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 President's Message
I'd like to begin this, my first President's message to announce that Scott Armstrong has stepped down as Chamber President. The Board has accepted Mr. Armstrong's resignation with regret. Under his leadership, the Chamber has continued its strong role as an advocate on behalf of the business community with particular emphasis on the issue of the Cornwall International Crossing. I speak for all Directors and the membership as a whole as I wish Mr. Armstrong the best of luck for the future.
The Chamber's annual Golf Day was a complete success and I want to offer kudos to all those who made it so. The organizing committee did an outstanding job, the many sponsors outdid themselves with terrific prizes and combined with perfect weather, it was a good day for everyone. Special thanks to Office Assistant Amy Malyon for coordinating the day's activities.
Recently, the Chamber Board participated in a day long strategic planning exercise. Led by facilitator, Gail Kaneb, the day was an opportunity to look forward and to chart a path that best serves our members and supports our community. Highlights focused on a SWOT analysis followed by a look at future directions.
Some specifics included member relations and advocacy, and fiscal planning along with productive government relations at all three levels. We're in the process of synthesizing the results and we'll be rolling out some initiatives in the weeks to come.
While we have yet to come up with a permanent solution, the Chamber is pleased that the International Bridge is open and according to MP Lauzon, who briefed the Board some weeks back, dialogue is continuing with respect to resolving the issue.
The Chamber's comprehensive consumer shopping survey is over and now begins the task of analyzing the results. Once completed, we will be sharing the findings and look forward helping our retail sector utilize new and innovative ways to delight their customers.
Speaking of delighting customers, with summer upon us, we will be welcoming all manner of visitors to our community. All of us in Cornwall are terrific at making these people feel at home and it's a great opportunity to tell them about the many things to see and do throughout the region.
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Canadian Chamber -Report
Canadian Chamber Welcomes Anti-Spam Legislation
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the introduction Bill C-28, Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act (FISA).
"Canadian businesses have worked closely with the government to recommend introducing a bill that deals with unwanted spam and other related online threats for some time now. I'm pleased that we were able to work together to get legislation presented that protects both businesses and consumers," said Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty.
Making the online environment safer for Canadians and Canadian businesses has been a priority for the Canadian Chamber. At its 2007 Annual General Meeting, local chambers and boards of trade from across the country voted to press the government to take action to protect consumers and business from spam.
"It's positive to see the government tackle spam as part of their larger Digital Economy Strategy for Canada," Beatty added. "This is an important step forward. Today's move will help with reducing the unwanted and unsolicited e-mails that clog up e-mail systems, cost productivity, violate privacy, and often promote fraud."
Spam is unsolicited electronic communication that, in many cases, is deceptive or contains viruses. It is this type of electronic communication that causes security problems for firms and clogs networks.
"We look forward to working with all political parties to get this piece of legislation passed soon so that we can crack down on the spam that is filling people's in-boxes and clogging the Internet," concluded Beatty.
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Ontario Chamber Report
Open For Business Act Introduced
The OCC has continually encouraged the Ontario government to accelerate its efforts in reducing red tape for business. Ontario's recent introduction of Bill 68, the Open for Business Act, is a positive step towards achieving that goal. Key details of Bill 68 include:
· Removing the citizenship requirement needed for internationally trained engineers to work in Ontario.
· Harmonizing vehicle size regulation and permits on trucks from other provinces to reduce red tape for the trucking industry and business and ensure more frequent truck movement. As a result, it could strengthen and improve the economy.
· Streamlining the environmental approvals process, by eliminating unnecessary requirements to obtain a certificate of approval or provisional certificate. It will mean less paperwork for employers, and coupled with an online registry, should save businesses as much as 25% of their project's application costs.
· Gives employment standards officers more power to mediate claims between employees and employers, and make decisions on employer/ employee claims where parties don't provide timely information. Also, claims against employers must be provided to employers before being assigned to an officer. These changes should speed up disputes and reduce red tape.
The OCC welcomes Bill 68 as it will begin the process of reducing red tape for business. The OCC believes the government should include a 5-year mandatory review of all new regulations, set annual benchmarks, and continue to work with business to identify and implement more changes in policies.
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RECENTLY RENEWED MEMBERS
The following businesses have recently renewed their membership.3M Trim-Line of S.E. Ontario, Ad Bag, Adecco Employment Services, Agape Centre, Amerispec Cornwall & Brockville, Angel Whispers , Archie's Family Golf Centre, Association Le Village BIA, Aubé Frères,
Auger, Ms Judi , BASF Canada, Bob's Vac Shop , Bayshore Home Health Bridal's Dream, Brookdale Centre, Burke, Neil, CAA North East Ontario, CAF École pour adultes, Canlyte Inc., Canvas Complete , Car Studio Services, Clermont Rosa Concrete Foundations Ltd., Coffee News Cornwall, Commissionaires Security Solutions, Cornwall & Seaway Valley Tourism, Cornwall Accident Support Services Ltd., Cornwall City Press, Cornwall Golf & Country Club, Cornwall Heating & Cooling Inc., Cornwall Home Hardware, Cornwall Honda, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Cornwall Square, Cornwall Truck Centre, Cornwall Warehousing, Corporation of the City of Cornwall, Cristill Rock Pure Water Inc., Culligan of Cornwall, D Johnson's Antiques Inc., Deborah Kerr Studio, Dempster's Frameworks, Dennis Fortier Transport Inc., Done Rite Roofing, DOERS-Davey Optical Equipment Repair, Dubuc Eye Care Centre, Dundee Wealth Management, Dwyer Glass Ltd., Eastern Welding, elearnnetwork.ca, Expomax, Farm Boy Fresh Market, First Canada Inns, First Choice Insurance & Investments/Dundee Private Investors Inc., Floral Expressions, Freedom Taekwon-Do Health & Fitness, Fullerton Drugs, Health Within, Homestead Organics, John Gordon Construction, Johns Manville, Kadant Canada Corp., Kraft Canada Inc., L.R. Whitteker Enterprise, Lalonde Insurance Brokers, Laurier Communications, Leger Property Management, Len Sabourin Sales & RV's & Utility Trailers, Lindale's Shoes, Laminacorr Industrie Inc., Lefebvre's Upholstery, Lisette Fashions, M. Jean Cameron Real Estate Limited, Brokerage, Macaulay, Dr. John, MacEwen Petroleum Inc.,Mainville Flooring Ltd., Maple Ridge Farm, Marc Viau Mechanical Inc., Marksman Design, Marleau Mechanical Ltd., Martz Communications Broadcasting, Massey Place Auto Pro, Massey Place Petro Canada a div. of Massey Place Service Inc., Material Resource Recovery Inc., McDonald, Duncan, Barristers & Solicitors, McDonald's Restaurant, Molly Maid, Monte Carlo Motel, Moustache Joe's, NAV CANADA Training and Conference Centre, Notman Chrysler Dodge Jeep, OK Tire a div. of Massey Place Service Inc., Parisien Willis, Parks of the St. Lawrence, Parkview Retirement Manor, Persuasive Design Inc. Advertising Agency, Precious Pets, Prestige Brick and Stone, Pure Esthetics & Massage, Rack-Em-Up Billiards, Ray-Jans Construction Inc., Re/max Cornwall Realty Inc., roadSIGNS,Roy Studio, Royal RV Centre, Samson, Natalie Dr., D.C. Chiropractic, Seaway Express Inc., Seaway Telecommunications, Short Line Convenience & Video, Sigmapoint Technologies Inc., St. John's Ambulance, St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre, St. Lawrence Insulation Co. Ltd., St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital, State Farm Insurance-Lawrence Vandermeer, Agent, Sun Life Financial, Supply Chain Management, The Rythym Room, The UPS Store, Thibault, Marc, Uniglass Plus/Ziebart, United Way of S.D.&G./Success By 6, Unity Savings and Credit Union, Upper Canada Mortgage, Vertical Factory, Wagar & Holland LLP, Warner Insurance Brokers Inc. John D., Wendy's Totally Hair, Wills Transfer Limited, Your Credit Union
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M2M a Terrific Customer Incentive
Successfully launched in 2009, the M2M consumer discount program is up and running once again. "The M2M program provides a strong incentive for people to shop locally and that's good for the Chamber's member businesses," reports Executive Manager, Lezlie Strasser. "Exclusive to Chamber members, the program allows them to offer timely discounts to thousands of consumers across the region."
Member businesses use M2M as a unique promotional tool while their employees can take advantage of discounts on selected goods and services at member firms. Participating firms post their promotional items on the Chamber web site. Their employees are given an M2M sticker that goes on their credit/debit card. Showing the card and its sticker at participating businesses entitles them to whatever promotional incentives are offered.
Local business and the community at large can benefit from the programs. It encourages people to spend their money at home and can help local businesses to both increase trade and to enhance their advertising profile.
The program is ongoing and Chamber member firms interested in participating can get all the details by contacting Kris Ward, the Chamber's Member Services Coordinator 613-933-4004, ext. 222. |
Breakfast Connections Celebration
Tony Lakroix was the grand prize winner of the Jtec Laptop presented by Andre Piette at the Breakfast Connections Celebration on June 16th.
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New Members
Welcome New Members:
138 Motor & Tire Sales
A Touch of Wellness Massage Therapy-Linda Gadbois
Allstate Insurance Agency Cornwall
Au Vieux Duluth
Black Cat Video
eight zero zero
Hec's Key Shop
J & A Collision Centre
Moon Thai & Japanese Cuisine
R&R Esthetics-Rest & Relaxation
The Joy of Learning
Youth Intervention Services Inc.
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 M2MParticipants
Above & Beyond
Angel Whispers
Benson
Certified Auto Service
Best Impressions
Best Western
Parkway Inn
Bourgon Eavestroughing
Casey Mechanical
City Limits Bar & Grill
Comfort
Inn Cornwall
Cornwall 4
Rent
CPH Sales & Service Inc.
Dave's Reliable Signs
Earthway Family Chiropractic
Echo Trends Consignment
Emard
Bros. Lumber Co.
First Aid Ottawa
Flowers Cornwall Inc.
ICI Paints (Color Your World)
J&L Powersports Inc.
Jolly Tours & Travel
Kelsey's
Restaurants Inc.
Lapierre Sport
MacEwen Petroleum Inc.
Matco Floor & Wall Ltd.
Notman
Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Play It Again Sports
Pommier Jewellers
Rack-Em-Up Billards
Seaway Express
Sharyn's Pantry
Snow Angels Sanctuary
Spinners
Diner
Strung Out Guitars
Summerheights Golf Links
Tartan Home Comfort
The Joy of Learning
The Rythym Room
Visit our website for current offers or to learn more about the program and join in.
M2M Participants & Special Offers
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Next Breakfast Connections Sep. 22
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