President’s Notes
Things have been busy at The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism office.
Our year end has wrapped up and the annual audit is well underway. In addition, staff and board members have been involved in a strategic direction review to prioritize key areas of focus for the next 3 yrs. Read more.
Annual General Meeting
2017-18 Slate of Directors
Beginning the second year of a two year term:
- Brian Harrington, Clearview Cottage Resort
- Chris Wilson, Let’s Get Digital
- Garry Douglas, North Kawartha Design
- John Penny, JC Penny Accounting & Tax Services
- Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services
- Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts
Nominated to renew or begin a two-year term:
- Bryan Kingdon, ISL Insurance
- Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing
- Scott Matheson, C.I.B.C.
- Sheri Hockaday, Salon Sorella & Day Spa
- Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply
- Tonya Kraan, STREXER
The 2017-18 Board of Directors will be elected at the AGM. Nominations will also be invited from the floor. The Kawartah Chamber is expecting a nomination for Mike Walker, Agilec. Additionally, two more nominations could come from the floor without requiring an election.
Business After Hours held at Lakeshore Designs
Lakeshore Designs Owner, Angela Jones and staff welcomed Chamber Members to their new location on January 25th. Guests toured the newly renovated Lakefield Road location, gathered design inspiration, and networked with fellow Chamber Members.
Angela spoke about the work they put in to the building during the renovation process. Many guests were visiting the new location for the first time, and admired the sleek and cozy design of the showroom and retail location. Returning visitors commented on how the showroom has something different every time they stop in.
Angela has been involved with the Princess Margaret Lottery, decorating the “Early Bird Cottages.” She looks forward to more community involvement in the Kawarthas.
Visit Lakeshore Designs at 2968 Lakefield Road.
Couldn’t make it to Lakeshore Designs? Check out the video!
Carla Hunt leaving ServiceOntario after 35 years
After 35 years of service, Carla Hunt will complete her final driver vehicle, and health card transactions at the Lakefield ServiceOntario office on Friday, February 10th.
Carla’s professionalism, friendly smile, and extensive knowledge of ServiceOntario operations will be greatly missed.
She began her career with the Chamber on January 27th, 1982, and was the Assistant Supervisor at the ServiceOntario location from 2004-2011.
Carla will be missed by many dealers, and community residents, who visit the ServiceOntario office regularly. She will also be missed by her co-workers, especially Supervisor Deb Lowcock, who she has worked with for 26 years.
The Chamber wishes Carla the best of luck in her future endeavours! A presentation will be made at the AGM to recognize her years of service. If you aren’t attending the AGM but would like to sign a card for Carla, please stop in at the ServiceOntario office before February 15th.
Growing local business in Selwyn Township – volunteers needed
Working with Selwyn Township’s Economic Development and Business Committee the Township is launching a Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) survey to help local businesses. The Economic Development and Business Committee selected Retail and Service Business as the first sector to be surveyed and the other sectors in the future.
Retail and service businesses will be receiving letters shortly explaining the project in more detail and will be asked to participate to have their voices heard. Learn more.
The Township of Selwyn is looking for volunteers to help administer the surveys for the project. If you are interested in learning more, or volunteering, please contact Kari Partridge, Economic Development Coordinator, at kpartridge@nexicom.net.
Federal government to tax employer contributions
As you may have read in the Chamber’s January 24th NewsFlash, the Federal Government is considering taxing employer contributions paid into group benefit plans.
Although they have not yet confirmed their intention to proceed with this measure, and details have yet to be disclosed, the insurance industry and advocacy groups have reason to believe it’s more than a possibility and will be announced with the Liberal’s Spring 2017 Federal Budget.
Canada Summer Jobs deadline February 3rd
The Canada Summer Jobs application deadline has been extended until February 3rd. Click here to apply. Visit the Canada Summer Jobs website for more details.
15 ways to enjoy PolarFest 2017
The 11th Annual PolarFest is taking place at various location throughout Selwyn Township on February 3rd, 4th and 5th. Don’t miss out on these great PolarFest events! From the Opening Ceremony Fireworks, to the ice sculpture competitions, to the Annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge. You don’t want to miss out!
Check out 15 Ways to Enjoy PolarFest 2017!
BEL Rotary celebrates 40 years
The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth, Ennismore & Lakefield is celebrating their 40th year in 2017! The Chamber and local business community extends their gratitude for 40 years of dedicated service!
BEL Rotary supports many causes each year, locally and abroad.
Annual fundraisers and initiatives include:
- Polar Plunge
- Super Spring Clean Up
- Season Opener Golf Tournament
- Bike for Hospice
- Project Helping Hands
- Adopt a Family
- Support of various community organizations
BEL Rotary has also supported the maintenance and upkeep of the BEL Rotary Bridgenorth Trail, and BEL Rotary Park.
While BEL Rotary is based locally, their initiatives don’t stop there. International projects include the Rotary Youth Exchange, polio eradication, and School Builds in Cambodia, most recently in February 2016.
The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Lakefield meets Monday evenings at Chemong Lodge. For more information, visit belrotary.com.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
Matt Logan, owner of Logan Tree Experts, has recently received his Board Certified Master Arborist certification, the highest arborist designation under the International Society of Arboriculture.
Logan Tree Experts has been a member of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism since 2009, shortly after Matt, and wife Tracy, started the business in his hometown of Lakefield. The company services the entire Kawartha region with two tree care crews and a Plant Health Care program.
Learn more at logantreeexperts.com.
Experience Trinity College School
Trinity College School invites you to their campus for open houses on February 4th (Grades 5-8) or February 11th (Grades 9-12).
For more information go to www.tcs.on.ca/openhouse or contact the admissions office at 905-885-3209. Read more.
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
