Thursday, March 11, 2010
Luncheon at Rideau Tennis Club
Craft Talk Speaker: Craig MacKay of Nortak Software
Menu: Riverside Buffet

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Craft Talk Speaker: Larry Bertuzzi of Surgenor Pontiac Buick Ltd

Surgenor Pontiac Buick Limited has been a tradition in the Ottawa Market for sales, service and leasing of automobiles and trucks. In the 45 years since its inception, the company has grown and expanded in many areas in Eastern Ontario. Surgenor Pontiac Buick Limited is a family owned business with Pat McGurn as president and his two sons, Michael and Andrew. Michael presently operates as dealer principal of Surgenor Pontiac Buick Limited and Andrew operates as dealer principal at Boulevard Cadillac Chevrolet Ltd. Father and sons are involved in the overall operations of the related companies.

In May 1973 Surgenor was relocated to its present location at 939 St. Laurent Blvd. with a complete renovation and modernization in 2005. For twenty years Surgenor Pontiac Buick Limited has been awarded the General Motors highest award, the Triple Crown Award. This award combines vehicle sales with customer satisfaction levels achieved by dealership. 2008 was the most recent year Surgenor was recognized with this award. In addition, Surgenor Pontiac Buick Limited has been the largest volume General Motors franchise dealer in Eastern Ontario and consistently in the top 10 in Canada. In addition, the Surgenor staff and management are involved in the community through membership within the Kiwanis Club, Ottawa Executive Association, United Way of Ottawa/Carleton, Better Business Bureau, MS Society, Cancer Society and many more organizations. The Surgenor staff annually contributes to The United Way with the company matching their contributions to become the area's largest contributor from the automotive industry.

At last week's meeting Larry Bertuzzi brought in guest speaker Chuck Novak of General Motors. Chuck talked about the changes that have been/are happening at GM such as the downsizing of their brands from 8 to 4, the closing of dealerships and their struggle to get products in the first few months after the start of these changes. He also discussed how General Motors' market share has started the year off well and the plan that they have implemented to help them continue to get back on top.

This new plan includes 3 steps:

1. Brand Health - having fewer brands means that GM can concentrate their resources on working hard to build up the remaining brands.
2. Retain Customers - 40% of customers lost either their brand or their dealer. GM is putting an extreme focus on retaining their customers by establishing and maintaining direct communication with them through phone, email and microsites.
3. Customer Experience - General Motors wants to focus on giving customers a great sales and/or service experience. Providing outstanding customer service helps to retain customers. Good service gives customers a good feeling about your company and brand.

To learn more about Surgenor Pontiac Buick visit their website at www.surgenors.com or Larry Bertuzzi at (613)741-0741.

Craft Talk Luncheons at Rideau Tennis Club

Thursday March 18, 2010 with Thank Yous
Craft Talk Speaker: Paul O'Reilly of Metro Suburban Realty Ltd
Menu: Chef's Homemade Soup of the Day, Chicken Wellington and Apple Pie

Thursday , April 1, 2010
Craft Talk Speaker: To be announced
Menu: Seasonal Mixed Greens with Champagne Vinagrette, Baked Cliantro Salmon and Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Coulis

March 2010 - Wine Garden Warehouse Winery
Wednesday March 24, 2010 (5pm-8pm)

April 2010 - Elite Draperies
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 (5pm-8pm)

May 2010 - Armstrong & Richardson
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 (5pm-8pm)

June 2010 - D.E. Systems
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 (5pm-8pm)

We regretfully say goodbye to the following member:

• West Village Fashions

If you have member news that you would like to share, please send an email to Jennifer Baker at info@oxa.org.

Members are encouraged to bring along guests, potential members or clients to our weekly luncheons at the Rideau Tennis Club. There is no cost to the member for any potential member attending an OXA luncheon for the first time. Please notify Jennifer Baker, Executive Coordinator at info@oxa.org.