Annual Report

2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Wow, I can’t believe how fast this past year has gone by!

February means the AGM for the Chamber, and that means new faces will join the Board, and hopefully the “not so new” faces that leave the Board won’t go too far.

This also means the end of my term as President, which I am proud to say was full of work and fun, but mostly full of people and building relationships in many different ways.

Some of the many goals we attained this year, as a Chamber are:

Business After Hours Events: Providing networking events where our members can connect with other businesses and build relationships. Business Owners Sharing Solutions: Providing educational/professional development opportunities where our members can learn new things to help them in their business journey. (BOSS Events) Being an advocate on a Municipal, County, Provincial, and Federal level regarding policies that affect small business and rural communities. Expanding our social media presence to keep us relevant in this changing marketing world.

This is just a small sample of what your Chamber is doing for you, and it wouldn’t be possible without partnerships.

Thank you to Gerry Herron of Blue Diamond Window Cleaning for once again being our Networking Sponsor (even though you were too busy to get out to many events) , and to Lynn Woodcroft of Royal Lepage Frank Realty, who was our Professional Development Sponsor this year. We are thrilled and This is just a small thankful they have both renewed their sponsorship for the coming year!

sample of what your I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our ServiceOntario Chamber is doing for staff who received an award from the Provincial Government in 2017 for Excellence in Service Quality. As local residents, we are lucky to have you, and it wouldn't be their professional and friendly service! possible without partnerships. We encourage you to visit our ServiceOntario office, located at 133 Water Street in Lakefield, for your drivers license, health card, and organ donor transactions. Page 1 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By completing your transactions at this office, you are supporting your local Chamber, and therefore your community. This also helps to keep the cost of Chamber memberships affordable.

Every year, it seems that some new issue arises that takes our time and resources, to advocate on your behalf. This past year, it was Bill 148 and the changes to the ESA, as well as proposed changes to the County Sign Bylaw. We engaged strongly on these issues, which means we provided information, resources, time and a voice that we know was heard. This voice also included working with the Peterborough Chamber, another great partner we have that is committed to local business.

And, let's not forget the opening of Lakefield District Public School. This has been quite a journey, as we fought hard to keep our high school. Having been to the recent Open Housefor LDPS, I must say we have a fabulous school that goes from K-8 and offers French Immersion up to Grade 8. This is a huge benefit to the Ridpath school community, who had been overflowing their previous location for years. And to all the teachers and staff of the school, this new and larger facility is certainly what they deserve to be working in.

Finally, one of our slogans is “Join us and be amazed!” and I certainly am amazed at the quality and commitment of our business community. Not just in the way you all own, operate or work for a company, but in how our local businesses contribute to our communities in so many ways.

From organizing events, to donating prizes, to volunteering on committees, the desire to give back is incredible. That’s what makes us so great – the common goal to help each other thrive. Priceless!

Thank you to Sherry and all the staff at the Chamber Office who always greet people with a smile and helpful attitude, you make us look so good!

“If you’re going to dream, dream big!”

See you around town.

Cindy Windover Board President

That’s what makes us so

great – the common goal Board President, Cindy Windover with Tessa Smith, the guest speaker at our Volunteer to help each other thrive. Appreciation Breakfast in April.

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Membership & Programs Committee

Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing, Chair Emily Ferguson, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region Lynn Woodcroft, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate Scott Matheson, CIBC Sheri Hockaday, Salon Sorella & Day Spa Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts

Chamber Members visit Adventure Outfitters during the 8th Line Hop in September.

In 2017, our goal was to continue networking events, and introduce some professional development sessions that would help our small businesses. This goal was as a result of feedback from the membership. In addition to the usual Business After Hours format, we also did two "Hops." At these events members visited a few business in close proximity and networked over refreshments. This is a very popular format and one we will continue in 2018.

Overall, we have seen an increase in memberships, and we are proud to offer this range of programs to our members, and also future members. Please watch your NewsFlashes for some really great offerings we have planned for 2018.

CHAMBER EVENT HOSTS:

Kawartha Lakes Construction 12 Chamber Events Lakeshore Designs The Village Inn Royal Canadian Legion Branch #77 (Lakefield) 531 Attendees Beachwood Resort & Frederick's Restaurant Events were held or supported in Douro- Adventure Outfitters Dummer, , Selwyn, Trent RotaSpa Hot Tubs Lakes, and . Classy Chassis & Cycles Buckhorn Canoe Company Style Your Nest Pizza Alloro Gallery on the Lake Westwind Inn on the Lake Elmhirst's Resort 2016-17 Networking Event Sponsor

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Our professional development series, Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) was well received. Chamber Members contributed to panel discussions to share tips from their own business experiences. Attendees appreciated hearing local experts.

B.O.S.S. MODERATORS & PANELISTS: Chris Calbury, Emmatt Digital Solutions Erin McLean, McLean Berry Farm Jeannine Taylor, kawarthaNOW.com Rachel Sloan, Trinkets & Treasures Victoria Whitney, Griffin's Greenhouses Krista Morgan, Beachwood Resort Matthew Savino, Savino Human Resources Partners Limited Mike Walker, Agilec Scott Wootton, Construction Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing Scott Matheson, CIBC Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply Tonya Kraan, Strexer Harrop & Associates Social Media & Online Marketing B.O.S.S. Panel

B.O.S.S. TOPICS INCLUDED:

Social Media & Online Marketing Human Resources & Hiring 2016-17 Professional Development Sponsor How to Network Effectively

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES SUPPORTED: PolarFest Lakefield Horticultural Society Hanging Baskets All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous Lakefield Fairy & Dragon Festival Selwyn Skateboard Park Day in Lakefield Canada Day Celebrations in Buckhorn Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival Ennismore Shamrock Festival Lakefield Sidewalk Sale Rock the Locks Kawartha Outdoor Adventure Weekend Events Coordinator, Erica Milne presents the Lady Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour Rider Award at the All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Kawartha Butter Tart Taste Off Rendezvous in June. TSW Trail Towns Workshop Remembrance Day Services in Apsley, Curve Lake, Bridgenorth, Buckhorn, Lakefield and Warsaw Page 4 A MEMBERSHIP TO VALUE

18th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala Committee

Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing, Chair Rita O'Brien, RBC Emily St. Pierre, Community Volunteer Sheri Hockaday, Salon Sorella & Day Spa Jennifer Rosborough, Rosborough Accounting & Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply Consulting

Once again our Annual Awards of Excellence and Gala was a huge success! This event is the Chamber’s largest fundraiser, and it doesn’t happen without all of you! Thanks to all of our auction item donors, award sponsors, networking sponsors and those who attended, we surpassed our fundraising goal! With this year being Canada’s 150th, and also our Chamber’s 70th birthday, we tried to incorporate come “Canadiana” décor, with a feeling of celebration and I think we succeeded. These events don’t happen without a lot of work and planning behind the scenes, so a HUGE thank you to the Gala Committee for being troopers and making this happen, and of course, Sherry and the Chamber staff who are the real heroes behind the scenes. See you next year at the Gala!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

AWARD SPONSORS AUCTIONEER BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage Keith Monk Auction Service CIBC Community Futures Peterborough PHOTOGRAPHY County of Peterborough Robyn's Nest Photography & Beauty Darling Insurance Gastles - Registered Patent Agents TABLE DECOR Nexicom Swanky Events Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development RBC (Two Awards)

NOT-FOR-PROFIT TICKET SPONSOR Nexicom

NETWORKING SPONSORS Municipality of Trent Lakes Township of Douro-Dummer Township of North Kawartha Township of Selwyn

WINE SPONSORS Herod Financial Services Savage Arms Timberline Custom Homes

Gala decor had a Canadiana theme in honour of Canada 150. Page 5 A MEMBERSHIP TO VALUE

This event recognizes our business leaders and the exceptional work they do. Over 80 nominations were received with 60 different businesses recognized! In some categories, the number of nominees received double digits.

Congratulations Award Recipients!

Citizen of the Year: Jennie MacKenzie, Lakefield Not-for-Profit Excellence: Habitat for Humanity Pantry Peterborough & Kawartha Finalists Not Announced Finalists: Alternatives Community Program Services, Cuddles for Cancer Lifetime Achievement: Mike & Aileen Dean Special Award Commercial Development or Renovation: Lakeshore Designs Young Professional: Erin McLean, McLean Berry Farm Finalists: Salon Sorella & Day Spa, The Regency of Lakefield, Finalists Not Announced Tribal Voices

Outstanding Business Achievement: Griffin's Tourism/Hospitality: McLean Berry Farm Greenhouses Finalists: Beachwood Resort, Lang Pioneer Village, Six Foot Finalists: Accurate Accounting & Tax Services, BALL Real Bay Resort Estate Inc., Brokerage

Entrepreneur Innovation: Kawartha Local Customer Service Excellence: Camp Kawartha Marketplace Finalists: Accurate Accounting & Tax Services, Salon Sorella Finalists: Loch Eyewear, Your Body You & Day Spa, Tribal Voices, Village Pet Food & Supply

Retailer of the Year: Cross Wind Farm Finalists: Celtic Connection, East of Eden Antiques

Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Young Professional, Jennie MacKenzie Aileen & Mike Dean Erin McLean Page 6 A MEMBERSHIP TO VALUE

Welcome New Members (December 2016-November 2017)

Accurate Appraisals ARTERI, Emergency Response Training & Consulting BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage Brant Basics 37 New Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage CMRK.NETworks Effortless Web Solutions Members Erika's Office Services Fire in the Sky Productions Johnson Electric Kawartha Local Marketplace Kenwood Drafting & Design Kinetic Therapeutics Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Lakefield Family Chiropractic Law Office of Graciela D, Cubias Loyal Millwork Company Marlin Travel Michael Dickinson, Broker, Century 21 Molly's Acres Murduff & Associates Nicole Van Stone, Sales Representative, Century 21 United Realty Peterborough Humane Society Regency Retirement Lakefield Robyn's Nest Photography & Beauty Rodan & Fields Roger's Professional Painting rPM3 Solutions Canada Inc. Savino Human Resources Partners Limited (SHRP) Simply Elegant Interiors TCB Office Furniture & Supplies The Buckhorn Furniture Co. Thirteen Moons Wellness We Design Group Woodview on the Lake WSI Business Transformations Your Body You

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Public Policy

A respected voice among government decision-makers, the Chamber network is a non-partisan business advocate. Locally, provincially and federally the Chamber network undertakes policy issues on behalf of our members and advocates for evidence-based solutions that will foster economic growth.

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Kawartha Chamber Treasurer, Kevan Herod represents our Chamber at the Greater Peterborough Chamber Policy Committee meetings Kawartha Chamber Director, Chris Wilson represents our Chamber at the Jobs, Economic Development & Investment Council, established by the Hon. Maryam Monsef Provided letter with Board resolution supporting VIA Rail’s High Frequency Train Project Delegation to Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board regarding the ‘right sizing’ of Lakefield Intermediate School building Board and member representatives participated in a roundtable discussion with Minister Leal regarding Bill 148 Collected input from our members regarding Bill 148 and submitted the feedback to the Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs Surveyed the business community regarding the pending closure of the RBC branch in Apsley and shared the results with North Kawartha Council and resident working group Gathered input from the business community regarding ’s proposal to eliminate bush country signs

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Together with their 60,000 members, the Chamber Network makes up Ontario’s largest, most inclusive, and credible business network. 2016/17 Ontario Chamber ‘wins’ include:

Small Business Too Big to Ignore campaign Ontario Retirement Pension Plan Electricity pricing Increasing financial literacy for Ontario students Closing Ontario’s tourism gap Supporting innovation in the Ontario health care system Immigration reform Several budgetary wins

For specifics on each of these please visit: www.occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/Advocacy-Wins-2016-2017.pdf

Canadian Chamber of Commerce The Canadian Chamber represents 200,000 businesses, from all sectors and regions of the country. They are the largest business association in Canada, and the country’s most influential.

Their ability to influence public policy enables businesses to create jobs for Canadians, expand their markets, increase their productivity and generate the wealth needed to support the families, schools and social programs in their communities and throughout the country. Details on their extensive work can be viewed in their 2017 Annual Report: www.chamber.ca/publications/annual-report-to-members/

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Marketing Committee

Tonya Kraan, Strexer Harrop & Associates, Chair Jhane Brasier, MAX Communication Jill Persson, Viamede Resort Karen Copson, Camp Kawartha Michael Gatschene, BDC Michelle O'Neill, MAX Communication

Thank you for taking the time to discover how the Marketing Committee is working to better serve you, our members, by marketing the region as a #WealthOfChoice destination for residents (seasonal and permanent), day-trippers (near and far) and tourists.

There are many opportunities for Kawartha Chamber members to reach potential customers and we know it’s not always top of mind so our newsletters have been adding content that features marketing opportunities and some statistics about our website visitors so you know that your membership is providing immense ROI.

Kawartha Chamber staff distributed our updated Wealth of Choice brochure and map to local vendors. Maps were distributed by summer staff during an accommodation tour. They were also made available at local attractions and distributed at community events. We have made flat copies available if Chamber members would like to display them at their location. The brochure has great local imagery and visitor related businesses are pinpointed on the map.

The Find It Here rack card series was released focusing on Chamber Members in the service industry. The series covers three major sectors: Body & Mind, Home & Cottage, and Professional & Business, with a goal of driving traffic to Services page on the Chamber website, www.kawarthachamber.ca/services.

Page 9 A DESTINATION WITH APPEAL

The Marketing Committee would like to thank all the businesses that have written blog posts, website visitors spend 2 to 4 minutes reading them. Our website sees a lot of visitors from neighbouring regions and the Greater Toronto area.

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism advertises on behalf of all our members at a number of major events and the Marketing Committee is working to establish permanent advertising in high traffic locations.

We encourage you to participate fully in the marketing opportunities you have as a member of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. For the Standard and Select membership levels, these marketing opportunities are available for little to no extra cost.

Throughout 2018, we will continue our commitment to make our region a Destination With Appeal, offering a #WealthOfChoice.

3,065 Social Media Followers

22,000 Unique Website Visitors

20 Website Visitors by 111% Geographic Region: Increase in 15 Peterborough 19 % Average 10 Lakefield 15 % Monthly Toronto 12 % 5 Website Kawartha Lakes 7 % 4 % Visitors 0 Millbrook

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Human Resources - Governance Committee

Lorri Rork, Community Care, Chair Human resources, infrastructure and Casey Kidd, Savage Arms physical resources are in place to support a Chris Wilson, Let's Get Digital Mike Walker, Agilec successful, growing organization. Roberta Herod, Herod Financial Services A Strong Financial Future – ensuring Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply sustainability and future strength.

2017 ACHIEVEMENTS 2018 GOALS Committee Review using Imagine Canada - Standards Continue to Update Employee & Volunteer Program Policies & Procedures Merged Human Resources & Governance Committees Submit Revised By-Law package to Board Updated HR Policies & Procedures Review KCCT Code of Conduct Responded to Revised Employment Standards Act Develop a Volunteer Management Strategy & Conducted BOTA By-Law Research Lead (to include recruitment, orientation, & involvement)

Carla Hunt was honoured at the AGM in February after ServiceOntario staff received an award from the 35 years of service at the Chamber's ServiceOntario Provincial Government for Excellence in Service office. Carla worked her last day at ServiceOntario in Quality. They were recognized at the Awards Gala in January 2017. November. Finance Committee Resource Committee Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services, Chair Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply, Chair John Penny, JC Penny Accounting & Tax Services Garry Douglas, North Kawartha Design and Scott Matheson, CIBC Kawartha Lakes Construction Tonya Kraan, Strexer Harrop & Associates Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts Bryan Kingdon, ISL Insurance Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services Page 11 Member Discounts

Affinity Programs are an excellent benefit included in your Chamber Membership to help your business save money.

First Data Merchant Services Esso Business Card - Save Up To 3.5 Cents Per Litre

Bruce Averill, Independent Sales Agent Richard K Sauve 705-772-2132 | [email protected] 613-256-8323 OR 1-866-616-8323 www.firstdata.ca [email protected] | www.essofleetoffers.com/chamber

Purolator Group Insurance Plan

Brian Bulger, The Life Insurance Guy 705-741-1400 OR 1-800-366-2566 www.purolator.com/occ [email protected] | chamberplan.ca

Constant Contact Email Marketing UPS - 40% Savings on Small Package Shipments

1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377) www.membersbenefitprogram.com/KawarthaCC

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Page 12 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 12 Queen Street, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 Phone: 705-652-6963 Fax: 705-652-9140

ServiceOntario 133 Water Street, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 Phone: 705-652-3141 Fax: 705-652-0134

2017-18 Board of Directors President: Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing 1st Vice President: Tonya Kraan, Strexer Harrop & Associates 2nd Vice President: Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply Treasurer: Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services Directors at Large: Brian Harrington, Clearview Cottage Resort Bryan Kingdon, ISL Insurance Chris Wilson, Let's Get Digital Garry Douglas, Kawartha Lakes Construction, North Kawartha Design John Penny, JC Penny Accounting & Tax Services Mike Walker, Agilec Scott Matheson, CIBC Sheri Hockaday, Salon Sorella & Day Spa Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts

Staff General Manager: Sherry Boyce-Found [email protected] Engagement Coordinator: Stacey Sullivan [email protected] Membership Coordinator: Jasmine Sager [email protected] Events Coordinator: Erica Milne [email protected]

ServiceOntario Supervisor: Deb Lowcock kawarthachamber.ca [email protected] ServiceOntario Assistant Supervisor: Krista Laidley ServiceOntario Clerks: Deb Yandt, Erica Milne, Jennifer Kidd