Chair’s Message At the St. John’s Board of Trade, we help you get your message out. DID YOU KNOW that 63% of consumers prefer to shop at a business that is a member of their Board of Trade?
DID YOU KNOW that there are over 460 people in our data base who are either CEOs, presidents or owners of their respective companies?
DID YOU KNOW that the St. John’s Board of Trade’s followership on social media is over 8,000? In addition, each week, over 2,000 new and returning users visit the Board of Trade website. Our most popular page is our Members Directory and you can increase the visitors to your listing with a video. Engaging video content leads to 80% consumer growth. If you don’t have a video, we’re here to help. We have a Storyteller on staff who can shoot a Member Profile video profile for your business. We promote your video on our social media channels (YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook) as well as on your Members Directory listing on our website. Our videos and dynamic social media content showcase your business to your peers and potential customers. Advertising on the Board of Trade website is a premium place to be seen. As the “go-to” place for business in the St. John’s area, our website is another premium place to advertise your business. We’re committed to doing everything in our power to have our platforms maximize exposure for our members. We’re here to support you and help you grow your business. Contact us today to learn more.
Pints & Peers
As we evolve our program and services offerings, one event I encourage you to keep an eye out for is Pints & Peers.
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This new series gives members and non-members the opportunity to enjoy a beer, connect with business owners and business leaders about tangible ways they can improve the bottom line of their businesses. These relaxed conversations are not your traditional classroom style learning. Conversations are led by local business leaders who share their experiences and expertise. Special Summer Events: • July's session featured Ray Agency's owner Jenny Smith. Winner of the Business Excellence Award - Leader in Growth and Sales 2017 who led an insightful discussion on marketing. • In August, Brent and Christina, owners of the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, were our special guests for a session. This intimate event was for CEO and Business Owners only. Participants enjoyed a cold drink and met two individuals who have experienced the ups and downs of operating a small business in our province!
Advocacy Work Carbon Tax We have spent the summer advocating for the introduction of a carbon tax that is revenue neutral to the province. A
CHAIR
ANDREA STACK carbon tax must be used to discourage the burning of carbon. With the introduction of this new tax, other taxes should be reduced to offset the overall tax burden on businesses in our province. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians cannot pay any more tax. We already carry one of the highest tax burdens in the country, our economy is sluggish, and more tax will exacerbate the situation. Electricity Rates We have also spent the summer doing research and the Board is developing its position on electricity rates. One thing we know for sure is that businesses and the people of our province are concerned about future electricity rates. With our heavy tax burden, as well as our isolated geographic location that demands everything that comes to the province must float or fly, business and our customers will struggle with an increase in electricity rates. A comprehensive rate mitigation plan is a must. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, NALCOR and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro must leave no stone unturned as they identify solutions to ensure electricity rates remain competitive.
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