October 2008
152 Duncan Street Wallaceburg, ON N8A 4E2
Phone: 519-627-1443 Fax: 519-627-1485
Email: [email protected] Web: www.wallaceburgchamber.com
Message from the President, Travis Hooper
Dear Valued Members, What a year! As we look back over this past year and see the accomplishments of our membership, board and community, we can take great pride in the fact that so many people put the effort forward in making Wallaceburg a better place to live. From the development of the Gateway Signage, a new Tourism website devoted to Wallaceburg, Community Strategic Planning, and the completion of many of the initiatives set out by the Task Force, Wallaceburg is well on its way to a new future full of opportunity. This has all been made possible by the devoted and caring citizens of our great community, many have put forth the extra time and effort to make these projects a success. With the global struggles we will face in the near future, I know Wallaceburg is primed for continued success, due to planning, preparation and dedication. We must continue to give to our community when in need and support projects that are for the greater good of the community. Always looking to the future and Bridging Opportunities when they arise. These are the assets Wallaceburg has that will continue to drive us forward into the new year! To our membership and board, thank you for the past year and I look forward to the future projects and partnerships with the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce!
2007/08 Board of Directors
President, Travis Hooper (519) 436-5107
Vice President, Stacey Ewing
(519) 627-1403
Secretary, Karen Debergh (519) 627-8793
Treasurer, Sandra Parkin
(519) 627-2268
Directors Julie Fleischmann
Dr. Jeffrey Fox Bonnie Dowell
Karen Verstappen Carmen McGregor
Betty Tack Christine Kun
Dr. Michael Rocca Muriel Mercer Bill Namink
Staff Tina Fraleigh
2
Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce
MISSION STATEMENT The Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce shall be a cohesive
force for business interests by:
a) Representing Wallaceburg & District businesses to Governments, Community Interest Groups, Businesses and other
Chambers of Commerce;
b) Promoting Wallaceburg & District Businesses and Community;
c) Providing a Forum for Business Interaction, and
d) Providing Membership Services
READY TO SERVE 62 McNaughton Ave., County Fair Mall
Wallaceburg, ON N8A 1R9 Open 7 days a week—24 hours
CHAMBER MEMBERS Annual General Meeting
November 12, 2008 Oaks Inn, Noon
The Board of Directors would like to invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting. If you would be interested in sitting on the board or joining one of the
committees, please call Tina at the Chamber office (519-627-1443) for more information.
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
3
It works … It lasts
J. Thomas McGregor, L.L.B
HYDE, HYDE & McGREGOR Barristers and Solicitors 233 CREEK STREET WALLACEBURG, ONTARIO N8A 4C1
TEL. (519) 627-1614 627-2081
FAX (519) 627-1615 [email protected]
2008 BIZ AFTER
HOURS
5:00 TO 7:00 P.M. $5.00 Admission at door
JANUARY 10, 2008 Host: Bank of Montreal &
Crabby Joe’s Bar & Grill Sponsor: Alzheimer Society Day Away
FEBRUARY 14, 2008 Host: Sydenham Community Curling Club
MARCH 13, 2008 Host: Baldoon Golf Course
APRIL 10, 2008 Host: Wallaceburg Community Task Force
MAY 8, 2008 Host: Lawyers of Wallaceburg, Dresden &
area Location: Moose Lodge
JUNE 12, 2008 Host: Southwest Regional Credit Union
JULY 10, 2008 Host: TD Canada Trust
AUGUST 14, 2008 Host: Martin Insurance Brokers &
Benefit Broker Services Inc.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 Host: Scotiabank
OCTOBER 9, 2008 Host: RBC Royal Bank
NOVEMBER 13, 2008 Host: Sydenham Community Curling Club
DECEMBER 4, 2008 Host: Riverview Automobile Limited
Want To Promote Your Business? Consider hosting a “Biz After Hours”
The Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce are booking their 2009 “Biz After Hours” events.
If you would be interested in being a host, please call Tina at the Chamber office (519) 627-1443
for more details. Bookings are made on a first come, first serve basis
and since there are only 12 opportunities, we look forward to hearing from you today!!
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
4
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
Canadian Chamber sets business priorities for federal election and urges
all federal parties to define positions
On September 16, 2008 the Canadian Chamber of Commerce urged all federal political parties to adopt policies to improve Canada’s competitiveness and fuel long-term economic growth. The Canadian Chamber released its 2008 Election Survey that will clarify the parties’ positions on key business issues. As it prepares for its Annual General Meeting in Quebec City Oct. 4-6, the Canadian Chamber has sent a business issues questionnaire to all federal political parties and will issue its analysis of the parties’ positions before Election Day. “We need a government that supports generating the wealth and jobs that improve the standard of living of all Canadians,” said John Peller, the Canadian Chamber’s chair. “Our members want the parties and the candidates to focus on improving Canada’s competitiveness, increasing our international trade and attracting more investment and skilled labour to Canada.”
The Canadian Chamber is calling on all federal parties to commit to:
◦ Prudent Fiscal Policies - competitive taxes, lower national debt and effective spending ◦ Improved Canada/US Relations - better border infrastructure, a border disruption contingency plan,
regulatory cooperation, and major improvements to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. ◦ Enhanced trade and Investment - working for agreements to dismantle barriers to international trade and
investment, and eliminating internal trade barriers. ◦ Sound Energy and Environmental Policies - supporting Canada’s market-based approach to energy,
developing technology-neutral energy efficiency standards, and implementing a balanced and effective framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
◦ Competitiveness and Innovation - implementing smart regulations, enhancing the environment for Research and Development, combating counterfeit products and protecting intellectual property.
◦ Building a 21st Century Workforce - increasing labour market participation by immigrants and older workers, gradually phase in an employer-based rating system for Employment Insurance.
◦ Improving Infrastructure and Transportation - providing an even playing field for all modes of transportation, promoting Canada’s gateways, and increasing public-private partnerships to address infrastructure needs.
“We will review each party’s policies against the Canadian Chamber priorities,” added Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “It is important for all parties to recognize that business, investors and Canadians need certainty about Canada’s economic policies and that their promises must be delivered.” The Canadian Chamber will press for controls on program spending and personal and corporate income tax reductions. Lower corporate income tax rates will stimulate economic activity, creating employment and generating the wealth needed to support social programs. In addition to its election issues questionnaire, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce will release a detailed policy statement entitled An Action Plan for a Competitive Canada. Both documents will be made available at www.chamber.ca.
5
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPLICATED LIFE?
Our lives continue to get quicker and more complicated, and sometimes we don’t know where to turn for help. Perhaps your group plan can help. Employee Assistance Plans (EAP’s) have been a growing part of group insur-ance programs over recent years. Once considered a top up to comprehensive coverages, they’re now common across the country. Employers consider then a solid (and affordable) investment in prevention, helping employees address issues in their lives before they take a toll at work.
The Chambers Plan has had an EAP program for the past decade. Like many of the plans in the early years, the EAP benefit focused mainly on interpersonal issues like family relationships, stress management, work-related difficulties and dependency problems.
But sometimes we need help with a broader range of top-ics, many reflecting changes in our society and demo-graphics.
For example, the Chambers Plan benefits now include Eldercare resources, recognizing the large number of Canadians with concerns about senior family members. EAP staff can help employees research local options for retirement homes, home care and related support ser-vices. Parallel services are available focusing on child-care.
Employees can also call on the Chambers Plan’s EAP for legal advice in the areas of family law, separation, di-vorce, child support and custody. Similarly, financial advice is available to help employees deal with credit card and debt management, bankruptcy, budgeting, and the financial aspects of divorce.
Employees and family members can simply pick up the phone and contact the EAP’s call centre, where the caller’s need is identified, and matched with local re-sources. The appropriate expert then provides up to 12 hours of counseling time to address the issue - and get your life back on track.
Benefit Facts presents information to help you manage your employee benefits. Brought to you by your Chambers of
Commerce Group Insurance Plan® agent, representing Canada’s premier group plan for small and medium sized business.
Mares Insurance Services Inc. 133 King Street West
Chatham, Ontario N7M 1E4 Phone: 519-354-3131 x2223
Fax: 519-360-1673 Email: [email protected]
Benefit Facts
6
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
Dr. Jeffrey K. Fox, BHK, CK, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic Certified Kinesiologist
753 James St. Wallaceburg, ON N8A 2P4
Tel. (519) 627-9995 Fax. (519) 627-9997
The Wallaceburg & Dis t r ic t Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Brittany Carter, who has joined our staff temporarily as a co-op student.
Brittany has recently graduated from Ursuline College and has re-attended for an over-grad year doing a co-op placement. Her previous work experience at Country Style Donuts has given her knowledge and the insight of customer service. With interest in the business sectors, Brittany sees working here as an opportu-nity to advance her knowledge and skills to greater levels.
Upcoming Community Events
October 18, 2008 Wallaceburg United Way Open
Golf Tournament 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Location: Baldoon Golf Club $65.00 per person
For more information, contact Brian Armitage at (519) 628-5456
October 18, 2008 Baldoon Mystery Tour &
Motorized Scavenger Hunt Starts at 1:00 p.m.
Followed by an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner
$15.00 per person For more information, contact the
Wallaceburg Museum at (519) 627-8962 or the Moose Lodge at (519) 627-8288
October 25, 2008 Baldoon Thunder Chili Society &
Moose Lodge #1156 “5th Annual United Way Chili Cook-off”
12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. $5.00 admission at door
November 8, 2008 Wallaceburg Rotary Annual Gala
Music by: Swingmasters Location: Oaks Inn
Dinner, Dance & Prizes Tickets are $60.00
7
Thinking of Hiring ? Recruiting and training new staff can be a challenge, and even more so in uncertain economic times. Let Ontario Works Employment Placement Program help your business and your bottom line.
This program is unique, flexible and easy to use, free, and best of all, there is up to $4000.00 in funding per person hired through the program. WSIB is covered for the first 6 months. Some funding can also be used to train other staff. Let us help you find and train the right person for the job.
Check out our web pages at www.chatham-kent.ca/epp or call at (519) 351-1228 ext.0 and ask to speak to an Employment Placement Advisor today.
“Bridging Opportunity” October 2008
The Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and Golf Committee would like to thank
everyone who contributed to making this year’s Annual Golf Tournament a huge success!!
To our Hole in One Sponsors: Riverview Automobile Limited &
Martin Insurance Brokers
To our Hole Sponsors: Gil & Sons, Wallaceburg Animal Hospital, Sobeys, Dr. Kevin Bacchus, Dr. Michael Rocca, Southwest Regional Credit Union, Courier Press, Community
Living Wallaceburg, Dura-Chrome Ltd., TD Canada Trust, Tim Hortons, Heritage Savings & Credit Union
Inc., Novatrim, ECR International, Bailey Kearney Ferguson LLP, J. Barry McFadden & Son,
Bank of Montreal, Lance Babcock, Tab’s Recycling, Internet Kent, Nicholls Funeral Home, Let’s Get Fit,
Homeward Realty, Oaks Inn, Benefit Broker Services Inc., Subway, Instant Print Shoppe, Rock’s Custom
Embroidery & Apparel
To our Prize Sponsors:
Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent, New Vision Optical, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, The Mufflerman, Rona, Wallaceburg Home Hardware, Canadian Tire,
Dover Dud’s, Giant Tiger, O’Neil Tire & Battery, Water Hut, Elric Contractors, Zuidema Interiors,
Fiesta Restaurant, Glasses & Grapes, Cork ’N Keg, Smith & Wilson Winery, Stargazer’s on the Thames, Liquidation World, Wal-Mart, Black Sheep Pub & Bistro, Home Depot, ADS Cleaning, Ranch 2000,
Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
McDonalds, ArvinMeritor, Chip Gordon, ECR International, Tim Hortons, Broken Tee,
Dr. Jeffrey Fox, OHL - Matt Rabideau, Karen Debergh - Freedom 55 Financial,
Tom & Carmen McGregor, Mrs. Glynda Slade, Mr. Garnet Fox, Family Pizza, Riverview Automobile
Limited, Martin Insurance Brokers
To our Prize Bag Sponsors:
TTC Transport Trainer Canada, Dr. Michael Rocca, Travis Hooper, Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home,
Wallaceburg Red Devils Junior Lacrosse Team, Subway, Crabby Joe’s Tap & Grill, Mark’s Work
Wearhouse, Small & Simple Bridals, Shoppers Drug Mart, Wallaceburg Lakers Junior Hockey Team,
McDonalds, Let’s Get Fit, Epic Comics, Dennis’ No Frills, Sobeys, Karen Debergh - Freedom 55 Financial, Oaks Inn, Wallaceburg & District
Chamber of Commerce
A very special thank you to Baldoon Golf Club, the Brassie Lassies, Brian Armitage Photography and all of our golfers and volunteers, without your support
this even would not have been possible.
We at G&K Services Canada can provide your company with all its uniform and facility service needs.
Uniforms Shop Towels
Mats Exec. Wear
Smocks Aprons
Lab Coats Coveralls
Please call for your free estimate at:
1-800-265-5669
8
Phone: (519) 627-6014 www.riverviewgm.ca
WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS DV Enterprises
29443 Kimball Road Wallaceburg, ON N8A 4R4
Phone: (519) 627-2333 Fax: (519) 627-2099
Email: [email protected] Contact: Don Verhaeghe
DV Enterprises is a Tool & Die/Machine shop owned by Don Verhaeghe.
LV Electronics Ltd. 1405 Dufferin Avenue
Wallaceburg, ON N8A 2W7 Phone: (519) 627-3127
Email: [email protected] Web: www.lvelectronics.ca
Contact: Brad Goodreau, President LV Electronics is Chatham-Kent’s first choice for Residential and Commercial low voltage contracting. Specializing in Audio Video, S e c u r i t y , t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , a n d computer networking.
Goldcoast Fashions 336 James Street
Wallaceburg, ON N8A 2N5 Phone: (519) 627-7143
Fax: (519) 352-9920 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.goldcoastfashions.com Contact: Nicole Parker
Goldcoast Fashions has quality women’s clothing in regular and plus sizes, including casual, work and formal wear. Provided by your very own personal fashion consultants at prices that will impress you.
Small Business Centre 541 James Street Wallaceburg, ON 519-627-2893