show off the great place we live in so mark your calendars and come out and join in the fun on May 20th.

Please note that the agenda has been set and confirmed with Breakfast Television. Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Anna Marie Harris at Georgian Bay Country, 705.746.4455 or annamarie@gbcountry.com.
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Spring Update

2011-03-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

We have been neglecting our blog and for that we apologise but it's time to get back into the swing of blogging and information sharing with you!

April has shaped up to be a very busy month in the Parry Sound Area business community. The Chamber is busy organizing events and preparing for the upcoming summer season.

So what's happening this Spring??

President's Ball & Business Awards Gala, presented by Bell

Each year the Chamber gives a series of awards to local businesses, these awards are given based on nominations which come directly from our community. We see this as a great time to celebrate business success and so we invite you to join us at the President's Ball for a fantastic evening out, shake off the winter blues get dressed up and join us for a cocktail hour, fantastic dinner, award presentation and a dance. Tickets are $65 and available by contacting the Chamber staff at (705) 746-4213.

All Candidates Meeting - Federal

With the call for a Federal election on May 2, 2011 the Chamber along with the Parry Sound North Star and Moose FM have jumped to host a All Candidates Meeting to ensure the members of our community are able to make informed decisions. The date has been set for Tuesday April 19, 2011 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre beginning at 6:30pm. This is a free event open to everyone, those in attendance will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the local candidates and hear the campaign platforms.

Business After Hours - Bayside Inn

As a benefit to Chamber Members we hold a series of networking events, the next Business After Hours will be held on April 20th at Bayside Inn, for information contact Kathy at the Chamber office (705) 746-4213.

Accessible Customer Service Training

We have partnered with the Town of Parry Sound, the Downtown Business Association and the Regional Disability Advisory Council to bring Parry Sound Area Businesses Accessible Customer Service Training. The event will take place on Wednesday May 4, 2011 from 9:00am - 12:00pm at the Bobby Orr Community Centre.

This event is open to all staff and will cover a overview of the legislation, accessible customer service policies and tips for serving customers with a disability. Be sure you are meeting the requirements of the new legislation before the compliance deadline January 1, 2012.

Tickets are $15 and available at our office, 70 Church Street Parry Sound or by phone (Visa/MC) - (705) 746-4213.

20 Minute Make Over

On April 21, 2011 at 2:00pm at Chamber staff will be participating in PITCH-IN Week by cleaning up the area around our office. This is a great opportunity to get out of the office as a team and help make a difference. For more information on how you can participate visit www.pitch-in.ca.

That's all for now but stay tuned for more as we head into our business summer season!

Tuesday E-mail - January 18, 2011

2011-01-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Holiday's from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce

2010-12-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesday E-mail - December 21, 2010

2010-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

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.

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

10 Digit Dialing - January 15th

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

Chamber member Click 1 offering computer & network consulting and support services has moved to 49A William Street in Parry Sound. Congratulations 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.

Counterfeit Money Media Release

2010-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

Pre Construction Worker Program Funding Information

2010-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday E-mail - December 14, 2010

2010-12-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Tuesday E-mail - December 7, 2010

2010-12-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

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.

12 simple questions to help make 2011 your best year ever

2010-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

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.

REDAC Manufacturing Seminar

2010-12-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Business After Hours - Dunn's Parry Sound Self Storage

2010-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Tuesday E-mail - November 30, 2010

2010-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

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.

E-commerce Request for Feedback

2010-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Tuesday E-mail - November 23, 2010

2010-11-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours

Thank you to Hidden Bay Leadership Camp for hosting our last Business After Hours Event. A wonderful time was had by all at the high tea enjoying the delicious spread put out by their chef Sabine Kosalka. It was great to see the facilities and all they have to offer our community.

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 RSVP to Kathy at the Chamber office, (705) 746-4213 or kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca

Social Media, don’t be left behind - Free Seminar, Dec. 1st

This exciting seminar will help your business to better navigate the world of Social Media and Online Marketing with a purpose. Open to all Parry Sound Area Businesses this event will teach you about using social media effectively to create a return on investment and put people through your businesses doors.

Brought to you by a partnership between the Chamber, Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network.

Please see the November 5th blog post for further information. To RSVP please contact the Chamber at (705) 746-4213 or kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Registration is free but we encourage all attendees to bring a unwrapped gift for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive.

E-commerce Event (February)

In the following blog you will find information on a seminar we are currently planning to run with the Business Centre in February. The topic will be E-commerce. We are looking for feedback on what aspects of E-commerce you wish to learn more about. Please see the following blog post for further information on the Seminar and send your feedback to Jessie at the
Chamber: jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Window Clings

Becoming a member of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce you also become a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).

We have recently received 2011 OCC member window clings. If you are a member of the Chamber and would like to receive a OCC window Cling for your business please stop by and see us at the Chamber office, 70 Church Street, Parry Sound.

Chamber Happenings:

Membership Survey:

Thank you to our members for taking the time to respond to our latest survey regarding changing the number of communication emails you receive from us.

The response was pretty well unanimous in that you only want to receive one email a week from us as in the past. We’ll be refreshing the look of the Tuesday email and will continue to ensure that you have the latest information on what the Chamber, our members and the community is doing.

In regards to attaching flyers the response was less so we’ll take the information to the Membership Committee for review and will advise once policies have been put into place.
Thanks to all for responding and you’ll be seeing future survey requests in the future.

Chamber Logo

We encourage each Chamber member to add our logo onto their website and any promotional materials. This is a sign of not only strength by belonging to a Chamber but also solidarity with
your fellow members.

If you would like to use our logo please 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.

Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

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 November 30th
11:30 AM – 1 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

Georgian Bay Women’s Network Dinner & Guest Speaker

The Georgian Bay Women’s Network invites local women to join them for a festive Christmas Dinner and presentation from Leslie Bradford on ‘Ego In The Workplace’.

When: Thursday December 9th, 2010 - 5:30pm
Where: Wellington’s Banquet Room
RSVP to Susan Tait at susan@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca or (705) 746-4455.

Tuesday E-mail - November 16, 2010

2010-11-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Upcoming Business After Hours

Join Hidden Bay Leadership camp this Wednesday November 17th for a ‘High Tea’. Chef Sabine Kosalka will be presenting a selections of teas, English sweets and sandwiches.

Please RSVP to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.

Social Media, don’t be left behind - Free Seminar, Dec. 1st

This exciting seminar will help your business to better navigate the world of Social Media and Online Marketing with a purpose. Open to all Parry Sound Area Businesses this event will teach you about using social media effectively to create a return on investment and put people through your businesses doors.

Where: The Charles W. Stockey Centre
When: December 1, 2010
Registration: 8:30am
Event Start: 9:00am
Event End: Noon
Cost: Free, RSVP required

To RSVP or for more information please contact the Chamber at (705) 746-4213 or kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca

Brought to you in partnership with Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Womens Network. This event is funded in part by Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound and by the Business Centre - Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.

OCC Window Clings

As a member of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce you are also a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The OCC is a governing body which advocates on behalf of Chambers who belong to their association. This supports business in Ontario with issues regarding proposed changes in both the Federal and Provincial legislatures on behalf of business.
If you’re interested in receiving a 2011 window/door decal please contact Jessie in the office and we’ll gladly include one with your 2011 membership.

Chamber Happenings:

Reminder for feedback on Chamber E-mails

On Friday November 12th you were sent a e-mail requesting feedback on the format in which these e-mails are sent. A reminder to share your thoughts on how you would like to receive future communications from us.

Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

PARO Workshops - November 24

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.

Developing Your Marketing and Advertising Strategy
November 24, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Lisa Vescio, PARO Centre
• Developing a Business Action Plan to reach your goals
• Defining measurable goals
• Prioritizing and setting target dates
• Measuring and evaluating progress

Brainstorming for Marketing
November 24, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
with Marcia Arpin, All the Daze
• Brainstorming exercises
• Collective energies and shared conversation gets results
• Share your ideas and generate ideas to market your business or yourself

What’s Happening in our community

Business & Employment Standards

Your business & Employment Standards are you following the rules? The Ministry of Labour has put out a excellent workbook for employers on complying with the Employment Standards Act (ESA) This workbook will assist you in human resources items such as Hours of Work, Record Keeping and Payment of Wages.

The workbook can be found at:
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pdf/esworkbook.pdf

What’s Happening With Our Members?

Near North Recreation Open House & Fundraising BBQ

Near North Recreation’s second annual Open House and BBQ will be held on Saturday November 20th. All proceeds raised from the BBQ will be donated to the WPSHC ‘support the Girls” foundation. Food and staff for the BBQ has been donated by Parry Sound Sobey’s.
Visit www.nearnorthrecreation.ca for directions.

North of Muskoka Embroidery

North of Muskoka Embroidery has moved to a new location at 42 James Street, downtown Parry Sound. Their new phone number is (705) 746-5565. Congratulations on your move!

AVIVA Fund - Final Round

The final round of voting for the AVIVA Community Fund has begun, two of our members RISE and Sail Parry Sound are participating in this contest. To learn more and vote for our local service groups visit: www.avivacommunityfund.org

Edward Jones - Top 50 Best Employers Award

Congratulations to Edward Jones for ranking among the Top 50 Best Employers In Canada. Local chamber member Glendon MacGregor and staff are excited and proud about receiving this award as a part of the Edward Jones company.

Tuesday E-mail - November 9, 2010

2010-11-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Upcoming Business After Hours

Join Hidden Bay Leadership camp on November 17th for a ‘High Tea’. Chef Sabine Kosalka will be presenting a selections of teas, English sweets and sandwiches.

Please RSVP to Kathy at the Chamber office, kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213.
To see pictures from past Business After Hours visit our facebook page by Clicking Here

Complimentary Employers Breakfast

The Chamber is proud to be a partner in this exceptional event. Hosted by the YMCA Parry Sound Employment Service the Employers Breakfast is a great opportunity to learn how our local employment service office supports employers.

November 24th, 2010 at the Bobby Orr Community Centre from 7:30am - 9:30am.

RSVP to the YMCA Employment Service, 60 James Street, Suite 303 Parry Sound angela_kendall@ymca.ca or (705) 746-8480.

Social Media, don’t be left behind - Free Seminar, Dec. 1st

This exciting seminar will help your business to better navigate the world of Social Media and Online Marketing with a purpose.

To RSVP please contact the Chamber at (705) 746-4213 or kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca
Please see our previous blog post for the invitation and more information.

Chamber Happenings:

Call for new directors

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors currently has director positions open. If you have a passion for local business and want to make a difference for our business community please contact Perry at the Chamber to learn more about this exciting opportunity. (705) 746-4213 or or perry@parrysoundchamber.ca

Chamber AGM

Plans are underway for the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held in December, stay tuned for more details.

Chamber E-mails & Advocacy

In the future the Chamber will be doing two things. First we will be dividing our membership email addresses into “sectors” so that when we have information regarding that sector it will be sent directly to them so you may see more emails in the future. Second, we as a Chamber will be advocating on our members behalf in partnership with area associations, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in order to support your business. A example of this is the REDAC information included below and attached.

If in the future you have an issue that we can assist with please don’t hesitate to contact Perry.

What’s Happening in our community

Remembrance Day

A reminder to all businesses that this Thursday November 11th marks Remembrance Day. For more information on the services happening in our area visit the Chamber event calendar by Clicking Here or contact your local municipal office for further information.

REDAC Apprenticeship Advocacy: Chamber Supported

REDAC, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee has requested that we send out the attachment to the Tuesday email in regards to trades. The letter which was attached to the e-mail is available by e-mailing info@parrysoundchamber.ca

The letter from REDAC is advocating a change to the current apprenticeship ratios. If this effects your business would you please print off, complete, sign and send or fax to Kirsten Ledrew at the Town of Parry Sound with address as shown in top right hand corner of the letterhead before November 17, 2010.

What’s Happening With Our Members?

Downtown Business Association Hospitality Store

The DBA once again will be opening a Hospitality Store in Downtown Parry Sound. This seasonal store will wrap you’re Downtown purchases for free. While waiting you can enjoy a Hot Chocolate and popcorn plus enter your name in the Free Draw for your chance to win a gift basket. Located at 28 James St. beside Simply cottage. Opening around November 20th and running until December 23rd. (Store hours and dates will depend on volunteers)

Social Media - Don't Be Left Behind

2010-11-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Social Media - Don't Be Left Behind

Join Georgian Bay Country, Georgian Bay Women’s Network and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce for a FREE seminar on Social Media for business and learn from Guest Speakers Carl Clift and Jason Fairfield how Social Media and Online Marketing can benefit your business.

December 1, 2010 At the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
Time: 9:00am - Noon
Registration 8:30am

This is a free event but RSVP is required to kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213

Employers Breakfast

2010-11-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Complimentary Employers Breakfast - November 24 from 7:30am - 9:30am at the Bobby Orr Community Center in Parry Sound.

Hosted by the YMCA Employment Service com out and learn about:

- Opportunities for employers and candidates to meet through job fairs

- Job matching: offers matching of skills and interest with employment opportunities and an employer's needs.

- Placement and Incentives: Employers may receive financial incentives to provide on-the-job-training. Including apprenticeship training, work experience opportunities and/or skills level/employability assessments and job tests hiring.

- Post employment opportunities

- Support for human resource planning, recruitment and workplace training.

- Outreach to employers to identify job opportunities

- Support to develop workplace/job needs with candidate capabilities

- Matching employer's workplace/job needs with candidate capabilities

- Information sessions on various federal/provincial employment and workplace legislation - workplace safety training, information on accessibility.

RSVP to angela_kendall@ymca.ca or (705) 746-8480

Tuesday E-mail - November 2, 2010

2010-11-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Complimentary Employers Breakfast

The Chamber is proud to be a partner on this exceptional event. Hosted by the YMCA Parry Sound Employment Service the Employers Breakfast is a great opportunity to learn how our local employment service office supports employers.

November 24th, 2010 at the Bobby Orr Community Centre from 7:30am - 9:30am.
Please see the poster in the next blog post for more information on the activities planned and how to RSVP.

Social Media, don’t be left behind - Free Seminar, Dec. 1st

Brought to you in partnership with Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Womens Network we bring you a free seminar, Social Media, don’t be left behind. This exciting seminar will help your business to better navigate the world of Social Media and Online Marketing with a purpose.

Guest Speakers Carl Clift and Jason Fairfield of Oncor Solutions Inc. will bring you up to speed on social media and how it can benefit your business. Guest speakers at the recent Ontario PGA show conference and regular webinar hosts Carl and Jason’s presentation is not to be missed.

Where: The Charles W. Stockey Centre
When: December 1, 2010
Registration 8:30am
Event Start: 9:00am
Event End: Noon
Cost: Free, RSVP required

To RSVP please e-mail kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or call the Chamber at (705) 746-4213.

This event is funded in part by Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound and by the Business Centre - Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.

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.

What can we do for you?

The Chamber is always looking for new ideas on how to improve our services to members. Do you have a idea or something you would like to see us doing more of, well let us know! We are always excited to do more for our members so speak up and let us know what we can do for you.

Chamber Happenings:

Call for new directors

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors currently has director positions open. If you have a passion for local business and want to make a difference for our business community please contact Perry at the Chamber to learn more about this exciting opportunity. (705) 746-4213 or perry@parrysoundchamber.ca

Chamber AGM

Plans are underway for the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held in December, stay tuned for more details.

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 inNovember. 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.

Pricing Strategies for Your Business
November 17, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
with Brenda McDougall – PARO Centre
• Importance of pricing and factors overlooked when developing a pricing strategy for your business
• Quality, expertise and image of your business
• Intangible factors and consumer perception and value of Goods and Services
• Establishing price ranges to cover costs, breakeven analysis

The Art of Negotiating
November 17, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
with Barbara Gauthier, PARO Centre
• Aim to achieve a win-win solution that is acceptable to both parties
• Discover how to negotiate with confidence so that everyone feels like a winner
• Getting prepared

What’s Happening With Our Members?

What’s new with your business?

Have you recently made changes to your business, won a award, are you hosting a great event or giving back to our community? We want to share your achievements with all of our members and best of all it’s FREE! Please e-mail your news to jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca or
call (705) 746-4213.

Tuesday E-mail - October 26, 2010

2010-11-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Social Media, don’t be left behind - Free Seminar, Dec. 1st

Brought to you in partnership with Georgian Bay Country Tourism and the Georgian Bay Womens Network we bring you a free seminar, Social Media, don’t be left behind. This exciting seminar will help your business to better navigate the world of Social Media and Online Marketing with a purpose.

Guest Speakers Carl Clift and Jason Fairfield of Oncor Solutions Inc. will bring you up to speed on social media and how it can benefit your business. Guest speakers at today’s Ontario PGA show conference and regular webinar hosts Carl and Jason’s presentation is not to be missed.

Where: The Charles W. Stockey CentreWhen: December 1, 2010
Registration 8:30am
Event Start: 9:00am
Event End: Noon
Cost: Free, RSVP required

To RSVP please e-mail kathy@parrysoundchamber.ca or call the Chamber at (705) 746-4213.

This event is funded in part by Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound and by the Business Centre - Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.

Chamber Happenings:

Green Energy Hub:

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce applauds the tremendous efforts of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant as it successfully spearheaded the establishment of what is now
Ontario’s Green Energy Hub.

The communities of Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk and the Six Nations of the Grand River are joining together to become Ontario’s Green Energy Hub, an initiative led by the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant.

Ontario’s Green Energy Hub will be a regionally shared, specifically targeted, marketing and economic development strategy that will act as the development organization attracting foreign direct investment to the region. The Minister of Energy Brad Duguid, and other colleagues from Queen’s Park, were recently on hand in Brantford to help launch the grand achievement. Acting regionally will allow the entire area to develop a focused approach to business attraction, one that leans on the strengths of the entire partnership.

On behalf of our members a letter from our president, Andrew Ryeland, has been sent congratulating the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant and this is certainly an initiative that we’d like to play a roll in with our area municipalities inclusive of REDAC.

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.

It’s no Act! – Aspire to Hire III
November 3, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
with Bernie Quesnelle – Ontario Ministry of Labour, Employment Standards Act. What you need to know to hire employees in your business and understanding the information in the Ontario Employment Standards Act
• Overview of the Act
• How to get started
• Resources available

What’s Happening in our Community?

College of Trades public consultations

We’d like to advise all our trade members that the provincial governments new apprenticeship regulatory body, the College of Trades, is holding public consultations for setting apprenticeship ratios and designating compulsory trades. Those wishing to participate in the Thunder Bay, Sudbury, or London consultations must register by November 8, 2010.

The deadline for written submissions is November 30,2010.
Written submissions can be e-mailed to: CollegeofTradesImplementationOffice@Ontario.ca
For further information please contact Kelly Pritchard, Policy Analyst, at kellypritchard@occ.on.ca or 416-482-5222 ext. 246.

What’s Happening With Our Members?

Stockey Centre Hosts Ontario Contact

Congratulations to the Charles W. Stockey Centre this week as it hosts Ontario Contact. This exciting, engaging celebration is an opportunity for those working in the touring performing arts sector to come together to network, and to share information in a three-day conference featuring contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and youth orientated programming.

They will be engaging over 500 artists, presenters, workshop leaders, and various government and arts service agencies in showcase performances, workshops, and an arts industry marketplace. This event will provide a huge benefit to our community during the down time of the year for many businesses and will also be returning in October 2011 a huge kudos to the wonderful Performing Arts Centre our community has to offer.

Tuesday E-mail - October 19, 2010

2010-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuesday E-mail - September 21, 2010

2010-09-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Accessibility Workshop - September 29th

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.

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.

Please RSVP to Jessie at the Chamber by September 24, 2010. (705) 746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca

Upcoming Business After Hours

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 the following day (weather permitting).

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

Please note the last blog post outlining our “Fall Classic” Golf Tournament which also recognizes our sponsors to date. Including a $10,000 Hole in One Contest sponsored by Canada Brokerlink. Sign up your team or as a individual today by contacting the Chamber (705) 746-4213.

Parry Sound Municipal Election All Candidates Meeting

Hosted by the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, the Parry Sound North Star, TV Cogeco and the Moose FM.
When: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Place: Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
Also broadcast on TV Cogeco
Cost: Free
- Have your say and ask your questions during the public question period.
- Hear what the Parry Sound Municipal candidates have to say on the issues that matter to you.
- Hear the Municipal candidates answer tough questions from a panel of select community representatives.
- Hear platforms from the Near North District School Board Board Trustee Candidates.

Chamber Happenings:

Poverty Reduction Committee:

The Chamber has recently joined this committee because as employers you’re aware of the effects of poverty on the workforce. This includes lack of transportation, lack of nutritious food and overall mental distress due to economic circumstances. All of these have a direct impact on the productivity of the worker and society and it’s very important to work with area associations to assist in solving this issue.

REDAC: (Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee)

The Township of Seguin, Municipality of McDougall and the Town of Parry Sound have been working in a partnership over the past 2 years in order to bring sustainable economic growth to our area. The Chamber and other associations belong to REDAC and have/will start to partner with the committee to bring workshops and seminars to the area and to evaluate the housing/emerging developments/communications and work on issues involving all municipalities. We recently attended the REDAC strategic seminar and look forward to assisting
with the implementation of the ideas proposed at the meeting for 2011.

Another wonderful waterfront season comes to a close

The Chamber of Commerce has been contracted since 1987 to operate the waterfront facilities to serve the transient boater’s needs and to act as a tourism information centre for the Parry Sound Area.

For the past 23 years, the operation has served well over 40,000 boaters with approximately 120,000 people on board (not to mention the hundreds of thousands attending the info booth) and financially boasted our local businesses and economy.

With the wonderful weather that was provided for us this season, we had a very busy summer at the waterfront.

Visitor Stats:
Town dock Location: Total # of paying visits: 117, up from 64 in 2009.
Average length of boat: 38.97’
Head count from info centre: approx. 1372

Big Sound Marina: Total # of paying visits: 952 up from 794 in 2009.
Average length: 33.79’

Through the generosity of our members, we received the following items:
• New BBQ from Ritchie Insurance
• Free propane, plus an additional 20lb tank from Canadian Tire (which were filled 5 times this year!).
• Free shuttle service to and from Parry Sound Sobeys
• Bigger, better and more powerful antennae for the wi-fi service donated and installed free of charge from Georgian Bay Software (enabled the boaters to receive the wi-fi from the docks instead of on our deck as in previous years.)
• Donation of computer and improved wireless equipment for the Town Dock information centre from Georgian Bay Software (to replace the computer stolen two summers ago).

Customer Service continues to be our number one priority and strength throughout the season. From their initial interview, to the first day of training and continuing throughout the summer, the staff is told and trained on the importance on going ‘above and beyond’ for the boaters and visitors to the area. We ensure that the staff is familiar with the local attractions, business and events to effectively promote the area. Local brochures, maps and other promotional items were always kept in stock to help achieve this.

We had an amazing and wonderful team this year and can’t say and brag enough about them!

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 September. The sessions are available free of charge and open to all Parry Sound and area residents 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 I
September 29, 2010 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre
• 3 Categories of essential business tasks
• Daily recording of transactions
• Cash Receipts (A/R)
• Cash Disbursements (A/P)
• Bank reconciliations

Labour Market Information
September 29, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Adrienne Serreao, Service Canada
Job seekers, careers in transitions, or potential employers, this workshop will provide you with valuable resources
• What’s hot and what’s not in the local labour market
• What you can do to prepare
Please register to these seminars by e-mailing: buildingbridges@paro.ca.

Georgian Bay Women’s Network

Georgian Bay Women’s Network is offering a six week course on Simply Accounting - Level One. It will run on Wednesday evenings - for a total of 18 hours. Starting October 13th and running into November.

They will provide the teaching module of Simply, the textbooks, instructor and a copy of the software for each student. The cost to you is only the payment of the textbooks - $50.00, plus a $15.00 donation to the YMCA. Please note space is limited. Contact Susan at the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre today to sign up, (705) 746-4455 or susan@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca

What’s Happening With Our Members?

RISE Open House

Join RISE (Resource Centre for Independent Living) on September 28, 2010 as they open and celebrate their new location. Meet the staff and volunteers. Light refreshments will be served. 11am to 2pm, 70 Isabella Street Parry Sound. For more information contact RISE at (705) 746-6996.

Chamber Golf Tournament Information

2010-09-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday E-mail - September 14, 2010

2010-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Upcoming Business After Hours

Join your fellow Chamber members on September 29th 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.

October 13th - RBC & The Stockey Centre
November 17th - Hidden Bay Leadership Camp

Accessibility Workshop - September 29th

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 section each week to advise and enlighten on the happenings of the Chamber involvement.

This past week has been very busy for us in the office. We’ve been preparing for the upcoming Accessibility workshop, business after hours and our monthly board meeting.

Chamber Business Directory

We’ve also started working on the 2011 “Chamber Business Directory” which will be published and ready for distribution early spring. You’ll be hearing from us over the next couple of months to ensure that the information we have on file for your company is accurate and up to date. Of course there will be advertising opportunities to promote your business in the directory and we’ll be sending this out under separate cover at a later date.

Golf Tournament

Please note the following Blog Post outlining our “Fall Classic” Tournament” which also recognizes our sponsors to date.

Canada Brokerlink has just sponsored a $10,000 hole in one so this is going to be a great tournament.

Fire Truck

Many years ago a 1938 GMC Fire Truck was donated to the Chamber and has been on display at the Old Town Fire Hall. This truck could be used for parades and community events however it does require some minor work. If a member is interested in assisting us with this repair as a sponsor that would be great. For additional information please contact Perry at the Chamber, (705) 746-4213 or perry@parrysoundchamber.ca

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 September. 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 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.

The Good, The Bad... What were you thinking?
September 15, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Brenda McDougall, Suzanne Tighe, PARO Centre
Have you ever read an ad and wondered, “What were they thinking”? Learn how to make the most of your marketing $$.
• Avoid costly bloopers and blunders
• Do it right the first time!

Record Keeping
September 22, 2010 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Christine Sikerbol, 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, accounting chart of accounts, posting invoices and payments.

Debt Freedom
September 22, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Shirley DeWilde- Debt Freedom
Debt Freedom Financial helping to make choices in
• Debt Management
• Revenue Protection
• Expense Control
• Asset Management

Please register to these seminars by e-mailing : buildingbridges@paro.ca.

Georgian Bay Women’s Network

Fall has arrived which means the Georgian Bay Women’s Network is up and providing seminars and workshops again. Starting October 13th and running into November they are offering a six week course on Simply Accounting - Level One It will run on Wednesday evenings - for a total of 18 hours. They will provide the teaching module of Simply, the textbooks, instructor and a copy of the software for each student. You will learn everything you need to know to navigate Simply accounting, create and configure a company, use general ledger features, accounts payable, accounts receivable, historical data, perform transaction inquiries, perform commonly used transactions, bank transactions, periodic processing, forms, reports, and management tools.

The cost to you is only the payment of the textbooks - $50.00, plus a $15.00 donation to the YMCA. Please note space is limited. Contact Susan at the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre today to sign up, (705) 746-4455 or susan@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca

The Synergy Project Management & Leadership Skills for First Time Supervisors & Managers Workshop
An important update from the Synergy Project...
There are only TEN spots left for the Management and Leadership Skills for First Time Supervisors and Managers workshop!
Register now to reserve your spot. Presented by: National Seminars Group. September 21 & 22 from 9am-4pm, at the West Parry Sound District Museum.

To register contact Alyssa Koenderink, Synergy Project Coordinator, 746-9330 or email akoenderink@clps.ca

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Canadian Youth Business Foundation seeks Mentors

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is looking for entrepreneurs and professionals with strong business acumen, who possess strong communication skills, are great listeners and can advise as necessary. Answer the call to mentor and Inspire, Learn, Build and Grow young
entrepreneurs in your community.

Further Details can be found on their website:
- www.cybf.ca
- http://www.cybf.ca/assets/pdf/Become_a_Mentor_Sheet.pdf
For additional information please contact Janice Weir, CHRP jweir@cybf.ca or 1-866-646-2922 x 2105

Tuesday E-mail - September 7, 2010

2010-09-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours - September 29

Join your fellow Chamber members on September 29th 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.

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.

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

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 http://www.news.ontario.ca/ . We will ensure that as information comes our way we will keep you posted.

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. This past week has been very busy for us in the office. We’ve been preparing for the golf tournament, the upcoming workshops and seminars with association partners and the closure of the waterfront operation.

Chamber Business Directory

We’ve also started working on the 2011 “Chamber Business Directory” which will be published and ready for distribution early spring. You’ll be hearing from us over the next couple of months to ensure that the information we have on file for your company is accurate and up to date. Of course there will be advertising opportunities to promote your business in the directory and we’ll be sending this out under separate cover at a later date.

Fire Truck

Many years ago a 1938 GMC Fire Truck was donated to the Chamber and has been on display at the Old Town Fire Hall. This truck could be used for parades and community events however it does require some minor work. If a member is interested in assisting us with this repair as a sponsor that would be great. For additional information please contact Perry at the Chamber, (705) 746-4213 or perry@parrysoundchamber.ca

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 September. 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 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.

Business Expenses & Budgeting

September 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Barbara Gauthier, PARO Centre
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

“Getting the Money”
September 8, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Pauline Shesnicky, Thunder Bay Ventures
• How to get funding
• What steps are involved
• How can this work for you

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 Seminars:

Management & Leadership Skills for First Time Supervisors & Managers
Presented by: National Seminars Group. September 21 & 22 from 9am-4pm, at the West Parry Sound District Museum.

To register contact Alyssa Koenderink, Synergy Project Coordinator, 746-9330 or email akoenderink@clps.ca

Positive and Productive Meetings

With Julie Malette, HSA Canada. September 30 from 9am-4pm, at the Log Cabin Inn. To register contact Alyssa Koenderink, Synergy Project Coordinator, 746-9330 or email akoenderink@clps.ca

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Canadian Youth Business Foundation seeks Mentors The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is looking for entrepreneurs and professionals with strong business acumen, who possess strong communication skills, are great listeners and can advise as necessary. Answer the call to mentor and Inspire, Learn, Build and Grow young entrepreneurs in your community.

Further Details can be found on their website:
- www.cybf.ca
- http://www.cybf.ca/assets/pdf/Become_a_Mentor_Sheet.pdf

For additional information please contact Janice Weir, CHRP jweir@cybf.ca or 1-866-646-2922 x 2105

What’s Happening With Our Members?

Members featured on TripAdvisor

In a recent e-mail blast from TripAdvisor about places to stay and things to see in Parry Sound many Chamber Members were featured.

Making the top five in the following categories were:

Featured B&B or Inn
- 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast

Hotels:
- Comfort Inn
- Kellerman’s Resort
- Quality Inn & Conference Centre
- Microtel Inn & Suites

Things You Shouldn’t Miss:
- The Ridge at Manitou
- The M.V. Chippewa III

Most Popular Restaurants:
- Kellerman’s Resort
- Log Cabin Inn
- Trapper’s Choice Restaurant

Tuesday E-mail - August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

Tuesday E-mail - August 24, 2010

2010-08-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuesday E-mail - August 11, 2010

2010-08-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

Tuesday E-mail - August 3, 2010

2010-08-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuesday E-mail - July 27, 2010

2010-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

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!

Tuesday E-mail - July 20, 2010

2010-07-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

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.

What's everyone blogging about??

2010-07-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuesday E-mail - July 13, 2010

2010-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Canada Day Celebrations 2010

2010-07-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

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).

Tuesday E-mail - June 22, 2010

2010-06-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours This Friday June 25

Business after hours at Big Sound Marina, 1 Bay Street Parry Sound. Join us on June 25, 2010 for a BBQ and social.
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!

Thank you to Parry Sound Sobeys, Ritchie Insurance and Canadian Tire for their assistance with the event.

Canada Day

Preparations are well underway for Canada Day July 1, 2010 at the Town Dock and Charles W. Stockey Centre. We look forward to seeing everyone out at this great community event.

If your business or organization would like to be involved please contact Jessie at the Chamber office (705) 746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Thank you to our organizing partner the Town of Parry Sound and funding partners the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre and Canadian Heritage.

Accommodation Vacancy Report

Once again the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Georgian Bay Country will be contacting each of the accommodation providers in our area weekly for their vacancy to get more heads into beds over the summer months.

If you are a accommodation provider and do not receive a phone call from the Chamber of Commerce or Georgian Bay Country this week please contact us to get added to the list.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

An Evening with the Consuls General

Exploring new export markets and international partnership opportunities is essential to grow your business in today’s integrated global economy. Exchange opinions and gain insight about trade and investment opportunities around the world at an evening with the consuls general.

Wednesday October 20, 2010
1 King Street West Toronto, Grand Banking Hall
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Member Tickets: $165+hst
For more information please visit: occ.on.ca/events

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

For more information or to RSVP for the information session please contact Kirsten LeDrew at 705-746-2101 ext. 39 or kledrew@townofparrysound.com.

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

Pointe Au Baril Chamber - Canada Day

Saturday July 3rd the Pointe Au Baril Chamber of Commerce hosts the Canada Day Celebrations and Third Annual Arts & Crafts Fair. The day will include many great events!
Please visit www.pointeaubarilchamber.com or call (705) 366-2331 for full details.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Airport Expansion

Parry Sound Airport is being expanded to accommodate more hangars, sustain jobs and boost economic development in the Township of Seguin and the town of Parry Sound. With support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), a two-hectare area east of the airstrip is being developed for future construction of up to 24 private hangars and three large commercial hangars.

Congratulations to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport on their future expansion!

Tuesday E-mail - June 14, 2010

2010-06-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

HST Seminar

Reminder that the HST Seminar’s are being held today, June 15, 2010 at the Pointe au Baril Community Centre, 70 South Shore Road, Pointe au Baril. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in length, from 1 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Business on the Bay

Reminder that business on the Bay is tomorrow night, June 16, 2010 from 5-6pm. The boat leaves at 5:00pm sharp so please do not be late or the boat will sail without you.

Upcoming Business After Hours (BAH) Dates

Business after hours at Big Sound Marina, 1 Bay Street Parry Sound. Join us on June 25, 2010 for a BBQ and social. Thank you to Parry Sound Sobeys, Ritchie Insurance and Canadian Tire for their assistance with the event.

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 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

Preparations are well underway for Canada Day July 1, 2010 at the Town Dock and Charles W. Stockey Centre. If your business or organization would like to be involved please contact Jessie at the Chamber office (705) 746-4213 or jessie@parrysoundchamber.ca

Waterfront Facilities Open for the Season

Yesterday June 14, 2010 marked the official opening day of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock facilities for the summer season. To ensure your brochures are displayed in the Town Dock information centre please drop them off at the Chamber office (70 church street), the Town Dock (9 bay street) or call (705) 746-7373 to check if they need your brochures.

Are you planning any events?

Please remember to send the Chamber your upcoming event’s to ensure they are posted on our website event calendar. We also have space in the office for event posters so please be sure to share your information.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau. This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons.

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

OSSA Reminder: New Legislation Tackles Workplace Violence and Harassment

Bill 168, an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters, comes into force today June 15, 2010.

Visit: www.ossa.com/content/resources/Bill168-WorkplaceViolence.cfm for downloadable resources that will help your business ensure it is informed and meeting it’s legal obligations.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Canadore College Artsperience

During the summer months Canadore College offers Artsperience classes at their Parry Sound Campus. For more information please visit:
http://www.canadorec.on.ca/ContinuingEducation/Artsperience/index.cfm

Tuesday E-mail - June 8, 2010

2010-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

HST Seminar – Are You HST Ready?

Due to the many questions businesses in our area have about the upcoming implementation of the HST, the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce to have two information sessions delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

The information seminars, “Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax - Information for Businesses” will be held on June 15, 2010 at the Pointe au Baril Community Centre, 70 South Shore Road, Pointe au Baril. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in length, from 1 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Registration is required. A registration list will be sent in from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and everyone is encouraged to let us know if they plan to attend so that we can ensure these sessions are maximized. (contact: info@parrysoundchamber.ca or 705-746-4213)

To register directly with the government, please send an email to Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca indicating the name of each attendee in your party, time of the session you wish to attend, and the contact phone number in case the session is completely filled.

Please note that all registrations are considered confirmed at the time they are sent to the outreach email address. You will only be contacted in the case of a change or a cancellation.
If you register and then find that you cannot attend, please email Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca.

Upcoming Business After Hours (BAH) Dates

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 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. We look forward to seeing you there!

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

2010 Ontario Tourism Summit

Registration and Nominations are open for the 2010 Tourism Summit, being held November 7-9, at Deerhurst in Huntsville. The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) are co-hosting the 6th annual Summit with the theme “Taking it to the Next Level”.

The annual forum for the Ontario tourism industry anticipates that more than 400 delegates will participate in sharing the latest trends, being exposed to new ideas and best practices, and networking with colleagues.

Visit http://www.ontariotourismsummit.com/ for more information or to register. Early Bird registration rates are available.

OSSA Reminder: New Legislation Tackles Workplace Violence and Harassment

Bill 168, an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters, will significantly impact workplaces in the province of Ontario.

The amendments to the Act will come into force on June 15, 2010, at which time, workplaces in Ontario where more than five workers are regularly employed will be required to have the necessary policies, programs, measures and procedures in place.
Visit: www.ossa.com/content/resources/Bill168-WorkplaceViolence.cfm for downloadable resources that will help your business ensure it is informed and meeting it’s legal obligations.

Canada-US Trade Webinar

For businesses currently engaged in, or expect to expand trade with the United States, “Export USA Webinar: Starter Kit (or Refresher) for Exporters”, is for you. Hosted by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) on Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, this webinar will give businesses the ABC’s of exporting to the US and provide tips on becoming ‘a global trade guru: Mastering the Art of U.S. Logistics and Trade Compliance’. Along with presentations, there will also be a question and answer session to address specific issues or concerns.

This webinar will help businesses:
• Learn how to level the playing field against US competitors by selling on a duty delivered basis; • Find out which Customs compliance and documentation requirements need to be met so that products reach customers without disruption; and
• Get the solutions to logistics challenges, including tips on how to reduce international transportation costs.

The US is the dominant export market for Ontario goods; getting an inside track on how to conduct business in the US is vital for business success. The Canada – US border facilitates over $1 million in cross border trade every minute.

And as Canada’s US trade leader, Ontario exports to the US support one in four jobs. The Windsor-Detroit region is also the busiest international border crossing in the world. To learn more about this webinar and to register, please visit the DFAIT website at www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/webinars.jsp?marketId=all.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Sound Software Change of Address

Adrian Averhoff and the Sound Software Team have a new mailing address! The have moved to 22 Avenue Road, Parry Sound or as always, online at http://www.soundsoftware.ca/.

The Country Gourmet Renovated and Re-Open
Congratulations to Chris & Jim Shaw on their recent improvements to the Country Gourmet. The restaurant looks great!

Music, Music and More Music!

2010-06-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

Music seems to be the theme in the Parry Sound Area this week. If you are looking for something to do this weekend be sure to check out the concerts happening in and around our area.

The Parry Sound Singers will play at the Stockey Centre on Saturday Night, the PSHS music department will perform Sunday afternoon on the Waterfront and Jamie Ward plays at the Strawhouse gallery Sunday afternoon.

If you are looking for a different kind of music be sure to check out Swiss Fest in Ahmic Harbour which will include alpenhorn players!

For more information on these events and others happening in the Parry Sound Area be sure to check out the Chamber's event calendar by Clicking Here

Happy Weekend!

Tuesday E-mail - June 1, 2010

2010-06-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

HST Seminar – Are You HST Ready?

Due to the many questions businesses in our area have about the upcoming implementation of the HST, the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce to have two information sessions delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency. The information seminars, “Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax - Information for Businesses” will be held on June 15, 2010 at the Pointe au Baril Community Centre, 70 South Shore Road, Pointe au Baril. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in length, from 1 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Registration is required. A registration list will be sent in from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and everyone is encouraged to let us know if they plan to attend so that we can ensure these sessions are maximized. (contact: info@parrysoundchamber.ca or 705-746-4213)

To register directly with the government, please send an email to Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca indicating the name of each attendee in your party, time of the session you wish to attend, and the contact phone number in case the session is completely filled.

Please note that all registrations are considered confirmed at the time they are sent to the outreach email address. You will only be contacted in the case of a change or a cancellation.
If you register and then find that you cannot attend, please email Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca.

Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area.

Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program.
Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at 705-378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.

Upcoming Business After Hours (BAH) Dates

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 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?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

Canadian Life Sciences & Nutraceuticals Trade Mission

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA), and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) would like to invite Ontario companies to join the Canadian Life Sciences and Nutraceuticals Trade Mission to Hong Kong & China August 10 - 18, 2010.

This mission is designed for participation by those Ontario companies which are involved in natural health products, life sciences, and nutraceuticals that are interested in expanding their business to China and Hong Kong. To register for this mission, please contact Adrian Cheng of HKTDC Toronto Office at (416) 366-3594 or email adrian.ch.cheng@hktdc.org.

There is no registration fee required for joining this mission and delegates can apply for an Export Market Access (EMA) grant offered by the OCC. EMA is designed to assist small to medium size organizations (SMEs) to access and expand their growth in new foreign markets.

If your company has 5 or more employees and annual sales of $500,000 or more, you may qualify for a grant covering up to 50% of eligible costs incurred to develop export sales. To find out if your company qualifies, please visit: www.exportaccess.ca.

Workplace Violence & Harassment Requirements

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has shared the following bulletin with the Chamber Network to inform everyone of the importance guidelines surrounding the introduction of Bill 168 (this Act amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters).

The Ontario government has released a “HOW TO” TOOL KIT, which is a template guide to help businesses comply with new requirements relating to workplace violence and harassment. Starting June 15, businesses must: develop workplace violence and harassment policies and programs; assess risks of workplace violence including situations involving handling of cash, dealing with potentially violent clients, working alone, working in high-crime areas, protecting valuable goods and transporting people or goods; and, identify possible ways to control those risks for employees.

All workplaces must review these policies as often as necessary, but at least annually. They must prepare these policies, ensure they are in written form, and post them in a conspicuous place at work. (Businesses with 5 employees or less must prepare the policies in a written form, but don’t have to post them in a conspicuous place, unless otherwise ordered by a ministry inspector).

Employees must be informed and instructed on the policies and programs, and such policies must address risks, and provide measures to control them. Failure to do so may result in orders to comply, or provincial fines or criminal charges.

Businesses, for instance, should be aware that among other regulations, employees can refuse to work or do particular work if they believe workplace violence is present. Employers must provide details on a workplace violence incident to their joint health & safety committee or rep within four days of it happening and inform the Ministry. Employers should be aware that domestic violence may occur in the workplace, so they must take every precaution
to protect a worker at risk of physical injury. In addition, they must tell employees about colleagues who may pose a physical risk to them.

MOL’s Tool Kit for Employers: Click Here

Workplace Violence & Harassment Act: Click Here

“Understanding this New Law”: Click Here

In brief , what you’ve got to do: Click Here

MOL’s Inquiry Line for Employers on the new requirements- Province-wide: 1-800-268-8013

What Are Our Members Doing?

Penney and Company Welcome New Employee

Congratulations go out to the team at Penney and Company who have recently added a new face to their team. Josh Morin has joined the team as a Web Developer, bringing new media talents including producing e-media products, designing web sites and upgrading existing sites.

Swiss Country House Grand Re-Opening

The renovations are complete and it is time to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Swiss Country House Restaurant right off of Highway 124 at Ahmic Lake. From June 1 to June 6, visit the brand new facility, bigger and better than ever! Also join in the 1st Annual Swiss-Fest on June 5th and 6th. Congratulations to the Swiss Country House Team and best of luck with the Re-Opening!

Tuesday E-mail - May 25, 2010

2010-05-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours (BAH)

Thank you to The Ridge at Manitou, our gracious May BAH host. On Wednesday, May 19th, many business owners and operators gathered to network, tour The Ridge facilities, enjoy beverages and snacks, and unwind for a few minutes on the patio thanks to some fantastic weather!

MP Tony Clement dropped in and informed the crowd about several initiatives that have been recently announced, such as funding for the Festival of the Sound in the amount of $240,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The strength of the Chamber Network can be tangibly felt at events such as the Business After Hours gatherings and we encourage all of our members to join in on these excellent mixers.

Upcoming BAH Dates:
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 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!

Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area.

Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program. Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at 705-378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the
Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

The Dragon’s Den event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

‘Glow and Grow’ with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

The following workshops are being offered in June by Paro Centre for Women’s Enterprise. The sessions are available free of charge to Parry Sound Area residents by using Contact North’s distance education delivery system. The Contact North Center is located at 60 James Street, suite 201. Please register by emailing buildingbridges@paro.ca by May 31st and remember to indicate which Contact North location you wish to attend through.

Wednesday, June 2nd, 11:00 – Noon
ACTION PLANNING
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.
Do you know how to develop an action plan and reach your goals?
We will show you how to:
• Develop action plans to clearly define measurable goals
• Prioritize and set target dates
• Measure and Evaluate one’s progress!

Wednesday, June 2nd, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
VALUES BASED LEADERSHIP
Stacia Kean & Suzanne Tighe, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. When you think about change, what is your vision for a better future? This is the first in a series of workshops that PARO will offer throughout 2010. Come discover what your true values are!

Wednesday, June 9th, Noon (2hrs)
INDUSTRY AND TARGET MARKET RESEARCH
Christine Sikerbol & Thunder Bay Public Library, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. Looking to find resources to complete research for your Business Plan?
• Where to find resources and information to conduct industry research
• Online research
• Canadian business information through trade publications and news media
• InfoTrac small business eCollection
• Stats Canada

Wednesday, June 16th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
CONTRACTS – HOW DO THEY WORK?
Bonnie King, King Konsulting. Contracts do not have to be complicated! Bonnie will explain step by step how to navigate the world of contracts.

Wednesday, June 16th, 10:00 – Noon (2hrs)
PRICING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise We will teach you the following:
• Importance of pricing and factors overlooked when developing a pricing strategy for your business
• Quality, expertise and image of your business
• Intangible factors and consumer perception and value of Goods and Services
• Establishing price ranges to cover costs, break-even analysis

Wednesday, June 16th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP
Stacia Kean & Suzanne Tighe, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. When you think about change, what is your vision for a better future? This is the second in a series of workshops that PARO will offer throughout 2010. Discover your authentic self!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:00 – Noon (2hrs)
DEVELOPING YOUR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING STRATEGY
Christine Sikerbol, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.
• Marketing and advertising essentials for any business
• Developing your strategy for effective exposure

Wednesday, June 23rd, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
ASPIRE TO HIRE
Brenda McDougall, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
Are you overwhelmed? Did you know that one reason women’s businesses have lower average sales than male entrepreneurs is because women are more reluctant to hire.
Did you know that hiring a skilled person, whether an individual or another business, can bring you more profits? At this workshop, you learn how you can better “Glow & Grow” and how you can shine by hiring great employees.

Wednesday, June 30th, 11:00 – Noon
BUSINESS EXPENSES AND BUDGETING
Barbara Gauthier, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
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

Wednesday, June 30th, 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Brenda McDougall, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
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!

The Power of Social Media for Small Business

Discover the true power behind social media and see how it can benefit your business with minimal cost thanks to a free webinar offered by TD Canada Trust on June 3, 2010.
This Webinar Workshop will show you:
• What social media is and how to use these tools to market your business
• Why social media sites are generating buzz and how you can profit from it
• That you don’t need to be tech-savvy to build an online presence and make it known
• Real examples of small businesses using social media as a cost-effective marketing tool

Host: Irene Law, Senior Manager Business Banking, TD Bank Financial Group
Guest Speakers:
• Erin Bury, Community Manager, Sprouter
• Amber MacArthur, New Media Journalist & Co-Founder, MGI Media
• Lyn Wilson, Online Marketing Consultant, 6s Marketing

Join the FREE Webinar Workshop on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 12 pm ET, to learn how to boost your marketing efforts by leveraging the power of social media.
Click here to register

Ride for Refuge

On June 5, Parry Sound will be the venue for the local Ride for Refuge. This participatory biking event helps support refugeeserving organizations with programs including relief and humanitarian aid, settlement, housing, immigration advice, education and counseling.
For information on the Parry Sound RIDE, please visit http://www.rideforrefuge.org/home.php?c=1&l=12

Waste Diversion Survey

Ontario’s Auditor General is conducting a review of the Ministry of the Environment; specifically, it is examining the effectiveness of the ministry’s non-hazardous waste management program. As part of the review, the Auditor General is examining the business community’s level of involvement in reducing, reusing and recycling its waste, with the purpose of making recommendations to the Ministry on how to improve waste diversion from the Industrial-Commercial-Institutional sectors. This review may have implications for the broader business community.

The purpose of this Ontario Chamber of Commerce survey is to seek the business community’s input on what, if any, obstacles or challenges exist in their own waste diversion programs, or whether such programs exist in the business. The survey should only take about 5 minutes and is located at the following link:
http://surveys.occ.on.ca/ls/index.php?sid=83375&lang=en

Please complete this survey by Monday, May 31 at 4:00 pm. The OCC will use your input to help shape and influence the Auditor General’s report to the Ministry of Environment.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insight.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Canadore College Appoints New President

The Board of Governors of Canadore College has recently announced the appointment of George Burton as President and CEO. Mr. Burton is currently Vice President, Enrolment Management and Student Services, at Loyalist College. He is a graduate of the Recreation Leadership program at Canadore College and was a Canadore staff member working in several leadership roles in the office of the Registrar for seven years beginning in 1985.

Mr. Burton will assume his post beginning July 15, 2010. In the interim he will be visiting the College and area on several occasions. Please help us welcome him, and his family, to that area, and congratulations to the Canadore team for bringing such a talented member of the alumni back home.

Business After Hours at the Ridge

2010-05-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday May 19th the Ridge at Manitou Golf Club hosted a Business After Hours event.

Thank you to the Ridge for hosting the event and offering such tasty treats :) The weather was perfect and allowed those in attendance to mingle on the Patio overlooking Lake Manitouwabing.

Tuesday E-mail - May 18, 2010

2010-05-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

Please note there is a detour currently in place due to the construction on McKellar Centre Road, Middle River Bridge. Please follow the directional signs off of Highway 124 onto Hurdville road, proceed to McKellar Centre Road then to Camp Road. For more detailed detour directions Click Here
RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours.

Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area. Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program.

Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at 705-378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den

The Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners are planning a Parry Sound Area “Dragon’s Den” on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a new business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

In preparation for this exciting opportunity for economic growth, REDAC will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau. The information session will allow entrepreneurs (both private individuals and business owners) to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons.

For more information or to RSVP (by June 20th) please contact:
Kirsten LeDrew
Area Economic Development Coordinator
kledrew@townofparrysound.com
705-746-2101 ext. 39
http://www.cityfree.ca/

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.

Connect to Innovate: the Business – University Collaboration Imperative

Looking to enhance an existing product?
Develop a new one?
Improve a process or productivity levels?
Not sure where to start?
LET’S TALK.

Ontario’s economy has been challenged over the past year. At the heart of global competitiveness is never-ending innovation and the rapid commercialization of new ideas. Now, more than ever, is the time for Ontario businesses to join with university to foster and sustain a robust climate for innovation. It’s critical to Ontario becoming an economic powerhouse once again.

The Ontario Economic Summit (OES) in partnership with the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), local chamber partners and universities will host three dynamic workshops for companies that are already working with university partners and those looking to start.

The sessions aim to:
• Provide a better understanding of the need for, and value of, university-business research partnerships
• Share best practices and discuss new ways of creating effective, results-driven, and sustainable partnerships
• Be honest about the challenges faced by university and business in securing funding and in successfully transferring applied research to the private sector including concerns about intellectual property rights. Quite simply, how could the current environment be better?

Join the following workshop:
• May 26, 2010 Sudbury (11:00 am – 1:00 pm) - $40 pp +GST (incl. lunch)

For the latest agenda and up to date information on the event please visit
http://occ-oes.com/connect-to-innovate.

These issues, and the results of the discussions held at the above workshops, will feature in the agenda of the 2010 Ontario Economic Summit, to be held November 1-3, 2010 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For more information about the Summit, please visit http://www.occ-oes.com/.

The Power of Social Media for Small Business

Discover the true power behind social media and see how it can benefit your business with minimal cost thanks to a free webinar offered by TD Canada Trust on June 3, 2010.

This Webinar Workshop will show you:
• What social media is and how to use these tools to market your business
• Why social media sites are generating buzz and how you can profit from it
• That you don’t need to be tech-savvy to build an online presence and make it known
• Real examples of small businesses using social media as a cost-effective marketing tool

Host: Irene Law, Senior Manager Business Banking, TD Bank Financial Group

Guest Speakers:
• Erin Bury, Community Manager, Sprouter
• Amber MacArthur, New Media Journalist & Co-Founder, MGI Media
• Lyn Wilson, Online Marketing Consultant, 6s Marketing

Join the FREE Webinar Workshop on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 12 pm ET, to learn how to boost your marketing efforts by leveraging the power of social media.

Click here to register

Breakfast Television Live from Muskoka Wharf

On Friday, May 21 from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, Breakfast Television will broadcast live from Muskoka Wharf. Kevin Frankish and Dina Pugliese, hosts of Breakfast Television, will be on the top deck of the Wenonah II that will be docked at the end of the Boston Pizza/Regatta dock. Coffee and muffins will be available on the Wenonah II, Regatta Patio and Boston Pizza Patio’s will be open for the public and will have coffee and treats available.

Breakfast Television have committed to 2 interviews that they have already scheduled, but they will also roam the crowds to talk to others. Michael Kuss, weather man with City News, will also do the weather during the evening news on Friday, May 21 between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm live from the end of the dock at Regatta and Boston Pizza.

This show is open to everyone, so head on down and to help Muskoka and surrounding areas welcome Breakfast Television as they kick off the summer.

Workplace Violence & Harassment Requirements

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has shared the following bulletin with the Chamber Network to inform everyone of the importance guidelines surrounding the introduction of Bill 168 (this Act amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters).

The Ontario government has released a “HOW TO” TOOL KIT, which is a template guide to help businesses comply with new requirements relating to workplace violence and harassment. Starting June 15, businesses must: develop workplace violence and harassment policies and programs; assess risks of workplace violence including situations involving handling of cash, dealing with potentially violent clients, working alone, working in high-crime areas, protecting valuable goods and transporting people or goods; and, identify possible ways to control those risks for employees.

All workplaces must review these policies as often as necessary, but at least annually. They must prepare these policies, ensure they are in written form, and post them in a conspicuous place at work. (Businesses with 5 employees or less must prepare the policies in a written form, but don’t have to post them in a conspicuous place, unless otherwise ordered by a ministry inspector).

Employees must be informed and instructed on the policies and programs, and such policies must address risks, and provide measures to control them. Failure to do so may result in orders to comply, or provincial fines or criminal charges. Businesses, for instance, should be aware that among other regulations, employees can refuse to work or do particular work if they believe workplace violence is present. Employers must provide details on a workplace violence incident to their joint health & safety committee or rep within four days of it happening and inform the Ministry.

Employers should be aware that domestic violence may occur in the workplace, so they must take every precaution to protect a worker at risk of physical injury. In addition, they must tell employees about colleagues who may pose a physical risk to them.

MOL’s Tool Kit for Employers: Click Here

Workplace Violence & Harassment Act: Click Here

“Understanding this New Law”: Click Here

In brief , what you’ve got to do: Click Here

MOL’s Inquiry Line for Employers on the new requirements-Province-wide: 1-800-268-8013

Ride for Refuge

On June 5, Parry Sound will be the venue for the local Ride for Refuge. This event helps support refugeeserving organizations with programs including relief and humanitarian aid, settlement, housing, immigration advice, education and counselling.

For information on the Parry Sound RIDE, please visit
http://www.rideforrefuge.org/home.php?c=1&l=12

What Are Our Members Doing?

CAA’s Great Battery Roundup Starts this Week

Understanding the need to support green initiatives and encourage environmental awareness, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) is “charged up” for their Eighth Annual Great Battery Roundup. The Roundup started Saturday, May 15th and runs until Friday, May 21st. This program allows residents of North & East Ontario to safely dispose of their used automotive batteries for recycling free of charge.

This year, as always, all proceeds will be going to “Scoutrees for Canada”, Scouts Canada’s tree planting program. Scoutrees has planted over 70 million seedlings since its inception in 1974, and CAA North & East Ontario is proud to support such an environmentally friendly cause. Last year’s Roundup helped raise $2234 for this valuable program, and CAANEO is excited to top that number this year.

The Great Battery Roundup is free to CAA Members as well as the general public. For drop off in Sudbury, Dryden, Timmins, Parry Sound, North Bay, Pembroke, Renfrew and Cornwall please visit www.caaneo.ca/gbr for locations, or see below.

Local Parry Sound Drop Off Location:
Constables Towing and Body Shop, 48 Hoddys Side Road, Parry Sound 705-746-7021

Congratulations to CAA on this great and environmentally conscious program!

Tuesday E-mail - May 11, 2010

2010-05-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Located on Lake Manitouwabing, 20 mins north east of Parry Sound, The Ridge at Manitou offers fantastic golf with amazing beauty and promises a truly memorable golfing experience!
If you wish to golf before the Business After Hours, The Ridge is offering 18 holes for $75, including cart!

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours & to book your tee time – we look forward to seeing you there!

Business on the Bay

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network for the Annual BUSINESS ON THE BAY networking cruise. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm onboard the Island Queen. This free 1 hour networking get together leaves the Town Dock in Parry Sound promptly at 5 pm, so don’t be left behind!

The cruise offers the opportunity for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go. Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area. Special thanks to the Island Queen for their generous support of this annual networking program.

Please RSVP to Anna Marie Harris at (705) 378-5105 or annamarie@gbcountry.com to confirm your participation.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

YMCA Peer Mentoring Program

The YMCA Employment Resource Centre is pleased to announce that they will be delivering new employment programs in Parry Sound including programs intended to provide unemployed older workers with programming aimed at increasing their employability, reintegrating them into the work force, and ensuring they remain active and productive labour market participants.

The objectives of the program are to prepare older workers for new and immediate employment and to increase employability of older workers in communities where there is little likelihood of immediate employment. Employers realize that older workers can make a significant contribution to the success of their organizations and businesses. Older workers are an asset offering maturity, experience and commitment.

Local community service agencies, employers, community leaders, local government and First Nation community leaders are invited to learn more and offer input towards the design of the program. Your contributions are critical to the success of the program.

The YMCA Employment Resource Centre will hold an information session and discussion on program details on May 19, 2010 at 10 am. Please RSVP your intention to attend to Dawn Rouse at 746-8480 by Monday, May 17th.

WSIB Training Course

The Parry Sound Family Health Team and the West Parry Sound Health Centre have worked together to organize a WSIB training course to be held in Parry Sound.

Course: Basic Certification Course for Joint Health and Safety Committees (JH&SC)
Date: Tuesday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 9
Location: West Parry Sound Health Centre
Facilitated By: Comp Advantage Inc.

This WSIB-approved Basic program is offered in a two-day classroom format (minimum 10 participants, maximum 25). Part One, Basic Certification provides an overall knowledge of health and safety that applies to all workplaces. Basic Certification must be completed prior to the Worksite Specific Training required by your workplace. All JH&SC members should be adequately educated in order to carry out their duties as noted in the OSH Act. The Basic Certification course is a great course to ensure your JH&SC members have knowledge in the fundamentals of Health and Safety. This course is also of benefit to Supervisors and Managers not on the JH&SC.

Basic Training provides training in:
• Health and Safety Law
• Hazard Identification and Control
• Investigation Techniques
• Prevention Resources

Registration for your employee(s) must be sent by fax (773-4632) to Lynne Gregory at the WPSHC no later than May 20. Please include:
• Name of Participant
• Indicate Worker Member or Management Member
• Name of Organization/Business and main contact
• Address and phone

A cheque for $275 payable to West Parry Sound Health Centre must be forwarded to the attention of Accounts Payable, Finance Department, WPSHC, 6 Albert Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 3A4 no later than May 25. Cost includes all materials and a copy of the OHS Act.

NOTE: If a minimum of 10 participants are not registered and payments received by May 25, the course may not be held. If the minimum of ten participants are booked, any cancellations
after May 26 or later will not receive a refund.

Glow and Grow Wednesdays in May

Contact North and the PARO Center for Women’s Enterprise have teamed up to offer the following workshops:
• Sustainable Livelihoods Model
• Developing Personal Creativity
• The Art of Negotiation

The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to women across Northern Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities. (The sessions are designed for women as PARO is an organization that works with women.) The video-conference sessions are available free of charge to Parry Sound residents 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. There is no registration fee.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Community Living Tees Up

Community Living Parry Sound will be hosting their 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 26, 2010 at Rocky Crest Golf Club. With the return of the Million Dollar Shootout and even more prizes, this year’s event promises to be their best yet!

The support and generosity of the participants and local businesses over the past eleven years has resulted in close to $100,000 being raised in support of local Special Olympic athletes, Community Inclusion and Volunteering opportunities. If you are interested getting involved in this worthwhile event, please call: Kyle Turriff at 705-746-9330, ext. 255.

Congratulations Spring Jam

Can-Am Spring Jam 2010, held April 29-May 1, generated approximately $200,000 in business for the local economy. Approximately $3,600 was also raised for the Kelly Shires TraX4 Breast Cancer Campaign, the first year for this charity fund-raising portion of the weekend.
Congratulations to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and participants for showing how successful and important to the local economy an event held outside of the traditional summer tourism months can be.

Tuesday E-mail - May 4, 2010

2010-05-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours at The Ridge at Manitou

Located on Manitouwabing Lake, 20 mins north east of Parry Sound, The Ridge at Manitou offers fantastic golf with amazing beauty and promises a truly memorable golfing experience!

If you wish to golf before the Business After Hours, The Ridge is offering 18 holes for $75, including cart!

Join your host, The Ridge at Manitou at 160 Inn Road, McKellar on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for Business After Hours & to book your tee time – we look forward to seeing you there!

Business on the Bay

This year’s annual Business on the Bay Networking Cruise will be held Wednesday, June 16 from 5-6 pm. The Chamber, in partnership with Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network will be hosting this free one hour networking get together onboard the Island Queen.

The event is for area businesses and their front line staff to get to know each other, share ideas and information about the upcoming summer season and to learn more about what others in the area have on the go.

Get to know what’s happening with your fellow businesses and wow customers this summer with your knowledge of the area – don’t miss this great opportunity!

What Has The Chamber Done For You?

Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce offered a hands on learning opportunity to our members. The afternoon seminar was very informative with attendees learning about effective social media, how to make contact everyday, how to gain a following through the different social media outlets available and a tutorial on building a Facebook fan page for their business.

Special thanks to our sponsoring partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

YMCA Peer Mentoring Program

What is Peer Mentoring? Mentoring is a form of informal professional development where a newer business person develops professional skills or competencies with feedback from a more experienced person.

The mentor is a sort of trusted counselor or guide—someone whose skills the mentee respects. Peer mentoring is a unique approach to mentoring where two people choose to work together on common or complementary goals.

The mentoring pair may have different professional skill sets or work experience – or you may share certain skills or work experiences. The key is that you have something you can learn from each other.

You don’t have to have “seniority” or years of experience to be a good peer mentor. No matter what your current job or work experience is, you have developed a set of professional skills that you can share with your co-workers or colleagues.

What can you expect to get out of Peer Mentoring?
• Expanded knowledge of professional skills and practices
• Exposure of fresh ideas, a faster learning curve than trying to “do it all on your own”
• Personal growth
• Sense of Sharing
• Opportunity to reflect on effective skills and work practices
• Challenge of learning and applying new skills
• Reduced sense of isolation
• Access to broader professional networks
• Increased self-confidence
• Satisfaction gained from growing yourself and helping someone else to grow professionally

If you have two hours per month that you would be willing to donate to the Peer Mentoring Program, please send your contact information to the Parry Sound YMCA Employment Resource Centre at 705-746-8480.

Twitter Workshop

When it comes to micro blogging, are you scared twitless?
Leaving the tweet to everyone else is keeping you out of the loop -- and that means lost opportunities to engage. Twitter is more than a fad. Twitter’s annual growth has reached 1,100% from 2009 to 2010 and too many businesses are still holding back. If your staff is tweeting and your colleagues are a-twitter, you might think you’re covered. But if your voice is missing, the story just might not be complete. Discover how to find new business opportunities, connect with like minded professionals, build a community, and monitor what others are already saying about your brand.

Speakers:
Anne White, Director of Public Relations, Deerhurst Resort
Bill Anderson, Owner/Social Media Expert, Muskoka Outdoors

Register online at www.eventsinmuskoka.com for this event being held in the evening on May 12th at the Shamrock Lodge in Port Carling.

WSIB Training Course

The Parry Sound Family Health Team and the West Parry Sound Health Centre have worked together to organize a WSIB training course to be held in Parry Sound. The workshop has been booked at the classroom at the Hospital for June 8th & 9th, and there is still room for a few more participants. If anyone has been looking for the opportunity to take the course but have been deterred by the need to travel out of the area to do so, please contact Helen Ayers to register at 705-746-9321.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Local Newspaper launches new website and highlights e-mail

Congratulations go out to the Parry Sound North Star for recently launching a new and improved website, cottagecountrynow.ca, serving the entire Parry Sound, Muskoka and Almaguin region. The site is divided into sections for each of the three geographic regions, with top stories and breaking news for the entire area posted on the home page throughout the week.

Towards the end of each week, the North Star will be sending out an email summary of local news highlights. It’s like a free weekly subscription to cottage country news arriving on your Blackberry or personal computer – so you won’t miss a thing!

To subscribe, please visit:
www.cottagecountrynow.ca/article/661773 and sign up to become a registered user.

Check out www.cottagecountrynow.ca, including links to coupons, flyers, great deals for homes and cars, job notices, obituaries, birth announcements and more from across the province! If you have any questions, please contact Janice Heidman, Advertising Sales Manager or Jack Tynan,
Managing Editor at 705-746-2104.

Tuesday E-mail - April 27, 2010

2010-04-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Great Business After Hours Event at Canadore College

A huge thank you goes out to our most recent BAH host, Canadore College. On Wednesday, April 21st over fifty people took the opportunity to network, view the plans for the soon-to-be-constructed campus, and enjoy catered beverages and snacks from the Log Cabin.

The strength of the Chamber Network can be tangibly felt at events such as the Business After Hours gatherings and we encourage all of our members to join in on these excellent mixers.

Upcoming Business After Hour Dates:

• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm (pre-event golf is available – see details below!**)

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm

• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 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!

**The Ridge at Manitou would like to invite Chamber members to join them for a round of golf prior to the BAH on May 19th for the great rate of $75 per person.**

Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar in February, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce are offering a hands on learning opportunity dedicated to integrating social media into your marketing or customer awareness campaign.

Sue Sutcliffe, The Web Coach, can help you harness new and upcoming technologies to your advantage. The free three-hour seminar will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28, from 1 pm-4 pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. The content will be at an intermediate computer skills level. Few seats remain for this extremely interactive session, so please call today (746-4213) if you are interested in attending.
If you have specific questions about social media and marketing your business on the web (ie. how do I make a Facebook Fan Page), please include those questions with your RSVP.

Thank you all for your interest and dedication to ongoing professional skills development. Special thanks to our sponsoring partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

What’s Happening In Our Community?

YMCA Employer Panel

Who’s hiring now? The YMCA Employment Resource Centre at 60 James Street, Suite 303 will be helping prospective employees figure that out on Friday, April 30 at 1:00 pm.
Employer panels are held several times a year. Businesses are invited to present information about what their business does, what types of skills and people they are looking for, and to hold on the spot interviews with potential candidates. This week’s panel will include representatives from Home Depot, the Parry Sound Mall, Kellerman’s Resort, and Selkirk.
Everyone is encouraged to let unemployed or underemployed individuals that you may know about this opportunity.
Businesses interested in participating on the panel in future should contact Dawn Rouse at 746-8480.
These employment services are delivered by the YMCA on behalf of Employment Ontario.

An Evening with the Deputy Ministers

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where: Design Exchange, Toronto
Tickets: $210 plus GST (Ontario Chamber of Commerce Member rate)

Launched in 2006, this is an annual evening of dialogue, discussion and sharing of ideas between business and community leaders and the leaders of Ontario’s public service.
Through a networking reception, hosted dinner Roundtables, and a Q&A period moderated by Shelley Jamieson, the Secretary of the Cabinet, the evening offers direct access to Ontario’s Deputy Ministers in an informal setting.
Each Roundtable is hosted by a different Deputy Minister, allowing an informal exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions with the DMs as well as with other business leaders at the table. Should guests wish to discuss issues pertaining to more than one ministry, they do so during the open Q&A period during which all the Deputy Ministers will respond to questions. Alternatively, some bring a colleague to join the discussions at another table.
Registrations are limited for this unique opportunity and they quickly reach capacity seating each year. The 2009 An Evening with the Deputy Ministers was a sold out event. For more
information on this OCC event, please contact Rosanna Ho at rosannaho@occ.on.ca.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Petal of Honor Award Winner

Congratulations to Kathrin Radu-Liesenfeld and the Pardon My Garden team who were recently awarded Teleflora’s Petal of Honor Award. Quality is considered to be at the heart and soul of the Petal of Honor award winning businesses. The award was created to help recognize florists with the ability to exceed expectations and exemplify exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Great job Pardon My Garden!

2010-04-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

16 people, one room, Sue Sutcliffe talking about social media. There were quite a few furrowed brows in the room, but there was also a lot of discussion. Actual discussion. Yes, that's right, the April 28, 2010 1-4 pm interactive seminar was truly interactive and entirely guided by the group in the room. It was a great thing to see.

Networking is the future, like it or not - business owners and employees alike, and the simple fact is that include online networking. Get with it - join in now, don't be left in the dust! Talk to your peers, your friends, your colleagues. Let's move our agendas forward together.

Join in on Chamber events - visit our events calendar to know what is happening across the Parry Sound region or give us a call (705-746-4213) to learn more about the Chamber Network.

Earth Day!

2010-04-22T12:51:00.001-07:00

Today is Earth Day! What have you done to help our Planet? The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Staff participated in our local "20 minute Makeover" and collected two bags of litter from the area surrounding our office. We encourage all local businesses to get out and help make our area even more beautiful!

Business After Hours at Canadore College

2010-04-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Business After Hours!

Yesterday April 21, Canadore College hosted a Business After Hours Event and it was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event and to Canadore for being wonderful hosts!

Below are pictures of the attendees showing off the plans for Canadores new campus!

Tuesday E-mail - April 21, 2010

2010-04-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Business After Hours at Canadore College

Don’t miss your chance to get engaged in your business community and NETWORK! Business After Hours events are not just for business owners and managers; we encourage members to give front line, sales, tech, or other staff the opportunity to meet and mingle and make new contacts.

Join us and your host, Canadore College at 60 James Street, Suite 201, Parry Sound on Wednesday, April 21 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Beverages and snacks will be provided by the Log Cabin. Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

Other Upcoming Business After Hours Dates:
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
(pre-event golf will be available – details to come!)
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest, July 14, 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!

Hands On E-Business Event

In follow up to the E-Business Seminar in February, The Business Centre and the Chamber of Commerce are offering a hands on learning opportunity dedicated to integrating social media into your marketing or customer awareness campaign. Sue Sutcliffe, The Web Coach, can help you harness new and upcoming technologies to your advantage.

The free three-hour seminar will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28, from 1 pm - 4 pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. The content will be at an intermediate computer skills level and we encourage everyone to bring a wifi-enabled laptop with them if they can. As space is limited for this extremely interactive session, sign-up will be on a first come, first served basis.

Please send your RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or (705) 746-4213 by April 23rd. If you have specific questions about social media and marketing your business on the web (ie. how do I make a Facebook Fan Page), please include those questions with your RSVP.

Thank you all for your interest and dedication to ongoing professional skills development. Special thanks to our sponsoring partners, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund
and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

New OCC Initiative Announced: Accessibility Works

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been actively involved in developing accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The goal of the act is to make the province accessible by 2025 by developing standards in key areas including customer service, transportation, information and communications, employment, the built environment.

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Standard (O. Reg 429/07), also known as the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008 and is the first standard developed under AODA. It applies to all businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to the public or other organizations and have at least one employee in Ontario.

Compliance dates and reporting requirements for organizations in the private sector, including non-profit are as follows:
• Businesses with 20 or more employees must comply by January 1, 2012, and report in 2012.
• Businesses with one to 19 employees must comply by January 1, 2012, but are exempted from reporting.

Accessibility Works is a new initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. The OCC will work collaboratively with the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade to help businesses in Ontario become aware of and comply with the customer service standard.

Key resources and tools of the project will include:

• Web-based information and an online training module designed specifically to help business implement and comply with the customer service standard.
• Facilitators information kit to help the OCC’s 160 affiliated local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade disseminate information to their corporate members.
• Up to 40 information sessions held with local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

For more information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act visit: http://www.accesson.ca/

What’s Happening In Our Community?

An Evening with the Deputy Ministers

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010
Where: Design Exchange, Toronto
Tickets: $210 plus GST (OCC Member rate)
Agenda:
5:00pm – Cocktail Reception
6:30pm – Dinner & Deputy Minister Roundtable Discussions
7:30pm – Moderated Question & Answer Period with all Deputy Ministers
9:00pm – Closing Remarks

Launched in 2006, this is an annual evening of dialogue, discussion and sharing of ideas between business and community leaders and the leaders of Ontario’s public service. Through a networking reception, hosted dinner Roundtables, and a Q&A period moderated by Shelley Jamieson, the Secretary of the Cabinet, the evening offers direct access to Ontario’s Deputy Ministers in an informal setting.

Each Roundtable is hosted by a different Deputy Minister, allowing an informal exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions with the DMs as well as with other business leaders at the table. Should guests wish to discuss issues pertaining to more than one ministry, they do so during the open Q&A period during which all the Deputy Ministers will respond to questions. Alternatively, some bring a colleague to join the discussions at another table.

Registrations are limited for this unique opportunity and they quickly reach capacity seating each year. The 2009 An Evening with the Deputy Ministers was a SOLD OUT event.
For more information on this OCC event, please contact Rosanna Ho at rosannaho@occ.on.ca.

What Are Our Members Doing?

“20 Minute Makeover” This Thursday

The Chamber staff challenges all Chamber members to participate this Thursday April 22, in the “20 Minute Makeover”

It’s simple, when the clock strikes 2:00pm:
• Stop what your doing
• Walk outside and look around
• Take notice of the litter scattered around the area
• Take action for 20 minutes and clean it up

By working together we can help make our area even more beautiful!

2010-04-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Award Winners Announced!

Tourism Award - This award recognizes an individual or business that has demonstrated a commitment to leading, developing and growing the Tourism industry in the Parry Sound Area in 2009, through innovative concepts, partnerships, and initiatives.
.
Winner - Parry Sound KOA

Entrepreneur of the Year - This award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of a person or person(s) responsible for accepting the challenges and risks in purchasing, opening, expanding or significantly diversifying a business in the Parry Sound Area in 2009.

Winner - Jason Rosewell, owner of LinkHouse Media

Business of the Year - This award recognizes a business that has consistently provided superior service and products to their customers in the Parry Sound Area in 2009.
.
Winner - LeBlanc's Ok Tire & Auto Service

Community Leadership Award - This new award recognizes the time and dedication it's recipient has made to serving and building community initiatives in the Parry Sound Area.

Winner - Perry S. Harris

2009 President's Award - This award is selected by the President of the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the significant contributions it's recipient has made to the business environment in the Parry Sound Area.

Winner - Moose FM CKLP 103.3

Tuesday E-mail - April 13, 2010

2010-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?

Congratulations & Thank You!
The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented by Bell, was held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. The evening was a great success, recognizing many worthy individuals and businesses in our area. The Award Winners were:

Tourism Award - Parry Sound KOA

Entrepreneur of the Year - Jason Rosewell of Linkhouse Media

Business of the Year - LeBlanc’s O.K. Tire & Auto Service

Community Leadership Award - Perry S. Harris

President’s Award - Moose FM CKLP 103.3 Parry Sound

Special Thanks to our Sponsors & Silent Auction Donors

Premiere Sponsor:

Bell

Gold Sponsors:

Comfort Inn
RBC Royal Bank

Wine Sponsors:

Connor Industries
Desmasdon’s Boat Works
Terry D. Clark Accounting

Silver Sponsors:

Assante Capital Management
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Parry Sound Insurance Brokers
Parry Sound Mall
Sounders Cleaning Products

Bronze Sponsors:

Digital Office Solutions
Georgian Bay Software
Now That’s Catering
Metroland North Media – Parry Sound North Star

Silent Auction:

4-H Club
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Bearly Used Books
Beverly’s
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
Canadian Tire
Charles W. Stockey Centre
Coyle & Greer
Crafts ‘N’ Things Hobbies & Games
Delta Rocky Crest
Diver’s Nook
Festival of the Sound
Florence’s Finery
Georgian Bay Country
Georgian Bay Airways Ltd.
Grand & Toy
Harley’s Music Shop
Huckleberry’s
Jeans Unlimited
Kellerman’s Resort
Linkhost Media
Linkhouse Media
Little Garden Ltd.
LM Chimney Services
Log Cabin Inn
Minuteman Press
Moose FM
Mr. Electric Near
North Recreation
Newtons Dry Cleaners
Orr’s Fine Meats & Deli
Parry Sound KOA
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Perfectly Pampered Spa
Parry Sound TV & Appliance
Pollards IDA
Quality Inn and Conference Centre
Ross Windows & Doors
Staples
The Great Art Studio
The Ridge at Manitou
Walmart
Trapper’s Choice Restaurant & Inn
Whitestone Lake Resort
West Parry Sound District Museum
Wasauksing Communications
Rez91

The Chamber offers congratulations to all of the very worthy winners and nominees. This year saw one of the highest nomination response rates in recent history, resulting in a diverse pool of talented, service-oriented, community-minded individuals and businesses from which the winners were identified. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who attended or supported the Gala and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year.

Business After Hours at Canadore College
The Parry Sound Campus of Canadore College is the local provider of a large assortment of workshops as well as full & part-time courses offered through Continuing Education. Representatives from the main campus in North Bay will be joining the local Campus Staff to host this event, answering questions about what Canadore offers, and displaying the architectural renderings of the new local campus, scheduled to be open for learning in Spring of 2011!

Join us and your host, Canadore College at 60 James Street, Suite 201, Parry Sound on Wednesday, April 21 from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm to expand your business network. Beverages and snacks will be provided by the Log Cabin.

Bring your business cards along to participate in a door prize draw and to ensure all of your new contacts know exactly how to reach you!

Other Upcoming Business After Hours Dates:
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 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?

New Legislation – Know Your Responsibilities
Businesses with more than five employees will need to develop workplace violence and harassment policies as of June 15, 2010 according to an amendment to Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act. Learn more in the article on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Website Click Here for OCC Website

Summer Jobs Deadline April 30th
The Summer Jobs Deadline is fast approaching, applications must be submitted by April 30th, 2010. Through this program your business can receive a subsidy of $2.00 per hour to hire young people during the summer. For more information please contact Larry Taylor at (705) 773-4217.

What Are Our Members Doing?

Bridging The Way - VCARS
On April 19 and 20, the District of Parry Sound Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service and the Muskoka Parry Sound Community Mental Health Services will be hosting a 2-day summit focused on improving inter-agency coordination through the development of a shared understanding and response to victims with mental health issues. The goal is to align strategies, structures, and practices with the core purpose of providing a coordinated continuum of service in the Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka.

The “Bridging the Way” Summit is inviting all individuals and agencies from the mental health sector, justice sector, crisis services and victim services in Central Ontario (Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka) to participate.

The summit will be held at the Tim Horton’s Children’s Camp on Lorimer Lake. For more information on this initiative, please contact Ann Swallow at VCARS, 746-0508.

Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Prepares for Induction Ceremony
On May 1st, 2010, the 7th Annual Induction Ceremony will be held at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, honouring Peter Conacher, Bob Beaumont, Roger Galipeau and Rick Thomas.
For more information on the event, please contact Cheryl Ward at 746-4466. Congratulations to all of the inductees and thank you for your contributions to sport in our community!

Marc De Groote’s Art featured on Tourism Guide Cover
Marc De Groote of the Great Art Studio is featured on the cover of this months addition of Curious, The Tourist Guide. Congratulations Marc! Check it out at: The Curious Guide

Penney and Company Open House
On April 20, 2010, from 10 am – 5 pm, Penney and Company will be throwing open their doors to show off their new branded promotional items at 246 Worthington Street East in North Bay and they have invited all of their fellow Chamber members to come in for a visit. Congratulations to Penney and Company on the new promotional line!

Tuesday E-mail - April 6, 2010

2010-04-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Menu Choices Due This Week

The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented in partnership with Bell, is being held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. All expected attendees have been sent a meal selection form that we need to have returned to us by Thursday, April 8. If you are planning to attend the Ball and have not yet purchased tickets or received your meal selection form, please contact us as soon as possible at 746-4213 or info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

Premiere Sponsor:
Bell

Gold Sponsors:
Comfort Inn
RBC Royal Bank

Silver Sponsors:
Assante Capital Management
Connor Industries
Desmasdon’s Boat Works
Parry Sound Carpets N Colours
Parry Sound Insurance Brokers
Parry Sound Mall
Sounders Cleaning Products
Terry D. Clark Accounting

Bronze Sponsors:
Digital Office Solutions
Georgian Bay Software
Now That’s Catering
Metroland North Media – Parry Sound North Star

Business After Hours Schedule

Networking – who needs it? You do! Every business, no

matter how big or small, can prosper through networking. Whether it is meeting a potential client, establishing relationships that lead to referrals, sharing business know-how, or just catching up with your peers, everyone can enjoy the benefits of networking.

Upcoming Dates:
• Canadore College, April 21, 5 pm to 6 pm
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 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!

Greening Up Your Business – Everyone is Welcome

Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network are presenting “Greening Up Your Business” on Wednesday, April 14 from 8 am – noon at Kellerman’s Resort.
Speakers will include Joseph Klein speaking on Green Tourism and Larry Taylor sharing information on how the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund can help your business go Green.

This workshop is free, includes a buffet breakfast, and is open to everyone – not just women! As space is limited, please RSVP to annamarie@gbcountry.com or 705-378-5105.

Canadore President Barbara Taylor Retires

As Barbara Taylor, President and CEO of Canadore College, finishes up her term and plans for her retirement, the Chamber would like to take a moment to thank her for all of the effort that she has put into building a lasting legacy in the Parry Sound Area. On the occasion of her retirement, an informal reception has been planned at the North Bay campus on Thursday, April 8th, from 3 to 5 pm.
If you will be attending, please RSVP to Carrie Dokis at
705-474-7600 ext. 5147. Congratulations Barbara and we wish you the best in your retirement!

Connor Industries Upholstry Shop

Connor Industries Upholstry Shop has expanded into a newer, larger facility allowing them to service the growing needs of the Parry Sound and surrounding areas, from new boat tops to new interiors, whether it’s replaced or needs repair, they’ve got you covered.

Our congratulations go out to the Upholstry Shop Team at Connor Industries, and everyone is encouraged to visit them at their location on Tudhope Street North to see the new facility and what they have to offer. For any questions about the expansion or services, please contact Jay at 746-5468 or by email at info@connorindustries.com.

1st Annual Barb Kerr Speaker Series Event

Barb Kerr of Investors Group Financial Services Inc. presents a Evening of Motivation with Wendel Clark. April 28th, 2010 at the Charles W Stockey Centre.

Wendel will speak on overcoming obstacles to achieve success and how with teamwork, determination and great leadership you can achieve anything!

For more information contact Barb Kerr at (705) 746-8753.

How Do You Make Decisions?

2010-04-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today highlighted for me an important and often overlooked method of decision making - the flowchart.

I followed a quick tweet from @GuyKawasaki to Alltop.com to discover the answer to whether or not I should buy an iPad.

After I stopped laughing at the creative transitions, I really did think flowcharts are under-utilized in most businesses. The next time I need to put a process into effect for the Chamber, I'm definitely mapping it out this way. Maybe that would be a good use for a new iPad.....

Traffic Concerns in Parry Sound

2010-03-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Email - March 30, 2010

2010-03-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

Successful Launch of the New Business After Hours Program

On Wednesday, March 24, the YMCA Employment Resource Centre hosted a bevy of small business people eager to network with their peers and to learn about programs offered through the Centre to both employers and those looking for employment.

Business After Hours Schedule

Networking – who needs it? You do! Every business, no matter how big or small, can prosper through networking. Whether it is meeting a potential client, establishing relationships that lead to referrals, sharing business knowhow, or just catching up with your peers, everyone can enjoy
the benefits of networking.

Upcoming Dates:

• Canadore College, April 21, 5 pm to 6 pm
• The Ridge at Manitou, May 19, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 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!

Honouring the Nominees

The President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala, presented in partnership with Bell, is being held April 10 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. It was a banner year for nominations and congratulations should go out to all of the nominees:

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection
Ahmic Lake Resort
Ardco
Artistic Endeavours
Artists Round the Sound
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Distler Construction
Festival of the Sound
Georgian Bay Airways
Georgian Bay Country
Kellerman’s Resort
LeBlanc’s O.K. Tire & Auto Service
K&H Engines
Linkhouse Media
LM Chimney Services
McNabb Home Building Centre
Now That’s Catering
Parry Sound KOA
Sound Software
Royal Lepage Team Advantage
The Big Brain
Town of Parry Sound
Wellington’s Pub & Grill
White Squall
Zeuter Development Corp.

The winners will be announced at the Gala, so don’t miss the chance to support our local businesses. Tickets for the Awards Gala are currently available for $65 plus tax per person for an evening that will include dinner, entertainment, and many fantastic silent auction items.

Book your tickets today by contacting the Chamber Staff (Jessie, Kathy, or Rebecca) at (705) 746-4213 or by e-mailing info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
RBC Royal Bank and Comfort Inn

Greening Up Your Business

Georgian Bay Country and the Georgian Bay Women’s Network are presenting “Greening Up Your Business” on Wednesday, April 14 from 8 am – noon at Kellerman’s Resort. Speakers will include Joseph Klein speaking on Green Tourism and Larry Taylor sharing information on how the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund can help your business go Green.

This workshop is free and open to everyone (men included!) and includes a buffet breakfast. As space is limited, please RSVP to annamarie@gbcountry.com or (705) 378-5105.

Ontario Minimum Wage Increases

The final amendments to Regulation 285/01 of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to implement the increases to the general minimum wage that were announced in the 2007 Ontario budget will come into effect on March 31, 2010. The regulation increases the minimum wage rates for students, liquor servers, homeworkers, and hunting⁄fishing guides by the same percentage as the general rate.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Labour website.

K&H Engines Expanding Services

Congratulations go out to K&H Engines Ltd. who recently announced that they are expanding to offer a RETAIL STORE at their location on James Bay Junction Road North! K&H Engines Ltd. supplies engines, repair services, parts, accessories and storage facilities for marine, hot rod and
custom vehicles, in addition to sleds and ATVs.

In the process of setting up this new venture, Ryan Tarrant is putting a call out to all of his peers who might be able to lend a little advice on finding reliable suppliers for retail “display units” for parts and clothing. If any fellow Chamber Member can help source these display units, please contact Ryan directly at 746-5665 or info@khengines.com. As Ryan says, remember to work ON your business every day, not just IN your business!

Local Business Awards Nominees Announced

2010-03-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for its annual Business Awards.

The nomination categories for this year's awards are Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Tourism Award. This annual awards program recognizes and honours the professional achievements and contributions of extraordinary people and businesses in our community who personified excellence, customer service and community support over the past year (2009). Every year, the President of the Chamber of Commerce also recognizes a deserving individual or group with the President’s Award.

This was a banner year for nominations. Provided by a diverse group of business leaders and community members, the nominations reflect the value and significance that local business injects into our area.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE NOMINEES:

A Buyer's Choice Home Inspection
Ahmic Lake Resort
Ardco
Artistic Endeavours
Artists Round the Sound
Bayside Inn
Bear Claw Tours
Distler Construction
Festival of the Sound
Georgian Bay Airways
Georgian Bay Country
Kellerman's Resort
K&H Engines
LeBlanc's OK Tire & Auto Service
Linkhouse Media
LM Chimney Services
McNabb Home Building Centre
Now That's Catering
Parry Sound KOA
Royal Lepage Team Advantage
Sound Software
The Big Brain
Town of Parry Sound
Wellington's Pub & Grill
White Squall
Zeuter Development Corp.

The Awards will be presented at the President’s Ball and Business Awards Gala presented by Bell on April 10.

The Gala is being held at the Charles W. Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, tickets are each $65 plus tax, available from the Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chamber at 746-4213 or info@parrysoundchamber.ca.

This event is made possible through the contributions of many organizations including Premiere Sponsor Bell, Gold Sponsors the Royal Bank and Comfort Inn, and partners such as the Parry Sound North Star.

Welcome to the new blog

2010-03-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time had passed. Our trial blog had served it's purpose and it is now time to launch our official blog about business and community in the Parry Sound Area.

Where is Parry Sound you ask? Parry Sound is located approximately 2 hours north of Toronto, in the ever-popular cottage country that entices hundreds of thousands each summer to flee the city life for a back to nature experience. Of course for those who live here, we also know that it is a top notch outdoor playground all year long.

So come for a visit, but be warned - you may end up staying for a lifetime.