Dick Shannon, CAO, has suggested the County put out a request
for proposal (RFP) for Visitors Information Services in 2006,
2007 and 2008. PECCTAC supports this initiative.
With a 65% increase in information packages mailed out to
date, I can only hope this will be a bumper year for all businesses.
PECCTAC is attempting to save Canada Day fireworks. Rick
Caruso, PECCTAC director, and I are working diligently to
try to save the cancelled Canada Day fireworks in Picton.
"You can't cancel Canada Day - that is not an option".
Hopefully we will once again see the skies light up for the
children on Canada Day.
Have a great and prosperous summer.
Sincere Regards, T. Rob Brown - President
General Manager's Report
100 Year Special Edition
The County Weekly News is putting together a 100 Year Special
Edition insert into their newspaper highlighting the history
and events leading up to the establishment of the Prince Edward
County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce. See enclosed details
on how your business can participate in this 100th Year milestone
and celebration of a community icon.
It must be summer. We have 2 new faces in the Tourist Office.
Stop in and say hello to Sarah Cobb and Tabitha Tilling. Sarah
you will remember was here last season and has just finished
her 12th year in high school. Tabitha is from Picton now going
to McMaster University enrolled in French and Hispanic Studies.
We are very fortunate to have you both.
It is that time again. Nominate your favourite business in
the County! The Quinte Business Achievement Awards dinner
is on October 21, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in
Trenton. This GALA Dinner is always an exciting event to attend
plus you meet fellow business people from our neighbouring
communities. You can submit your own business or another that
you believe deserves recognition but don’t wait too
long. The deadline for nominations is August. For more information
or to nominate a business contact PECCTAC or go online at
www.qbaa.ca . Support our local businesses.
Lawrie Ackerman – General Manager
What Has Your Chamber Been Up To?
Your Board of Directors has been very busy. This is just a
sample of what has/is happening.
Worked with other community associations and business owners
to get the Canada Day Celebrations going.
Assisted with the East Central Ontario Training Board and
the Business Retention and Expansion survey. See write-up
in newsletter.
Assisted with organization of a Familiarization (FAM) Tour
for Travel & Tour owners through Prince Edward County.
Thanks to everyone that helped to make this a great success.
Working with a National television production company interested
in doing a drama series in Prince Edward County. Thank you
to all the business owners that were contacted.
Attended an Economic Developers Networking meeting to keep
abreast of issues and opportunities and to learn how communities
can organize themselves to respond to change.
Submitted a funding application for the creation of a comprehensive
fishing map. This project is through PECCTAC’s partnership
with the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council.
Businesses be Prepared
Starting in June 2006 all telephone numbers will be
10 digits. This includes calling your next door neighbour.
“Companies that use numerous telecommunications systems
and devices should take the necessary steps to update their
equipment right away. They cannot afford to wait until the
last minute. Businesses should ensure that their 10-digit
phone numbers appear on all administration and marketing documents,”
states Johanne Lemay, telecommunications analyst.
Welcome New Members:
PECCTAC is at a 100 Year high in its membership. We
now have over 300 members.
Thank you all for your support and please welcome our newest
members:
Carver’s Loft
The Wash Tub – Shirley Harrison Accounting Services
County Magazine Printshop Ltd.
Argyll Engraving
Stedman’s V&S Variety
Renovators
The Mill House (Vader Family)
The Regent Theatre Foundation
Bloomfield Studios
Charlane Williamson Interior Decorator
County Holiday Homes
Old Hyatt House (Bloomfield)
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company
My Sister’s Place
Bloomfield Carriage House Restaurant
The Word Farm (Laura Salverda, Journalist/Author)
Edward Jones (Lorraine Knight)
Conway’s Echo Bay
Beach Bum Holidays
Meet & Greet Schedule:
June 14th – Isaiah Tubbs Resort
July 19th – Iron Duke Cafe, Main Street Wellington
August 16th – Regent Café
Testimonials:
· “I received 2 new business contacts at the
last Meet & Greet”!
· It’s a great way to increase business!
All our Meet & Greets start at 5pm.
Come out and introduce your business to the community and
jump-start your business!
PECCTAC Members.... it’s in your
hands!!
By now, over 750 businesses in the County and many PECCTAC
members have received the 2005 Prince Edward Business Survey.
This is your chance to provide your input and comments on
important matters that affect your business and the entire
business community. What are your business needs? What are
your challenges? How should Prince Edward move forward to
support the business community?
If you have received a survey, we hope you will take 15 minutes
of your time to complete it and send it back in the return
envelope. If you have not received a survey, it’s not
too late. Simply contact us and we will provide a full survey
package.
Remember...all surveys are confidential and will remain anonymous.
A final report will be going to all levels of government and
a public meeting will be held to present and discuss the findings.
This is planned for September.
The final report, recommendations and issues will help us
identify priorities for the business community and determine
initiatives that the Chamber can endorse to assist our members
and the broader, business community.
Everyone’s views are important, and together we will
have a clear indication of the challenges and opportunities
you see for doing business in Prince Edward.
Contact East Central Ontario Training Board to request a survey
or for further information - (969-0720).
Membership Benefits
Are you paying too much for VISA & MC?
Through your PECCTAC membership your business can choose between
2 carriers:
Global Payments Canada:
· Processing can be through the bank of your choice.
· No application fee ($100 savings)
· VISA rate: 1.85%
· MasterCard rate: 1.89%
· MasterCard Assessment fee: 0.054%
· Interac fee: 12 cents per transaction
· Terminal rental fee: $35 per month
· Push funds: $5.00 per month (if not CIBC or National
Bank)
For more information on Global Payments call Ross Ankenmann
at 1-866-883-7996 ext. 74309.
For Toronto Dominion Bank Customers:
· VISA: 1.75%
· MasterCard fee: 1.89%
· Interact fee: $0.10
· Terminal rental fee: $32 per month
For more information on TD Merchant Services call:
Bryan Renaud at (905) 718-6991
Cell Phone Discount Plan - Bell World
$24.00 monthly rate plan includes:
· 200 Anytime Minutes
· Unlimited Weekends free for 12 months
· Unlimited 6pm evenings
· Free voice mail & call display
· Unlimited Incoming Text Messaging
· Call Waiting, Call Forwarding
· Waived Connection Charge ($35 savings)
For more information on Bell World Discount Plan call:
Mike Marchelletta at 1-866-548-2666 x 8003
When you call for special membership benefits mention
you’re a PECCTAC member!
Finalized Drinking Water Regulations
The Ministry of the Environment has finalized the new drinking
water regulation for non-residential and seasonal residential
drinking water systems O. Reg. 252/05. Your Chamber is working
hard to investigate the most cost effective way for your business
to abide by these new regulations. We have contacted each
of the licensed labs closest to Prince Edward County and are
negotiating the best deal for our members. If the samples
can be picked up at the PECCTAC office on a specified day
of the month, there will be no courier fee. Please contact
Lawrie at 613-393-5412 or email at manager@pecchamber.com
for more information.
2005 Amazing Loyalist Adventure
Are you ready For an Amazing Loyalist
Adventure?
Tamara has been working very hard to put together an amazing
lineup of attractions and events for the Amazing Loyalist
Adventure week. This is just a snapshot of some of the planned
events.
Picton & Oswego, NY “L.O.O.P.”
The Prince Edward Yacht Club is hosting the pre-launch Pancake
Breakfast of The Amazing Loyalist Adventure. Afterwards, a
flotilla of Canadian boats will set sail for Oswego, New York.
The next day in Oswego a morning shore-side service will take
place to commemorate the discovery of Moses’ body. The
American and Canadian vessels will arrive back in Prince Edward
County to experience an Amazing good “ole” fashioned
County pig roast, with dockside music, dancing and a fireworks
finale.
Tee-off at the Amazing County Golf Challenge at Wellington
on the Lake Golf Course: compare scores, win prizes
and enjoy a BBQ lunch in their Tented Beer Garden.
Catch your breath on a ship, canoe or kayak…
in the Pirate Festival. Hot dogs, face painting, balloon animals,
pirates, cannons and a daring rescue.
Enactments of how the first pioneer families
and Loyalists lived in their new settlement.
Sip a glass of wine paired with artisan
cheeses and chocolates while enjoying live entertainment at
a winery estate.
Enjoy Fish n Bike: a fish fry and bike rally.
Don’t miss out.
Call Tamara 613-476-9246 and find out how
you can participate.
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