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 President's Message
The City of Cornwall continues to be challenged by the Cornwall Crossing issue and while it is a critical one that needs to be resolved, I'd like to begin this edition of President's Message on a positive note. The theme is economic resurgence and it's something that is occurring all across our community.
When it comes to events such as economic development, we tend to think of the 'blockbuster' ones such as the Shoppers Drug Mart announcement last December. While such events are spectacular and capture our attention, there are many other projects underway and while they aren't generating headlines, are nonetheless signs of a City on the move. Of note is the multi-pad sports facility with its potential for a significant economic impact along with the Cornwall Community Hospital retrofit. And, as we look ahead to Ontario Power Generation's new Visitor Centre there is no doubt it will positively impact our tourism efforts.
Then, there is activity at the former Brookshell site, and across the street, a new and larger Pizza Hut is slowly taking shape. The new roadway linking Marleau Avenue and Second Street is forging ahead and will do much to enhance traffic flow in our east end. Moving downtown, Cornwall Business Machines is carrying out a splendid facade upgrade to the Job Zone building, one the firm recently acquired. CBM, as a local business is clearly bullish on Cornwall and its upgrade investment is sound testament to that fact.
Our employment numbers remain strong and the latest Labour Market report reveals the Cornwall region continues to outpace both Ontario and the country as a whole with its enviably low unemployment rates. Adding to that is the value of building permits approved by the municipality. According to Economic Development, $141 million in permits have been approved compared to $19 million to date in 2008. This is an outstanding indication of the confidence business, industry and residents alike are showing in the community.
With all of the good news, there is a challenge facing our retail sector. As the Holiday Season approaches, the spectre of a high Canadian dollar has caused some consumers to cast their eyes southward believing there are better bargains to be had. In my view, our merchants are easily as competitive as most of their American counterparts but - there is a perception and it cannot be ignored.
There are a number of things the Cornwall retail sector can do to retain customers and eliminate the cross border exodus. It starts with a word that is overused but sadly, oftentimes under-utilized. That word is Service. While I am confident in the service levels displayed in our stores, we sometimes just assume our people possess the necessary skills and attitude. Now is a good time to review your staff training to ensure that every one of your people is dedicated to service excellence.
Returning to the border issue for a moment, negotiations appear to be stalled. I would encourage each and every Chamber member to take a moment to prepare and send a letter to our MP, urging action leading to a long term solution to the issue. The economic stakes are too high for the matter to be ignored and we must speak loudly and with one voice in order to achieve positive results.
As a closing note, I would like to hear from you and I'd like to get your insight as we look ahead to 2010. What opportunities do you see looming on the horizon and how do we get those opportunities on track. What about challenges? Are there roadblocks we need to deal with and if there are, how would you overcome them? Knowing our business community as I do, there will be a spirited response and I will look forward to the input. |
Canadian Chamber - A Special Report
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is inviting energy-industry leaders, energy users and governments of all orders to come together to develop a Canadian Sustainable Energy Strategy, one that will ensure Canada has access to a stable, secure and flexible supply of affordable energy now and in the future.
Using its annual conference in Victoria as the venue, the Chamber presented its report entitled, Powering up Canadian Prosperity which looks at the fundamental principles the Canadian Chamber believes must guide a Canadian Sustainable Energy Strategy to enable our prosperity while protecting our environment.
Energy policies must recognize that energy is fundamental to the entire Canadian economy. Canada must maintain a market-based approach to energy.
- Canadians must continue to have access to a stable, secure, sustainable and flexible supply of affordable energy.
- Environmental regulations should ensure a level playing field for all energy sources with regulatory approvals being done in a timely and predictable manner.
- Development of new and conventional sources of energy must balance the energy needs of Canadians and the need to protect our environment.
- Canadian prosperity depends on maintaining our energy trade with the United States and on developing new international markets.
"Canada has been blessed with an abundance of energy", reports Canadian Chamber President, Perrin Beatty. "For decades, we've had more than enough to satisfy our own needs and we've done well exporting the excess. But the world around us is changing. "If we want to maintain Canada's prosperity, doing what we have been done in the past is just not good enough." |
| Ontario Chamber Report
Pandemic Planning
A reminder that your Chamber has the OCC's Pandemic Planning Toolkit available to all members. Businesses can make use of the plan to prepare for any potential major business disruptions including a possible pandemic. While the Chamber hopes for a limited local impact on its members, having a plan in place makes good business sense.
A recent OCC Emergency Preparedness survey of businesses, conducted in September, revealed that:
- 49% of respondents have, or are in progress of developing a contingency plan.
- Of the 39.2% of businesses who do not have a plan, only 21 % plan to create one.
- 38% of those who do not have a plan wish to create one don't know how to do so.
Pandemic Planning Toolkit
Growing Ontario Firms
The Ontario Chamber is pleased to have a strong working relationship with Ryerson University on the 'Growing Ontario Firms' initiative. A number of local Chambers and Boards of Trade have been able to take advantage of this program over the past year. Ryerson is also involved in a new initiative for the advancement of entrepreneurial excellence in Canada.
OCC comments on Built Environment Standards
In 2005, the provincial government passed legislation that will affect every person, organization and business in Ontario. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is aimed at making Ontario the most accessible province by 2025. It will dictate regulations that will affect employees, business communications, customer accommodation, transportation, building construction and more.
The government struck various committees to help develop standards for AODA and the OCC was a member of the Customer Service, Employment, and Built Environment Standard Development Committees. With respect to the Built Environment Standards, The government recently released a draft for pubic review.
Following the release, the OCC submitted recommendations to the government specific to the scope, time and high financial cost of compliance with the proposed Built Environment standards. In its recommendations, the OCC noted its strong support to the Minister for not including retrofit and private dwellings into the proposed Built Environment Standard. |
Fall Show Once Again Proves Popular
The Chamber's annual Fall Home & Harvest Show has once again come to a successful close and once again, thousands of area residents flocked to the Civic Complex for a first hand look at the products and services from close to 100 exhibitors.
Everything from home comfort, to health and beauty aids, cooking appliances, hot tubs, entertainment centres, furniture, and cleaning services were brightly displayed, much to the delight of the visiting crowds.
One of the more popular spots was the cooking stage and visitors got an up close and personal look as three area chefs combined to prepare a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast complete with roast turkey and all the trimmings. Of course, as each course was prepared, onlookers were treated to samples and judging from the broad smiles, the tasty foods met with everyone's approval.
Exhibitors were pleased with the results of the Show with many of them reporting brisk sales along with many potential new customers. One of the happier exhibitors was Cristill Rock Pure Water as its beautiful Keurig coffee display was awarded 'Best Booth'. Owners' Christine and Rock Plouffe were understandably thrilled with the award and pleased with the many visitors who sampled their
delicious coffee.
Also pleased with their visit to the Chamber's Fall Home Show were a number of lucky winners who walked off with one of the many spectacular prizes headlined by Cornwall resident Ginger Hewer who won the grand prize of a fabulous spa package from Roy's LBR Ltd: pools, hot tubs and spas. Other winners included:
- M. Davidson ~ Le Village Shopping Spree
- R. MacDonald ~ Stormont Cattlemen's Association Hind of Beef
- C. Coté ~ Cape Air: 4 round trip tickets, Massena to Albany
- J. Munro ~ Cornwall Square Shopping Spree
- G. Vance ~ Jtec Distribution Samsung 42" Plasma Television |
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Chamber Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide 2010
We are preparing our new Directory and Buyer's Guide. Please take time to review your current contact information, that you should have received by mail. You can also visit our online Business Directory to view our current details.
Advertising Space is available. Rates range from $80.00 for a black and white business card ad, to $500.00 for a full page colour ad. This is a great way to enhance your listing. Call Kris at 613-933-4004 ext. 222 or email ward@cornwallchamber.com for more information
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Leger Marketing Launches Book
Leger, the Canadian polling firm has published a book about customer satisfaction. Entitled, The Disloyal Company, it looks at consumer loyalty and asks the question, 'are you responsible for consumer disloyalty?'
The latest survey conducted by Leger is forthright. Despite the notion that it is the consumer that chooses to be disloyal, in reality, it is often the firm itself that drives them away or, creates the mindset of disloyalty.
According to Leger, today's consumers often feel betrayed and believe that new clientele are treated better than loyal ones. Moreover, they believe that companies are more concerned about making a profit than building a long-term relationship with their current customers. This has a negative impact on businesses.
Statistically, 91% of dissatisfied customers do not come back. Not only that, they will share, on average, their negative experience with 13 other customers. However, consumers who are satisfied with their initial choice are inclined to be loyal to the company. In fact, 95% of those who become dissatisfied will come back if their concern is promptly corrected.
Leger has established a Disloyalty Index, which helps understand why consumers remain loyal or choose a competitor. It allows companies to implement an effective strategy that retains current customers and brings back dissatisfied ones. This marketing tool includes:
- A detailed study on the dissatisfaction experienced by your regular customers and by those who leave
- A survey that determines what your customers appreciate most about your business and what motivates them to choose you on a regular basis
- Interviews with employees who are in contact with your clientele on a daily basis, regarding their perceptions and solutions about offered services
- A detailed analysis that will help you identify customers' expectations
Copies of the Disloyal Company are available at Chapters |
Recently Renewed Chamber Members
The following Chamber businesses recently renewed their membership.
ACE Property Management, Alba Auto Supply, Atlas/Rentalex
Axxis Optical,Borderline R/C Hobbies,Brown Fine Food Service Inc.,
Christie & Walthier Communications, Classic Auto Glass,
Clean All Environmental Services, Comfort Water Treatment,
Computer Sense, Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre,
Cornwall Community Police Service, CPH Sales & Service,
Crime Stoppers, Cristill Rock Pure Water Inc.,
David Brown Construction Ltd.,
Desjardins Business Centre Eastern Ontario, D'n'A Distribution,
East Side Mario's, Econolodge, Enercombustion Ltd.,
Enviro Plus Duct Cleaning, Fantastic Cleaners Ltd., Fruits & Passion
G.L. Canvas Goods, G4S Security Services (Canada) Ltd.,
Giroux Sewing Centre, Glen's Towing, Go Glass Rust Check
Hands on Health Massage Therapy Centre,, Heart of the City,
Herbal One Weight Loss & Nutrition,
HNR International Inc. SNAP Fitness,
Home Team Inspection Service,HRPA of SD&G,
J.F. Markell Homes Ltd., Jack MacDonell Motor Sales,
Jas-mar Paints, Jewelery Factory Outlet, Jolly Tours and Travel,
KAV Productions, Latour Wealth Management,
Lighthouse Landing Bed & Breakfast, Longevity Acrylics Inc.,
Lowe Gravelle & Assoc, M. McDermid Insurance & Investments,
Map Residential Developments, Markell Property Management,
Marlin Travel, Matco Floor & Wall Ltd.,
McConnell Automotive and Tire Center, Menard Bros. & Assoc
MGI Financial Inc., Michel Delorme Enterprise,
Parisien Manor, Parisien, Janet, Play It Again Sports,
ProTech Printer Solutions, Rainstream,
Raisin-South Nation Service Protection Region, roadSIGNS,
Robert Boileau Construction Ltd.,
Rona Home Centre/Perkins - Caron, Ross' Hairstyling,
S & S Sprayfoam Insulation, S.D.G. Historical Society - CM,
Sandfield Place, ScotiaMcLeod, Seaway News,
Servicemaster by Fox Contract, Shear Flair Family Hairstyling Inc.
Source Wood Products, St. Lawrence River Institute Of Environmental Sciences, Summerheights Golf Links, Team Cornwall, The Collector's Museum, The Fermented Grape, The Pampered Chef Canada, The Sign Factory, Vcars Victim Services of S.D.G.&A,
Veteran's Blue Line Cab, Warner, Norman, White Wolf Security,
Window Visions, Wine Kitz, Winmar of Cornwall, Xocai Chocolate | |
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New Members
Bicycle World
Blue Heron Woodworking
Charmic Limos and Tours
D.C. Environmental Renovations
Dianer
Edward Jones-Brian Seguin
EOSolutions.ca
Epicure Selections Independent Consultant
Lefebvre Small Engine
Paul Davis Systems of Cornwall
Plaza Cornwall
ProActive Wellness
Snow Angels Sanctuary
Those Little Donuts
VersaCore Tech Designs
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Cornwall Night At the Races
November 27th
Team Cornwall, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and City of Cornwall are pleased to present Cornwall Night at the Races Fundraiser benefiting Cornwall 3+1-Project 2010 November 27th, 2009
Join us on November 27th and celebrate the Cornwall community while supporting the Cornwall "3+1" - Project 2010
Cornwall Night At The Races |
We Want To Hear From You
Member Feedback Blog
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TAKE A BREAK, CONNECT, SHARE & LEARN
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 M2M Participants
A-1 Environmental Services
Above & Beyond
Allinotte Law Office
Backyard Getaway
Benson Certified Auto Service
Best Impressions
Best Western Parkway Inn
Borderline R/C Hobbies
CAA North & East Ontario
Casey Mechanical
Cassy-O's Hair Design
City Limits Bar & Grill
Comfort Inn Cornwall
Cornwall Clean Air Services
Cornwall 4 Rent
CPH Sales & Service Inc.
Echo Trends Consignment
Emard Bros. Lumber Co.
Flowers Cornwall Inc.
Fusion Grill
Healthy Lifestyle & Stress Management Consulting
ICI Paints (Color Your World)
Jtec Distribution Inc.
Kelsey's Restaurants Inc.
MacEwen Petroleum Inc.
Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Play It Again Sports
Pommier Jewellers
Precious Pets
Rack-Em-Up Billards
roadSigns
St. John's Ambulance
Seaway Express
Sharyn's Pantry
Spinners Diner
Strung Out Guitars
Summerheights Golf Links
The Rythym Room
Uniglass Plus/Ziebart
VersaCore Tech Designs
Xplornet/Riverlink
Visit our website for current offers or to learn more about the program and join in.
M2M Participants & Special Offers
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FAIR EXCHANGE
NEED TO KNOW THE CURRENT U.S. FAIR EXCHANGE RATE?? CHECK THE CHAMBER WEB SITE:
YOUR CHAMBER UPDATES THE FAIR EXCHANGE RATE DAILY.
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