Ontario Chamber Report

Cornwall Attends Ontario Economic Summit 2010

A number of Ontario's Chamber managers recently converged at Niagara-on-the-Lake to discuss issues facing the province and work together in developing solutions and uncovering new opportunities for growth. The Cornwall Chamber's Executive Manager was there. "This was an outstanding conference with highly topical speakers and intensive breakout sessions," reports Lezlie Strasser. "I came away from the conference brimming with ideas on how to make our Chamber even more effective."

The Summit attracted over 225 invited leaders including CEOs from a number of leading companies across the province, federal and provincial government leaders, university and college presidents, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, labour leaders and non-profit executives. They all shared a common goal of moving Ontario's economy forward.

Export Market Access: A Small Business Initiative

Export Market Access (EMA), a global expansion program, is designed to assist small to medium size organizations access and expand their growth in foreign markets that are beyond the U.S.

If your company has 5 or more employees and annual sales of $500,000 or more, you may qualify for a contribution covering up to 50% of eligible costs incurred to develop export sales. Eligible activities include market research, marketing tools, direct contacts and foreign bidding projects.

Export Market Access is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with support and funding from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
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"Last year's response to the Chamber's Home For The Holidays program was extremely good," reports Jeff Bethune, the business organization's President, "and so far, this year has been even better.' 

40 local merchants are participating in Home For The Holidays and here's how local consumers can win. When they spend their dollars at participating stores, restaurants and specialty shops, they become eligible to win valuable gift certificates as well as one of two grand prizes of $1,000 shopping sprees.

According to Member Services Coordinator Kris Ward, the 2010 Shop at Home has been phenomenal. "The demand has been unbelievable," she reports. "So many people are shopping at local businesses that we've had to order an additional 10,000 coupons. The response from Cornwall and area consumers has been amazing and everyone will benefit - consumers, business owners and employees alike."

"I'm pleased that the City of Cornwall is partnering with the Chamber in this season's program, reports Lezlie Strasser, the Chamber's Executive Manager. "We want our shoppers to know they can print as many coupons as they want by visiting the Chamber web site at www.cornwallchamber.com." Each time they make a purchase in one of the participating businesses, they can deposit a coupon. The more they shop at these stores, the greater their chances of winning."

Program details and a list of participating merchants can be found by visiting the Chamber web site. Home For The Holidays begins on Monday, November 22 and continues until Friday, December 24.