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 President's Message
Hello everyone. I'd like to begin the
May message with good news from the Conference Board of Canada. The Board
reports that Ontario's economy is on the upswing. Average housing prices have
surpassed their pre-recession levels and employment has been rising,
particularly in the Cornwall region, since the second half of 2009.
Bolstered by stronger labour
markets, Ontario consumers will likely resume purchasing big-ticket items and
in all, Ontario's real GDP will increase by 3.8% in 2010. No doubt, this will
come as good news to the entire Chamber membership. That bold prediction comes
with the complete acknowledgement of the HST set for implementation in July.
MP Guy Lauzon was a guest at the May
30 Chamber Board of Directors meeting and provided an update of the current
International Crossing negotiations. While being aware of the concerns being
felt within various sectors of the community and advised the Board that the
people who need to be at the negotiations table have been secured. For the
Chamber's part we're pleased that the Crossing is functioning, particularly
with the summer tourism season about to begin.
The Chamber is about to launch one
of the most comprehensive surveys it has ever undertaken. It is a survey of
consumer shopping practices in Cornwall and the principal objective will be to
better understand Cornwall and area shopping habits including where they shop,
whether they visit centres outside the City and how frequently, and what stores
they visit when out-shopping.
This will be a critical survey for
our retail sector and will be underway on May 31, continuing until June 18.
Teams of surveyors will be stationed at various shopping areas in the City to
seek consumer responses to the survey which will take less than five minutes to
complete. Consumers can also complete the survey, on-line at
www.cornwallchamber.com. We encourage all members to 'pump-up' the survey and
encourage participation. We like to secure over 300 responses to give it the
highest degree of accuracy as possible.
Another important Chamber activity
about to be undertaken is a strategic planning exercise. Scheduled for
mid-June, the initiative will chart future directions for the Chamber. As we
prepare for the exercise, we need input from our membership. No doubt many of
you have thoughts about where you would like to see the Chamber position itself
and we need to hear from you.
We encourage you to contact the
Chamber either by telephone at 613-933-4004 or by e-mail to info@cornwallchamber.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Don't forget our May 19 birthday
party at Schnitzels and if you haven't registered for the Chamber Golf Day on
June 2, don't wait. We're close to our maximum numbers and it won't be long
until it will once again be a sellout.
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Canadian Chamber -Report
Canadian business must take its place on the world stage
What follows is an excerpt of a letter published by the Canadian Chamber's President and CEO, the Hon. Perrin Beatty.
It's time to step out from behind the curtains and win back our reputation. Canada's status internationally has taken a significant turn for the worse in the past year, according to a recent poll by BBC World Service. In fact, in the five years the pollsters have been tracking it, this is the first time Canada's popularity among its major trading partners has declined.
Until the recent poll, 82% of Americans thought Canada had a 'mainly positive' impact internationally. That has now dropped to 62% and in Britain, the drop was from 74% to 62 %. In China, 54% of respondents said Canada had a positive influence in the world, a 21% drop from a similar poll a year earlier.
No matter what the cause, this loss of reputation can have a significant negative impact on businesses across Canada.
Here's the good news. According to the international pollsters, if Canada can demonstrate at the upcoming G8/G20 Leaders' Summits 'that it's back in the multilateral game, that it's back wanting to work internationally and play a positive role internationally,' our reputation could quickly start to trend upward again.
Tax reform plan needed to ensure post-recession prosperity
The Canadian Chamber has just released a report that looks at what the government must do to ensure the positive steps taken in tax reform continue to pave the way out of the recession.
In response to advances in communications and information technologies, and the ease of movement of skilled workers and capital across national borders, many countries have continued to overhaul their tax systems to improve their global competitiveness despite recession-ravaged public finances.
A long-term, strategic, well-thought out and comprehensive tax reform plan is needed for Canada to achieve strong economic growth and prosperity. The paper, entitled Embracing a Growth-Oriented Tax System, focuses on a few key areas in need of improvement.
"As Canada emerges the recession, our political leaders need to find strategies to balance the books. It is crucial that government refrains from hiking taxes or reneging on promised corporate tax rate reductions," says Perrin Beatty, Chamber President and CEO. "International competition is intensifying by the day. If we turn back now as other countries continue to improve their tax competitiveness, we will fall behind."
According to the report, Canada in recent years has moved to meet the challenge with a remarkable transformation in the business tax landscape. Federal and provincial business taxes have been substantially reduced, with further changes legislated. By 2012, Canada will have the lowest statutory corporate income tax rate in the G7 group of industrialized nations, and already has the lowest effective tax rate on new business investment in the G7. These measures have made Canada a more attractive location for new investment and have helped existing businesses compete.
Policy Updates
Buy American rules. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has just released the regulations pertaining to the Buy American deal that was reached in February. It is important that Canadian companies who are selling into U.S. markets impacted by the Buy American restrictions understand these rules and share them with their customers.
Documentation is available which outlines how the regulations are to be applied and may be useful for Canadian firms who find procurement officers that lack an understanding of the new exceptions for Canadian goods. Federal government consultation on retirement savings
Retirement income. The federal government has launched online consultations and a series of cross-country roundtable discussions, speaking engagements and town hall meetings to gather input from Canadians on ensuring the ongoing strength of Canada's retirement income system.
The input received from these consultations will be discussed at the next meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of finance in May, where Canada's retirement income system will be a key agenda item.
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Ontario Chamber Report
Help for Customer Service Legislation
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce working with local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the province to help Ontario businesses comply with Ontario's new customer service standard.
"Breaking down barriers for people with disabilities begins by breaking down barriers for organizations that want to serve them better," says Len Crispino, OCC President & CEO. "Compliance requires knowledge and access to the right tools. The OCC and our chamber network are determined to help businesses throughout Ontario get both so that they can better serve the growing population of people with all types of disabilities."
Accessibility Works is a partnership between the OCC and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario to help businesses comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The standard is one of five that will form part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Through a free online training module and facilitated workshops throughout the province, Accessibility Works will make it easier for business owners, their staff, volunteers and contractors to meet the training and other requirements under the new standard.
"We are pleased to be partnering with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help reach out to their broad network of members across the province," states Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeleine Meilleur. "These are the business on the front lines who understand, better than anyone, that improving accessibility for people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. By making their businesses more accessible to customers with disabilities they tap into a broader customer base and foster increased customer loyalty, and it all starts with providing quality customer service to each and every customer who comes in the door."
The online training, which will provide participants with proof of certification, will be delivered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and its 160 affiliated chambers of commerce and boards of trade in Ontario. The training will be available later this fall in order to help businesses prepare for the January 1, 2012 compliance date for all private sector organizations. For more information, contact your local chamber, the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce at 613-933-4004.
US Consul General Cheers on Canada
At the recently held OCC AGM, delegates welcomed U.S. Consul General, Kevin Johnson. In his remarks, Johnson had nothing but praise for Canada. He made it clear that Canada managed the financial disaster better than any other country but urged delegates not to write off the U.S. too quickly. He challenged the notion that the American influence on the world economy is waning in favour of China, by pointing to the democratic traditions in the U.S. and the relative wealth of its people. Noting there are many challenges ahead, Johnson pointed out that both Canada and the US possess great people and resources to face these obstacles.
Johnson also acknowledged the need for a continued partnership with Canada as pivotal to the economic prosperity of the US. And he stated unequivocally that the US is supportive of Canada's efforts to create diverse international trade partnerships, noting, "we do not see leadership as exclusive. We see this as a multi-partnership world."
Johnson also touched on two things Canadians and Americans often swap back and forth - cross-border trade and hockey championships. In terms of trade, Johnson said that 'Buy American' has accomplished two important things: bringing attention to the sub-national trade policies in Canada and the U.S. and securing clear executive acknowledgement that the two economies are inextricably linked. In regards to hockey, Johnson said, with a chuckle, that Canada can keep the Olympic gold medal but the U.S. will keep the Stanley Cup (in reference to the highly competitive NHL playoffs currently underway).
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The Best Golf Day in Eastern Ontario
It's the official Chamber kickoff to the summer season. Ranked one of the most popular events of its kind in eastern Ontario, the Chamber's annual Golf Day has emerged as the premier outdoor networking event in the Cornwall region.
The day is Wednesday June 2 and close to 240 business professionals from across the Cornwall area and beyond will be there. The day is a relaxing one with a friendly round of golf followed by a reception and a chance to meet new friends. The entire day is topped off with a delicious dinner and the requisite prizes.
Business professionals are quick to point out the networking value of the Golf day. The friendly and casual atmosphere coupled with the new acquaintances made are seen as value-added parts of the day.
Some years ago, a trio of professionals from a major Canadian company were quick to underscore that assertion. Acknowledging they took part in similar events across eastern Ontario, they were quick to pronounce the Cornwall Chamber Golf Day as the best of the lot. 'We were impressed with the organization, the friendliness of the people, the great prizes and the terrific dinner and conversation.'
History tells us the Golf Day is always a sellout and if you've not registered, do it now. Call Amy at 613-933-4004 or send her an e-note to info@cornwallchamber.com and secure your Tee-off time.
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Chamber Golf Tournament June 2, 2010
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 | New Citizen of the Year Walkway Tribute
Many enthusiastically received the artist's rendering of the latest tribute to Cornwall's Citizens of the Year. The positive reaction came in response to the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce unveiling of an innovative approach to recognizing those individuals within the community whose selfless contribution have made Cornwall a better place to work and to live.
"In keeping with the aesthetics of the park, this new tribute will take the form of stylized arches, said Chamber Past President, Pierre Lefebvre who made the presentation. "Tree-like, they will be positioned on the pathway of distinction with one at the clock tower, the other close to the main entrance of the civic complex. The names of each citizen will be engraved on metal leaves affixed to the structures."
The need for a new means by which past Citizens of the Year recipients were recognized came about as a result of the theft of the bronze plaques which had previously identified each one. Undaunted by the senseless theft, the Chamber came up with a new approach. Noella Cotnam from Sign It Signs designed a strikingly simple yet powerful symbol to recognize those special citizens.
The new Citizen of the Year structures are anticipated to be in place by July 1. In his closing remarks, Lefebvre described how once again, an effective local partnership resulted in the completion of a project that will stand as a positive beacon for years to come.
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Chamber Birthday Celebration Mixer
It's not often one can brag about being 120 years old but your Chamber can. We're celebrating our 120th anniversary as one of Ontario's oldest business organizations and what better time to have a party.
We hope you will join us along with your professional colleagues on Wednesday, May 19 at Schnitzels European Flavours. There will be tastings, munchies, prize draws and more. We've even invited former Chamber Presidents to join us and we hope a number of them join us.
It all begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 8 and we're anticipating a good crowd. Please call 613-944-4004 or email info@cornwallchamber.com to RSVP. We look forward to having you join us..
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Challenges and Successes at Cornwall Community Hospital
The challenges remain but there's
good news, too. That's according to  Hospital CEO, Jeanette Despatie. Ms.
Despatie was the special guest speaker at a Cornwall & Area Chamber
of Commerce Breakfast Meeting.
"One
of our principal challenges lies with volumes and specifically,
patients waiting in hospital for alternative placement" emphasized
Despatie. "The hospital receives a set amount from the Ministry of
Health and Long Term Care each year and we are expected to operate
within that budget. The challenge is when the hospital's patient load increases," she continued. "Even though the patient numbers increase,
our funding does not."
Along with those challenges, Despatie had
good news for delegates at the meeting. "First of all," she notes,
"Ontario's hospitals are recognized as the most efficiently run in
Canada and Cornwall Community Hospital is considered to be one of the
best run in Ontario. We are most proud of that fact. We're also pleased
that the Ministry recognized our efforts and recently provided us with
$5 million in additional funding."
The $113 million restructuring
project is well underway and by summer's end, demolition will begin on
the current front portion of the health centre in preparation for the
new, state-of-the-art 90,000 square foot building that will house the
admissions and emergency departments along with five modern surgical
suites and all diagnostics departments. Along with the new facility,
other parts of the hospital will undergo significant renovations as
well.
When asked about specialties not available in Cornwall,
Despatie noted Cornwall's proximity to Ottawa with its world class Heart
Institute and Cancer Centre. "We are fortunate to be so close to these
renowned facilities," she says. "It effectively enhances our Hospital's
ability to provide for the needs of patients; while we cannot provide
all levels of care, we can access what the patients need and in some
cases, that is a transfer to a tertiary or quaternary level facility."
While the challenges remain,
Despatie is confident that with the completion of the revitalization
project, the people of the Cornwall region will have access to
excellence in health care for years to come.
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New Members
Acklands-Grainger Inc.
Canam Movies
Clean Streak
Lapierre Talent Management Group
ServiceMaster of Cornwall
Youth Intervention Services Inc.
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 Recently Renewed Members
Accesoware Computer Technology Centre
Alpin's Interiors-Benjamin Moore
AMR Powersports Inc.
Angel Printing
Apple Hill Rustic Pine Furniture
Auvents Multiples Sud Ouest Inc.
Baker Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.
Balloonies/B Dazzle
Bartley-Hathaway Financial Services
Best Western Parkway Inn
C & C Professional Truck Training
C&R Heating and Cooling
C3 Technical Solutions
Caisse Populaire de Cornwall
Century 21 Shield Realty Ltd. Brokerage
Chenier Development Corp.
City Limits Bar & Grill
Community Living Stormont
Cornwall Clean Air Services
Cornwall Community Hospital
Cornwall Mini Storage Inc.
Cornwall Public Library
Cornwall Regional Physiotherapy
Covington, Eric
Dave's Reliable Signs Ltd.
Dr. Rachel Navaneelan
DVJ's Home Improvement Services
Dynamic Auto Service and Maintenance
Emard Bros. Lumber Co. Ltd.
Enns, MacEachern, Pace, Maloney
Enviro-tec Custom Foam Insulation
Esthetics by Linda/Le Petit Retreat & Day Spa
Furniture Village
Genivar
Grant-Marion Construction Limited
Green Valley Kubota Ltd.
Guindon Glenoco
Habitat For Humanity Seaway Valley
Halliday, Linda
Hunt Insurance Brokers Ltd.
ICI Paints - Division Color Your World Glidden Paints
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services
Job Zone d'emploi
Karen's Hair Creations
Lalande Plumbing Plomberie Inc.
Link + Corporation/Brown Customs Brokerage Div.
Manpower
Marleau Bros. Ltd. Insurance Brokers
Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre
Maxmar Laser
Melody Music Centre
MicroAge Computer Centre
Miller-Hughes Ford Sales Ltd.
Minimax Express Transportation Inc.
Monroe, Cottrell, McAteer & McCosham Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Morrisburg Kitchen Cabinet
Mortgage Brokers Cornwall.com
Multi Doors & Windows
National Car & Truck Rentals and Sales
Nikken Wellness Consultant
Numed Canada Inc.
O. Charlebois Aluminium Products Inc.
Olymel
Ontario Power Generation, RH Saunders GS
Partir d'un bon pas
Pommier Jewellers
Praxair Distribution Inc.
PyroPro Fire Protection Systems Ltd.
Quality Manufacturing
R&R Small Engines
RBC Dominion Securities
Rideau Flag & Pole
Robert J. Bourgon & Associates
Ron Chénier & Associates Inc.
Rona Ontario Inc.
Royal LePage Performance Realty
Roy's Pools & Spas
Ry-Gas Consulting
S.D. & G. OSPCA
Seaway Hyundai
Sharyn's Pantry
Signature Driving School
Spooner Paving
St. John's Transfer (1978) Ltd.
Tenaquip
The Brick
The Co-operators (East End)
Theresa E. Taylor & Associates Auctioneering
Township of South Glengarry
Transport Daoust Inc.
Tri-County Literacy Council
Union Gas
Vanguard Employee Benefits Broker Inc.
Versus Business Forms (Cornwall)
Wendy's Restaurant
Whittaker Bros. Florist
Wilson Funeral Home
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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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
Call 613-933-4004 or email info@cornwallchamber.com to RSVP
Hope too see you there!
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