KINGSTON CHAMBEREWSSEPTEMBER 2011 KINGSTONCHAMBER.ON.CA ISSUE15SEPTEMBER The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce has an outlook that encourages networking, but at its heart, the Chamber is the prime advocate for a healthy economic environment. Being Kingston’s Voice of Business should be exemplified through hard work, measurable goals and advocacy that bring value to our members while engaging the business community as a whole. Clearly, we are “in businessfor business.”And when we are confronted with an issue or question, we don’t take it lightly. We’ll start off September with getting you informed politically. Our September 7 th “Meet the Local Candidates Breakfast,” will showcase who is running and why in the upcoming provincial election. We will also be attending the Canadian Chamber’s Annual General Meeting to ensure the resolutions to help commerce expand and businesses grow. The Chamber’s fall program has lots of ways to engage you and your colleagues – the September 22 nd MegaMixer, business-oriented workshops and our Board elections to help bring in the new dynamic business people that will drive our organization forward. The genesis of this proactive approach is for the Chamber to help foster the growth of your company and your clients through our high-value business processes, an expanded partnership role and, ultimately, to help you leverage our services into a real competitive advantage. In a highly competitive local, regional, national and global business climate, it is essential that the Chamber becomes even more creative in finding ways to help you service your clients to improve their loyalty and repeat business. There is a basic premise at work in almost all business relationships. That is, if two people want to do business together they won’t let any details get in the way. If two people don’t want to do business together any detail will get in the way. We want to foster the right environment and we are on track to do so. The Chamber MegaMixer is September 22 100 exhibitors!!! Great prizes!!! PRESENTING SPONSOR GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR The first 1000 attendees get a free courier bag plus, you’ll have more chances to win prizes throughout the event. EXECUTIVEVIEWPOINT BY: MEGAN COUGHLIN, PRESIDENT
Calian (Calian Technologies Ltd.)Unit 460 - 366 King St. EastKingston, ON K7K 6Y3Telephone: (613) 546-3917Fax: (613) 546-6397Email: [email protected]: http://www.calian.jobsNumber of Employees: 5Contact: Mr. Charles MacDonaldClassification(s): EMPLOYMENT SERVICESNotes: A leader in recruiting, staffing and outsourcingservices. We focus on healthcare information technology,professional and corporate services, specialized trades andtraining.
HRPA150 Bloor Street WestSuite 200Toronto ON M5S 2X9Telephone: (613) 924-0442Fax: (416) 923-7264Email: [email protected]: http://www.hrpa.caNumber of Employees: 1Contact: Ms. Jennifer Eiler,Classification(s): ASSOCIATIONS/SERVICE CLUBSNotes: The Human Resources Professionals Association(HRPA) is Canada's HR thought leader and the largest HRassociation in the country. In Ontario, HRPA regulates theHR profession and issues the Certified Human ResourcesProfessional (CHRP) designation, the national standard forexcellence in human resources management. HRPA hasmore than 19,000 members in 28 chapters and hosts thelargest annual HR conference in Canada.
Miss Piggy's Baskets21 Slade CrescentKanata ON K2K 2L1Telephone: (613) 979-2116Fax:Email: [email protected]: http://www.misspiggysbaskets.comNumber of Employees: 3Contact: Ms. Sue Davis, Marketing ManagerClassification(s): GIFT BASKETSNotes: Miss Piggy's Baskets specializes in creatingcustomized, corporate gift baskets. What better way toshow appreciation than to send Miss Piggy wishes off to avalued business, employee, or just someone special.
Rural Roots89 Waldo's Lane, Box 36Wolfe Island ON K0H 2Y0Telephone: (613) 391-3402Fax:Email: [email protected]:Number of Employees: 1Contact: Mr. Mike Phillips,Classification(s): HOME RENOVATIONSNotes: Rural Roots is a locally based Restoration andRenovation company. We specialize in old homerestoration (interior and exterior). We can renovate orremodel any room of your home, build your deck, dock orfence, and address any home maintenance issues you mayhave. Please contact Mike for a free consultation or quoteat 613-391-3402.
Directory Updates
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada(staff update)Dan Irwin, Agency ManagerEmail: [email protected]
Business Network International (BNI)(address change)247-1568 Merivale Road
Ottawa ON K2G 5Y7
Four Points By Sheraton Kingston (new contact)Erin Finucan, Senior Sales ManagerEmail: [email protected]
Kingston Area Home Business Association (KAHBA)Contact UpdateLorayne Bradshaw PresidentEmail: [email protected]
Paul Davis Systems of Kingston (new address)21 Harvey StreetKingston ON K7K 5C1
Gordon’s Estate Services Ltd. Free Information Night
Thinking about your retirement; learn what theseindustry professionals say are the top 5 secrets to yourretirement success!
When considering your retirement it’s important to lookat the big picture; your finances, lifestyle choices, livingsituation, banking practices and succession planning allplay major roles in how you will enjoy what should bethe best years of your life. Susan Creasy, Susan Elliott,Alicia Gordon, Kim Nicholls and Karen Sands invite youto attend their free information night on ThursdayOctober 13 at the Seniors Association from 5-6:30pm tolearn how you can make the most of your retirement.Click here -http://gordonsestateservices.wordpress.com/2011/08/
22/free-information-night/ for more details.
Policy updates from the CanadianChamber – Online Survey
Effective Commercialization of Innovations inCanada
Developed by the Chamber, in collaboration with severalother major industry associations, federal and provincial
agencies and not-for-profit organizations involved inbusiness acceleration, this survey is to acquire ameaningful understanding of what works and what doesnot for Canadian companies in matters of commercialization. More information about this programcan be found at: http://www.cata.ca/commercialization/
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to providecritical information that will help Canadian executives – inindustry as well as in government – to benchmark theirorganizations’ success in the commercialization of innovation and to develop better practices and support
programs for ensuring competitiveness on the global scale.The survey is available in both official languages athttp://bit.ly/oyJoyk
In recognition of participation, participants will beprovided with a summary of the survey results and willreceive an invitation to participate in a webinar onproposals for achieving a more effective commercializationenvironment in Canada.
Competition Bureau sues to shut down business directory scam
The Competition Bureau recently announced that it hastaken action against five companies and three individualsto ban a deceptive marketing scheme targeting businessesacross Canada.
The Bureau is seeking an injunction to put an immediateend to the deceptive marketing representations, freezecorporate assets for future restitution to victims and stopthe deceptive conduct.
The Bureau’s action comes after an internationalinvestigation uncovered a business directory schemetargeting Canadian and international businesses, inviolation of the false or misleading and deceptive practicesprovisions of the Competition Act . The U.S. Federal TradeCommission (FTC) is undertaking a simultaneous courtaction against U.S. targets involved in this case.
The investigation found that the individuals and companiessent faxed forms to targets displaying symbols that closelyresemble the well-known trademark of the Yellow PagesGroup (YPG), thus deceiving businesses into believing theforms came from the YPG. For additional informationregarding the Bureau’s investigation, seehttp://bit.ly/n8TSQ0
From the Ontario Chamber - Protecting our
Most Valuable ResourceA 2010 OCC Employer Survey found over three-quarters of
Ontario employers link workforce training to increasedquality of output, improved service, and increased staff morale and motivation.
“Businesses across Ontario understand howknowledgeable workers support innovation and economicprosperity,” said Len Crispino, OCC President & CEO.“Unfortunately, the current workforce training system hasa number of gaps that limit its ability to produce a highlyskilled workforce.”
One of these gaps is the lack of private sector involvementin the design of workforce training, which results inprogram development that overlooks the needs of business. Rapidly evolving technology and ongoingbusiness development require workers to have a diverseskill set. Private sector involvement and support forongoing workforce training programs is critical to ensuringpeople are keeping up with the demands of an ever-changing workplace and have appropriate job-based skills.
“Dynamic and diversified economies require trainingprograms to be aligned with emerging sectors and regionaleconomic development strategies,” said Crispino. “We needto strengthen the link between education deliverers and theprivate sector to equip Ontario’s workforce with valuable, in-demand skills.”
The Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource report offers
recommendations to the Ontario government that focus onthe funding and infrastructure of the current training system.
The report, and its recommendations, can be found atocc.on.ca/2011/06/protecting-our-most-valuable-resource .
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Launches InauguralReport on Workforce Training
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation withbusiness and education delivery organizations, hasproduced a report which makes the business case forreforming the workplace training system in Ontario.
The report draws on survey results which point togrowing private sector involvement in workforce learningand development and reveal the types of governmentinterventions required to stimulate this innovation- andproductivity-enhancing activity.
The report is of interest to government policy-makers,researchers, practitioners as well as stakeholders inbusiness, education, labour, and academia. To obtain ahard copy, please contact Kelly Pritchard, Policy Analyst,Ontario Chamber of Commerce [email protected] or 416-482-5222 ext 246.
Essential Skills Day
The second annual Essential Skills Day will take place onFriday, September 23rd to raise awareness of the nineessential skills and their impact on the workplace.
This initiative is a public awareness campaign that aligns withOCC's recent report, Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource ,which focused on the need to improve Ontario's learninginfrastructure and promote lifelong skill development.
More information about Essential Skills Day can be found at
www.EssentialSkillsDay.ca .
The time is NOW to be shopping MerchantServices……..
If you accept credit cards as a form of payment in yourbusiness you have no doubt been bombarded withcompanies reaching out to you promising better rates. This isa common complaint I hear everyday. My clients understandthis industry and how it works. They are aware of all the fees
and are able to weed through all these calls and ask the rightquestions. Can you???
There is a huge payment system behind the use of plastic. Noone questions this incredible system which does allow forseamless and secure transactions. Almost half the retailtransactions made today are by debit or credit card. Theprocessing costs for these services are set by Visa and
MasterCard International. They determine the cost to us andultimately the cost to you for being able to have yourcustomers pay you by credit card. Those fees to us are calledinterchange. The basic cost to all processors for anelectronically swiped Visa card is 1.54% and 1.59% forMasterCard. This can be found on any of our fee schedulesand on both the Visa and MasterCard web sites.
The Visa link is as follows:www.visa.ca/en/aboutcan/mediacentre/interchange/pdf/visa-interchange-rates-current.pdf
Right away you will know that if companies are offering less
than the rates above, they are building in those costssomewhere else.
Good News For Merchants
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has come out with10 requirements for the Payment Card Networks to abide by.All of these make this industry more transparent and give themerchants more choice. Two components of special interestto merchants is that all merchants must receive 90 daysnotice of a rate increase and secondly during those 90 daysthey are able to get out of their existing agreement withoutany penalty. If this has happened with your processor the
window to shop is now . The rest of the elements of the codecan be found at: http://www.fin.gc.ca/n10/data/10-049_1-eng.asp
Let me provide you with a free evaluation of your currentprocessing fees. I am always able to prove savings with theChamber of Commerce program; it’s just a matter of howmuch. After the evaluation you will have a much clearerunderstanding of this industry, and regardless of where youbank, this member benefit is one you’ll want to take
Due to the increased volume of payments being processed at our events and time delays, werequest registrants to pay in advance for any event, when there is a fee being charged. Walk-ins
for all events will be charged the non-member rate. Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing. ‘No-shows’ will beinvoiced the full event price plus a $5.00 administration fee. You can purchase Chamber breakfast certificates in advance. You can buy 11 for the price of 10 by calling the Chamber at 613.548.4453. Thank you.
Wednesday, September 7th, 7:15 am – 9 am Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. Meet the local Provincial
candidates for Kingston and the Islands. At the RadissonHotel Kingston Harbourfront. Sponsored by Keys JobCentre. Cost for Chamber members, $21.02 plus HST($23.75 total), $30.97 plus HST for non-members ($35.00total). 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.
Thursday, September 15 th – 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. LadiesDay on the Green Golf Tournament at Amherstview Golf Club. Cost is $140 plus HST per person. Get ready tonetwork with one of our most popular events. Donationsare being accepted for the silent auction. Sponsored byRogers. Additional sponsorships available. Proceeds
benefit Breast Cancer Action Kingston. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.
Tuesday, September 20 th - Chamber Open House. 2:00pm – 4:00 pm Innovation Park at 945 Princess St. Newand revamped! Meet Chamber staff and members in aninformal networking environment. New MemberOrientation session will commence from 2:00 pm withnetworking at the Chamber office beginning at 3:00 pm.Attendance is free with RSVP.
Thursday, September 22nd, 2:00 pm – 7 pm ChamberMegaMixer at the K-ROCK Centre. Sponsored byPrintFusion Inc. Grand Prize courtesy of McCoy BusService and Tours – 100 exhibitors (sold out!) great prizesand networking like you’ve never seen before at ourbiggest ever business to business mixer. FREE ADMISSIONFOR ALL ATTENDEES.
Thursday, October 13, 08:30 am - 10:30 am. ChamberWorkshop: Direct Mail – Done Affordably withPrintFusion Inc. Direct marketing is practiced bybusinesses of all sizes - from the smallest start-up to theleaders on the Fortune 500. A well-executed direct
advertising campaign can offer a positive return oninvestment as the message is not hidden withovercomplicated branding. Instead, direct advertising isstraight to the point; offers a product, service, or event;and explains how to get the offered product, service, orevent. Cost is $15 plus HST for Chamber members. $25plus HST non-members. Innovation Park at 945 PrincessStreet. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.
Thursday, October 13 th - 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. CelebrateSmall Business Mixer at the Confederation Place Hotel. Sponsored by BDC Business Development Bank of Canada.SMALL BUSINESS IS MAKING BIG NEWS! Help us tocelebrate the success of the SME’S propelling andprospering in our community at our Small Business Mixer.Cost for Chamber members to exhibit is $105 dollars plusHST. Admission is free. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for exhibitors.
Tuesday, October 18th - 7:15 am – 9:00 am. ChamberBreakfast at the Donald Gordon Centre. Topic is mentalhealth in the workplace. Keynote speaker will be HeatherStuart, a social-epidemiologist specializing in psychiatricepidemiology and mental health services research. TheWorld Health Organization’s Suicide Prevention Programhas used Professor Stuart’s work in a series of resourcemanuals for suicide prevention pertaining to correctionalsettings; police and first responders; and workplaces. Costfor Chamber members, $21.02 plus HST ($23.75 total),$30.97 plus HST for non-members ($35.00 total).
Sponsored by Bell. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.
Wednesday, October 26, 8:30 am - 10:30 am. ChamberWorkshop: iPhone Tips N’ Tricks with Rogers WirelessExpress. Whether you're an iPhone rookie or a weatheredpro, take a look at these quick-and-easy iPhone tips andtricks which not only save you time, but ease your overalliPhone experience. Cost is $15 plus HST for Chambermembers. $25 plus HST non-members. Innovation Park at945 Princess Street. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation
for attendees.
Friday, November 4 th - It’s our 16 TH Annual President’sGala featuring the Business Achievement Awards. It’s thebiggest night on our calendar of events. Do not missbeing part of this prestigious evening as we recognize thebusinesses and business people making a difference inour City. Host: Kingston Banquet and Conference Centre atDays Inn Kingston, 33 Benson Street. Tickets: $100 plusHST for Chamber members, $130 plus HST for non-members. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.
The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce PresentsThe 6th Annual Ladies Day on the Green
All proceeds benefit Breast Cancer Action KingstonAt Amherstview Golf Club
Presenting Sponsor:
Golf Tournament Agenda
8:00 A.M - 9:30 A.M. Registration8:00 A.M - 9:30 A.M. Market Place9:45 A.M - Ladies in Carts10:00 A.M. Shotgun Start (completed scorecards are to be handedin at the Pro Shop at the end of your game to be eligible for prizes.)12:00 P.M Lunch will be delivered to golfers by Noon.
The format of the tournament is SCRAMBLE. Scramble is played as follows:Each player tees off at a hole. The shot which is in the bestposition is the spot where all players in the group take their next shot. This is
followed for all shots. Please do not take more than 3 over par for your scorecard in order to keep play moving.
4:00 P.M. Reception5:00 P.M. Dinner 6:00 P.M Auction closes6:00 P.M. Award Presentations.Awards presentation for following teams—Prizes for top foursome, most honest four-some and the most spirited foursome.
Following the Auction close, prizes from the prize table will be handed out.Surveys must be completed!!
6:28 P.M. Survey Prize Draw:6:30 P.M. Grand Prize Draw:Courtesy of McCoy Bus Service and Tours –A GIRL’S GETAWAY FOR 2Featuring a shopping extravaganza “midnight madness” trip to Waterloooutlets, Syracuse Mall & Salmon Run MallNew York (Must be present to win)
All net proceeds from Ladies Day on the Green go toBreast Cancer Action Kingston.
See our offices, meet the staff, board members and other Chamber members in a casual environment.New Chamber members are invited to a Member Orientation session
from 2 to 3 pm, to help you get the most out of your membership!
REGISTRATIONGreater Kingston Chamber of Commerce workshop with PrintFusion Inc,Thursday, October 13th, 2011.8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Innovation Boardroom, Innovation Park at 945 Princess Street.Registration- $15 plus HST for Chamber members, $25 plus HST for non-members.Refreshments provided. 72 hours notice is required for cancellations; ‘no-shows’ will be billed.
Fax your registration form back to: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, 613-548-4743.See us on the web: www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
Chamber WorkshopThursday, October 13, 20118:30 am—10:30 amDIRECT MAIL—DONEAFFORDABLE ~ withPrintFusion Inc.Innovation Park at 945 PrincessA well-executed direct advertising campaign can offer a positive return on investmentas the message is not hidden with overcomplicated branding. Instead, directadvertising is straight to the point; offers a product, service, or event; and explainshow to get the offered product, service, or event. This workshop will highlight the basicguidelines when using Addressed vs Unaddressed admail. Budget - Copy - type of piece options. Who, When, Where.
Unaddressed: Understanding postal walks for choosing where and how many, whilemeeting Canada Post requirements.
Addressed: Variable print on letters, postcards, envelopes that allow a tailoredpersonalized message.
The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce continues toprovide our members and all of the business community with
Thursday, October 13th, 2011at the Confederation Place Hotel
Exhibitor Registration - October 13th Small Business Mixer **Exhibit tables are reserved for members of the Greater KingstonChamber of Commerce. * 72 hours notice required for exhibit cancellations or no refund.
Mail/Fax to: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Park at 945 Princess St., Kingston ONK7L 3N6. Secure online registration at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
Tel: (613)548-4453 Fax: (613)548-4743
(Win fantastic door prizes courtesy of Chamber members!!)
**Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing.‘No-shows’ will be invoiced. Fax back this form to the Greater Kingston Chamber of
Commerce at613-548-4743, call us at 613-548-4453 or register online at
REGISTRATIONGreater Kingston Chamber of Commerce workshop with Rogers Wireless Express,Wednesday, October 26th, 2011.8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Innovation Boardroom, Innovation Park at 945 Princess Street.Registration- $15 plus HST for Chamber members, $25 plus HST for non-members.Refreshments provided. 72 hours notice is required for cancellations; ‘no-shows’ will be billed.
Fax your registration form back to: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, 613-548-4743.See us on the web: www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
Chamber WorkshopWednesday, October 26, 20118:30 am—10:30 amiPHONE TIPS AND TRICKS ~ with
Rogers Wireless ExpressAt Innovation Park at 945 PrincessStreet
Unleash the true power of your mobiledevice. This is a chance to attend a “user focused” session with hands-on tools andtraining by Rogers Wireless Express
professionals. For the beginner or seasonedexpert, this workshop is ideal in explainingeverything you need to make your handhelddevice work best for you!
The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce continues toprovide our members and all of the business community withthe best information on issues that have impact.
Your evening includes:Reception and networkingGourmet four-course meal
A take-home gift for every attendeeDoor prizes
Dress is semi-formal
—————————————————————————————————-
2011 Gala Registration
You can also register online on our website at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca Company name:______________________________________________ Registrant name(s):___________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________ Email:_________________________ Phone:_______________________ Dietary restrictions:_____________________________________________
Number of tickets:___ @$100 plus HST (Chamber member rate): $________ ____@$130 plus HST (Non-member rate): $__________
Everyone in attendance will have thechance to stand, introduce themselvesand tell a little bit of what you do andhow you can help others with yourunique skill. Think of it as your ownpersonal 30-second radio commercial.
Chamber Breakfast:Chamber Breakfast:Chamber Breakfast:Chamber Breakfast:You Are the SpeakerYou Are the SpeakerYou Are the SpeakerYou Are the Speaker
**Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing.‘No-shows’ will be invoiced. Fax back this form to the Greater Kingston Chamber of
Commerce at613-548-4743, call us at 613-548-4453 or register online at
Thursday, Nov 24th, 2011at the Renaissance Event Venue
285 Queen Street
Exhibitor Registration - Nov 24th Bring A Buddy Business Mixer **Exhibit tables are reserved for members of the Greater KingstonChamber of Commerce. * 72 hours notice required for exhibit cancellations or no refund.
Mail/Fax to: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Park at 945 Princess St., Kingston ONK7L 3N6. Secure online registration at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
Tel: (613)548-4453 Fax: (613)548-4743
(Win fantastic door prizes courtesy of Chamber members!!)
