Celebrate Summer in the Kawarthas …

Summer is finally here, and in the City of Kawartha Lakes it brings with it bright sunshine, shining waters and lots to do both indoors and outdoors. Why not take the time to enjoy local hospitality and create unforgettable memories as you make the most of warm weather, cool breezes and lazy days in the Kawarthas. With vacation time now arriving, this is your opportunity to boast of the treasures we have to offer by inviting friends and family to pack up some food and hit the beach or a local park for a relaxing picnic; and maybe indulge in sweet ice cream treats that will please both kids and adults.

Tourism is an important part of the City of Kawartha Lakes and local tourism is one of the key economic drivers that generate many dollars annually in the City of Kawartha Lakes. With its beautiful lakes and rivers, trees, and recreation trails, we host a natural wonder for any traveler. Combine this with the Trent Severn Waterway and its lock system, campgrounds and resorts and you have one of the most popular tourist areas to be found.

In addition, the City of Kawartha Lakes offers tourists entertainment opportunities with professional theatres, art, music and cultural festivals, museums, first class golf courses, and established restaurants. Add to this car shows, steam shows, agricultural fairs and attractions which are presented annually by various communities.

This past weekend a celebration of activities happened as the City of Kawartha Lakes celebrated Canada Day. In addition, Fenelon Falls was busy with the Midnight Madness. Omemee hosted their Pioneer Day celebrations and Kinmount held their Annual Kountry Jamboree all weekend with camping and music and fun for the family. Mudfest took place at the Lindsay Fairgrounds with a complete line up including Mud Drag Racing, ATV drags, Mud Bog 4x4 Trucks class and the Lindsay Farmers’ Market attracted crowds as always. Tourism in the City of Kawartha Lakes is alive and a big business. To find out more about what’s happening locally, call your local chamber of commerce or tourist information center. You can also find out more about events taking place throughout the summer online by checking out the events calendar at http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/

The Chamber acknowledges all those involved in the tourism industry and as a community let’s take pride in what we have to offer and together ensure that the City of Kawartha Lakes is a place where people want to come play, relax and enjoy.

Join us and catch the Kawartha Spirit!

Opening Ontario Business for all Customers

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been actively involved in developing accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The goal of the act is to make the province accessible by 2025 by developing standards in key areas including customer service, transportation, information and communications, employment, the built environment.

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Standard (O. Reg 429/07), also known as the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008 and is the first standard developed under AODA. It applies to all businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to the public or other organizations and have at least one employee in Ontario.

Compliance dates and reporting requirements for organizations in the private sector, including non-profit are as follows:

- Businesses with 20 or more employees must comply by January 1, 2012, and report in 2012;

- Businesses with one to 19 employees must comply by January 1, 2012, but are exempted from reporting.

Accessibility Works is a new initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

Key resources and tools of the project will include:

· Web-based information and an online training module designed specifically to help business implement and comply with the customer service standard;

· Facilitators information kit to help the OCC’s 160 affiliated local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade disseminate information to their corporate members;

· Up to 40 information sessions held with local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

Breaking down barriers makes good business sense. According to a study by the Royal Bank of Canada, people with disabilities have an estimated spending power of about $25 billion annually across Canada. Most businesses already provide excellent customer service but there may be room for improvement in how businesses communicate and serve people with disabilities.

In an effort to assist and educate our members and the community, the Chamber will be hosting a business luncheon on September 15, 2010, with the topic being “Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Accessibility Standards for Customer Service”. The Keynote Speaker will address this and important materials will be available for all attendees. Let's work together to provide exemplary customer service to everyone.

Drug System Reforms

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce has concerns that the Ontario Government’s proposed reforms to the prescription drug system could affect many of our local pharmacies. Some aspects of the proposed changes are valid, but other aspects could mean significant disruptions, changes and loss of service, and in addition could result in user fees for some services that are currently supported by professional allowances. In addition, there could potentially be a complete loss of pharmacy services in some smaller communities as small pharmacies struggle to continue to provide the service we have become accustomed to.

The issues surrounding changes announced by the government are complex. The Provincial Government, through the Ministry of Health, is proposing drastic changes to the current funding system in Ontario. Earlier this month the Government announced plans to dramatically reduce funding to community pharmacies. By eliminating the opportunity for stores such as Remedy’s RX, Pharmasave, Coby Pharmacy, Pharmaplus and Shoppers Drug Mart to receive Professional Allowances (PA’s) for generic drug sales, the Government is forcing pharmacies to have to consider charging for services that have up until now been covered by this. It is important to stress that the very same Government brought PA’s into law in 2006. At that time they were satisfied in allowing generic drug companies to pay pharmacies in order to avoid dealing with an inadequate dispensing fee system.

Proposed legislation is looking at increasing the dispensing fee by $1.00, which will leave pharmacies with a shortfall. By eliminating the PA for Ontario Drug Benefit prescriptions, this will make pharmacies unable to function under this proposed legislation. In order to make up for the shortfall, pharmacies will be forced to reduce their hours, reduce staff, charge for services such as deliveries and other services that have been provided until now at no charge.

As a concerned citizen there are steps you can take. Check out http://www.ontario.communitypharmacies.ca/ for facts and resources. You can also go to http://www.stopcuts.ca/ and send an email letter to MPP Rick Johnson, Health Minister Deb Matthews and Premier McGuinty voicing your support for accessible community health care. Speak to your local pharmacist to find out how you will be affected by the legislation. The future of health care provision in our province is at stake and we must speak up in order to have consideration taken by the Government on what consequences this proposed action could have on health care.

The issues and concerns shared across our community by pharmacy owners as employers, their employees and residents of all ages are such that the proposals made by the Government should not be adopted without careful and extensive consultation.

Federal Budget 2010 – A Play If Safe Plan

Chambers of Commerce across Canada collectively welcome the federal government’s strategy to balance the books over the medium term, and its emphasis on laying the foundation for a more innovative and competitive economy. Chambers will be watching closely to ensure that Ottawa lives up to its commitment to rein in spending and improve efficiency in the government sector.

Overall, the federal budget is a “play-it-safe” plan to reduce Canada’s deficit. The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is concerned that spending restraint over the next five years is modest at best; a more aggressive plan to control spending over the next several years would have been welcomed given the severity of the deficit and the projections of modest economic growth. Any meaningful reduction in spending will not begin until 2011 and beyond.

The Chamber considers small and medium-sized businesses to be the backbone of our economy - certainly the case here in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Small and medium sized businesses account for 98 per cent of all businesses in Canada and employ more than five million people. We applaud the government’s focus in Budget 2010 to support innovation in Canada’s small business sector, to reduce the regulatory burden, to improve credit availability and continue to reduce the tax compliance and administrative burden facing businesses. These initiatives will result in higher performing businesses and higher paying jobs for Canadians.

In addition, government operating expenses have dramatically increased in the last three fiscal years. Although we support the announced reduction in overall operating expenses between 2010 /2011 and 2011/2012, there is concern that expenses are sure to return back to their current record high in 2014/2015 – well after stimulus programs come to an end. While a deficit plan as projected is welcome, we are anxious to see the federal government return to balanced budgets.

In the final analysis, we need to get our fiscal house in order so we can provide the economic flexibility needed to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and meet the challenges posed by an aging population.

HST Booklet Available for Business

The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) booklet, which provides an all-purpose HST overview and addresses common questions and concerns for business. Also available is an extensive Q&A document and a fact sheet that identify key benefits to the new HST system taking effect July 1, 2010.

The booklet details how businesses can prepare for HST implementation, the application of HST, the transitional rules, and general background on the HST by province. All supportive HST resources have been bundled into an HST information tool kit for Ontario businesses.

The HST is part of a comprehensive reform to Ontario’s tax system, which included personal and business income tax cuts, the elimination of capital taxes and other significant tax reforms. To obtain a copy of the booklet please visit the CGA Ontario website or you can pick up a copy of the booklet at our office on 4 Victoria Avenue North in Lindsay.

For a detailed look at the comprehensive reforms advocated for by the OCC, go to the Ministry of Revenue website or please contact Derek Picard, Senior Policy Analyst, 416-482-5222 or derek.picard@occ.on.ca .

A New Year of Chamber Activities

Happy New Year!

Now that the holiday season is behind us, it’s time to turn the calendar ahead and focus on a new year of activities and events. Thank you to everyone who supported our local merchants by Shopping Locally throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes during the holiday season, and I urge you to continue this practice by shopping and using our local services.

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce has many events planned to kick off the New Year. Our first event of the year is the Robbie Burns Curling Bonspiel on January 20 at the Lindsay Curling Club. Collect four of your fellow business associates or friends or register individually and come out for a day of curling fun. This entertainment filled day is a great way to network with other business associates and provides you the chance to meet even more people from the community. A maximum of 24 teams play 2 six end games. The registration fee is $50 for individuals or $200 for 4 and includes a day of fun and networking with a Robbie Burns theme finishing off with dinner, awards and musical entertainment. Registration deadline for this popular event is January 15th so register early to avoid disappointment.

The popular Business Luncheon Series returns and kicking off 2010 is the Mayoral Luncheon on January 27th at the Lindsay Golf and Country Club. Come meet Mayor Ric McGee and learn of the Mayor’s plans for the City of Kawartha Lakes in 2010. The $25 registration fee includes a fabulous lunch and networking opportunities. Display tables are available for $10.00. Networking time is 12 noon to 12:30 and lunch and the guest speaker is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Please call and register as spaces fill up quickly.

February kicks off with the Chamber’s Breakfast Series on February 2 at Auk’s Lodge, Fleming College. The first in a series of presentations by Business Development Bank of Canada, Steve Lawrence, Consulting Manager for BDC will discuss “Taking Your Business To the Next Level”. On February 3rd the first Business After Hours for 2010 will be held at Victoria County Career Services from 5-7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, network, and learn more about this business. The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday February 17th from 5-7 p.m. The AGM will include a review of business and activities of the Chamber in 2009 as well as elections of the board of directors. All Chamber members and the general public are welcome to attend.

If you are interested in registering for these and other upcoming events or if you would like more details please contact the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce at 705-324-2393 or email judy@lindsaychamber.com

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Chamber and we look forward to seeing you at the next 2010 Chamber event! 

A Season of Celebration

As the festive season approaches, the hustle and bustle of our daily lives kicks up a gear. Our thoughts turn to Christmas shopping, parties, concerts, gift exchanges, and the list goes on and on. Christmas lights glow in store front windows, strands of garland adorn entrance ways and cinnamon sticks and pine cones add festive flairs to rooms.

This is a time of meeting and greeting, of celebration, and a time to reflect on the wonders of our lives. On behalf of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce I would like to invite you to celebrate the season with us at our annual Christmas Open House. The Open House takes place Wednesday December 9th at The Academy Theatre, located at 2 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay from 5 to 7 p.m. Please call the chamber to register with Judy at 324-2393.

Enjoy wine samplings from House Wines, hor d’oeuvres, light treats, desserts and entertainment and join us in a delightful Christmas setting as we take this opportunity to say thank you to our members who have supported us over the past year through membership, sponsorship and community support. It is through the support of the membership that the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce has grown our events, programs, member benefits and community involvement.

I would also like to invite you to experience the holiday spirit by supporting one or more of the many community and service clubs initiatives and help others enjoy the spirit of the season. Whether it is a toy for a child, a non perishable food donation or sponsorship of a Christmas stocking, we can all do our part to spread the spirit of the season. Please come and join us for a time of gathering at the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Open House and May the holiday spirit be alive in all of us as we meet and celebrate this special time of year. Seasons greetings.

Remembrance Day – A Day Not to Forget

Each year on Remembrance Day we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of the many people that have fought so bravely for our freedom and way of life.

Remembrance Day is observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month every year. As Canadians, we are asked to pause and remember the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and democracy during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict and during peacekeeping missions.

On this day, we pause to remember all of the brave men and women who have served in armed conflict, war and peace to ensure our safety and to make the world a better place.

Over 1.5 million Canadians served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. More than 110,000 gave their lives on the battlefield.

Many continue to put themselves in harm's way in the name of peace and democracy and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.

On Wednesday November 11th we honor all who have served, and who continue to serve by remembering their courage, valor and heroism. Celebrations are scheduled to take place across the City of Kawartha Lakes during the week of November 9-13. For details on the celebrations taking place in your community check out the City of Kawartha Lakes website at http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/ or call your local Legion. And everyone please, just stop, take a moment during this week to remember those who fought and died for our freedom.

Lest we forget

Limited opportunity to comment on proposed accessibility rules

Businesses and organizations in Ontario have an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rules regarding how we prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities in their physical surroundings, until October 16, 2009.

The provincial government’s proposed rules governing how organizations in Ontario prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities is now available for comment. The government’s Accessibility Standards Committee for the Built Environment has drafted the rules which are available online for public review until October 16.

The committee’s proposed standard will affect all new construction and extensive renovations and proposes requirements for every aspect including: common access areas such as entrances, doorways, ramps and stairs; exteriors including curbs, crossings and street furniture; plumbing for washrooms, showers and drinking fountains; the area of communication such as signage and telephones; and air quality, acoustics and lighting in buildings. The committee has proposed the following timelines: New construction to follow the standard within 12 months of it coming into force, and substantial renovation to follow the standard 12 to 36 months of it coming into force.

It is important to note that the government does not plan to impose requirements for retrofitting existing buildings at this time. In addition, the government does not intend to require existing or new single family houses to be accessible at this time.

You are encouraged to review the draft standards and to provide comments to the government no later than October 16, 2009. There is a limited time opportunity to comment on these proposed accessibility rules that could affect you. Please take time to check out the website at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/accession/business/environment/ and click Accessibility Plans on the left side of the website, then click Accessibility Plan 2008-2009.

Business As Usual At the Lindsay Licensing Office

Starting this fall, across Ontario more residents will be able to make one trip for health card, driver's license and vehicle registration services. Over the next several months, Service Ontario will expand access to health card services from the current 27 OHIP offices to all 300 integrated Service Ontario Centers, making driver and vehicle licensing services also available at these centers.

Service Ontario claims these changes will give people access to more routine government services than before, especially in rural and northern communities. Close to 95 per cent of all Ontarians will be within 10 kilometers of an integrated Service Ontario centre. These changes will be implemented with the intention of being completed by December 2010.

As a result of the announcement made in July and after over 40 years of service to the Government of Ontario, the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce has been advised that they will no longer be providing Driver’s and Vehicle Licensing Services effective November 30, 2010. These services will be moved to Service Ontario at 322 Kent Street West and will be combined with all other services provided by Service Ontario. Several other private issuers across Ontario have been advised that they will also no longer be providing this service.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue to offer the excellent customer service it has always given for driver and vehicle licensing at 4 Victoria Avenue North for the next 15 months. We will also continue to provide leadership, service and advocacy for businesses in our community for years to come as is the mandate of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce.

Please feel free to drop by and visit us at the Chamber. For more information on our services contact the Chamber at 324-2393 or email info@lindsaychamber.com.

Getting the Right ‘Fit’ for Your Board

Each year boards of all types; non-profit, volunteer, service and association engage in board director recruitment. For some boards, recruitment may be geographic, demographic or sector representation while others will seek to recruit community members at large to become board directors. In each situation the goal is to secure enough people to fill board positions.

The recruitment of board directors is a growing challenge for many reasons. Combined with the growing level of responsibilities many people have with careers, families, existing community or professional commitments, there is an increasing level of responsibility tied to being a board director that deters people from accepting director roles. For these reasons some boards tend to accept the first warm bodies that express interest in their organization without considering their skills, experience, knowledge or commitment and understanding of the organization. This type of recruitment can have a detrimental effect on the organization.

When recruiting board directors it is important to ensure the director- elect understands the purpose and mandate of the organization and time commitment involved. Likewise, it is important that the organization secures knowledge about the interested individual; background, experience, knowledge of the organization, reason for wanting to become involved. Depending on the organization purpose, a formal screening process may be required. With the growing responsibility boards of directors have regarding financial stewardship and risk management issues, it is wise that individuals sitting on boards of directors are the right ‘fit’ for the organization.

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce has developed an application process as part of their board recruitment. Interested members are encouraged to request a board application package which includes an outline of board roles and responsibilities, expected level of commitment and an application form. Directors are required to have a commitment to the work, mission and core values of the local and national organization, knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs, and/or personnel, commit to five to seven hours per month, which includes serving and actively serving on at least one committee, attendance and participation at monthly Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Directors are also expected to be informed of the services provided by the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and to publicly support them. By following this process both the Chamber and interested persons can determine if there is a ‘fit’ for both.

All director applications are reviewed by the nominating committee and references are checked. Selected applicants will have their names put forward by the nominating committee for election at the Annual General Meeting.

If you have a passion and interest in the community, a desire to engage in commerce activities and a willingness to give of your time, knowledge and skills, consider becoming a Chamber director and join the existing team of directors committed to moving this community forward together. If you are interested in more information you can call the Chamber of Commerce at 324-2393 or contact us by email at info@lindsaychamber.com.

Harmonized Sales Tax

Ontario’s impending move to a single sales tax is not the attack on families and individuals some would have you believe. In fact, sales tax harmonization, in combination with the other tax reduction measures announced in the provincial budget, will reduce the amount of tax paid by every Ontarian, and lead to a stronger economy that provides greater job growth and prosperity for all.

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce applauds these moves because together they will put us on more competitive ground with other provinces and some of our key international competitors, precisely at a time when we will most need it. Once all the budget changes are fully implemented, the rate of taxation on new investment will be effectively cut in half. This means that more businesses will invest in this province and create more jobs for our workers, and be able to contribute more to our communities.

The growing number of unemployed is proof enough that something needs to change. A single sales tax is the single most effective policy choice the government had at its disposal, one that will serve to grow, not impede, Ontario’s economy.

Ontario plans to implement this harmonized sales tax that will combine both the provincial and federal sales tax on products and services on July 1, 2010. As consumers and business owners, there are several questions that remain unanswered. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business are supportive of this move, recognizing the savings and efficiency it will bring.

In an effort to keep you informed, the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce have planned an informative Business Luncheon on Tuesday June 23 at the Moose Lodge in Lindsay where Stuart Johnston, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce will present information on the new Sales Tax Harmonization. Included in his keynote presentation will be how Sales Tax Harmonization will affect you and small business, and why single sales tax is good for business, consumers and the broader Ontario economy. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and get answers to some of their concerns regarding the single sales tax. The luncheon will run from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, with registration and networking taking place from noon to 12:30 pm. The cost to attend is $25 for Members, non-members are $27 and pre-registration is required.

If you are interested in attending this very informative luncheon please call the Chamber office at 324-2393 or contact Judy at judy@lindsaychamber.com . This is your chance to learn more about Sales Tax Harmonization and how it will affect you.