Downtown Businesses Attracting Last Minute Shoppers

A group of local business in Downtown Bracebridge are teaming up to welcome that crowd of last minute Christmas Shoppers - yes, you know who you are!

Get all your shopping done on the 23rd to beat those crazy crowds on December 24th.  Visit downtown Bracebridge on Friday December 23^rd from 6pm-12am for Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping Night.

Several of the shops have indicated they will remain open late this coming Friday.

If you have not completed your shopping yet have no worries come out tomorrow night.

Ontario Construction Mission to Japan & Korea

The Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, along with Canadian Embassies in Seoul and Tokyo, Consulate in Nagoya and Trade offices in Kitakyushu and Sapporo, invite you to participate in an Ontario Construction Mission to Japan and Korea. The mission will exhibit at the Architecture + Construction Material 2012 at Tokyo. Prior to the exhibition, the mission will visit selected cities in Korea and Japan for business development purpose.

Should you work in construction field (building material, energy efficiency technology etc.) and have interested in the opportunity, please contact Wenbo Pan, Area Director: Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, International Trade Branch, Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation. Wenbo can be reached at wenbo.pan@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-325-6782.

MISSION ITINERARY


Program in South Korea* (optional) Feb 28-29 Seoul
Program in Japan March 1-9 Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo
(Please find itinerary detail attached)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND PARTICIPATION FEE

December 16, 2011 (Friday) $1,200 per company
Limited show space available. Higher participation fee apply for registrations later than December 16th.

Tabitha's moves from "Uptown" to "Downtown"

Tabitha's Performance Wear has moved to 45 Manitoba Street in Bracebridge.  Mayor Smith and Tabitha are seen below cutting the ribbon at the official Grand Opening held on December 2, 2011.  In addition, Mayor Smith presented owner Tabitha Pearson with a Congratulatory Plaque from the Town of Bracebridge

Visit their website for more information about the store.

In celebration of the grand opening Tabitha is running a unique contest right now.  Pointe shoes have been decorated by many of the store's retail neighbours.  Here's a couple of pictures from of the decorated shoes -

drop in - have a look - make your guess as to which store decorated which shoes - you could win $50 gift certificate.

Bracebridge BIA Coordinator Brings X-mas Downtown

Meet Tracy Larkman.  She is the Administrative Coordinator for the Bracebridge BIA.  Every year at this time you will find Tracy doing some interesting work.  On the day of this photo Tracy is delivering donation boxes to each member of the BIA.  The group collects donations for the Bracebridge Out of the Cold Program - visitors/customers can choose to drop money in the boxes for this worthy cause. 

Just a couple of days before this picture was taken, Tracy would have been found "bagging" parking metres for the Christmas season.  Parking for the month of December is free and the BIA (Tracy) places decorative bags over each of the metres.

Just knowing the amount of work that goes into getting the area ready for Christmas - how can you not shop downtown!

First Year of Successful Business Celebrated on November 26th!

Liz and Harold Walker celebrated a successful first year in business this week.  The couple own and operate Bliss Boutique, a ladies clothing and fashion accessory store, located at 63 Manitoba Street, Downtown Bracebridge. 

Mayor Graydon Smith, Liz and Harold Walker, owners of Bliss Boutique

Mayor Smith, Jen Skinner, Liz Walker, Harol Walker, Don Skinner
The Walker's are the owners of Bliss Boutique,
the Skinner's are the building owner at 63 Manitoba Street, Downtown Bracebridge

Save Money By Saving Energy

If you are hoping to save money check out this seminar in Bracebridge presented by Lakeland Power.

November 22, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location Muskoka Riverside Inn, Salon A, 300 Ecclestone Dr., Bracebridge

Complimentary Breakfast Seminar regarding Conservation Programs. Presented by Lakeland Power.   Cost Free. Includes continental breakfast.

This session is complimentary, but you must RSVP by calling the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce (705) 645-5231 or email  For more information on the programs please reivew this brochure.

LOCAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY - FEDERAL DEFENCE CONTRACTS

FedNor will be hosting Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) Policy information/networking sessions in January. This policy requires the successful proponents are large contracts to source Canadian goods/products.  The group is creating a list of businesses in Northern Ontario that could potentially fit into the supply chain of these defence companies. Contact Cheryl at the Town Office for more information 705-645-5264.

YWCA MUSKOKA - Enterprising Women Presents Social Media Seminar

YWCA Muskoka will be hosting a Social Media Workshop & Seminar on November 24th.  For more details on how to register follow this link

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED LAST WEEK

The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce held its 18th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards & Luncheon on Thurs. Nov. 10th, 2011, at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre for Youth.

Nine Awards were presented to individuals and businesses that were voted the best in their category by Bracebridge Chamber members.

THOSE WINNERS WERE:

Sweet Aroma Cupcakes & Boutique Bakery won the NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD. Accepting for Sweet Aroma was owner Kristie Newman. This award was sponsored by OFFICEWorks and presented by owner Dianna Stevenson.

Adam Godard of Bracebridge Source for Sports won the YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD. Adam accepted the award. This award was sponsored by RBC Royal Bank and presented by Barb Hunter.

Muskoka Brewery won the BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD. Accepting was Gary McMullen and Bob MacDonald. This award was sponsored by TD Canada Trust and presented by Bank Manager Mark Harris.

Ecclestone Cycle & Swim won the OUTSTANDING RETAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD. Owners Ian and Allison Dawes accepted the award. This award was sponsored by The Muskoka Staffing Company Ltd. and presented by owner Kelly MacDuff.

Len’s Carpet Cleaning won the HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD. Owner Len McDougall accepted the award. This award was sponsored by Scotiabank and presented by Rosemary Featherstone.

For the 2nd year in a row Community Living South Muskoka won for SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR. Accepting for Community Living was Board Chair Gord Haugh. This award was sponsored by Ruth Bell-Towns, BDO Canada LLP and presented by Ruth Bell-Towns.

Jackie Randall of Maple Lane Farms won the FEMALE BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD. Jackie accepted the award. This award was also sponsored by CIBC Small Business and presented by Nicolette Rushton.

Min Soo Kim of Wabora Fusion Japanese Steak House won the MALE BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD. Daniel Kim accepted the award on Min Soo’s behalf. This award was sponsored by Carolyn’s Comfort Homes and presented by Carole Fallon.

Don Skinner of Skinner Properties won the OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRACEBRIDGE AWARD. This award was sponsored by the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce and presented by Chamber President David Powley.

DETECTING COUNTERFIT MONEY SEMINAR

Hosted by the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce & Muskoka Small Business Centre

Thursday December 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Nipissing University Classrrom #2
125 Wellington Street Bracebridge

Cost is $10 per person - Check out the flyer for more information

SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP & SEMINAR - NOVEMBER 23RD, 2011

The Muskoka Small Business Center & Muskoka Tourism Marketing Association presents

Discover the Power of Social Media!   Seminar & Interactive Workshop

Where: Seminar—Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street, Bracebridge ; Workshop—MCN Business and Technology Centre, 400 Ecclestone Dr. Bracebridge

When:   November 23, 2011: Seminar: 9:00 am — 12:00 pm ; Workshop: 1:30 pm — 4:30 pm

To Register: contact Muskoka Small Business Centre 705-646-9021: info@muskokasmallbusiness.ca:

Seminar Details

What’s hot with Social Media - Including Tips & Tricks on how to Measure and Manage It
There is no doubt about it, social media is here to stay. As business professionals, our challenge is how to fit it in to an already full day. Our speaker Sofie Andreou will be talking about how to fundamentally set up and benefit from social media and how to manage it effectively.

You will learn:
• Best practices
• What’s hot in social media
• What works and what doesn't in social media
• How to mange your time effectively
• How to measure your social media impact


Workshop Details

Hands on workshop: Facebook, Twitter & Measurement tools for your business
Bring your laptops, this is not a lecture.
• Set up your business’s Professional Facebook & Twitter Accounts
• Get your website links
• Practice posting
• See how to grow your base
• Set up your Auto Updates Tools
• Step by step instructions on how to use Social Media Measurement Tools

Seminar is Conducted by: Sofie Andreou, author of “Leveraging the Power of the Internet”
Sofie Andreou B. Sc., M.Eng

Sofie Andreou has created and delivered popular and sought after business seminars and series workbooks. She delivers seminars to over a hundred businesses a month on social media and lectures at Trent University. She is a recognized leader in the international economic development and online business communities. Sofie holds an Honours Degree in Computer Sci-ence from the University of Windsor, and a Masters in Engineering, Infor-mation Systems, from the University of Toronto.

Construction Continues on Local Projects

Battlefield Equipment Rentals building on Ecclestone Drive is progressing steadily now that the building components have arrived.  This photo was taken on November 1st.  Opening should be in early 2012.

Castle Peak Retirement Residence construction is also progressing well.  Here is a link to the master plan for the complex.  New residents are expecting to move in later in November.  Contact them for information.

Busy and Successful Week in Bracebridge

Here are some photos from this week in business in Bracebridge.

First was a great Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours held at Camp Muskoka. In the pictures the main building and two of our local business owners Steve Low and Greg Hammond (who are still doing business electronically at the event).

Next was a fabulous night for business women from Downtown Bracebridge. Both Mae Brazier (Campbell's/The ice Cream Shoppe) and Elizabeth Palmer (Fine Thymes) were nominated as Women of Distinction in the Business and Entrepreneurship Category. Shown in the picture is Mae Brazier/Campbell.

On Saturday morning the Grand Opening of Nipissing University's Student Residence ceremony was held. Here are a variety of photos from that event.

Bracebridge is "on the map" in Toronto

Bracebridge is "on the map" thanks to Muskoka Cottage Brewery!  Canyon Creek, a downtown Toronto restaurant is running an autumn promotion focussing on their use of Ontario produce in their meals.  Muskoka Cottage Brewery's Harvest Ale is a featured prominently on the menu.  Patrons entering the restaurant are greeted with this "LOCAL HARVEST" poster that outlines the origins of the various ingredients used in the promotion. 

Energy Conservation Programs

Have you checked out the various programs that may be availalbe for your home or business?  Here's a link to the Energy Conservation section of Lakeland Power's website.  Follow the various links to programs that can help you save energy & money.

True North Printed Plastics Grand Opening

Rick and Andrew Struthers and the staff of True North Printed Plastics were joined by MP Tony Clement, MPP Norm Miller, District Chairman John Klinck, Mayor Graydon Smith along with other members of the business community, family and friends on Saturday, October 22nd for their grand opening.  The address for True North is 53 EP Lee Drive, Bracebridge, ON

Signage within the Town of Bracebridge

The Town's Sign By-law was updated in 2010 to reflect the changing realities in signage options.  Here is a link to the by-law.  Schedule A on Page 28 is particularly helpful in providing a summarized table of various aspects of the regulations.  As well, the definition pages starting on page 2 can help you identify the type of sign that you may be considering. 

Businesses should also be aware that if your business fronts on a District of Muskoka Road, such as Manitoba Street, Taylor Road, Cedar Lane or Wellington Street, that your proposed sign must also meet the requirements of the District of Muskoka Sign By-law.

If you have any questions, contact the Town's Building Department at 705-645-5264.

Small Business Week Workshop - Accessibility Standards

The Muskoka Small Business Centre and the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce are hosting an Accessibility Standards Workshop on Thurs. Oct. 20th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Town of Bracebridge Council Chambers.

Workshop Details

Starting January 1st, 2012, all business must be in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This workshop will help business owners understand the requirements of the AODA and how it will affect their day to day operations.


This workshop will cover the following topics:

• An overview of the AODA— an emphasis will be placed on customer service; structural changes are not a part of the upcoming deadline
• What is considered a disability?
• What barriers exist that might prevent a person with a disability from accessing your services?
• A detailed examination of the Policies and Procedures template that can be modified for your business needs
• Questions and Answers

Conducted by: Steve Abouldahab, Certified AODA Advisor

Pre-registration and advance payment Required. Maximum 25 People.

Register Early! Registration Fee $10

To register: contact the Muskoka Small Business Centre 705-646-9021 or info@muskokasmallbusiness.ca.

Upcoming Workshops for Employers - ROE's & Employment Standards

 Streamline your payroll system & learn about electronic ROE's!  HOW TO PREPARE AN ROE (Record of Employment) Workshop to be held on October 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Louise Therrien, Citizen Service Specialist, Service Canada


Workplace Rights and Responsibilities Workshop to be held on October 26th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Glenn Goodwin, Employment Standards Officer, Ministry of Labour, Employment Standards.


To sign up contact Northern Lights Canada in Bracebridge - 705-646-0475, Email:  bracebridge@northernlightscanada.ca

Business Achievement Awards - Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce

The 18th Annual Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held:

Date: Thursday November 10th, 2011
Time: 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm
Location: Bracebridge Rotary Centre for Youth

Reservations: $45.00 per person. Call (705) 645-5231 today to reserve your place.  Join us as we celebrate excellence in our business community!

For more information visit the Chamber's website

Manufacturing Opportunity: Meet Home Depot's Buyers

Opportunity to Meet the Buyer

The first Meet the Buyer event was held in London, Ontario on December 13, 2010 with excellent results! On November 24, 2011, the second Meet the Buyer event will be held in Kanata, Ontario. SME manufacturers with innovative home improvement products or technologies are invited to apply.

Qualified manufacturers of promising products will be invited to the event and given the opportunity to:

• Pitch their product to a buyer from The Home Depot Canada
• Showcase their product to members of The Home Depot's Merchandising Team, including Senior Leadership, in a tradeshow style environment
• Attend presentations given by senior representatives of The Home Depot Canada, the Ontario Government and others
• Network and share experiences with key representatives from The Home Depot Canada, the Governments of Ontario and Quebec as well as fellow innovative product manufacturers
• Develop valuable knowledge related to the requirements of doing business with a large retailer such as The Home Depot

 There are no fees to apply or to attend the Meet the Buyer event

Manufacturers are invited to apply and complete a qualifying questionnaire online until October 31, 2011

 

REGISTER NOW

 

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) is working with The Home Depot on an
opportunity that will be of interest to small and medium enterprise (SME) manufacturers across Ontario.

The goal is to assist SME manufacturers to bring commercially viable, innovative, retail-focused products to market. Known as the "Innovation for Sustainability Pilot Project", Home Depot is looking for qualified SME manufacturers with environmentally preferred home improvement products or technologies

The Innovation for Sustainability program is a partnership between The Home Depot, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Quebec Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, and Summerhill

For more information, please contact:

Rick Grandin, Manager Business Development
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Business Advisory Services
56 Wellesley Street West
4th Floor, Room 426
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E7
(416) 325-6864
E-mail: richard.grandin@ontario.ca

Ergonomics Symposium 2011

Have you ever wanted to know about how to protect your back when you are lifting, repetitive strain injuries or office ergonomics?

Come join us on October 27th for our ERGONOMICS SYMPOSIUM at the Turner Centre in Bracebridge.

Turner Centre, 120 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge
October 27, 2011
8:30 am—12:00 pm
Learn about:

• Protecting your back
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Office Ergonomics

Occupational Health clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.
Sudbury, 84 Cedar Street, 2nd Floor
Contact Trevor Schell at 1‐800‐461‐7120 or tschell@ohcow.on.ca

Implement Health & Safety in Your Workplace - Lunch & Learn - Orillia

Health & Safety in the Workplace is your Business!

This forum will provide your organization with information and tools to implement Health & Safety in your Workplace.

EVENT DATE: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
 

LOCATION: Best Western Marisposa Inn & Conference Centre, 400 Memorial Avenue, Orillia
 

11:30 am – Lunch
12:00 pm – Keynote Speaker: Gary Green, Task Force General Safety Officer, CFB Base Borden
12:45-1:30 pm – Health & Safety Trainer Providers on-site booths available.
 

Highlights
- Find out what you need to know
- Find out about staff Training from local providers
- Receive a Free copy of the Health & Safety in the Workplace – A Guide to Get you Started
 

RSVP by: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
 

CherieAnne Young 705-725-1011 cherieanne@labourtrends.ca
 

Presented to you by the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board

Small Business Week Breakfast - North Bay

The Labour Market Group, in partnership with the North Bay Newcomer Network and the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend our upcoming breakfast session with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Rick Miner, author of “People Without Jobs, Jobs Without People:  Ontario’s Labour Market Future.” Dr. Miner’s presentation will consider the dual trends of an aging population and the need for a more educated workforce.  The consequence of these events occurring simultaneously is frightening.  Unless they are proactively addressed, increased labour shortages and higher levels of unemployment will result. There is also further discussion about how the negative impact of these trends can be avoided, a direction for preparing for the jobs of the future, and the role that institutions, governments and businesses will need to take in both these processes.

Please join us for breakfast and presentation looking at the implications of an aging population and how this reality creates both a problem and an opportunity.

Tuesday October 18, 2011
Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre
700 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay

7:30am Registration and Breakfast
8:00am Opening Remarks
Keynote address to follow

To register for this event, please call the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce at 705-472-8480 or email nbcc@northbaychamber.com

RTO 12 - REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Here's a set of link for quick access to information about RTO 12 or as more recently named "Explorer's Edge"

What is RTO 12?
http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/regions/regions.shtml

What is RTO 12 doing or planning to do?
http://explorersedge.ca/current-projects

What is the "brand" image mean?  (This is a link to the launch presentation)
http://explorersedge.ca/files/documents_2011-08-18_fac1f/file/thursdaymorningbrandwebinar.pdf

Who to contact:
http://explorersedge.ca/contact

Sign up for a newsletter
http://explorersedge.ca/e-news

Muskoka's First Storefront Business Incubator Open

Youth INC.ubator is a brand new entrepreneurship development program aimed at young people throughout Muskoka between the ages of 15 to 29. It is funded by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade through their Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program, and delivered by Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) with the support of a number of community partners, notably the Town of Bracebridge.

The Aim of Youth INC.ubator is to raise awareness of entrepreneurship as a career option for young people and to create opportunities for youth to contribute to the economic growth of Muskoka. The program will support young entrepreneurs in their efforts to start and run their own year round business by providing:

• A subsidized business location that will house several businesses under one roof
• Marketing and promotional support to participating businesses
• Business training for participating businesses
• Access to mentorship through a community mentoring group
• A staff member on-site to oversee operations of the business location
• Ongoing support and guidance provided by MSBC staff
• Access to a micro-financing program
• A flexible schedule allowing young entrepreneurs to work outside their business if necessary

Business Owner, Alissa of the Wooly Owl, gets interviewed by Amy for TV Cogeco



Business Owners, Joey from Brunner Photography,
Alissa from Wooly Owl, Anna from Frankie's Baby Boutique talking with Mayor Graydon Smith



The food for the event was provided by Nicole from PICNICS

The Grand Opening of the Youth Inc.ubator Marketplace took place on Friday, September 30th.  Current the Marketplace is home to 6 businesses. 

If you know of any young entrepreneurs who could benefit from this program contact Dave at the Muskoka Small Business Centre 705-646-9021.

Snap Fitness Bracebridge Opens

Bracebridge now has a 24 hour, 7 day per week fitness facility.  It is located at 505 Highway 118 West - near the Zellers Store in the former Purple Pig location.

Owner Sanford (Sandy) Long along with his staff Melissa and Jared held their Grand Opening on Saturday, October 1st.  Many club members and family participating with them in celebrating this event.

Mayor Graydon Smith helped in the Grand Opening. 

For more information visit their website

SAVOUR MUSKOKA NEWSLETTER

Here is a link to Savour Muskoka's recent newsletter.  If you are in any type of food business or if you are a local food grower/producer, this group specializes in your industry.  Check out their website to learn more. 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - RTO 12 ISSUES RFP'S

Regional Tourism Organization 12 issued a number of RFPs for project this week.  For each project, click on the link to get to the documentation.   Digital Signage Program, Marketing Services, Photography Services, Google Adword Campaign and Video Vignette Production.

In addition RTO 12 has issued an expression of interest for Bookkeeping Services.

Attention Muskoka Tourism Members - Sail & Learn About Social Media

An invitation for all our members,


Muskoka Tourism is proud to host a complimentary End of Summer Boat Cruise aboard the Wenonah II. It will be a fun and informative cruise as we have asked Sofie Andreou to be our guest speaker. Sofie is an author and lecturer on how social media can boost your business.

Please RSVP so that we may accommodate everyone.

Please see the attachment and RSVP to info@muskokatourism.ca or call Pat at 1-800-267-9700.

Thanks and hope to see you on board.

Annie Williams Park rebuild - have you signed up to help?

Annie Williams Park will be undergoing a makeover on Saturday, September 10th, 2011.  For more information on how you can help visit the local website.  To register as a volunteer

Community Assessment Findings to come September 15, 2011

What are the first and lasting impressions a visitor has of Bracebridge? Is it easy to find their way around? Is there the right business mix, and are the places they're interested in visiting open the right hours? Does the local attitude make them feel welcome? Are there fun things to see and do, and is it easy to find out about what there is? Is Bracebridge a community that understands and is comfortable with its' identity?


The need to have answers to these questions is what prompted the Town of Bracebridge to contract with Roger Brooks of Destination Development, Inc. to conduct a Community Assessment.

Brooks will present the findings of his Assessment in a public workshop on Thursday, September 15th from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for Youth, 131 Wellington Street, Bracebridge.

The Assessment process included an evaluation of Bracebridge’s marketing efforts, what information is available on the Internet and how easily it is accessed, an appraisal of how easy it is to get to Bracebridge, and how easy it is to get around once in town. The Destination Development team also "secret shopped" area businesses including retail, food service and lodging as well as attractions and activities. The fast-paced, entertaining and multi-media filled workshop will include his evaluation of how Bracebridge stacks up against the competition and suggestions, tips and tricks that can bring spending to the area. Any shortcomings will be pointed out with good humor, and will be accompanied by concrete, doable ideas for improvement.

Over the past 25 years Roger Brooks and his award-winning Destination Development International (DDI) Team have assisted more than 800 communities around the world in their efforts to become outstanding destinations, great places to live, work, and to visit. The Destination Development, Inc. Community Assessment program is the forerunner of a number of initiatives that were identified in the 2008 Community-based Strategic Plan and Community Adjustment Plan including the development of a Downtown Development Strategy/Master Plan and a Tourism Opportunities Study for Woodchester Villa along with actions surrounding the Convention Hotel Study and a feasibility study for a School of the Arts.

To RSVP for the workshop or for more information on the Community Assessment, contact the Town of Bracebridge’s Economic Development Department at 705.645.5264 Ext. 227 or by email jharris@bracebridge.ca.

Attn 2012 Festival Organizers

Celebrate Ontario 2012 is now open for applications!

Celebrate Ontario is an annual program that helps new and existing festivals and events enhance their programs, activities and services. The program also supports bid and event hosting costs of major one-time events and festivals attracting out-of-province visitors through the Blockbuster category.

This support helps grow tourism in the province by making it easier for event organizers to offer new and improved experiences that will attract more tourists and increase visitor spending.

All organizers of festivals and events are invited to apply. Full details, including what''s eligible, how to apply, and when to apply are on the Ministry of Tourism and Culture''s website at: www.ontario.ca/celebrateontario.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local tourism advisor <http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/tourism/contactus_tourism.shtml> .


Cheryl Kelley, Director of Economic Development
Town of Bracebridge
705-645-5264

Medical Students Returning to Bracebridge

The Bracebridge Business Community is invited to the NOSM (Northern Ontario School of Medicine) Welcome Event 

DATE:    Tuesday, August 30, 2011

TIME:     12:30 p.m. Media Reception – Kerr Park

                 12:45 p.m. Community B.B.Q. - complimentary burgers and soft drinks

PLACE: Kerr Park, 130 Beaumont Drive, Bracebridge

  

We are welcoming seven, 3^rd year Medical Students from NOSM that are studying in either Sudbury or Thunder Bay.  Three will be placed in Bracebridge and four will be in Huntsville from August until April 2012. 

This is the 5^th year we’ve done this and the program has had success as the first graduates have begun practicing medicine.  At least one has returned to Muskoka full-time, i.e. Dr. Kim Forrester has set up practice at the Health Team office in Gravenhurst and at least one other grad is considering setting up in Muskoka.

RSVP to Jill Harris at Ext 227 or through email jharris@bracebridge.ca

MCN: Programs to assist with E-business & Technology Infrastructure

Muskoka Community Network (MCN) today announced that it is accepting new applications for its BEAM program.  The BEAM program (Broadband for E-business And Marketing) provides financial assistance to small and medium sized enterprises wanting to leverage E-business tools such as online payment systems and social media.  The program also provides assistance to businesses wanting to establish a presence on the web for the very first time.

Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/ebusiness/beam/

Eligible applicants may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including web design, development and implementation, to a maximum of $2,000.  The program is being made available for a limited time, while funds last.

  

In conjunction with this program, Muskoka Futures Development Corporation also has financing available for technology investments.  For more information, visit www.muskokafutures.ca/loaninfo.html

Further supporting small and medium sized enterprises, Muskoka Community Network recently announced the High-Speed Internet for Remote Areas program (Hi-SIRA) to help rural and remote businesses of Muskoka secure access to high speed internet by way of an extended antenna.  Eligible applicants to the Hi-SIRA program may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including external (to the dwelling) connectivity equipment or structures and installation fees, to a maximum of $1,000.

Hi-SIRA is being made available for a limited time, while funds last. Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/broadband/sira/  Hi-SIRA is not available to cottagers, private homes or hobby businesses.