Look for exciting news about
the festivities we are planning. 2005 will undoubtedly be
a very challenging year and nothing motivates me more than
a challenge. There is so much to do and we will need all of
your support to achieve our objectives. We can and should
be one of the most active Chambers in Canada. We are off to
a great start. Renewal rates are the highest in years. The
accommodation association is receiving record hits on the
Webervations site. We are planning to expand the Visitors
Information Services to provide 24/7 services.
To find out what your Chamber is planning and how it will
benefit your business, make your reservation today to
the first annual AGM GALA dinner.
It promises to be an exciting and fun event. Our guest speaker
is the fiery and controversial Money Editor of the Toronto
Sun Linda Leatherdale, host of Rogers TV - Money Line and
author of the book “Money is a Girls Best Friend”.
Linda is a huge advocate of small business and is never afraid
to tell governments what they need to do to help business
people like us.
A four-course dinner, a stand-up comedian, and a Vegas style
casino night complete with slot machines, black jacks, roulette,
crown & anchor and bingo will follow her presentation.
Our staff will be contacting you for a donation of prizes.
It is our first fundraising event of the century and we are
counting on you to make it a success. Bring non-members with
you to the GALA dinner. See you there!
Sincere Regards, T. Rob Brown - President
General Manager's Report
Exciting news to report to start off our 100th year
of operations. The Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington Community
Futures Development Corporation (PELA CFDC) has provided the
funding for the installation of public access computers for
the PECCTAC office. Visitors can now view online their accommodation
and access their e-mail. In addition PELA CFDC has provided
much needed dollars to support Skills Development.
PECCTAC has identified 4 key areas where training is needed:
· Food Handling
· Super Host (Customer Service)
· GST/PST & Income Tax Tips
· Line Cook
We are excited about working with PELA CFDC and the Prince
Edward Learning Centre to offer these courses.
Please contact our office (476-2421) if you would like to
learn more.
I am very pleased to also report PECCTAC has been successful
in obtaining funds to support the Amazing Loyalist
Adventure 2005 event.
As you read in our last newsletter, Mrs. Honey King, founder
of the Amazing Loyalist Adventure, has relinquished her lead
role as organizer and has requested PECCTAC to take over the
leadership responsibility to ensure its future success. Under
PECCTAC’s leadership, the intention will be to make
this event a weeklong experience with a strong cultural/tourism
component focusing on extending the tourist season and increasing
tourism dollars to the community. An application to support
this initiative was submitted and accepted by HRDC. Stay tuned
for further developments on this very exciting project.
PECCTAC is still very much involved in the Picton
Post Office issue. On behalf of the Picton &
District Citizens group a letter was written to Daryl Kramp
MP. We have received a letter back from Mr. Kramp stating
he sent this letter on to Ms. Joint, acting President for
Canada Post and will be following up with this important issue.
PECCTAC has put together an ad hoc committee to look into
the impact the new County Zoning Bylaws will
have on our member businesses. The committee is made up of
well-qualified members of our community to include a community
planner, engineer, lawyer, and real estate agent.
This is our second year for the printing of this beautiful
4-colour newsletter. I want to thank Printcraft and staff
for their continued support of PECCTAC by providing the layout
and printing of this newsletter. Many people contribute to
the content and we encourage all members to submit business
articles.
2005 will indeed be a busy year and I look forward to working
with you.
Lawrie Ackerman – General Manager
Update Water Regulation 170
The Ministry of the Environment has announced the release
of a new Kit for Regulated Non-Municipal Drinking Water System
Owners as well as two new, and seven updated, fact sheets
geared towards helping owners and operators of drinking water
systems understand their responsibilities under O. Reg. 170/03.
The documents have been updated to include:
+ Amendments filed in June and in December 2004 to the Drinking-Water
Systems Regulation (O. Reg. 170/03),
Changes brought about by The Certification of Drinking-Water
Systems Operators and Water Quality Analysts Regulation (O.
Reg. 128/04), and
Changes introduced through The Drinking-Water Testing Services
Regulation (O. Reg. 248/03).
The new kit replaces the original kit, which was released
in 2003.
You can access the new kit on the MOE website: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4427e01_index.htm
There are two new fact sheets for drinking water system owners
of:
Small Municipal Non-Residential Drinking Water Systems: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4946e.pdf
Non-Municipal Seasonal Residential Drinking Water Systems:
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4947e.pdf
The following seven fact sheets, originally posted on the
MOE website in August, have also been updated.
These include fact sheets for Drinking Water System Owners
and Operators of:
Children’s Camps:
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4713e.pdf
Not-for-Profit Seniors’ Residences: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4715e.pdf
Rural Places of Worship:
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4714e.pdf
Seasonal Campgrounds: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4712e.pdf
Rural Service Clubs: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4716e.pdf
Small Systems Serving the Public: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4718e.pdf
Year-round Residential drinking water systems: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/4710e.pdf
ServiceOntario WebSite Launch
The ServiceOntario website was recently launched, which includes
the business bundle "How to Start and Run a Tourism Business".
This is a gateway to online tourism business information,
including research, funding and finance; start up information,
marketing and partnerships, industry associations, and human
resources and training.
The site also links to information and services in the Workplace
Gateway. The Workplace Gateway provides compliance assistance
whereby employers, workers and stakeholders might easily access
and understand their rights, responsibility, resources and
what is typical in the field of workplace standards. Over
the next four years ServiceOntario will provide one-stop access
to government services and information in person, online and
by phone. Click on www.serviceontario.ca
to access the site.
AA-PEC Update
The accommodation association now has 43 members and covers
a broad range of accommodations from Inns, B&B's, cottages,
trailers and cabins. AAPEC members who are also listed with
BBCanada have an added bonus of being on the Prince Edward
County Association Web page through the BBCanada web site.
The new executive consisting of:
Rick Caruso- Chairman,
Deb Caruso-Secretary,
Lynne McMullan -Treasurer/Marketing Rep,
Deb Izumi- Membership Director,
are busy planning the 2005 advertising and marketing plan.
The executive is open to any suggestions or ideas that will
further promote the association and asks all members to please
keep your Webervation page updated so potential guests will
have all the information they need to plan their holidays
and getaways.
Mark Your Calendar!
Saturday February
26, 2005
PECCTAC AGM and GALA Dinner (see insert) Keynote Speaker -
Linda Leatherdale
Call for tickets today!
476-2421 or e-mail pec@reach.net
VISA & MasterCard accepted
Welcome New Members:
Closson Chase Vineyards Inc.
Bayside Bed & Breakfast & Prince Edward Sailing Charters
Black Prince Winery Ltd.
Blue Spruce B&B
Huff Estates Winery Inc.
Loch Sloy Holding Limited
Long Dog Vineyard & Winery
Norman Hardie Wines
Pete Fleck (Royal LePage)
Robert Legge (Royal LePage)
Rock Manor B&B
Rosehall Run Vineyards
The Painted Peppercorn
Thank You for Your Support!
TINKERING WITH
PROPERTY TAX CONTINUES:
GOVERNMENT MUST NOW FIX THE SYSTEM
Toronto – The Ontario government continues to tinker
around the edges of the property tax system, while failing
to address the acknowledged, fundamental problems with the
system.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Maple
Syrup producers, and once again shows us that the government
is aware of how flawed this system is,” said Len Crispino,
President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “But
once again, government has chosen to apply a bandage instead
of trying to heal the patient.”
The OCC has communicated extensively with the Ontario government
on needed reforms to the current property tax systems, including
advocating for a property tax review panel to address the
systemic problems and inequities in the system.
“The government must shift its focus from piecemeal
tax reform, and take a look at the system as a whole. Providing
certainty and fairness is critical to business competitiveness,”
said Crispino. “While today is a small victory for one
specific segment of the business community – it represents
continued frustration for the majority of businesses in Ontario.”
The OCC passed a resolution at its last annual general meeting
calling for the establishment of a property tax review panel.
Its mandate should be to:
Review Ontario’s property tax system, including progress
in moving towards current value assessment with the goal of
ensuring that Ontario’s property tax system is equitable
across the province;
· Identify and establish an economically healthy property
tax burden for each class of property;
· Identify options for a more equitable business education
tax;
· Evaluate the heritage tax program;
· Modify the Business Protection Program (5% Hard Cap)
for property tax, requiring properties to phase in Current
Value Assessment by December 31, 2010;
· Identify existing meaningful expert research data
regarding property tax burdens and rates and their impact
on economic activity; and,
· Provide detailed analysis of the full financial impacts
of recommendations on all property tax classes.
Background information on this issue can be found at
www.occ.on.ca
What's New!
The Bay of Quinte 2005 Travel Guide is ready. New this
year, the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council decided to offer a
contest for any tourist to enter into if they fill out the
enclosed survey. Members, please encourage your guest to fill
out the survey and drop it off at our office. The winner will
receive a $100.00 gift certificate to be redeemed at any “Bay
of Quinte Travel Guide” advertiser. This could be your
place!
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PECCTAC Sponsored
Skills Development Training
Line Cook
Objective
To provide a trained workforce in the restaurant business
by teaching an individual, under supervision, to organize,
prepare, assemble, and present hot and cold foods to order.
Who Should Attend
· Any individual who wants to gain the skills necessary
to work in the restaurant business.
Benefits to Business
· Provides employees with the skills necessary to work
in the restaurant business.
· Encourages pride and professionalism.
SuperHost
Objective
To raise the level of customer service in the tourism and
hospitality industry through the development of core customer
service skills.
Who Should Attend
· Front Line Staff
· Middle Management
Benefits to Business
· Provides employees with the skills and attitudes
to “wow” customers.
· Enhances communication within an organization.
· Encourages pride and professionalism.
Food Handling
Objective
To teach food handling skills and help prevent food borne
illness.
Who Should Attend
· All persons that handle food.
Benefits to Business
· Creates a standard of excellence
· Encourages pride and professionalism.
We are excited about working with the Prince Edward Learning
Centre and would like to recognize the Prince Edward/Lennox
& Addington Community Futures Development Corporation
for providing the funding to offer these skills development.
Please contact our office (476-2421) if you would like to
learn more.
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