YOUR CHAMBER IN ACTION…

On February 19, President Blair Dunn and Executive Director John MacDonald participated in a round table discussion with Federal MP’s Hon. Gail Shea and Hon. John Baird. The Chamber shared its positive opinion of the stimulus program for PEI and that the committed stimulus funds should and need to be spent in 2010.
The Chamber’s 2010 key policy priorities were also discussed and the Federal Government ministers indicated that they would share this feedback with Prime Minister Harper and their fellow cabinet ministers as they plan for the Federal budget.


Also on February 19, President Blair and ED John (who also served as the MC for the event) represented the Chamber at the federal government announcement regarding the divesture of the City’s ports to Summerside Port Corporation Inc. It is intended that the transfer of the port directly into the hands of local interests will benefit the community and contribute to the economy for years to come. The Chamber looks forward to having an opportunity to provide input into the development of a long term business plan of the Summerside Port Corporation Inc., with the goal of making the port a valuable and viable asset for the community.


The Chamber was disappointed to hear of the recent announcement of the closure of the Davis + Henderson location in Summerside. This will lead to a loss of over 170 jobs for the community. The Chamber Board members and staff certainly empathize with the individuals who have been impacted by this decision. As one of the Chamber’s key policy priorities for 2010 is to attempt to bring jobs and economic activity to our area, we will be working hard over the coming months with various groups to try to bring additional jobs to the community.


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, March 4
6:30 - 9:30 pm
PROFIT LEARN WORKSHOP
Social Marketing:
Should your business have an online presence?
To register, contact the Chamber Office
$50 + gst per participant


Tuesday, March 9
12 noon – 1 pm
LUNCH & LEARN
Topic: Programs and Services
available from Innovation PEI.
Presented By Steve Reaman, Bus. Development Officer, Prince County, Innovation PEI
Chamber Boardroom, Suite 11, 263 Harbour Drive, Summerside
Bring your lunch and we’ll provide the coffee.
Free for members to attend, but registration is required.
Contact the Chamber Office to register.

Thursday, March 11
12 – 1:30 pm
MARCH BUSINESS MIXER
Summerside Superstore – Community Room
535 Granville Street
Join us for networking, munchies, and the chance to win prizes. Be sure to bring your business cards. Members and Potential Members welcome!
Exhibitors:
Central Benefit Consultants
Habitat for Humanity PEI
WhatIsOnPEI.com
Exhibitors Welcome - Contact the Chamber Office.

Wednesday, March 24 at 12 noon
BUSINESS LUNCHEON
Guest Speaker: Arnold Croken,
Chair of the Summerside Port Corporation Inc.
Mr. Croken will speak on the recent divesture of the
City's ports to the Summerside Port Corporation.
Silver Fox Curling & Yacht Club
$25 per person.
To reserve your seat, please contact the Chamber Office
 by Friday, March 19.
Sponsored by HMS Office Supplies

April 8
5 – 6:30 pm
APRIL BUSINESS MIXER
Prestige Kitchens / Oasis Kitchen & Bath
(595 Read Drive)
Join us for networking, munchies, and the chance to win prizes. Be sure to bring your business cards. Members and Potential Members welcome!

Sat, April 24 & Sun, April 25
SHOWCASE 2010
Summerside Marine Terminal Building 
*Booth space is filling up – don’t miss out! Contact Showcase Coordinator Monica at the Chamber Office today!


MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to Buffie Boily of Buffie Boily Photographic Arts for winning the Best Wedding Portrait in Atlantic Canada, and Peoples Choice Award at the recent Professional Photographers of Canada - Atlantic Conference. Buffie also won two awards of merit and was runner up for Photographer of the Year.

Please note that PEI Business Development is now called Innovation PEI.
Visit www.innovationpei.com for more details.

The City of Summerside has just released its Community Safety Audit and Planning Report. It is available online at: http://city.summerside.pe.ca/pdfs/Report_to_City_final.pdf

Do you have news you’d like to share? Email info@chamber.summerside.ca so that we can share it with our membership!


WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!

Accountability (PEI) Ltd.
Elite Shield Potato Scouting Services
Five Eleven Hospitality
Law Office of Marie-France Theriault
M & M Meat Shops
Ready John


DID YOU KNOW...?

The Chamber has a comprehensive group insurance plan that may be right for you! Contact Donald Harris of Central Benefit Consultants to learn more about this service: 436-5556 or dch@pei.sympatico.ca


TIP OF THE MONTH:

Have you checked your website lately? Is your contact information up to date? Have you added information about new products or services you offer? Is the website easy to navigate and are all the pertinent details of your business online? Take a moment to see your website through the eyes of your customers…it’s worth the investment of time to make any necessary changes!


GET INVOLVED!

Have you thought about expanding your volunteer experience? The Chamber has lots of volunteer opportunities that will help you to get to know fellow Chamber members, while contributing to YOUR community organization! 

* Volunteer to present a Lunch & Learn on a topic you are knowledgeable about! * Be a greeter at a business mixer, luncheon or reception! * Help out at our annual Showcase tradeshow! * Get involved on one of our committees! *

Contact the Chamber Office
to ask about getting involved!


Thank you for profiling our members daily: