The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce 17th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Program and Luncheon will be held on Wed. Oct. 20th, 12noon at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington St., Bracebridge
Nine Awards will be presented in the following categories: (category descriptions & nomination form attached)
Male Business Person of the Year sponsored by Saunders & Associates Inc.
Female Business Person of the Year sponsored by Saunders & Associates Inc.
New Business of the Year sponsored by OFFICEWorks
Business of the Year sponsored by TD Canada Trust
Outstanding Retail Customer Service sponsored by Muskoka Staffing
Outstanding Contribution to Bracebridge sponsored by The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce
Young Entrepreneur Award sponsored by RBC Royal Bank
Service Provider Award sponsored by Scotiabank
Home Based Business Award sponsored by Scotiabank
We invite you to help us choose those businesses that deserve a pat on the back. A detailed list of category descriptions and criteria is attached, along with a nomination form. Print out as many forms as you need. Businesses ARE ENCOURAGED to nominate themselves!
Nominations are due Fri. Sept. 17th at 4:00pm. at the Chamber office.
Link to the Nomination Form
New Billoard - 2011
Bracebridge is a centre for Post-Secondary Education
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
OIL SANDS SUPPLIER OPPORTUNITY - CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
The Ministry of Economic Development & Trade along with the Alberta Government are hosting an event on September 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel (Essex Ballroom) at 123 Queen Street West, Toronto.
You are invested to attend a special session featuring senior Alberta oil sands experts and industry leaders.
Learn about key oil sands technology initiatives that offer potential buisness opportunities for Ontario clean technology firms.
Participate in breakout sessions that will give your company relevant and strategic competitive information needed to seize these opportunities.
FEATURING, The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development & Trade; The Honourable Iris Evans, Alberta Minister of Interational and Intergovernmental Relations; and, other key Alberta Cabinet Ministers.
RSVP to Amanda McHugh at 416-212-3880 or by email amanda.mchugh@ontario.ca by September 16, 2010
Visit this website for Ontario's Energy Connections
You are invested to attend a special session featuring senior Alberta oil sands experts and industry leaders.
Learn about key oil sands technology initiatives that offer potential buisness opportunities for Ontario clean technology firms.
Participate in breakout sessions that will give your company relevant and strategic competitive information needed to seize these opportunities.
FEATURING, The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development & Trade; The Honourable Iris Evans, Alberta Minister of Interational and Intergovernmental Relations; and, other key Alberta Cabinet Ministers.
RSVP to Amanda McHugh at 416-212-3880 or by email amanda.mchugh@ontario.ca by September 16, 2010
Visit this website for Ontario's Energy Connections
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
GLOBAL BUSINESS EXCHANGE - CME
September 30, 2010
Steam Whistle Brewing,
255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
Exploring new markets and international partnership opportunities is essential for business growth in today’s global economy. CME Ontario’s Global Business Exchange will provide you with the opportunity to exchange opinions and gain insight into trade and investment opportunities around the world.
AGENDA
2:00 pm Business Opportunities in Emerging Markets - Brazil, Russia, India and more
3:30 pm Managing Risks in Going Global
5:00 pm Been There. Done That - CEO Success Stories
6:00 – 8:00 pm Trade Show and Reception/ Steam Whistle Brewery Tours
Global Business Exchange flyer
Registration is required.
Steam Whistle Brewing,
255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
Exploring new markets and international partnership opportunities is essential for business growth in today’s global economy. CME Ontario’s Global Business Exchange will provide you with the opportunity to exchange opinions and gain insight into trade and investment opportunities around the world.
AGENDA
2:00 pm Business Opportunities in Emerging Markets - Brazil, Russia, India and more
3:30 pm Managing Risks in Going Global
5:00 pm Been There. Done That - CEO Success Stories
6:00 – 8:00 pm Trade Show and Reception/ Steam Whistle Brewery Tours
Global Business Exchange flyer
Registration is required.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium - FOOD SECTOR
Attention: Food & Beverage Sector Processors & Manufacturers, Supply Chain Management,
EMC Special Food Sector Manufacturing Networking Event
Through EMC’s ‘Food Sector Manufacturing Network initiative’, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium and Ontario’s Ministry Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) are helping Food and Beverage Processors/Manufacturers across Ontario to enhance global competitiveness, protect jobs and engage leading-edge professional peer-to-peer knowledge networks, manufacturing training, next generation web 2.0 online networking and labour-pool building initiatives.
“Supply Chain Management” is a Strategic Interest Group (SIG) Event open to all Food and Beverage Companies and those directly supplying manufactured product to this Industry. Our Guest Speakers and our Hosts for these special cross-Province Sessions look forward to welcoming you!
Events happening in September - Visit EMC's Food Sector Website for more information on this group
Taken from an email from EMC, August 20, 2010
EMC Special Food Sector Manufacturing Networking Event
Through EMC’s ‘Food Sector Manufacturing Network initiative’, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium and Ontario’s Ministry Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) are helping Food and Beverage Processors/Manufacturers across Ontario to enhance global competitiveness, protect jobs and engage leading-edge professional peer-to-peer knowledge networks, manufacturing training, next generation web 2.0 online networking and labour-pool building initiatives.
“Supply Chain Management” is a Strategic Interest Group (SIG) Event open to all Food and Beverage Companies and those directly supplying manufactured product to this Industry. Our Guest Speakers and our Hosts for these special cross-Province Sessions look forward to welcoming you!
Events happening in September - Visit EMC's Food Sector Website for more information on this group
Taken from an email from EMC, August 20, 2010
TOURISM - CHINA MARKET POTENTIAL FOR THE AREA
This is a summary from Muskoka Tourism after a recent workshop in Toronto about this market.
During the recent G8 event, an Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement was formally signed between China and Canada. While still tightly controlled and heavily regulated, ADS makes it somewhat easier for mainland Chinese residents to visit Canada. Over the years, China has signed approx 135 ADS agreements with other countries.
Recently, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership organized an excellent presentation that discussed the inbound market potential from China.
READER’S DIGEST VERSION
· If you are comfortable working with the travel trade, developing inbound business from China is not a big leap. However, the business model is different and requires careful due diligence. Please review the presentation material from the Canadian Inbound Tourism Association and Henry Yau, VP, TPI-Silkway.
· Canada is considered a long haul destination and perceived as expensive. Chinese consumers are price sensitive.
· ADS has opened up potential business from meetings, conventions, incentive travel and events. (Think about the 16,000 Amway sales representatives from mainland China who recently visited Australia for 7 days on an incentive trip).
MARKET POTENTIAL
· China’s population is 1.3 billion people with 1/3 of the people living in urban centres and 2/3 in rural areas.
· The gap between rich and poor is widening. Approx. 5% of the population holds 50% of the country’s savings.
· It is estimated that China’s middle class is expected account for 40% of the population by 2030.
· Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong region are key geographic markets.
BRAND RECOGNIITION
· Canada fares reasonably well. Pre ADS, Canada ranked 5th out 10 countries in unaided destination awareness and 3rd in unaided destination consideration.
· The top four travel motivators for Chinese visitors include: beautiful scenery; vibrant cities close to nature: observing wildlife in their natural habitat: and visiting national parks/protected areas. This is an excellent fit with Muskoka’s product.
· Chinese consumers respond well to high end, luxury status products. Please note increase in visitation to France post ADS in 2004 (slide 20).
LIFT
Since ADS, air service between mainland China and Canada is improving:
· Air Canada – offering double daily Beijing/Shanghai-Toronto as well as Beijing/Shanghai – Vancouver service.
· Air China – increase flights from daily Beijing/Vancouver to 10 a week. Addition of Beijing/Toronto service in 2011
· Hainan Airlines – new possible 3 flights per week Beijing/Toronto.
· China Eastern- new possible daily service in peak time travel times.
· China Southern- new possible service for 2011.
SALES CHAIN
The sales chain is short, highly regulated and requires an ongoing, long term commitment:
Consumers
· All Chinese consumers must deal with approved retail travel agencies and tour operators based in China. This link provides a list of 465 approved retail outlets and tour operators in China http://en.cnta.gov.cn/TravelInChina/Forms/TravelInChina/TravelAgencies.aspx
· Each Chinese visitor must post a personal bond equivalent to $12,000 before he/she can leave the country.
· Each Chinese visitor must follow a strict visa process.
Chinese Tour Operators
· All approved outbound Chinese tour operators must deal with an approved inbound Canadian Receptive Tour Operator (RTO).
Canadian Receptive Tour Operators (RTO)
· All inbound RTOs are being accredited by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. See this link for accreditation process http://www.tiac.travel/china/
· Click on this link for information about the 16 accredited RTOs in Canada as of August 2010 http://www.tiac.travel/china/accredited.htm
SUMMARY
· In the short term, China represents a medium size international market for Ontario with strong annual growth.
· Opportunity to create Toronto/Muskoka/Ottawa/Niagara long haul tour packages. Build on the affinity with Dr. Norman Bethune.
· ADS has cleared the way to implement marketing programs aimed Chinese consumers through approved Chinese tour operators.
· Follow the lead of the Canadian Tourism Commission and OTMP as they develop in-market campaigns.
· Develop strong relationships with approved RTOs in Canada promoting Muskoka experiences.
During the recent G8 event, an Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement was formally signed between China and Canada. While still tightly controlled and heavily regulated, ADS makes it somewhat easier for mainland Chinese residents to visit Canada. Over the years, China has signed approx 135 ADS agreements with other countries.
Recently, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership organized an excellent presentation that discussed the inbound market potential from China.
READER’S DIGEST VERSION
· If you are comfortable working with the travel trade, developing inbound business from China is not a big leap. However, the business model is different and requires careful due diligence. Please review the presentation material from the Canadian Inbound Tourism Association and Henry Yau, VP, TPI-Silkway.
· Canada is considered a long haul destination and perceived as expensive. Chinese consumers are price sensitive.
· ADS has opened up potential business from meetings, conventions, incentive travel and events. (Think about the 16,000 Amway sales representatives from mainland China who recently visited Australia for 7 days on an incentive trip).
MARKET POTENTIAL
· China’s population is 1.3 billion people with 1/3 of the people living in urban centres and 2/3 in rural areas.
· The gap between rich and poor is widening. Approx. 5% of the population holds 50% of the country’s savings.
· It is estimated that China’s middle class is expected account for 40% of the population by 2030.
· Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong region are key geographic markets.
BRAND RECOGNIITION
· Canada fares reasonably well. Pre ADS, Canada ranked 5th out 10 countries in unaided destination awareness and 3rd in unaided destination consideration.
· The top four travel motivators for Chinese visitors include: beautiful scenery; vibrant cities close to nature: observing wildlife in their natural habitat: and visiting national parks/protected areas. This is an excellent fit with Muskoka’s product.
· Chinese consumers respond well to high end, luxury status products. Please note increase in visitation to France post ADS in 2004 (slide 20).
LIFT
Since ADS, air service between mainland China and Canada is improving:
· Air Canada – offering double daily Beijing/Shanghai-Toronto as well as Beijing/Shanghai – Vancouver service.
· Air China – increase flights from daily Beijing/Vancouver to 10 a week. Addition of Beijing/Toronto service in 2011
· Hainan Airlines – new possible 3 flights per week Beijing/Toronto.
· China Eastern- new possible daily service in peak time travel times.
· China Southern- new possible service for 2011.
SALES CHAIN
The sales chain is short, highly regulated and requires an ongoing, long term commitment:
Consumers
· All Chinese consumers must deal with approved retail travel agencies and tour operators based in China. This link provides a list of 465 approved retail outlets and tour operators in China http://en.cnta.gov.cn/TravelInChina/Forms/TravelInChina/TravelAgencies.aspx
· Each Chinese visitor must post a personal bond equivalent to $12,000 before he/she can leave the country.
· Each Chinese visitor must follow a strict visa process.
Chinese Tour Operators
· All approved outbound Chinese tour operators must deal with an approved inbound Canadian Receptive Tour Operator (RTO).
Canadian Receptive Tour Operators (RTO)
· All inbound RTOs are being accredited by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. See this link for accreditation process http://www.tiac.travel/china/
· Click on this link for information about the 16 accredited RTOs in Canada as of August 2010 http://www.tiac.travel/china/accredited.htm
SUMMARY
· In the short term, China represents a medium size international market for Ontario with strong annual growth.
· Opportunity to create Toronto/Muskoka/Ottawa/Niagara long haul tour packages. Build on the affinity with Dr. Norman Bethune.
· ADS has cleared the way to implement marketing programs aimed Chinese consumers through approved Chinese tour operators.
· Follow the lead of the Canadian Tourism Commission and OTMP as they develop in-market campaigns.
· Develop strong relationships with approved RTOs in Canada promoting Muskoka experiences.
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