Going InternationalPi Poa 4)
ap. Waterfront
«Development
Saint John
Board of Trade
PORT
UPT@WN
2x
BrunswickMarch 09 - Volume 6 No. 1
ning
ou ea fx 06 68
Acthe beginning of 2009 we find
‘ourselves in the position of looking both
behind us at 2008 and abead of us at 2
2008 saw many accomplishments for
‘our Board of Trade including: the
announcement of the Provineial
Anglophone Medical Training Program
at UNBSI. the funding for both the
twinning of Route | from Saint John to
St. Stephen and the One-Mile Highway
Interchange; funding announcements for
the expansion of the New Brunswick
‘Community College in Saint John which
helps to address another issue which is
workforce demand,
This year promises to be one of
challenges for many. While the
international economy is taking a beating,
‘we in Saint John have been insulated, not
isolated, from it by our growth and
development in the Energy sector and the
spinoffs from that growth to other sectors
‘of our economy. While we have been
fortunate to be insulated, we recognize
that this year may be challenging to our
members,
As companies and individuals will be
‘counting their pennies and stretching their
dollars, I would like to take a moment to
‘ensure that our members get the full
benefit oftheir membership. Some key
tips for making the most of your
‘membership include
‘Attend networking events - the Board
of Trade provides excellent networking
‘opportunities for you to build relationships
‘with other members to grow your
‘business. Our Business Mixers are FRI
to attend;
‘Take advantage of our Benefits and
savings programs - the group health
insurance plan, discounts on
‘VISA/Mastercard merchant rates, and as
part of the Atlantic Provinces Chambers
‘of Commerce we can offer our members
‘other money saving benefits;
Chair’s Message
Marketing and advertising - Our
(Currents magazine and Annual
Membership Networking Directory are
excellent ways to promote your business
to the Board of Trade membership and
beyond. Also, through our website! Every
member is automaticaly listed on the
website with a FREE website link along
with Google maps. And, members ate now
able to update their website listing and
include their logo, company profile, and
bios of key reps. Use these tools when
shopping for goods and services. We
always encourage members todo business
with members fist.
Join a Committee - meet and network
with other business people and impact the
policy and advocacy decisions made at
the Board of Trade;
Sponsor a BoT event - to provide your
business with positive recognition;
Attend Business seminars like our
Lunch ‘N Learns and our Tool Boxes -
take advantage of the various high quality
education and training sessions available
through the Board of Trade to help you
and your business develop:
Attend Business events - be visible in
your local business community. Have
others get to know you by face and name.
Itis easier for you to be introduced to
other valuable business contacts when you
are present,
Looking further ahead in 2008, we at
the Board of Trade realize that our
community and businesses have achieved
alot of success over the years that does
not always receive the altention it deserves.
(Our Retail Forum has noticed ths is
particularly the case with respect to the
retail sector in Saint John. They have
recently created a “Good News in Saint
John’ insert which is included inthis issue
cf Currents to highlight the positive
developments in the retail sector.
Take advantage of your Saint John
Board of Trade... it makes good business
sense. To learn more, visit
wwwsjboardoftrade.com or give our office
acall at 634-8111. @
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