Quinte Business Achievement Awards

The Quinte Business Achievement Awards (QBAA) planning committee has decided not to hold
a Business Achievement Award event in 2010. Instead this will be a year of reviewing, planning and implementing changes to the program that will ensure the event continues to be meaningful and relevant for the entire business community.

It is our hope that taking the time necessary to review every element of the program will ensure that future events will be even better than in years past. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this short survey, your input is very much appreciated.

The organizing committee looks forward to hosting the 2011 Quinte Business Achievement Awards.

Please follow the link below to complete the short survey, it will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

http:/www.sytren.com/surveys/survey.asp?surveyID=14

Summer Kick-off BBQ & Meet & Greet

A great success thanks to our hosts Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson from Moontide Studio & Gallery and Lovenest Studios and their friends from the Arts Trail Prince Edward County.
A great afternoon withh Wine, BBQ, Music and Arts in a wonderful country setting!

Web: http://www.moontidestudiogallery.com/ and

http://www.loveneststudios.com/

See for some pictures at right.

Message from the President Summer 2010

From the Desk of Dave Ashton

I would like to introduce to you the 2010 Board of Directors:

Brian Munro – Vice President
Geoff Church – Treasurer
Sandra Farquhar – Secretary
Ian Scrimshaw
Lynne McMullan
Andrew Smith
Lizanne Donnelly
Kemp Stewart
Ross Lindsay
Allyson Williams

On behalf of the members I want to thank you for your volunteer efforts in keeping PECCTAC a strong and vibrant organization.

A strong Chamber makes strong members!

Dave Ashton

Membership has its benefits!

Free Courier Service and Reduced Lab Fees:

If your business must comply with the O.Reg.318/319 Drinking Water Testing, drop your water sample into the PECCTAC office Tuesday mornings before 12:30 pm.
The lab fees for Chamber members are:
§ Total Coliforms/E. Coli - $35.00
§ Adverse Water Reporting Fee – waived
§ MOE Website Reporting Fee – 5% of invoice.

Welcome New Members

Crowe Video Productions
Denise Couture Consulting
Heavenly Feet
History Lives Here Inc.
Iron World
Lake on the Mountain B&B
Mount Haven Estate
Netwerx Communications
Picton BIA
Saylor House B&B & Café
The Common Café
The Countyway Restaurant

Thank you for your support!

Are you paying too much?

As a member, you are eligible for lower credit card processing pricing. Don’t be fooled by what you think are lower rates others have offered. You are paying higher surcharges for non-qualifying card types and the way you process; whether it be swiping or keying in your transactions, plus monthly fees and assessment fees.

Perhaps you have a point of sale machine or have clients entering their credit card information on your website. In either case, the Chamber program is hard to beat.

Let me provide you with a free evaluation of your current processing fees. I am always able to prove savings with the Chamber program; it’s just a matter of how much. After the evaluation you will have a much clearer understanding of this industry, and regardless of where you bank, this member benefit is one you’ll want to take advantage of.

Sincerely, Karen L Mann TD Merchant Services
Cell: 1.705.313.4851 Fax: 7.705.738.4228
Email: Karen.l.mann@td.com

April 2010 - Spring Meet & Greet

Constable Sean Guscott provides information on the new boating regulations at our April Meet & Greet.

Thank you to Dr. Maureen Horne-Paul of Saraswati Spa & B&B for hosting the event.

Mark your calendar

June 15th – 5 to 7 pm
Join us at the Moontide Studio & Gallery for the annual Chamber of Commerce BBQ and summer Meet & Greet.
County Artists and Business Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson of Moontide Studio Gallery and Love Nest Studios are thrilled to be the hosts.
Located at 54 Wilson Road, just north of Huff Estates Winery, Tara and Andrew are expecting approximately 150 people to come out for an evening of great food, art and entertainment.

PECCTAC’s BBQ event will take place outdoors on their lovely farm, in their Century-old barn gallery. Tara’s Love Nest gallery in their restored chicken coop will also be open.

Please RSVP to Jan Robbins (613) 476-2421 or email pec@reach.net

NEXT MEET & GREETS
October 19th – Casa-Dea Estates Winery
December 14th - TBA

Message from the OCC

Workplaces with more than five regular employees will be required by June 15, 2010 to have all the necessary policies, programs, measures and procedures in place in order to be in compliance with the recent amendments made to the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (Bill 168-Violence in the Workplace).

As of June 15, 2010 employers with more than 5 employees will be required to:

§ prepare a written policy with respect to workplace violence and harassment
§ assess the risks of workplace violence that may arise from the nature of the workplace, the type of work or the conditions of the work
§ develop and maintain a program to implement the workplace violence policy
§ take all reasonable precautions in the circumstances for the protection of the worker if a domestic violence situation would expose a worker to physical injury in the workplace
§ provide information, including personal information, about a person with a history of violent behaviour
§ report and provide prescribed information on all workplace violence incidents to a joint health and safety committee

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Standard (O. Reg 429/07), also known as the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008 and is the first standard developed under AODA. It applies to all businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to the public or other organizations and have at least one employee in Ontario. Compliance dates and reporting requirements for organizations in the private sector, including non-profit are as follows:

§ businesses with 20 or more employees must comply by January 1, 2012, and report in 2012;

§ businesses with one to 19 employees must comply by January 1, 2012, but are exempted from reporting.

ADVOCACY PAYS OFF!

Results of the 2010 OCC AGM

Accountability, less red tape and strategic tax cuts are part of the compelling mandate given to the Chambers of Commerce across Ontario.
The Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce (PECCTAC) participated in this year's Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting allowing us to have input into important issues that affect businesses. Resulting from the policy resolution submitted in 2007 by PECCTAC (Changing the Way Business Regulations are Developed) the Ontario government has just released a press release announcing new changes to the way they develop regulations.
In an April 27th, 2010 media release, Associate Deputy Minister Gail Paech from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade states: “You passed a resolution asking the government to establish comprehensive business regulatory reform as a strong economic sustainability priority. The government of Ontario has created the Open for Business (OFB) initiative to deliver faster, smarter and streamlined government-to-business services and to establish a modern system of government, while protecting the public interest”.

In addition PECCTAC, in partnership with the Prince Edward County Federation of Agriculture, submitted another resolution - “In Support of Agriculture”. The Ontario Government will provide through the Ontario Market Investment Fund $12 million dollars over 4 years to be allocated to develop economic opportunities through trade events marketing and industry research initiatives that foster partnerships and collaboration for the promotion of Ontario foods.

The Chamber has worked on many policy issues over the years that have had extensive results in the furthering of both the business community and the community at large of Prince Edward County.

The Chamber network is strong and united – and that is great news for all local business.

Reminder

Keep us updated on any upcoming events you might be hosting.

We will post your event free of charge on the PECCTAC website www.thecounty.travel as well as www.bayofquintecountry.com.

Please e-mail any events to: pec@reach.net

Update from the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council

Through our partnership with the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council, the Welcome Kiosk located at Sprenkels Variety will be staffed again on weekends. Both Welcome Kiosks are open for business.

Visit http://www.bayofquintecountry.com/ for up to date events for the Bay of Quinte region.

Date Change for C-TAT Program

The Prince Edward County Tourism Ambassador Program C-TAT has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 17th – 9 am to 3 pm $25.00 pp
Location: Prince Edward Learning Centre Armoury Mall


This one-day session will cover the following:

Part 1 - Customer Service
§ Evaluating Customer Service. How does the County rate?
§ Company Policies - First Impressions
§ Acknowledging the Customer and Improving Your Skills
§ Communication Basics - Telephone Skills
§ Angry Customers
§ Knowing Your Product
§ Employer Expectations
§ Tools for Knowing The County

Part 2 - County Awareness Training
This session will be a blast and you will learn a lot about the County so you can tell our Visitors. There will be prizes too! Prepare for this session by reading “The County Driving Tour”, which is comprised of 3 different tours and detailed descriptions of various points of interest along the route. Go to www.thecounty.travel – click County Driving Tours.

This is a great workshop for young people just entering the workforce, adults with limited customer service experience, or people currently working but who want to refresh their knowledge and passion for offering exceptional service!

Please bring your own brown bag lunch and of course, your enthusiasm.

Call today to sign-up- 613.476.2421. Limited space available!

Tourism Update

THEY’RE BACK!!
PECCTAC is pleased to have our returning Tourism Ambassadors:
Jarrod Keogh and Dylan Marecak.

PECCTAC's Business Showcase

Watch some sample videos at right from Crowe Video Productions, a local Prince Edward County business.
If you are interested in a video clip for your website or other online advertising media, call Trevor Crowe at 613-476-5080 or visit their website http://www.croweproductions.ca/

New Cottages and Campgrounds Organisation

Cottages and Campgrounds of Prince Edward County (CCPEC) is a sub-committee of the Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (PECCTAC). PECCTAC supports the committee by providing a single point of contact online, a toll free number and office support. It is therefore necessary for members of CCPEC to be a member of PECCTAC as well.

What Do We Want To Achieve
CCPEC provides a mutually supportive forum for its members, to improve recognition of the diverse accommodation businesses in the County. We will work together and liaise with institutions locally and regionally to ensure maximum service and exchange of best practice through efficient and cost-effective methods with a range of member support and member service ideas. Our goal is to reach guests as well as member satisfaction wherever we operate. To achieve these objectives, CCPEC will develop a strategy to work together, communicate with other organizations or event coordinators wherever possible. CCPEC will strive for expansion and application of new technologies.

Our Mission
The mission of CCPEC is to increase business for its members by presenting a positive experience for our guests. We promote the cultural, geographical and business diversity of Prince Edward County and share the cost for marketing and promotion.

The Benefits of Joining CCPEC
The benefits of joining CCPEC are countless ranging from cost savings for marketing and operations to increasing business by enhanced online presence of the members. CCPEC offers the opportunity to network with other members for business and accommodation referrals.

Credibility
People tend to book accommodation in priority of whom to trust. As a member of an association your business gains credibility.

Cost Sharing
Prices for advertising and marketing in provincial, regional and local tourism sites are often above the budget of individual accommodation owners. As a group we can share these costs to be able to market our members with online links to your internet and email, in a wider variety of places and bring greater recognition to our industry in Prince Edward County.

Spring Meet & Greet at Saraswati Wellness Spa

April 13th, 2010: a great start of the Meet&Greet season for PECCTAC at the Saraswati Wellness Spa on Fry Road, hosted by the owner Dr. Maureen Horne-Paul, ND. A good turn-out in a great location. For more details on the Saraswati Spa please visit: http://www.saraswatispa.ca/

Thanks also to Constable Sean Guscott from the Prince Edward Detachment of the OPP for his comprehensive overview of the new Boating laws, which are in effect now since Sep 2009.

For more info on that issue please see http://www.boaterexam.com/
or http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/

See you at the next Meet & Greet:

June 15th, 2010 at the Moontide Studio & Gallery.

Message from the President

From the Desk of Dave Ashton

Thank you to Rick Caruso for filling in for me at our AGM on March 25th. Judging from the pictures on our website BLOG the evening was a great success. As reported, PECCTAC is geared up for a very busy year. Stay involved and come out to the Meet & Greets.

The Board of Directors Welcomes Rick Caruso as PECCTAC’s Visitors Information Services Coordinator

The Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce (PECCTAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Caruso as Visitors Information Services Coordinator effective March 1, 2010. This position will entail overseeing all tourism aspects concerning PECCTAC members, the community and visitors including offering information and support to any tourism related business.

“We are very excited about the Ministry of Tourism’s new regional initiatives and the opportunities it will bring to the community,” states General Manager Lawrie Ackerman. “Now, for the first time, we are able to have an individual whose wealth of experience is invaluable and who will be able to focus strictly on Visitors Information Services.”

Mr. Caruso’s priority will be to jump-start initiatives set by the PECCTAC Board of Directors as well as overseeing regional opportunities to expand upon what the Chamber offers. Mr. Caruso has been a PECCTAC member since August 2002 and has volunteered many hours for the Chamber over the years. He was one of the founding members and the principal initiator of the Accommodation Association of Prince Edward County (AAPEC) that was established in August 2004.
In January 2005, Rick Caruso was elected Chairman of AAPEC, a position he still maintains today, overseeing the development and marketing of the association for the past six years. As an active member of the Board of Directors since 2005, he was the Chamber’s Vice-President in 2007 and became President in 2008.
Having worked closely with the General Manager over the past few years and having attended the last 3 Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meetings, Rick has a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with tourism initiatives as well as Chamber operations.
As the AAPEC and Chamber representative on the Tourist Destination Alliance (TDA) since its inception, Rick has also been the co-chairman of the TDA since 2007.
In addition, he not only won the “Taste the County” award for his outstanding contribution to the tourism sector for his work with AAPEC but also, along with his wife, Deborah, won the Quinte Business Achievement award for Hospitality and Tourism (small scale) for their business Caruso’s-on King B&B and Serenity Spa, both in 2007.

Rick Caruso is very committed to our PECCTAC members and the community. He will ensure the needs of both our visitors and members are met.

Welcome New Members!

+ Hayes Inn

+ Infolink Web Site Development

+ KA Media

+Schroedter’s Farm Market

Thank you for your support!

2010 Meet and Greets

April 13th – Saraswati Spa

June 15th – Moontide Studio & Gallery

October 19th – Casa-Dea Estates Winery

December 14th - TBA

New Boating Safety Rules

As of September 2009 all operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada require a “Pleasure Craft Operator Card”.
If your business rents watercraft there are rules & regulations you must comply with. Helpful information on this matter can be found at www.boaterexam.com

As many of our members rent boats and other pleasure crafts it is important for you to understand these new regulations.
OPP Constable Sean Goscott has agreed to attend the April 13th Meet & Greet to speak on the regulations and answer any of your questions.
Take this opportunity to get the information first hand!

Message from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Ontario is now the first province in Canada to implement a state-of-the-art geographic information system (GIS) tool for the purposes of investment attraction.

SelectOntario is a flexible and dynamic online search tool that showcases investment properties, infrastructure and location advantages and workforce skills for site selectors to help make investment decision-making faster and easier.

Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), the online site has data for over 500 Ontario communities on its database and provides information on items including: available commercial real estate region-specific wage data, lists of businesses with 10 or more employees, satellite imagery up-to-date demographic information on education levels and workforce skills, and detailed overviews of Ontario’s diverse industry clusters.

There are four main ways to search the GIS: Site Search (industrial, commercial, investment, agricultural, vacant land, and business); Community Search (name or demographic and labour force); Industry Search (NAICS or SIC code); and Skills Search (university, college, apprenticeship, and community).

In other related news, the Ontario government gave $160,000 to help communities create revamp their municipal and regional websites, all to help attract investment and support local businesses.
For more information, contact Lesley Cole, International Trade Consultant at lesleycole@occ.on.ca
or 416-482-5222 ext 239.

New PECCTAC Website offers outstanding opportunities

With the launch of PECCTAC’s new website there will be 2 distinct features: CHAMBER and TOURISM.
www.thecounty.travel
will focus on County tourism and
www.pecchamber.com
will focus on Chamber member issues. Both sites are interlinked!

The new website, expected to launch in April, will include opportunities for members to increase their web presence through "company profiles". Also available will be banner ads throughout the website itself for optimum exposure. All ads will be included in a monitoring system which will track ‘hits’ and ‘visitors’.

To get more information about our new website and how to improve your on-line presence call us at 613.476 2421

Reminder

Keep us updated on any upcoming events you might be hosting. We will post your event free of charge on the PECCTAC website www.thecounty.travel as well as www.bayofquintecountry.com.

Please e-mail any events to: pec@reach.net

Update from the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council

The BQTC has kicked off 2010 with three main goals for the year in area tourism:
First, we have worked to develop and launch a comprehensive website that showcases the imagery, location, and events of the whole Bay of Quinte area. Secondly, we are working on new signage within the region, working with each of our municipalities and Chambers of Commerce.
Thirdly, we are working on increased partnerships with the province in the new Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) that is being developed with Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville Cornwall, and Prince Edward County.

What sets Bay of Quinte Tourism apart from other partnerships and organizations is the scope to which we are partnering all businesses and organizations in our region.
With the common goal of attraction and retention of visitors of all types to our area, we have recognized those needs in Economic Development, Home Builders, Realtors, as well as the accommodations, restaurants, attractions, culture, arts, landmarks, and recreation sectors that make up traditional tourism.
We have also done this under the banner of the Chambers of Commerce in the region, which represent over 1100 businesses in the area. By pooling our resources, we will maximize our return on investment of those marketing dollars spent promoting all stakeholders in the region.
By coming together as a region, we will maximize our region’s presence in Ontario and the world stage in a reorganized provincial tourism effort.

Thanks for your support. We look forward to the coming year.
Ryan Williams, BQTC President
ryanwilliams@sympatico.ca