SPECIAL EDITION: The Voice of Business

The Power of One Some time ago, a friend of mine the product was listed as a test and told me a story that I will share eventually rolled out to all with you. He worked in sales for a locations. To this day, the chain still BOARD OF DIRECTORS very large bakery and they were carries the product. Jeff Hamilton, Chair looking for ways to increase sales. As a single voice, whether it is the They had created what they felt Lori Schuett, 1st Vice Chair sales person I spoke about or a was an exceptional product but Fern Julia, 2nd Vice Chair were having a hard time getting Brian Casteels, Treasurer their largest customer to start Mario Guzman, Director stocking it on their shelves. No matter how hard they tried, the Tom Kerr, Director customer did not want to list it. Mike Metcalf, Director They struggled for months knowing CHAMBER STAFF that if the product was picked up, it Nancy Allanson, would represent a huge jump in Executive Director sales and revenues for the Dawn Welch, company. A similar product was single business owner, it can be Administrative Co-ordinator already being carried by the difficult to affect change. But this Sandra Campell, customer’s competition and was story illustrates that as a group of Licensing Agent quite successful. “One” or a single voice made up of Diane Matheson, Finally one day, when it seemed many, change can happen. Licensing Agent there was no chance of getting As the Voice of Business, it is Part-time Students: their product off the ground, within our mandate to provide a Miranda Macklin someone in marketing came up strong voice to civic, provincial and Rahul Patel with an idea. They sent out federal governments for business, communications to all employees industry and the professions across which totaled more through our local Chamber, the 51 Grand Road, PO Box 376, than 2,000 people and asked the Chamber and the Canadian , ON K0L 1L0 employees to go into the stores Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Office: (705) 653-1551 that they were trying to sell to and We will continually work with you ServiceOntario : (705) 653-1579 ask if this product was available. to understand your needs and Fax: (705) 653-1629 When the store replied no, they concerns and will advocate on your www.trenthillschamber.ca didn’t carry it the “customer” then behalf. Together as a united voice, [email protected] asked if it would ever be available. we too can harness the Power of They did this over a 2-month One. — Jeff Hamilton, Chair of the period and within 30 days after, Board

Government Relations & Advocacy Committee update

Role of the committee Commerce surveys, conversations we will focus on in the coming The Chamber`s Government with business owners, or data months. Relations and Advocacy collected in the Municipal Committee has had a very busy Business Retention and Expansion The Annual Task Force committee year keeping up-to-date on Survey. will meet the first of October. A municipal, provincial and local Your Government Relations & special thank you to the following issues that impact the business Advocacy Committee includes the members that volunteered to sit community of Trent Hills. board members Jeff Hamilton, on the committee: The committee identifies policies Mario Guzman, Tom Kerr, Mike Alan Appleby, Trent Valley to advocate on behalf of the Metcalf and Executive Director Consulting; members. In the case of Nancy Allanson. Susan Fedorka, My Curated provincial or federal issues, this New task force formed Garden; may entail co-branding with the New this year is the formation of Shane Joseph, Marlin Travel; Ontario Chamber of Commerce or an Annual Task Force that Neil Graham, metaphorhome; the Canadian Chamber of includes members that do not sit Dale Bateman, Let`s Get Social Commerce. on the Board of Directors. The Canada; Identifying areas to focus on is role of this committee is to Brooke Allan, Forgrave Financial; gleaned from membership identify and review policies in our Michael Gestetner, Hillside Haven surveys, Ontario Chamber of efforts to prioritize the areas that Retirement Home. Chamber actively engaged as the Voice of Business

Here is a recap of the Chamber’s Commercial re-zoning—Staff met following policies: efforts to have the voice of the with Municipal staff to establish a Request to Premier Wynne to business community of Trent Hills policy that the Chamber and commit dedicated provincial heard. relevant business organization infrastructure funds to Tourism investment—Made a are to be contacted when there developing and expanding presentation to council to are re-zoning changes made to broadband internet access in continue to financially support commercial properties. remote and rural areas of the tourism marketing and promotion Provincial Advocacy province. activities. Co-branded with the OCC on the Letter expressing the collective concern of the Chamber Network regarding the Ontario Energy Board`s recent decision to include charges related to the recovery of cap and trade program costs in the delivery charge on utility customer’s bills. Launch of Small Business Too Big To Ignore Campaign, raising awareness about the challenges that small businesses face, the rising cost of doing business, in particular increasing electricity rates. ...cont. page 4

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High energy costs, red tape, attracting and retaining employees identified as challenges for businesses in Trent Hills

The Chamber hosted an  Need engagement in a  Lack of information or mixed information session to talk about progressive and collaborative messages from different levels how a Chamber can affect change process to stimulate of government from an advocacy perspective. revitalization  Small business doesn’t have Guest speaker Karl Baldauf, Vice  High property and business guidance—government President, Policy & Government taxes, utilities, WSIB focusing on larger, corporate Relations, OCC, provided an  Assistance for training business overview of the role that a  Communication styles Chamber can play, the actions  Lack of skilled labour, keeping between generations a and steps required, and how to trainees challenge become an effective voice for the  Start-up rules and regulations business community. daunting  Public transit an issue, limits workforce The information session was  Overall cost of doing business  Traditional industries followed by a Small Business Too  Work with complementary abandoning small towns and Big To Ignore consultation to businesses, small businesses going to cities discuss “what is ailing small have to work together business”. Members of the  Programs to cover advertising  Creating festivals, forums, business organizations were costs to attract tourists trade shows critical to long invited to attend as well as term success of entire  Lobby province to become a business-to-business members. community growth community and Following the consultation a promote that concept to  “Times are changing” survey was conducted of the community membership. Your feedback was businesses need to update provided to the OCC for a report and embrace new options they will release mid-October.  Businesses undercapitalized There is still time to add your feedback, call the Chamber for a Here are a few highlights of what  Expertise in what you do, but survey or survey link. you had to say: can’t run a business  Costs are rising to do business in Trent Hills 2017 Trent Hills Visitor Guide  Been a good year, sales have been up Advertising Opportunities

 Population base is too small to  Business Listing $55 +HST allow for business expansion  Business Card Size $550 +HST  We lose the best and brightest to larger communities  Full Page $1,000 +HST  Build out broad-band internet Contact the Chamber today to reserve connectivity across the County your space.  High cost of electricity Email [email protected]  Initiatives to support upgrades or call 705-653-1551. to business  Increased regulation hurts Deadline: October 21, 2016. small business 3

Making connections integral to Chamber advocacy efforts CHAMBER NETWORK ...cont. from page 2 Staff attended the Ontario The Chamber met with MP Kim The Chamber also lobbied council Rudd to identify the extreme to have representation on all Chamber of Commerce (OCC) challenges that the businesses of three Municipal Revitalization Annual General Meeting as a Hastings faced with the extended Committees. Revitalization of the delegate. Delegates vote on the closure of the bridge, advocated downtown communities is key to policies to move forward in the for an early opening and that economic prosperity . The coming year. These are the every effort is made to announce connection between the Chamber the opening date in advance. and revitalization committees and policies that the GR & A Encouraged MP Rudd to seek the organizations is integral to our Committee review and assistance of her colleagues to role as the Voice of Business. determine the role we will play mitigate the impacts to business. Chamber board members and/or and the actions to be taken. Raised awareness about the staff acted as representatives or This past year we also became plight of the Hastings businesses liaisons on these committees: members of the Canadian through a Trivia/Shopping  Campbellford BIA Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to Contest.  Campbellford Seymour strengthen our position at the Chamber staff participated in the Revitalization Committee Federal level. following consultations:  Hastings Revitalization Visit the Chamber Network  Provincial Tourism Framework Committee websites to learn more about  Northumberland County  Hastings Downtown Integrated Improvement & Waterfront their advocacy efforts:  Economic Development Plan Development Committee www.occ.ca sessions: Business  Warkworth Business Immigration; Small Business Association www.chamber.ca and Entrepreneurship  Warkworth Percy Betterment Development; and Tourism. Committee Membership has a voice through survey participation

Responding to Chamber surveys is how you, a There are still more opportunities to share your Member, can affect change. This past year we feedback. In the coming weeks we will be asking for issued the following surveys to collect your feedback from the tourism industry, seeking your feedback: questions for an upcoming meeting with MPP Lou 1. Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Rinaldi, as well as your comments, ideas and Consultation survey opinions regarding the policies we have identified as priorities in the coming year. 2. OCC survey: Changing Workplace Review, Tourism in Ontario, the Agri-Food industry and the Thank you to the many businesses that have Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. participated in our surveys this past year. Your input is very much appreciated and a valuable 3. Small Business Consultation—What is ailing resource for the Government Relations and business. Advocacy Committee. 4 MEMBER PROFILES: COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY

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Call today for a FREE consultation 1-877-813-1727, or that needs high quality imagery right now? For real estate, visit us online: www.eastlinkbusiness.ca tourism, construction, farming, rural properties, insurance... you name it. Visit www.birds-i.ca for examples of our work. Inspiring Design Company — Dedicated to inspiring business Or call Ian @ 705-632-1057. (Birds-i has a Transport Canada owners with online marketing services, from on-point SFOC.) Birds-i Digital Imagery - Aerial and ground commercial branding and inspiring websites, to online marketing like SEO, photography and videography. blogging and PPC campaigns. When we work together, I look at your business’ online marketing strategy as a whole, from Bradley Bay Consulting — System support to personal and your brand to how you attract visitors to your website to how business clients across the area. Call Denis you convert those visitors into customers. Get in touch below Gale at 705-653-7491 for a quick response and an efficient and let’s chat about your business 705-409-9799 resolution to all of your computer and technology related www.inspiringdesign.ca problems. [email protected]. John Charlton Web Design — Need a website? Or a better Central Hastings Trent Hills News – Serving Trent Hills and website? Need quick updates? John Charlton can help. Central Hastings, the eastern part of Northumberland County, Services include fully responsive and mobile friendly website with a distribution of 19,800 copies every week. Gavin Beer is design and maintenance, web hosting and domain name the General manager. For more information, call 613-966- registrations. Custom, self-editable websites that promote 2034 ext 504. www.insidebelleville.com/trenthills-on your brand are available for as little as $750 + HST. Call John CKOL Radio 93.7 FM — A community radio station that has at 705-924-3111 for details or visit www.JohnCharlton.ca. been on-air since 1992. CKOL is volunteer-based and always Ontario Power Generation Inc. is an Ontario-based electricity looking for more volunteers. Radio that dares to be different! generation company whose principal business is the A multi-format radio station which means that our music is generation and sale of electricity in Ontario. Our focus is on not limited to one genre. You will hear many different artists the efficient production and sale of electricity from our (especially local ones) on our station. Everything from A to Z generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and (Alternative Country to Zydeco). 15 Raglan St., Campbellford. environmentally responsible manner. Bretton Ann 705-653-1089. www.ckol.webs.com Christensen, Corporate Relations Officer, 705-474-2364. The Community Press — Media, newspapers and publishing. www.opg.com Newspaper publishing (print and online), covering: P.E.A.K. Inc. - Let us take care of your small business IT Campbellford, Hastings, Warkworth, Havelock, Norwood, needs. We have in-depth experience in business networks, Marmora, Madoc, Stirling, Tweed, Brighton, and Belleville in applications, and computer systems. Contact us today for a one edition. Established 1986. Contact Janet Richards 1-877- free consultation. Call now (705) 653-4374. 883-3030 Ext. 207.www.communitypress.ca. Perfect Print — Your local source for printing and graphic Derek Chung Communications offers a complete range of design since 1994. Offering business branding - logo design, graphic design and creative services including advertising/ business cards, letterhead, envelopes, carbonless invoices, promotion, packaging, publication design, and logo/visual flyers, rack cards & brochures; marketing - banners, a-frames, identity branding. With over 30+ years of experience, Derek coroplast & magnetic signs, tickets & notepads; printing-large continues to create and produce effective print, media, and or short run - digital colour or black and white; large format digital solutions for a diverse range of clients ranging from printing - wall noodles & canvas prints; scanning & large corporations to small businesses and organizations. 705- photocopying; wedding invitations; websites; and more! 30 957-7236 Doxsee Ave. South, Campbellford. 705-653-1861. www.myperfectprint.ca. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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MEMBER PROFILES: AGRICULTURE, FARM AND ANIMAL SERVICES

Century Game Park - A scenic homestead Bison Farm, owned Sandy Flat Sugar Bush is open weekends 10-2 for maple by the 5th generation, Rod and Elaine Potter. Book a tour and sales. The last 3 weeks in March the pancake house opens for see firsthand this splendid hump backed animal grazing as it pancake breakfasts daily from 9-4, and weekends in April. did in prehistoric times. Century Game Park also sells Bison Spring activities include horse drawn sleigh/wagon rides and Meat, Elk meat & Bison products. Discover what makes Bison maple making demos. To book groups of less than 75 people and Elk meat so unique - low in fat and yet flavourful. 705- (in March only) please email [email protected] 924-3019 www.centurygamepark.com or call 705-924-2057. sandyflatsugarbush.com Campbellford Farm Supply—Catering to both rural and urban Twoloom Alpacas and Boutique—Come and see why alpaca dwellers, CFS manufactures animal feed on site and sells a owners are so passionate about their animals and the complete line of Purina products for pets and farm animals. luxurious products they produce. We welcome farm tours and They also stock work boots, grass seed, pool supplies, bird do educational sessions. Alpaca is naturally antimicrobial, seed, and much more. Located at 19 Industrial Dr. in odor free, moisture wicking, warm and soft. We manufacture Campbellford, the Farm Supply is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and distribute alpaca products and offer a variety of products Mon. to Fri. and Sat. 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. 705-653-4884 for sale at the farm and at Peterborough GreenUp. 290 campbellfordfarmsupply.com County Road 35, RR 2, Hastings. 705-927-2236 twoloomalpacas.ca Campbellford Veterinary Services "Where Service Is Our Practice". Dr. Gwen Robertson and her team provide a small Warkworth Farm Supply is located at 9 Mill St. in Warkworth animal practice with 24 Hour Emergency Service. They treat and can supply you with all your agricultural needs. Livestock all types of small animals, providing routine preventative feed, pet food, farm supplies, grass seed, pool supplies, bird medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, and dentistry. seed, propane and a line of work clothes and boots. Open Dr. Gwen is one of a handful of vets in Ontario to be certified Mon.—Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm and 8:00 am-12:00 noon on Sat. in physical rehabilitation and pain management. 705-924-9498. Rehabilitation Centre includes hydrotherapy in the underwater treadmill, laser therapy, acupuncture and much more. 176 Bridge St. W., Campbellford. 705-653-2750 ...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 campbellfordvet.ca COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA & Curle’s Maple Products since 1862. Visit our roadside Sugar Shack, see where we make our Maple Syrup, Butter & Sugars TECHNOLOGY today and learn about it’s past history in our Maple Museum. The Holmestead: Print & Business Services —Providing Open year round, most days 10 am to 5 pm, closed Sundays everything your business needs to make a better impression off season, May to Jan. Call ahead or by chance. Savour the - print, graphic design, branding, engineered drawings & rustic atmosphere of our Homestead. 726 Concession 8 W., large format output, vinyl lettering & signage, photography, Campbellford. 705-653-2519. curlesmaple.ca personalized apparel and more! We are here to improve the Healey Falls Bison Farms—Grass fed naturally raised bison. image of your business or organization. Chamber member Bison meat is a healthier choice for your diet as it is very lean, discounts. 89 Front Street S., Campbellford. 705-632-0847 and is ideal for people who need to reduce their fat, Hours: 10am to 5pm Weekdays, or by appointment. For cholesterol and increase their iron. Bison meat does not have ideas & inspiration, visit www.the-holmestead.com. a gamey flavor rather it is similar to fine beef with a slightly Trent Hills Technical is a computer service organization sweeter and richer taste. Please visit their Facebook page at located in Campbellford serving the greater Trent Hills Healey Falls Bison Farms for recipes and cooking tips! 7177 area. They provide computer repairs and service, technical County Rd. 50, Campbellford. 705-243-9431 support and training to both individuals as well as small to McCormick's Heritage Meats is focused on producing quality medium sized businesses. Wayne has experience developing pastured pork and poultry the old fashioned way straight and supporting custom business software and has helped from our farm. No hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, people to better understand and utilize current and herbicides are used on our animals or property. For the fall emerging technologies such as social media, the web, and winter we will have pork, whole and half chickens. mobility and the cloud. 705-947-2212 Everything is available at our on-farm store two minutes from www.trenthillstechnical.ca the cheese factory or visit us at the Campbellford Farmers Market on Saturdays. 1107 James Road, Campbellford. 705- 653-5069. mccormicksheritage.com 6