February 2009

February 2009

the

Vol 2 Issue II

of

2009 Chair’s

message

onthecover:

2009 Chamber Board Chair Mary LaRocque

2009 Inaugural

your new board of directors New Board Members

photos & biographies

P.M. Agreement #1471570 If undeliverable, return to: 175 George Street North, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6

a monthly publication of

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ASSUR ANCE | ACCOUNTING | TA X ATION | ADVISORY SERVICES

yourstaff Stuart Harrison Ext. 202 General Manager Cynthia Hamu Ext. 201 Office Manager Shelley Gauthier Ext. 204 Administrative Assistant Anne Arnold, CSP Ext. 200 Membership Services Manager Cathy Martin Ext. 214 Event Coordinator/Marketing Assistant Lindsay Walker Ext. 210 Front Line Coordinator Krista Laidley Ext. 205 Licensing Supervisor Reception Ext. 0

yourboard

executive/finance Mary LaRocque Chair Marlin Travel Terry Merrill Past-Chair Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront Arlynn Dupuis Vice-Chair McGillen Ayotte Dupuis Tony Smith Treasurer Tristone Media Group Stuart Harrison Secretary Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Jef Dueck Director-At-Large 91.9BOBFM/Country 105/Energy 99.7 Betty Johnson Director-At-Large Century 21 United Realty

4 5 6 8

2009 Chair’s Message

2009 Inaugural New Board of Directors

New Board Members Photos and Biographies

Upcoming Events

member matters

10

new members

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chamber events - club laurus - breakfast club

12

business after hours

14

benefacts

15

here’s my card

16

editor cynthia hamu DESIGN treehouse studio Cover photo vistamaxx virtual tours Printing commercial press

contributors

appointments

www.marlintravel.ca

Mayor Paul Ayotte City of Peterborough Karl Moher Douro-Dummer Deputy Reeve County of Peterborough Marg Dawson Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce 175 George St. N. Peterborough 705.748.9771 www.peterboroughchamber.ca

regular features

the voice of business

directors Dick Crawford Crawford Building Consultants Bob Doornenbal The Peterborough Examiner Brad Hilker Peterborough Regional Health Centre Patric Marren Nationwide Barter Drew Merrett Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre Joel Parkes Kitty’s Erotic Boutique Kamran Qayyum Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc. Diane Wolf Trent University

inside

Mary LaRocque Mary is the Owner/Operator of Marlin Travel and the 2009 Chair of the Board

Additional contributors include: Bob Doornenbal, Peterborough Examiner Brad Hilker, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Patric Marren, Nationwide Barter Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre Joel Parkes, Black Kat Enterprises Kamran Qayyum, Siemens Milltronics Please see the subsequent pages for photos and brief biographies for each of these new Board members.

by mary larocque

chair’smessage

t

Dear Chamber Members, he Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic group of individuals who work with a dedicated group of Business Leaders in our community. This group is instrumental in ensuring that you get the most out of your Chamber membership and find it an essential tool to run a successful business in this wonderful community we call home.

The Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the “Voice of Business” and is dedicated to advocating on issues of particular interest to our members, whether they are large or small.

Our Chamber was “Accredited with Distinction” last October at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Convention. This endeavour took a year of hard work, from both the staff and Board volunteers, to see it through to success. It is something we are truly very proud of.

Your Chamber of Commerce is committed to the growth of our Business Community and provides many opportunities for our members to “Connect with your Chamber, Connect with your Community”…..which just happens to be our theme for this year.

Your volunteer Board of Directors is a wonderful group of professional Business Leaders who are keenly interested in supporting and developing the Chamber membership. They bring a wide array of professional experience to the Board and are very active in their duties as a Board member.

I encourage everyone to come out to the various events throughout the year and say hello to this diverse group. They are more than willing to help you achieve your business goals and can give you advice on how to get the most out of your Chamber membership. These volunteers are instrumental to the success of the Chamber and the various ongoing initiatives. The Policy, Program and Membership committees are very active in planning events and activities for you, our valued members.

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Being a Chamber member offers many value added benefits: 1. Economic Opportunity. The Chamber gives you unmatched access to the Business Community through our promotion, advertising and sponsorship vehicles. We provide numerous opportunities to meet fellow business people - a very effective way to build your business since it’s often who we know that make us successful. We also provide important savings programs, such as the Chamber Insurance program, Merchant Services Discounts, and Member-to-Member Discounts.

2. Impact. Our advocacy efforts include the Prosperity Round Table initiative, which consists of seven individual Task Teams all working on local business issues. The Voice of Business is not only loud and clear at the municipal level but provincially and federally through the Ontario and Canadian Chambers.

3. Reputation. Consumers are 63 % more likely to buy from a Chamber Member. The Chamber brand is not only strong but valuable to your business. Your Chamber membership can provide an immediate and effective level of trust and communicates that your company utilizes good business practices.

4. Focus. The Chamber helps build stronger business and stronger communities by staying focused and involved in the top business priorities. We’ve been doing this since 1889.

I am honoured to be the Chair of this great organization for 2009. I have an extremely talented group of Board members that are knowledgeable and committed to their involvement in the Chamber.

It is only with the help of numerous volunteers that we are able to provide you with outstanding programs and activities throughout the year. I would like to invite you to become more involved in your Chamber. In the past five years I have been involved in the Chamber, I found that it is key to business growth and opportunity. Connect with your Chamber, Connect with your Community. Let’s make 2009 a year to remember!

Cheers, Mary LaRocque

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thevoiceofbusiness

INAUGURALmatters The 2009 Inaugural Meeting was held on Tuesday, January 20th, where the 2009 Chair, Mary LaRocque, was sworn in by Mayor Paul Ayotte, and the 2009 Board of Directors were announced. Your 2009 Board of Directors are: Executive:

Chair Mary LaRocque, Marlin Travel

Past Chair Terry Merrill, Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront

Vice-Chair Arlynn Dupuis, McGillen, Ayotte & Dupuis

Treasurer Tony Smith, Tristone Media Group

Secretary Stuart Harrison, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

Director at Large Jef Dueck, 91.9BOBFM/ Country 105/ Energy 99.7

Director at Large Betty Johnson, Century 21 United Realty

Directors: Dick Crawford, Crawford Building Consultants

presents

Bob Doornenbal, The Peterborough Examiner Brad Hilker, Peterborough Regional Health Centre DANCE PARTY OF NEWFOUNDLAND

Patric Marren, Nationwide Barter

Canadian Sketch Troupe that won ‘best of fest’ in Toronto.

WARNING: Mature theme & coarse language THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH AT 8PM - $20 www.myspace.com/dancepartycomedy

Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

JIM CUDDY BAND

Kamran Qayyum, Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc.

Blue Rodeo’s frontman is back in town with his own band!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH AT 8PM - $42 www.jimcuddy.com

Joel Parkes, Kitty’s Erotic Boutique Diane Wolf, Trent University

In the Showplace Lounge:

JILL BARBER Award-winning Canadian folk rock singer-songwriter.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH AT 8PM - $20 www.jillbarber.com

Appointees:

RICK FINES AND BLUESFEST 2009 with BILL COLGATE & THE URBANE GUERILLAS

Mayor Paul Ayotte, representing the City of Peterborough

An evening of “The Blues,” featuring one of Canada’s leading Blues, Roots Music & Slide Guitarists, Rick Fines.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST AT 8PM - $22 www.rickfines.com www.billcolgate.com

Karl Moher, Douro-Dummer Deputy Reeve, representing the County of Peterborough

In the Showplace Lounge:

Marg Dawson, representing the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture

CRAIG CARDIFF Folk singer-songwriter-storyteller known for his soft voice and digital vocal & guitar loops.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH AT 8PM - $16 www.craigcardiff.com

JIMMY FLYNN COMEDY SHOW Featuring down-home music and fast-paced & hilarious stand-up comedy!

FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH AT 8PM - $23 www.jimmyflynn.com

CHANTAL KREVIAZUK Adult contemporary musician, singer-songwriter, pianist & guitarist.

Wednesday, April 1st at 8PM - $54 www.chantalonline.com/

The Chamber is thrilled to welcome six new Board members to this esteemed group of individuals. They are: Bob Doornenbal, Brad Hilker, Patric Marren, Drew Merrett, Joel Parkes and Kamran Qayyum. Please see the subsequent pages for photos and brief biographies for each of these new Board members.

Please check our website at www.showplace.org or call our Box Office at 705.742.SHOW (7469) for complete listing of events and on sale dates. Toll Free 1.866.444.2154

thevoiceofbusiness

5

newBoardmembers Bob Doornenbal and his wife Kathy recently relocated to Peterborough from Cochrane, Alberta for Bob to become the Director of Advertising for the Peterborough Examiner and the Lindsay Post.

Bob Doornenbal

Having moved a number of times through his career, Bob has always been active in the Chamber stating, “We all know the importance Brad is currently the Vice President, Clinical & Decision Support and Chief Financial Officer, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Brad Hilker

Patric Marren

A graduate of York University’s Masters of Business Administration program and the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Arts program, Brad has spent most of his career in health care settings.

In 1997, Brad completed the Professional Program of the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) through the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario.

In 2005, Brad received a Fellowship Designation from the Society of Management Pat Marren is the owner of Nationwide Barter and has been part of the Peterborough Community for almost 14 years. Pat started off as a Sales Representative when the company first got started, and then had the opportunity to buy the business about five years ago. He has seen Nationwide Barter grow to over 500 members locally & also has plans to expand into different communities outside the Peterborough market.

As well, in 2008, Pat started a new venture with MyWebsitestore.ca which

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thevoiceofbusiness

of a Chamber promoting local shopping and lobbying government on behalf of the Business Community. What we often overlook is the real value of membership through networking and the many other programs a Chamber offers, especially here in Peterborough.” Although this is Bob’s first term as Director, he’s no stranger to Chamber proceedings, having been

involved from the committee level to the Chair in other Chambers.

Accountants of Ontario in recognition of service to the Society, to the profession and to the community.

Accountants of Ontario for the last six years. He is currently a member of the Community Advisory Committee Nursing & Health Sciences at Sir Sandford Fleming College, a member of the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough and a Scout leader for 4th Westdale Beavers.

Prior to coming to PRHC as the Case Costing/Financial Resources Manager, Brad held the position of Manager Case Costing/Payroll at North Bay General Hospital. He has also held the positions of Supervisor, Financial Planning and Reporting, Senior Budget Analyst and Financial Analyst at the University Health Network (formerly the Toronto Hospital).

As the Director of Advertising for the Examiner, Bob is tuned in to the local Business Community and serving on the Board is a natural extension to his daily job. Bob will also be sitting on both the Program and Membership committees.

Brad was a member of the Board of Directors for the Society of Management

provides the perfect web presence for the budgetminded business owner.

Pat is very active in the community with his volunteer work and fundraising with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, where he has been the event Chair for the past 3 years, as well as being part of a team that has raised over $400,000 in that timeframe.

Pat has been married to Cindy for 9 years and they have two young children.

“we GOT ONE!” Sara & Bruce Canadian Distribution Channel Peterborough

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Helping your business get to the next level.

Call 705-745-5434 Visit us at 351 Charlotte St. in Ptbo or on the web www.cdc.on.ca

w w w. c d c . o n . c a

newBoardmembers

drew Merrett

Drew Merrett is the owner of Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre in Peterborough. Drew gained his passion for retail at his family’s business at Kingan Home Hardware in Peterborough’s Downtown and he has 27 years of retail experience dealing with all aspects of running a successful franchise company.

Drew is a Board member of the Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers and is a past Director of the Peterborough Sales and Advertising Club. Drew is also an active member of the Board of Directors of the Community Futures Development Corporation, which supports small business development

through financing and business counselling.

Joel Parkes is Sales Manager for Black Kat Enterprises. He brings a wealth of business and arts experience to the Chamber.

He is a songwriter for Universal Music Publishing and Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Policy Committee.

ways. He was a candidate for City Council and is a co-founder of the national Student Vote Program. He also sits on the Prosperity Roundtable Sustainability Committee. Creativity is an essential component of any business perspective and Joel contributes this perspective to the Chamber.

Raised in Peterborough, Joel lived in Vancouver for 13 years before moving to London, England where he worked as a Public Defender in the U.K. judicial system for 8 years, before moving back to Peterborough with his wife and their first child.

Joel Parkes

Joel has been involved in the Community in many

kamran qayyum

Kamran Qayyum is a Senior Project Manager with Siemens Milltronics. He has more than 19 years of experience in engineering and international project management and has worked across diverse cultures in four continents. His work experience is based on the fortune 500 companies including Siemens, Yokogawa and Honeywell.

Throughout his career, he has actively led strategic complex projects and programs in the areas of R&D Engineering, Power Generation, Oil & Gas and Petrochemical industries. He has successfully completed his projects and programs on time and under budget.

Kamran holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a certified Project Manager, Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, USA and has served as a member with PMI DHCPeterborough Committee. He has earned a Japanese Language Proficiency certificate and is currently pursuing a certification in Business Management.

Drew is married to Dana, who is co-owner of Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel, and they have 3 children - Madison, Max, and Stewart.

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thevoiceofbusiness

7

Upcoming Events... businessafterhours tuesday february 3rd, 2009 location: Sign-A-Rama, 774 Rye St., Peterborough time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm cost: Free, Compliments of OLG Slots at Kawartha Downs. please note: Pre-registration is required for this event.

Quality Professional Service

breakfastclub tuesday february 10th, 2009 location: Carousel Restaurant, 116 Lansdowne Street East time: 7:30 am cost: Pay for your breakfast please note: You do not need to register for this event.

120th Annual Chamber Gala 1840 Lansdowne St. W., #14 Peterborough, Ontario K9K 2M9 Phone: (705) 749-EXIT (3948) Website: www.exitrealtyliftlock.com

saturday february 14th, 2009

Caribbean Romance – Honouring 2009 Board Chair, Mary LaRocque location: Peterborough Evinrude Centre, 911 Monaghan Road time: Cocktails at 6:00 with music by Steel Drum Hu

Dinner at 7:30

Dancing to follow dinner with music by Terry Guiel and Jericho’s Wall grand prize: Caribbean Cruise cost: $100 each, GST included please note: This event is for Chamber members and guests only.

2006 Census Results, Tracking Trends in Peterborough friday february 20th, 2009 location: Kawartha Golf & Country Club, 777 Clonsilla Avenue time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am cost: 20 Members, $30 Non-Members please note: This event must be pre-paid.

clublaurus thursday february 26th, 2009 location: Mexicali Rosa’s, 320 Water Street time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm cost: $5 at the door

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thevoiceofbusiness

Looking Ahead – March ’09

Growing your business...t o ge t h e r !

businessafterhours tuesday march 3rd, 2009 location: Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence, 1414 Sherbrooke Street time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm cost: Free, Compliments of OLG Slots at Kawartha Downs. please note: Pre-registration is required for this event.

• Competitive rates on commercial loans and mortgages • Flexible payment options • Local credit approvals

www.kawarthacu.com

breakfastclub tuesday march 10th, 2009 location: Carousel Restaurant, 116 Lansdowne Street East time: 7:30 am cost: Pay for your breakfast please note: You do not need to register for this event.

annualgeneralmeeting tuesday march 24th, 2009 location: Peterborough Curling Club, 2195 Lansdowne Street West time: 7:30 am – 9:30 am cost: $20 Members, $30 Non-Members please note: This event must be pre-paid.

clublaurus thursday march 26th, 2009 location: Mexicali Rosa’s, 320 Water Street time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm cost: $5 at the door

Proud of Our Past, Positive About Our Future

Peterborough Omemee • Bobcaygeon

Unless otherwise specified, registration is required for all Chamber events. To register, please call 748-9771 Ext. 0 or email register@peterboroughchamber.ca.

Looking to Re-train?

On-site industry specific certification training available: • Fall Protection

• WHMIS

• Emergency First Aid CPR / AED Level C

• Smart Serve

Visit our website at www.jobspeterborough.ca or contact us at (705) 748-9110 for more information.

This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Ontario government

(705) 742-4245 • 1-800-387-1627 www.darlinginsurance.net

youradhere

registrationinformation

to check for availablity and secure your spot contact: Anne Arnold 705.748.9771 x200

thevoiceofbusiness

9

MEMBERmatters headlines

Correction Notice from Jan. 2009 Newsletter: The Carousel Restaurant was missed in the list of Thank you’s for the December Christmas Social.

Peterborough Company Offers Energy Alternatives

Real Energy Alternatives Limited provides solar and wind power systems, solar water heating systems, and geothermal. It’s certainly a family business with husband and wife Arnie and Anne Betz, and their sons Bill and Adam. They have a great website www.realenergyalternatives.ca or you can call 705-743-8061.

Aces Heating & Cooling Offers 24 Hour Response

Chris Madden owns Aces Heating & Cooling.

He provides sales and service gas/propane appliances and central air conditioning units. Chris provides 24/7 response, so give him a call at 705-931-0212.

J P Hall Management Services Can Help Your Business

membertomember

savings program

Joe Hall’s new company, JP Hall Management Services, can take your business plan or project from the development stage all the way through to production and customer service. With over 25 years of general management experience, Joe Hall can handle finance, contracts, proposals, bids, and project

team management and implementation.

Joe also has a network of partners ready to provide electronic and mechanical engineering, design and prototype expertise, manufacturing, assembly and logistics and customer service. Whether you are looking to enhance your management team, or have a project that needs a leader to implement, give JP Hall Management a call at call 705-750-7410 or email jphallms@yahoo.ca.

By adding a virtual tour to your website you can allow people to visit your business before they visit you! VistaMaxx is a local company owned by Benjamin vanVeen.

You can check out his work and some virtual tour examples at www.PigsEarTavern. com or www.PineCrestGolfclub.com or call 705-761-7127.

Tonalli Holistic Studio for Your Mind, Body and Spirit

Joanne French is going to be your new best friend. Her company is called Consider It Done, and Joanne can help you with marketing, typing, filing, purging, cold calls, policy and procedure manuals and temporary staffing for clerical, reception, or retail. Joanne’s personal services include dressing your home for a party, shopping, running some errands; she’ll even whip up some appetizers! You can find out more online at www.consideritdoneright.net or call 705-868-0091.

Tonalli Holistic Studio offers various holistic services for mind, body and spirit, including Reiki, Indian Head Massage, and Ionic Cleanse Foot Bath, plus they have Himalayan Crystal Salt lamps, Gourmet Salts, Bath Salts, and Aromatherapy soy wax candles. Owner Evangelina Rodriguez is an accountant who discovered the benefits of holistic care and became a practitioner herself. Her studio is located at 1173 Huntington Circle in Peterborough.

More information is available online at www.tonalliholistic.com or call 705-745-9286.

VistaMaxx Offers Virtual Tours of Your Business

There’s an old marketing truism that many businesses would be much more successful if they could just get people through their doors. VistaMaxx Virtual Tours allows people to do just that by using still photography and 360 degree panoramas.

Check out the downloadable flyer on the Chamber website at peterboroughchamber.ca for a complete listing of all the great savings you and your employess can enjoy by simply being a member of the Chamber.

NEW this month:  MEDIchair Trent Offering 10% off the MRSP for all lift chairs and scooters.

Allison Rolph-Seiderer 705.740.2650 or 1.800.667.0158 www.MEDIchair.com

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thevoiceofbusiness

Consider It Done Offers a Unique Service

Does your business have some new and exciting news to share? If so, please submit your information (approximately 75 words) to info@peterboroughchamber.ca by the 1st of the preceeding month for inclusion in the next month’s issue (i.e. February’s newsletter, January 1st deadline).

Please note that information will be printed at the General Manager’s discretion.

newmembers

welcome to our new members who joined the Chamber from Dec 05, 2008 - Jan 12, 2009 Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

MacLeod Insurance & Financial Services

Not-for-Profit Association Stephen Peterson (705) 292-0691 www.kawarthaturtle.org

Insurance - Group Benefits and Life Blake MacLeod (705) 930-6222 www.blakemacleod.com

Alex Lamore - Interglobe Financial Services Corp.

Financial Services Alex Lamore (705) 740-9000

Mywebsitestore.ca Web Development Ken Tuck (705) 748-6275 www.mywebsitestore.ca

 please utilize their services whenever possible 

Sarges Army Surplus Retail Ian Kyle (705) 741-0811

Sherwin-Williams Retail Colin Smith (705) 876-0006 www.sherwin.com

If the tooth fairy won’t pay your dental bills,

WE CAN!

HELP IS HERE, WITH AFFORDABLE GROUP COVERAGE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES. See why over 20,000 business owners selected this plan!

The Publican House Brewery Beer, Wine Industry Jon Conquer (705) 874-5743 www.thepublicanhouse.com

Brian Bulger

(

1.877.277.0677 www.chambers.ca

)

p. 705.741.1400 f. 705.741.1225 e. bbulger@thelifeinsuranceguy.com w. thelifeinsuranceguy.com

thevoiceofbusiness

11

Chamberevents clublaurus

Please note: the Chamber & Licensing Offices will

Mexicali Rosa’s  by Jef Dueck, Committee Co-chair Club Laurus is a meeting for Chamber members, but as with most Chamber social functions, non-members are welcome to come as a guest to see what it’s all about.

Club Laurus is directed by a mix of Chamber staff and volunteers from our membership.

We have discussed many topics in business including networking, goal setting, team building and much more!

If you have an employee or staff member you feel could benefit by joining us, please encourage them to check us out too. Register by calling the Chamber Office at 748-9771 x0 or email register@ peterboroughchamber.ca We welcome you to join us on the fourth Thursday of every month, at Mexicali Rosa’s!

membertomember

savings program

Are you among those still asking ‘what is Club Laurus?’ The answer is simple – Club Laurus is a social group for members of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, geared to those in the 20 to 40 age group.

We meet at Mexicali Rosa’s on Water Street on the last Thursday of each month, where we network and often have a special guest to discuss business themes, topics and information. The group is a comfortable size which allows you the opportunity to meet everyone and, because of the focused age group, we often find we have a lot in common with some of our fellow members, making the networking easy to do! Although targeted at an under 40 crowd, curious members over 40 are welcome to attend and see what it’s all about.

be closed on the following dates: n Monday, February 16th, 2009 – Family Day n Friday, April 10th, 2009 – Good Friday n Monday, May 18th, 2009 – Victoria Day n Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 – Canada Day n Monday, August 3th, 2009 – Civic Holiday n Monday, September 7th, 2009 – Labour Day n Monday, October 12th, 2009 – Thanksgiving n Thursday, December 24th, 2009 – Christmas Eve (Close at 2pm) n Friday, December 25th, 2009 – Christmas Day n Monday, December 28th, 2009 – Boxing Day n Thursday, December 31st, 2009 – New Year’s Eve (Close at 3pm) n Friday, January 1st, 2010 – New Year’s Day

Check out the downloadable flyer on the Chamber website at peterboroughchamber.ca for a complete listing of all the great savings you and your employess can enjoy by simply being a member of the Chamber.

NEW this month:  Accurate Accounts Offering a 10% discount for Income Tax Preparation to the Introducing NexiPHONE... A New Home Phone Service Now Available in Peterborough, Bridgenorth and Lakefield.

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Switch to NexiPHONE: 775-nexi (6394) • www.nexicom.net

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thevoiceofbusiness

Chamber members.

Marilyn Keating PCP

705 639-2200

 Sherwin-Williams Offering all chamber members a 15% discount.

Colin Smith 705.876.0006 or www.sherwin-williams.com

 Super 8 Peterborough Offering 15% off standard guestrooms or FREE suite upgrade when booking best available rate.

Ken Kirkby, General Manager (705) 876-8898 or www.super8peterborough.com

businessafterhours

Jan 6  by Bob Behan, BAH Committee Chair Something really good is happening downtown Peterborough, and it is called “Showplace”.

“Showplace Performance Centre is a really impressive and very interesting operation.” That was the sentiment echoed by Chamber members following their in-depth tour of this facility.

Showplace is a not-for-profit organization that owns and manages a professional performing arts facility, and was the host to the first Business After Hours reception for 2009.

Ray Marshall and his team took us behind the scenes and gave us a feeling of everything that happens to provide a top notch presentation of the performing talent. It added a whole new level of appreciation to a performance. The technical capabilities of the facility are awesome, and this is no surprise given the level of talent and passion of the people involved.

The relaxing downstairs lounge was a terrific spot for the 115 Chamber members to network in comfort.

The Chamber took the opportunity to recognize their volunteers who support Chamber activities throughout the year.

Showplace provided complimentary tickets for the volunteers and Chamber members, to attend the February 21st Blues Fest performance, which was a really nice touch.

This is an ideal venue for live music, theatre, dance, comedy, corporate events and private functions. There is an exciting schedule of events and more details, which can be accessed through their website www.showplace.org Thank you Showplace, and thank you volunteers. You both make Peterborough a better community!

thevoiceofbusiness

13

breakfastclub

December’s Breakfast Club Winner Profile

December ď‚ by Bob MacLeod, Breakfast Club Committee Co-chair The Breakfast Club wrapped our 6th year in December. Each of the 30 attendees spoke about their business, and their plans for the New Year and our guest speaker was Ted Cooney from Cooney Promotions. Ted provided some useful tips on the best way to utilize promotional products as part of marketing plans.

he brings note pads for everyone - that’s over 1,500 note pads handed out over the years, not to mention calendars and other such things. Anne Arnold is always there to represent the Chamber staff, and we would also like to acknowledge the Carousel Restaurant for hosting this event every month for the past 6 years.

As we look forward to 2009, we would like to thank all the Chamber members who contributed to the Breakfast Club this past year, as well as in previous years.

If you haven’t joined us yet for breakfast, we hope you will come out in 2009. There is always room for more on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 7:30 - 8:30am at the Carousel.

Many members have been regular attendees, but one in particular deserves special mention, Bob Tyne from Printer Paul has seldom missed a meeting since we started 6 years ago, and every time he comes

Congratulations to Maura Joy Lustig!

What are the two top New Year’s Resolutions?

1. Get out of debt.

2. Lose weight and get in shape.

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Let us help you transform physically and financially NOW. We teach people how to be healthy and prosper, especially in a down economy!

Dr. Jeff and Maura Lustig 705-749-6356 maurajoy@cogeco.ca www.infinitehealth4u.isagenix.com

Peterborough’s #1 Source for News and Information in Print and On-line.

www.peterboroughexaminer.com

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benefacts

by Brian Bulger

Maternity Leave Obligations With Group Benefit Plans A few times each year I receive calls from firm clients asking what actions they need to take for employees who are taking a temporary leave of absence for maternity. Typically they want to know if they should terminate these employee’s from their benefit plan upon the last day worked or if they are obligated to continue providing the coverage.

Understandably this is a concern to every employer who finds themselves in this position. After all, the employer is paying an expense for a person who is not going to be contributing to their firm’s bottom line for a twelve month period of time. And too, they are well aware that employees who go on maternity leave can decide two weeks prior to their return date to inform the employer that they won’t be returning to work.

A few years ago I had a client who employed 20 people and one year they had 5 of their employees on maternity leave at the same time.

They were mostly at different stages of their maternity, but just imagine having one quarter of your staff on leave. This particular firm paid 100% of their employee’s benefit plan costs and required to hire temporary help for each person on leave. Talk about a hair puller of a year!

Well the answer is, according to Canadian Labour Standards a firm cannot terminate an employee from their firm’s benefit plan when they go on maternity leave. If however, such an employee is sharing in the cost of their benefit coverage, like most employees do today, the employee requires to continue to pay their same share of the cost.

Once the employee has been informed of their responsibility by their employer it’s up to them to make arrangements to pay their share of their premium to their employer. I recommend to my clients to request 12 post-dated cheques in advance from their employees in order to make the process as simple as possible.

If an employee does not wish to pay their share of their premium or fails to pay their share an employer can terminate the employee’s coverage at their discretion.

This article has been brought to you exclusively by your Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Agent/Broker, Brian Bulger. For more information, Brian can be reached at 741-1400.

The Tapscott-Lopes Business and Society Lecture Best-selling author, business executive and Trent alumnus

Don Tapscott presents

Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Business and the World Wednesday, February 25, 2009 7:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Peter Gzowski College Lecture Hall Room 114, Lower Level Trent University

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