Breakfast Television Kicks off Summer in Parry Sound!

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

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

Chamber Happenings:

Business Collage

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

President’s Ball

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

E-Business Seminar - February 23rd

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


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

Using Social Media to grow your business Webinar

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

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

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

Women in Business Lunch

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

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

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


What’s Happening with our Members

Wright’s Marina Wins Award

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

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

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

New Funding announced in support of local entrepreneurship

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

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

Tuesday E-mail - January 11, 2011

Chamber Happenings:

E-Business Seminar - February 23rd

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

Chamber Business Breakfast

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

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

“Grassroots” Roundtable

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

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

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

Chamber Annual General Meeting

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


What’s Happening in our Business Community

10 Digit Dialing - January 15th

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

New Funding announced in support of Small Business Growth

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

OMHA Top Ten Lists

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

Facebook and your business

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

Click Here to read the informative article


What’s Happening with our Members

Airport Expansion Funding

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

Tuesday E-mail - January 4, 2011

Chamber Happenings:

Chamber Business Breakfast

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

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


Chamber Annual General Meeting

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held next Monday January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this
meeting.

What’s Happening in our Business Community

10 Digit Dialing - January 15th

A reminder to update all of your business contact information to include the 705 area code.
Starting on January 15, 2011, businesses and consumers in the 705 region will have to adopt 10-digit dialing – the area code followed by the phone number – for all local communications.

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


Upcoming Business Workshops & Seminars

Community Living - The World Cafe

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

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


What’s Happening with our Members

Fireplace and Leisure Centre

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

Ardco New Location

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

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

Tuesday E-mail - December 21, 2010

Chamber Happenings:

Chamber Holiday Hours
>The Chamber office will be closed December 24, 2010 at 12pm and will re-open on January 3, 2011 at 8:30am. We wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday.


Chamber Business Breakfast

The Chamber Business Breakfast will take place on Wednesday January 5, 2011 start time 8am at the Log Cabin Inn. With special guest Minister of Industry MP Tony Clement. Cost is $15.00 tax/grat in for a hot buffet breakfast and an opportunity to hear what hot topic items are happening.

Tickets are available at the Chamber office or you can RSVP ahead and pay cash at the door.
As the Chamber will be closed during the stated Christmas break if you’re interested in attending the Breakfast with Minister Tony Clement on January 5th please ensure you call to rsvp or drop by the office to pick up your tickets before Friday December 24 at noon.


Chamber Annual General Meeting

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm at the West Parry Sound District Museum. We encourage all members to attend this meeting.


Copyright Modernization Act - OCC

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has requested support from it’s members in regards to the proposed Copyright Modernization Act- Bill-C-32 which would see the modernization of the act.

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.