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| The Chronicle Online |
November 2009 |
 A person I highly respect said to me the other day: "Gerald, you march to your own drummer, don't you?" Some might take that as a negative comment. Being the consummate optimist, and seeing the bright side, it gave me cause to ponder. The drummer we are referring to, at least for me philosophically, represents time management, prioritizing events, and final outcomes.
In business, there will always be demand for your product, time, and attention. In my experience, the toughest of the three to supply is time. As business people trying to survive in an aggressive market-place, how does one learn to manage time? If you are like me, it has been by trial and error. (I might add that some of my outcomes have been painful.) For others, time seems to be limitless. There was a period in my life when I too had limitless time. Interestingly, during that part of my career, my children almost forgot who I was. My customers were happy with the performance. My family, not so much.
Now that brings me back to the drummer. It would seem logical that the person paying for the tune gets to set the cadence. Some of us will fall into that trap in the interest of expedience. Like all things in business and personal affairs, there always needs to be a balance. When some other influence (your customer or your boss) changes the ying and yang of this relationship, there will be negative results. Not obvious at first, but definitely affecting performance, sales or personal commitments.
So to answer the question: how to manage time? Not simple. The most prominent word in your vocabulary should be the word "no". It's not meant to indicate unwillingness, but sometimes is necessary to maintain the ying and yang. It may disappoint a few, however in the long run, it will keep you stress-free and enhance the quality of your performance.
It is up to each of us to find our own perfect balance. Once achieved, that balance will lead you to greater productivity, more opportunities, and both a happier work and home life. You owe it to yourself and to the people around you, both personally and professionally, to listen to your own drummer's rhythm.
Failures remain in the memory of family, customers, and employers alike, for a long time. Watch who calls the tune, assess the cost, smile and make the sale.
Sincerely,
Gerald K Searles
Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
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| Networking Event |
IMPROVE Your Bottom Line ... SIMPLY!
Breakfast Event Friday, November 13 7:15 - 7:30amRegistration 7:30 - 8:30am
Breakfast & Networking
8:30 - 9:30am
Presentation
Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
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Library Update
New in the Library this month!
* Redefining Sustainable Business Practices
* Guide for Disaster Planning and Recovery
* Retail Business Security Assessment Document
To access these and other materials in our growing Business Library, please email Lori Suffern.
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Chamber Happenings
Don't forget to visit the Events Page on our website to check out all upcoming events at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce! |
| Welcome New Members ! |
Carstar IAC Collision
Automotive Collision and Service
Mr. Rocco Aurelio
219 Westcreek Drive
Woodbridge, Ontario
(905) 265-0131
Elected Inc.
Accounting, Tax Preparation, New Investment Services
Mario S. Racco
21 Checker Court
Thornhill, Ontario L4J 5X4
Sports NRG
Performance and Balance Halograms
Mr. Don McKenzie
2943 Major Mackenzie Drive
Maple, Ontario L6A 0A2
(800) 878-1989
Voloper Creations Inc.
Internet Marketing Consultants
Tari Seaton
3100 Steeles Avenue W., #400
Vaughan, Ontario L4K 3R1
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Testimonials
From Emma O'Dwyer, Matcom Industrial Installations:
"The Success in the City event was beyond my expectations; the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce did a wonderful job of not only making it a fun night out but also a great forum for networking with like minded women in the business area of Vaughan. My guests and I had a wonderful time and all of us made some valuable business connections. Thank you for putting on such a fantastic event!"
To read more about the event, please click here!
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| Chamber Changes
A Fond Farewell to Christina Hamalainen
The staff and Board of Directors at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce would like to wish a fond farewell to Christina Hamalainen. Christina has been Office Manager at the Vaughan Chamber since 2007. We thank you for your hard work and your dedication to the Chamber and its members. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours!
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It's EASY To Improve Your Bottom Line!
Breakfast Event on Nov-13
 Join us on Friday, November 13, 2009 and learn from three remarkable businesses who are achieving financial success with surprisingly simple methods! You'll also hear valuable pointers on how to apply for government grants! Speakers include:
Puneet Luthra, Associate Director, Government Relations, Earth Rangers: Government Funding for Eco-Friendly Businesses
John Sherin, Manager of Conservation and Demand Management, PowerStream: Conservation Pays!
Quentin Stossel, Co-ordinator, ECOexecutives, Metro Toronto Zoo: Green: Get Educated or Get Left Behind!
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009 Time: 7:30 - 9:30am Location: Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Drive Road, Woodbridge Click here for more information and to register!
Event proudly sponsored by PowerStream Inc.
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Get Your Message Across Effectively
After-Hours Networking Event on Nov-19!
Networking provides the key to unlocking hidden business opportunities. Expanding your network is essential to business growth. Join us to learn the tricks and the tips for successful networking from Global Group's Lori McConnell, Director of Corporate Training.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 5:00 - 8:00pm
Location: Global Upholstery Co. Inc.
Click here for more information and to register!
Event proudly sponsored by Global Group and Harkel Office Furniture.
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Annual Festive Luncheon on December 9!
 Mark your calendar for the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce's Annual Festive Luncheon! This annual event is always well-attended, and a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with colleagues and fellow business people.
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Location: Thornhill Golf & Country Club
More details and registration coming soon! |
Business Achievement Awards Nominations
 Have you sent your nomination in yet? The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce celebrates business excellence in the City of Vaughan with our Business Achievement Awards . The 2010 Business Achievement Awards will bestow "Business of the Year" recognition to nominees in a number of various categories. All businesses who operate in Vaughan are eligible to nominate their own company, a client or a supplier or any company who deserves recognition!
CLICK HERE for more information, and to access our Nomination Form! |
Export Documentation Services - ONLINE!
Now Available! Exporters can now complete export document certification forms ONLINE, at no extra cost! Save yourself time andenergy! Sign up today! * Fast, convenient and cost-effective * Print unlimited certified copies for no extra cost * Easy to use For more information and to set up your account for online documentation services, please email Lori Suffern or call 905-761-1366, ext. 24.
** NOTICE: Rates for document certification have increased as of November 1, 2009:
Members: $29.40 (includes GST)
Non-members: $39.90 (includes GST)
New rates apply for both online and in-person service. |
Success in the City a Winner!
 On Thursday, October 22, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce held a very special networking event, especially for career women! "Success In the City" had all the hallmarks of a successful event ... fashion, networking, and an inspirational speech from a successful woman, in this case Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP, Hamilton Mountain and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, pictured here with Deborah Bonk Greenwood, President & CEO of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. This event was a springboard to a Women's Symposium being planned for Spring of 2010. Look out for more details to come. For more on this event and to see the pictures, please click here. For a list of the evening's models, please click here. |
Revenue Minister John Wilkinson Answers Your HST Questions!
 On Thursday, October 29, Ontario Revenue Minister John Wilkinson spoke to Vaughan Chamber of Commerce members about the Ontario government's comprehensive tax plan and proposed Harmonized Sales Tax as it relates to businesses. Please click here to see pictures of the event. Thank you to event sponsor The Carpenters' Union. |
Committee Corner
The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee has been working hard to represent the interests of Vaughan business in many areas. The Committee recently met with City of Vaughan representatives in regards to the 2009 Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Residential Tax Bill.
Did you know that only a small portion of your Commercial and Industrial tax dollars stay in your municipality? As you can see from the below pie chart, 59.9% go towards education, 26.3% to the Region of York, and 13.8% to the City of Vaughan.
 For more information on where your tax dollars go, please click here. |
Make sure you don't miss the Vaughan Business Expo on Thursday, November 12, 2009, presented by the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre. The annual Vaughan Business Expo is a unique, one-day learning and networking event packed with great ideas to help entrepreneurs succeed. This year's event features author and entrepreneur Bob Willard as the Keynote Speaker. Bob will speak about "The Sustainability Advantage", a present ideas on how a "green plan" can lead to a more globally competitive business. To find out more about the Vaughan Business Expo and to register, please click here.
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A Vaughan Chamber Success Story
At the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, our prime concern is your success. That's why we are so proud to have helped HOTLINE TO HR to the success they are enjoying today.
In fact, since becoming a Vaughan Chamber of Commerce member, HOTLINE TO HR has experienced unprecedented growth! Domenic Richichi, President of HOTLINE TO HR, has written a fascinating account about how the Chamber was able to help his company achieve and even surpass their goals. To read Domenic's story, please click here. |
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Annual General meeting was held from October 2 - 4 in Victoria, B.C. Vaughan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Deborah Bonk-Greenwood attended the event along with Vaughan Chamber Board of Directors Chair Gerald Searles. The AGM was attended by 361 delegates representing 258 chambers and boards of trade. Among the Guest Speakers were General (Retired) Rick Hillier, Olympian Jeff Bean, and Hon. Perrin Beatty, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. There were 59 Policy Resolutions that were debated: 52 were approved, 3 defeated, 2 withdrawn, and 2 referred to the Board.
Above, Vaughan Chamber Board Chair Gerald Searles, Elyse Allen, CEO of GE Electric, and Vaughan Chamber President & CEO Deborah Bonk Greenwood. |
Congratulations to Chamber Member Fluss Partners LLP!
Congratulations to Fluss Partners LLP for their recent Award win! Fluss Partners was voted the Top Chartered Accountant of the Year by the Jewish Community in the GTA, as collected by Top Choice Awards. The results were compiled during a Multicultural 2009 Survey of over 1,000 respondents based on the categories of quality, service, value and professionalism. |
Vaughan Social Planning Council
WANTED: A Vaughan Chamber of Commerce member who will represent the Chamber on the newly formed Vaughan Social Planning Council. The Vaughan Social Planning Council (VSPC) is a young, non-profit organization dedicated to providing leadership in identifying the need for social services and supports within the community.
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Canada Small Business Financing Program
Small businesses face unique challenges in their search for business financing. The Canada Small Business Financing Program is designed to make it easier for small business to get loans from financial institutions.
If you are a small business operating for profit in Canada with gross revenues of $5 million or less, you may be eligible for financing up to a maximum of $500,000.
To find out more about this program, please click here. | |
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