Chamber chat

North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce
News Release

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CHAIR’S REMARKS

Vice President Derek Shogren in his remarks at the June board meeting suggested and encouraged members to consider taking a vacation “in your own backyard” this year. Mr. Shogren stated that “tourism is so important for our region and we may expect some challenges this year with the rising price of gas. We have a lot to offer in our own region and it might be time that we enjoy our own local fishing, Chief Commanda cruises, area museums, golf courses, hiking trails and special events such as Summer in the Park and North Rocks the Bay. My new motto today is “vacation in our own backyard”. The Chamber office has various brochures on area attractions, as well as the Near North Welcome guide to our region and “Things to See and Do” in our area. The Chamber office/Information Centre is open 7 days a week, so drop by and see all the things there is to do in our region.

Mr. Shogren also complimented the City as there is a lot of much needed construction around the city. Mr. Shogren stated “even though this does create some challenges for traffic, the infrastructure work is very necessary and I congratulate the City for keeping businesses informed on road closures and alternate routes throughout the summer, to prepare businesses for these improvements. I would encourage the City to keep up with continual updates for businesses and the Chamber would certainly welcome comments from the businesses that may be affected during the construction period.”

PRESENTATIONS AT THE JUNE BOARD MEETING

1. Mayor Victor Fedeli and Councillor Daryl Vaillancourt, City of North Bay, re: airport runway (see resolution below)

2. Peter McKeown, Dean Belanger and Kevin Oschefski, Rogers Broadcasting, re: AM 600 CKAT “BEST OF” Awards – a new campaign starting in the fall to celebrate businesses and have a friendly competition between businesses in a variety of categories.

RESOLUTIONS FROM JUNE CHAMBER BOARD MEETING

Both resolutions were supported unanimously.


1. WHEREAS the City of North Bay assumed ownership of the assets of the North Bay Jack Garland Airport in 1998 from Transport Canada;
AND WHEREAS the Jack Garland Airport functions as a regional airport and provides air services for the Nipissing District as well as a large secondary catchment area including Northwestern Quebec;
AND WHEREAS the North Bay Jack Garland Airport, along with the local Aviation Industry, employs in excess of 500 employees;
AND WHEREAS the Aviation Industry annually contributes in excess of $70 million to the regional economy;
AND WHEREAS the North Bay Jack Garland Airport is 1 of 15 public airports in Canada and 1 of 4 in Ontario with a 10,000 foot runway enabling the airport to receive virtually any size aircraft;
AND WHEREAS the ability to receive these aircraft is not only critical to supporting current and future regional industry but also provides a tremendous safety benefit as a preferred diversion destination for natural and man made crisis;
AND WHEREAS it is important to the economies of the Region, Province of Ontario and Canada to protect and maintain this existing unique infrastructure;
AND WHEREAS the 10,000 foot runway surface is nearing its end of life and requires resurfacing within the next 3 years;
AND WHEREAS Transport Canada and other government agencies provide funding assistance for maintaining airport infrastructure;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Chamber supports the City of North Bay and the Jack Garland Airport Corporation in their efforts to gain funding for the resurfacing of the existing 10,000 foot runway.

2. RESOLVED THAT the Chamber board of directors wishes to congratulate the ONTC on their recent GO-Transit contract renewal. This contract reflects a $35 million infusion of goods and services to the area; this is a “good news” announcement that secures employment until July 2011. A letter will be sent on our behalf.

Upcoming Events/Meetings:

• MONEY STRATEGIES LUNCHEON
In partnership with SAMSAA, a Money Strategies Luncheon will be held Wednesday, June 18th from 12 to 1:30 pm at Inn on the Bay. For registration information, please visit http://www.northbaychamber.com/mod/fileman/files/Northbay_Flyer.pdf

• NORTH BAY BLOOMS – CHAMBER CLEAN-UP NIGHT
The Tourism and Environment Committee invites all members to join in the Wednesday night clean-up at Duchesnay Falls from 6 to 8 pm on June 18, 2008

• CIM BLUES CRUISE
A great opportunity to meet over 60 companies that are in the mining sector. A Blues Cruise is scheduled Friday, June 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm with transportation to One Hundred Georges after the cruise. Entertainment by Jake and the Fundamentals. Cost $25 per person. Contact Nicole at 498-7901 or Kelly Raymond at 474-4042 ext. 359.

• MINI-TRADE SHOW BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Over 26 businesses will show their products and services to other Chamber members with booths at the Thursday, June 26, 2008 Mini-Trade Show Business After Hours at the Best Western – Lakeshore Drive from 3:30 to 8 pm. We hope you can join in the event and take advantage of a great networking opportunity.

Congratulations:

• Creative Learning – 20 years in business

• Soul Sister Creations – Grand Opening - 170 Oak Street West

• Burrows Country Store for eliminating the use of plastic bags in their business and changing to 100% biodegradable bags. Burrows challenges other Chamber members to do their part in helping the environment.

• Silver Doctor Taxidermy Studio on two recent awards from the national association.

• Farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Barry who will be leaving CFB North Bay shortly.

• North Bay Hydro for being proactive with session for area businesses on the new smart meters program that will be implemented in 2009. This is an excellent education piece for businesses to understand how it may affect their businesses and what alternatives for billing and conservation can be accomplished.

• Welcome to Sandvik and congratulations on your upcoming open house events, to show other businesses and the public the importance of mining in our region.

• JL Richards on their open house and expanded offices. 10 years ago JL Richards started with one staff person in North Bay and now has 17 staff locally.

• CTS Employment Resource Centre – celebrating 10 years in business

Participation/Representation:

• The Chamber members were represented at the following recent events/meetings: COPA Interprovincial Air Rally, Business Breakfast on how to hire immigrants, Northern Growth Plan Consultation, Oak Street reconstruction information session, Service Canada Centre for Youth.

• The Chamber members will be represented at the Park Design Charette this Saturday, an important piece in revamping the City’s Official Plan; the Housing in Nipissing Communities Forum next Tuesday; LTAB announcement next Wednesday; NECO AGM next Thursday.

For further information on what the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce is doing to support business in the region please visit www.northbaychamber.com

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