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 President's Message
Hello everyone. I'd like to begin with some good news and it comes in the form of a 'well-done'. Speaking for the Chamber Board and our entire membership, I would like to offer kudos to City Council for its recently passed budget. Those same accolades also go to the City's Finance team led by Maureen Adams for the work accomplished in preparing such an economically prudent financial roadmap for 2010. The results of their efforts will no doubt benefit both residents and the business community alike.
Two recent meetings, one of which was international in nature, have given the Chamber cause for optimism that the Cornwall International Crossing issue is slowly moving forward. Mayor Kilger and MP Lauzon recently met with Congressman Bill Owens and the Massena Town Supervisor. I'm advised that one of the topics explored was to co-locate Canada Customs with its U.S. counterpart. Owens plans to present a proposal to Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano.
Then, the Mayor and the City's CAO met, April 13 with Transport Minister John Baird and the outcome, according to Mayor Kilger, was positive. According to the Mayor, the issue is on the Minister's 'radar-screen' and meetings are planned between Guy Lauzon, Baird and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. The Chamber is hopeful for continued progress and will offer assistance in any way it can.
The Board of Directors is about to embark upon a significant exercise, one that input from the membership would be both useful and appreciated. On May 6, the Board plans to spend the better part of a day in a Strategic Planning session, one that will chart a direction for the business organization in the immediate future. I encourage all members with thoughts about the Chamber and how it can even better serve the membership to contact your Director of choice. You will find a list of the entire Board on the Chamber web site.
On the economic development front, Cornwall continues to forge ahead. Our unemployment rate remains below both provincial and national averages and there are business openings and expansions in various parts of the City. Briefly, Pizza Hut has opened its beautifully expanded restaurant at a high visibility site on Brookdale Avenue across from which sits the new Shoppers Drug Mart. CARSTAR has moved from its former site on Brookdale to a much expanded facility on Rosemount. And 'The Grind', a beautifully appointed coffee and restaurant bistro can be found on Second Street directly across from St. John's Presbyterian Church.
A President's message would not be complete, at least not at this time of year, without a mention of the Chamber's successful Spring Home & Leisure. Reports from Executive Manager Strasser indicate the three day event was a successful one with over 100 exhibitors taking part. These Home Shows create an excellent vehicle by which our local business can tap into a large consumer market, all under one roof. As such, I believe it to be a valuable component in the Chamber's roster of events.
As a closing note, I'd like to remind members of three upcoming events: Hospital CEO Jeanette Despatie's presentation on May 11 (see the article elsewhere in this edition of E-News), the May 19 Business Mixer at Schnitzels, and the ever-popular Chamber Golf Day at Summerheights on Wednesday, June 2. I look forward to seeing many of you at each of these events.
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Canadian Chamber -Report
Canadian Chamber Concern About Planned Liberal Tax Freeze The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has expressed its concern with the recent position taken by the Liberal party to cancel previously-announced reductions to taxes on businesses. The Chamber outlined its concerns in a letter sent to Liberal Leader, Michael Ignatieff who announced his party's position at the Canada at 150 Conference.
According to press reports and the material made available on the Liberal party's web site, the party has opted for new spending as opposed to improving Canada's tax competitiveness at a time when Canadians are recovering from a major recession and when the global competition is becoming fiercer every day.
"If the Liberals are saying they would take $5 to $6 billion that otherwise would have been used to create new jobs and improve Canada's competitiveness and spend it in other areas, then this entirely the wrong direction to go. It is a very bad message to send," asserts Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber.
In its letter to Ignatieff, the Chamber notes that the average general corporate income tax rate in Canada is roughly 32% (federal plus provincial) compared to an OECD average rate of around 26%. In addition, other countries will continue to improve their tax competitiveness, with the risk that Canada will fall further behind.
"Punishing business with a $5-6 billion tax burden is not the way to encourage new investment," continued Beatty.
Budget sets game plan: government must deliver
The Canadian Chamber has welcomed the federal government's strategy to achieve its recovery plan, to return to balanced budgets and to promote a more innovative and competitive economy.
"Business people throughout Canada are worried about the federal deficit," reports Chamber President and CEO, Perrin Beatty. "We're glad that the government responded to the Chamber's call for a commitment to balance the books, but they must now make it happen. The substantial spending increases of past years are clearly not sustainable and the Canadian Chamber will focus on ensuring that Ottawa reins in spending and improves efficiencies as the recovery takes hold."
The Chamber strongly believes the government can balance its books over the medium term without increasing taxes. "In recent years we have made Canada a more attractive place to invest, innovate and create jobs by improving our international tax competitiveness. We cannot afford to erase this hard-earned progress," continued Beatty.
The Canadian Chamber has long called for a digital economy strategy that encourages businesses to adopt e-commerce technologies. The recognition of the economic clout of our small and medium-sized businesses to innovate and the need to enable them to continue - even increase - their contribution by removing unnecessary, job-killing regulation is long overdue. Holding the line on direct and indirect tax increases and promoting innovation will help Canada compete on the world stage.
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Ontario Chamber Report
Ontario Budget Short on Detail
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has given the 2010 Provincial Budget good marks for holding firm on tax reforms announced a year ago, but low marks for failing to adequately address the mid to long-term affordability of government, leading to continuing economic uncertainty.
"This government showed great vision last year by taking large steps towards modernizing our tax system and we're pleased that they are holding the line on those reforms. However, today's budget targets lack the same level of rigour," says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "Today's 'status quo' budget fails to provide sufficient detail as to how the government will increase its affordability and fiscal efficiency, leaving our members wondering what lies ahead which could discourage business investment and job creation when it is most needed."
The plan to keep average annual expenditure growth to lower than the growth of revenues is an important step forward, but one of the fundamental issues is the continuing magnitude of healthcare costs. In the absence of substantial reforms, these costs will continue to crowd out other vital program priorities, and will put into question the ability to meet expenditure targets.
The Budget has not identified the ongoing regulatory burden and mounting red tape facing business. "Open for Business, a laudable program when first announced, did not receive the warranted attention in today's budget. Every dollar spent on dealing with red tape is a dollar less spent on creating jobs and investment," adds Crispino.
The OCC had advocated for prudent spending by the government as well as measures to create the right climate for business investment in order to stimulate job growth. Specifically, it urged the government to:
∙ Create a more competitive business climate through smarter regulation and less red tape.
∙ Keep spending growth at or below the same rate as the economy.
∙ Conduct an actuarial analysis of healthcare expenditures in order to facilitate long term planning and provide much needed predictability, transparency and accountability.
∙ Develop a 30 year long-term transportation plan in order to plan ahead for a generation, not just five years.
∙ Apply smarter and more efficient spending to all programs across the broader public sector with a mandated competitive bidding process which allows bids from both the public and private sectors.
OCC response to federal budget
The OCC has judged the recent Federal Budget a play-it-safe plan with respect to the deficit. It is concerned that spending restraint over the next five years is modest at best and a more aggressive plan to control spending would have been welcomed given the severity of the record-level deficit and the projections of modest economic growth.
While a deficit plan as projected is welcome, the OCC is anxious to see the federal government return to balanced budgets. The deficit is projected to be cut by almost half to $27.6 billion in 2011-12 due to the wind down of the stimulus spending, and cut by two-thirds to $17.5 billion in 2012-13. Program spending as a share of GDP is expected to decline from 15.6 per cent in 2009-10 to 13.2 per cent in 2014-15.
A much needed review of government spending will be conducted in conjunction with a freeze in department budgets. Unfortunately, the results of the government-wide review will not be available until the 2011 Budget. The bulk of the $6.8 billion savings from administrative costs of government occur after 2011, when collective agreements are done.
Tax Measures - Highlights of these measures include:
∙ Welcome measures for personal tax relief with an increase in the personal income tax exemption - $3.2 billion in relief.
∙ EI Premiums will continue to be frozen until 2011 after which rates will be set by an independent arms length Crown corporation, the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board (CEIFB).
∙ The OCC is pleased to see the elimination of the remaining tariffs on manufacturing inputs and machinery and equipment, totalling $1.3 billion. The measure will assist Canadian industry by lowering the costs of manufacturing inputs and machinery and equipment that are imported from outside North America.
Infrastructure - The budget does contain welcome initiatives aimed at modernizing transportation infrastructure, including $7.7 billion in stimulus funds will be dedicated to infrastructure improvements. It also includes investments in passenger rail and ferry services, new resources to enhance aviation security in Canada, and funding to ensure the continued safety and reliability of bridges.
Regulations - a modest approach to addressing the overwhelming regulatory burden on business, but no significant measures other than plans to review.
Establishment of a Red Tape Commission - similar to the commission established by the Ontario government in the 1990s, to review regulatory burden on the business sector. However, the government has no concrete plans in place other than a commitment to review 'red tape'.
Advisory Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship - to provide advice to the Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) on ways for small business to improve access to federal programs and information. Once again, business will have to wait for the advisory process to unfold.
Energy - The OCC is pleased to see a continued commitment to Canada's nuclear industry, with $300 million dedicated to AECL's operations in 2010-11 to cover anticipated commercial losses and support the corporation's operations, including the continued development of the Advanced CANDU Reactor.
The budget includes $362 million in new spending commitments toward green jobs and growth up to the end of 2012. The Budget does not specify how these jobs will be created. However the Budget proposes tax measures that encourages taxpayers to spend on green energy and diversify the country's energy supply.
$50 million has been allocated from 2010-12 to support research and development in the forestry sector for clean energy technology, to help companies in the industry make their operations more efficient and less polluting.
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Hospital CEO Special Breakfast Meeting Speaker
It's been judged one of the most efficiently run hospitals in Ontario and this coming May, guests at an upcoming Chamber breakfast meeting will get a rare glimpse into the opportunities and challenges facing Cornwall's local health centre.
Ms. Jeanette Despatie, the CEO of Cornwall community Hospital will be the special guest speaker at the breakfast meeting at the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre. Ms. Despatie will provide a keen insight into the multi-million dollar retrofitting of the hospital and some of the challenges it faces.
A recent news item posted on the hospital's web site revealed that it succeeded in finding millions of dollars in efficiencies. Coupled with a related external peer review, its diligence resulted in the Cornwall Community Hospital being given a $5 million dollar funding adjustment to maintain both services and operations - sound testament to the hard work of the entire health care team.
The Breakfast meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 at the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre beginning at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10.00 and guests may register in the following manner:
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Spring Show Great Exposure for Local Business
Cool but sunny weather appeared to be good news as thousands of visitors flocked to the Cornwall Civic and the Chamber's annual Spring Home & Leisure Show. It's the first major consumer event of the year and a prime opportunity for local businesses to showcase the latest in goods and services.
"Our exhibitors are aware that the Chamber's Spring Show is one of the largest of its kind in eastern Ontario," reports Executive Manager Lezlie Strasser. "This year we had over 100 area businesses and they had an opportunity to promote both products and services to over 6,000 visitors and potential customers."
The Spring Home & Leisure Show is one of a number of business focused events the Chamber presents. "As the voice of the Cornwall & Area business community, the Chamber sees events such as this one as both a service and benefit to the sector," continues Strasser. "It's important to the Chamber organization that it focus on activities to promote business growth and many of our exhibitors tell us they generate a considerable amount of business both during the event and afterward."
The 2010 Spring Show was chock full of the latest in home improvement, gardening and leisure time products and services. From decks to patios, gazebos to garden supplies, interior decorating ideas and much more. The colourful displays were inviting and the exhibitors armed with all manner of good ideas for those who stopped by for a look. A special treat this year was a return visit from gardening guru, Mark Cullen and judging from the crowds gathered for his presentations, he was an unqualified hit.
No Spring Home & Leisure Show would be complete without prizes and the 2010 event was no exception. The Benson Group's NASCAR gift package was won by Claude Carrier while Sandra McAlear walked off with a spectacular Home Theatre package, sponsored, in part by Jtec Audiotronic and valued at more than $4,000.
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It's Our BIRTHDAY ...
And you're invited!!
Shhhhhhhhhhh ... it's a surprise BUT ... the Chamber is celebrating its 120 birthday. We're planning our own surprise party at Schnitzels and we want you to help us celebrate.
It'll be a fun affair and a great chance to chat with your professional peers. Did we mention there will be hors d'oeuvres, party favours and oh yes some terrific prizes too.
It all takes place on Wednesday, May 19 from 4 till 8 p.m. and we look forward to have you join us. Call us at 613-933-4004 or send us an e-mail to info@cornwallchamber.com. Say YES ... I'll be there.
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Chamber Golf Tournament June 2, 2010
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The skills required to navigate the future world of work
The Conference Board of Canada has just released a report that focuses on the three major forces facing business leaders in the future: mega-trends-globalization, population aging and diversity, and technological innovation are transforming every element of the world of work.
Those in leadership roles who want to ensure their organizations successfully meet and overcome these forces must address two factors. First, they themselves must have or, develop the skills and understanding to lead their organizations through turbulent times. Second, they must recruit or develop the next generation of leaders and ensure that they have the full range of skills required to be successful in 2020 and beyond.
"The key for leaders in seizing the opportunities that result from workplace change is to have the vision and skills. The good news is that these skills can be developed," said Michael Bloom, Vice-President, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning.
Many Canadian organizations suffer from a lack of leadership talent and the problem will worsen as aging leaders and senior managers retire simultaneously from executive and management levels. Solving this problem will require a major investment of resources, yet many organizations do not have plans to fill the leadership gap.
Many of the core skills that leaders will require such as interpersonal and team-building skills, will not change much. Other skills that will be crucial in 2020 are relatively rare today.
For example, leaders will need to integrate visible minorities into every part of the workplace, including senior levels. They will also need to be 'intra-preneurs', nurturing and stimulating staff to be innovative, which will lead to the conception, development, and production of new processes, products, and services. Leaders will also need greater technology know-how and the capacity to function in international markets and organizations.
Navigating Through the Storm: Leaders and the World of Work in 2020 is the final report of a two-year Conference Board research project. The report identifies 10 trends that are transforming work, workplaces and workforces.
1. Inter-generational mixing is on the rise in workplaces, with baby boomers staying on longer and working with Generations X and Y.
2. Visible minorities will be on the verge of becoming the majority in urban workplaces.
3. We will all be linked to work, through technology, whether we want to be or not.
4. The line between workplace production and place of consumption will become blurred.
5. The office will be where we say it is.
6. Social media will be the community halls of the future, where work can be done collaboratively. 7. Real companies will have virtual locations and marketing will increasingly move online.
8. Management will be pushed down and out as organizations decentralize.
9. Contingent workers (including contractors, part-time, casual and seasonal workers) and volunteers will become unconditionally important.
10. Teamwork will become a learned skill, not just a nice attitude.
The report presents a four-step process designed to help leaders navigate these changes by providing a framework for thinking about workplace and workforce change and deciding on an appropriate course of action. The four steps include :
∙ Understand trends
∙ Clarify implications for their organizations
∙ Identify needs and opportunities
∙ Build and recruit the leadership skills needed in order to transform.
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Chamber members wise to promote
seatbelt use
It's a statistical fact that seatbelts save lives and in addition, save countless $$ thousands in needless medical expenditures and the resultant drain on our economy. It follows that it makes good economic sense for Chamber members to encourage and support seatbelt use.
The Ontario Provincial Police would undoubtedly appreciate such an effort from our business community as readers note the disquieting statistics in the following news item.
The OPP will be increasing enforcement throughout the province to ensure that motorists everywhere do their part in saving lives by buckling up. The increased enforcement is part of the Spring Seatbelt Campaign which is a partnership between the OPP, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and other road safety partners.
So far this year, 11 people have lost their lives as a result of not wearing their restraints at the time of the crash and many more were seriously injured. Last year a total of 310 people died in motor vehicle collisions in Ontario and in 68 of those deaths (26%) seatbelt non-compliance was a factor.
The OPP will also be focusing their efforts on child restraints during the campaign to raise awareness and protect children. A properly used child booster seat reduces a child's risk of injury in a crash by as much as 75% and yet OPP officers find many child car seats are incorrectly used or incorrectly installed. When used correctly, a booster seat provides 60% more protection than a seatbelt alone.
By the numbers
∙ Seatbelt non-compliance draws a fine of $235 and two demerit points.
∙ In 2009, 310 people lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions on OPP patrolled roads and in 68 of those deaths seatbelt non-compliance was a factor.
∙ In 2009, the OPP checked 1,072,003 vehicles during the Spring Seatbelt Campaign and laid a total of 10,592 charges.
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Spring Home & Leisure Show-
March 26,27 & 28, 2010
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New Members
Aerus Electrolux/Orleans Vacuums
Bourgon Eavestroughing
Buser, Martin
C&A Distributors
Chevron Construction Services Ltd
Cornwall
Discount Carpet Sales
Cornwall Immigrant Resource Centre
Cornwall
Roof Truss Inc.
Dream Design
Dominion Lending Centres Integrity Financing
First Aid Ottawa
Focus Financial Concepts
Focus For
Life
Gift Baskets And More
J. Bernier Excavation Ltd.
Mad
Moose Television-MMTV
MortgageBrokersCornwall.com
R&R Small Engine
Viceroy
Homes Limited
Zumba With Christal
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 Recently Renewed Members
645520 Ontario Limited
Adams, Sherwood, Swabey & Follon
ADT Security Canada Inc.
Aerus Electrolux/Orleans Vacuums
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
Althouse Horticultural Services & Tree Care
Assist-2-Sell
Astro Printing Service (Cornwall) Ltd.
Aultsville Theatre
Bath Solutions
BDO Dunwoody LLP
Benson Certified Auto Service
Brunet Insurance/Assurance Brunet
BSN
Budget Propane Inc.
C.M.G. Innovation Co. Ltd.
Casey Mechanical
Champagne, Claude
Cineplex Entertainment
Clark's Shoe Store
Cogeco
Coping Strategies
Cornwall Concrete Products Ltd.
Cornwall Curling Club
Cornwall Economic Development
Cornwall Electric
Cornwall Fine Wines (1999) Inc.
Cornwall Gravel Company Ltd.
Cornwall Lift Off
Cornwall Lighting & Electrical Centre
Cornwall Mazda
Cornwall Toyota
Cor-Tek Industrial Services
Craig Keen Despatie Markell LLP
Credit Counselling Cornwall
Delaney Bus Lines Ltd.
Doyle & Shannon LLP
Dr. Pierre Milot, Ph.D.Stress Management-Life/Business Coaching
Dr. Wash, division of Clean All Environmental Services Inc.
Drake International
Dwain Hawn Auto Repair Ltd.
Dynamic Closures Corporation
Eastern Ontario Training Board
Edward Jones Investments
Elco Electric Limited
Family Counselling Centre of Cornwall
Filion Trophies Inc.
Fullerton Drugs
Future Office Products Ltd.
Gault Family Chiropractic
Gendron, Louise
Gilden Financial Solutions Corporation
Giovanniello & Bellefeuille Barristers
Glentel Inc.
Godard Stationery Ltd.
Gunn, Joe
H R Janitorial Cleaning Supplies
Harvest Garden Center
Howieson, John
Innovative Accounting Solutions
Johnston Beaudette
Katerina's Restaurant & Catering
Kelsey's Restaurants Inc.
Lafarge Canada Inc.
Laframboise Mechanical & Electrical Limited
Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes Ltd.
Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes Ltd.
Laplante Welding of Cornwall Inc.
Laura's Flowers
Le/The Journal
Leo Martin Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Leon's Furniture
Librairie CAF
Life's Little Pleasure
Limelight Music Academy
Louis W. Bray Construction Limited
MacCuaig, Keith
Making Waves
Mangi Ristorante
Marlborough Wholesale Co. Ltd.
Max-Plus Logistics
McArthur Bros & MacNeil Funeral Hom
McConnell Manor/Manoir
Medical Arts Pharmacy (Cornwall) Ltd.
Medical Arts Pharmacy (Cornwall) Ltd.
Meldrum Surveying Ltd.
Meyer Laboratory Services
Morbern Inc.
Natural Soaps & Crafts
OT Group
Paris Holdings
Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc.
Ramada Inn & Conference Centre
RBC Royal Bank
RBC Royal Bank
RBC/Business Banking Centre
RD Concrete Pumping
Redmond Insurance Brokers Limited
Renner, Stephen
Reynolds Food Packaging
RiverLink Wireless Internet Inc.
Rob's Fifth Wheel Truck Stops
Rookez - Edge Sports
S.D. & G. Community Futures Development Corporation
Scotiabank
Seaway Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Ltd.
Seaway International Bridge Corp. Ltd.
Seaway Valley Theatre Company
Shah, Dr. Natavarlal
Shoeless Joe's Cornwall
Special Touch Hair Studio
Spinners Diner
St. Lawrence College
St. Lawrence Orthopaedic Service
St. Lawrence Testing
Standard Freeholder
Staples Business Depot
StarTek Canada Services Ltd.
Summit Health & Fitness Club
Tarle & McAllister Appraisals
TCB Landscaping
TD Canada Trust
TD Canada Trust
Teleperformance Canada
Tim Horton's
Togneri, Michael
Tri-Co Sports (Cornwall) Ltd.
Turn of the Century Consulting Inc.
Turner Heating
Ultramar Ltd.
Variety 104.5/Rock 101.9/AM1220
WEBtech
Visit our online directory for a complete list of Chamber Members
Chamber Membership Directory
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TAKE A BREAK, CONNECT, SHARE & LEARN
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We Want To Hear From You
Member Feedback Blog
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 M2MParticipants
A-1 Environmental Services Above & Beyond
Allinotte Law Office
Benson
Certified Auto Service
Best Impressions
Best Western
Parkway Inn
Bourgon Eavestroughing
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.
First Aid Ottawa
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
Polar Sound
Bilingual DJ Services
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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Chamber Breakfast
Our Hospital...Today And Tomorrow
with guest speaker
Jeanette Despatie, C.A.O.
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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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Chamber Birthday Celebration Mixer
Join us as we celebrate our 120th Birthday at Schnitzels
May 19th
4:00pm-8:00pm
Watch for your invitation coming soon!
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Want to know what is happening?
Visit our online
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