CLEAN TECH - OIL SANDS OPPORTUNITY

Investments in the oil sands plunged almost 40 per cent during the 2008-09 freeze, but are slated to return with a vengeance. There has been a decade of growth in oil sands; forecast expects spending to peak at 20% above the most recent boom. Investment in Alberta's oil sands is set to reach $180 billion over the next decade, peaking at 20 per cent more than spent at the height of the last boom. BMO Capital forecasts $20 billion worth of oil sands investment this year and a peak of $29.9 billion by 2015.

Strong and sustained oil prices in the $75-to $90-US-per-barrel range and increased interest from deep-pocketed foreign investors such as state-owned PetroChina and France's Total are leading the charge in renewed interest in the resources. Service and pipeline companies also have benefited from the rising activity in the oil sands, welcoming the influx of cash while at the same time anticipating increased competition for workers. The oil sands services-and-maintenance area is gearing up for another big push in late 2011 or early 2012.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade will continue to support long-term partnerships for Ontario manufacturers and suppliers across the range of Canada’s energy supply chains.

We invite you to join our Ontario delegation to participate in the NBSF 2011 Program with the theme “Creating Green Opportunities Through Innovative Partnerships” starting March 29th through March 31st in Edmonton. The complete program is available on the website and the event brochure can be viewed at http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/econdev/ed_downloads/oilsands_NBSF2011_%20brochure.pdf

There is also the opportunity for 120 registered delegates to participate as well in a tour of the Fort McMurray area and Suncor’s Oil Sands facility. More information will be provided shortly.

Registration can be completed using the event website: www.nationalbuyersellerforum.ca/register/index.html;

Should you require additional information, please contact Rick Grandin at 416-325-6864 or by e-mail at richard.grandin@ontario.ca

FREE WORKSHOP - RECRUIT & ENGAGE A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

This informative half-day workshop is designed to help businesses learn how to recruit and engage a diverse workforce. With a focus on the tourism sector, employers and industry stakeholders will learn the value and effectiveness of a diverse workforce, and how by leveraging diversity, can increase the engagement and productivity of their teams. Benefits of diversity, removing barriers, and conquering communication challenges will be discussed as participants explore ways to recruit internationally trained individuals; while gaining useful tools and best practises to help create a successful workplace.

 This workshop is brought to you through a partnership with ACCES Employment Services; Citizenship and Immigration Canada; Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and Ontario Tourism EducationCorporation (OTEC). The registration value is $249.00, thanks to our partners we are able to provide these workshops free of charge; only a completed registration form is required to attend.

Contact Debbie Singh 416-622-1975 Ext. 235 or by email dsingh@otec.org or register online at www.otec.org

March 3 - Windsor; March 9 - Kingston; March 10 - Ottawa

On-line Information for Business

Did you know that Industry Canada along with its Provincial Partners have consolidated the "old" Canada-Ontario Business Centre to Canada Business?

There are links to information on funding, import/export, taxes, selling to government, and on and on - lots of great resources including this cool blog article on QR codes

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/blog/entry/6352/

Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

Typically held on the last Monday of every month, this event is a great opportunity to meet fellow business people and make great contacts.

If you are not a member, businesses can attend with an existing member or, for up to three times without obtaining a membership.  However, if you like what you see and who you meet at these events - why not become a member of YOUR LOCAL Chamber of Commerce!

This month's BAH will be at Boston Pizza on February 28th.

For more information contact Marny or John at the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce  705-645-5231 or http://www.bracebridgechamber.com/

OCE FIRST JOB FUND - R & D - Science, Tech & Entrepreneurship Grads

Ontario Centres of Excellence's (OCE's) First Job program connects talented graduates with growing companies across Ontario that need research and development (R&D) to stay globally competitive. Graduates begin promising careers and employers benefit from enthusiastic researchers. It's a win-win for Ontario.

Ontario's innovators are an invaluable resource, essential to the stability and prosperity of the provincial economy. However, the transition from academic study to industry is not always smooth, especially in difficult economic times.

OCE's First Job program helps Ontario companies hire knowledgeable, highly skilled graduates from Ontario colleges and universities. Employment opportunities are in R & D with the goal of developing new products, services and processes, giving host companies the chance to expand their capabilities.

Across Ontario, leaders of the innovation economy are hiring science, technology, and entrepreneurship graduates through the First Job program, making Ontario a more attractive place to start a career.

Deadline for application is April 1, 2011 

For more information and application, visit the website

WORKSHOP - MARCH 2ND - FINDING & KEEPING THE RIGHT PEOPLE

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and RBC present Alan Kearns, Finding, Leading and Keeping the Right People

Alan Kearns is Canada's Career Coach and CareerJoy founder, Workopolis career expert, Chapters/Indigo Trusted Advisor and author, and is one of Canada's leading authorities on career management issues.

Alan will be discussing:
The key changing trends in the economy and employee mindsets
The 2 most important elements in managing change
How to best engage colleagues, partners, clients, and stakeholders
Cultivating your creative and innovative ideas in an organization
Building confidence and cohesiveness within your team
How to foster environments of integrity and respect


Date:  Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Time:  5:30 p.m.
Location:  Partners Hall, 37 Main St., E., Huntsville


People are the key to a great company, according to research by the Hay Group, turnover costs on average 50% of the salary for an hourly worker, 1.5 times the salary for a manager or professional and 2 times the salary for a senior level executive.  People are not capital, resources or talent, they are complex, unique and challenging.  Join Alan Kearns founder of CareerJoy - Canada's National Leadership & Coaching Company as he shares the latest research & strategies on the human side of business.


For more information or to register for this seminar please contact Terri at the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce:

705-789-4771 ext. 21 or chamber@huntsvillelakeofbays.on.ca

Workshop - March 10th - Understanding costs & setting the right prices

Hosted by !nnovation Muskoka
Speaker is Donna Douglas, Donna Douglas Communications, Barrie

Bring a calculator & pencil, plus the approximate total monthly costs for operating your business AND your household.  Be prepared to learn how to cost and price your buinsess for a profitable return.

Thursday March 10
Nipissing University
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Register by March 3 to marilyndelang@sympatico.ca

Sponsored by Muskoka Futures

CHAMBER & BUSINESS EVENTS

Looking to get engaged in the business community in Bracebridge or simply looking for opportunities to learn and network, check out the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce's Chamber & Business Events' Listings.

RT0 12 CONSULTATION IN BRACEBRIDGE - FEBRUARY 18TH

Attention Tourism Organizations and all business owners interested in tourism promotion, development, marketing and training:

You are invited to attend one of the regional consultation sessions in your area to learn more about the organization and make recommendations concerning tourism industry priorities and programs for RTO 12.

RTO 12 Region Consultation Session

February 18, 2011

Time: 3pm - 5pm

Location: Bracebridge, Nipissing University Classroom 1 - 125 Wellington St.

SEMINAR - UNCOVER HIDDEN ASSETS - February 8, 2011

Innovation Muskoka FREE Educational Seminar from Muskoka Futures: Uncover the hidden assets that drive performance and profit!

Location:  Nipissing University - Muskoka Campus
Date:  7:30 - 9:30 pm February,08,11

Dr. Dusty Papke, an accomplished speaker and educator, brings his extensive experience to busiensses of all sectors & sizes.

Muskoka Futures,
Marilyn de Lang (705) 689-8831 marilyndelang@sympatico.ca

Disney Institute - Approach to Business Excellence - March 10th

On March 10, 2011, the Labour Market Group is bringing the Disney Institute to Parry Sound to register follow this link.

Attention Tourism Attractions - RTO 12 Meetings

Regional Tourism Organization 12 - Attractions Marketing Information Session

Wednesday February 2nd, 2011 (missed this one)
9:30 – 11:30 am
Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre
185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst

OR

Thursday February 10th, 2011
9:30 – 11:30 am
West Parry Sound District Museum
17 George Street, Parry Sound

The meetings have been designed to introduce you to RTO12, to develop strong partnerships and to coordinate attractions in the region.

Each meeting will include:
· The plans being considered for attractions in the region;
· Ways for you to become involved with the RTO12 Attractions Committee;
· A presentation on Social Media and how you can take advantage of this RTO12 lead program to support your marketing efforts;
· An opportunity to meet with some of the key players and attraction partners in RTO12.

One of our goals is to double tourism receipts by 2020. To accomplish this we are looking for interested individuals to participate on an RTO12 Attractions Committee to help develop future plans and shape attractions in RTO12.

Who We Are:
Regional Tourism Organization 12 (RTO12) is one of the 13 RTO’s set in place by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture to identify and implement regional priorities allowing for more consistent marketing of tourism in Ontario. Region 12 coverage area includes Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Georgian Bay Country,
Muskoka and the Township of South Algonquin.

Our Mandates:
Our mandates are: leadership and strategic planning, developing strong partnerships and collaboration, investment attractions, innovation, marketing, workforce development and skills training.

For more information:
Phone: 705-645-2512
Email: info@santasvillage.ca
Website: http://www.rto12.ca/