February News from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber News
February 2012 Download the Event Flyerpack here
Dear Bill, In This Issue
Strategic Plan Highlight - Advocacy & Policy Featured Article - 8 Things Your Employees Need Most Be A Part Of It

Ideally, as a Chamber member, you want to get engaged and stay connected. The month of February brings plenty of opportunities to do this! The Chamber kicks things off on the 14th with an exciting update on VIA Rail Canada's blueprint for improved passenger service in our region. VIA Rail President and CEO Marc Laliberte will be the keynote speaker at our February breakfast. The 23rd features our famous February mixer, where you'll witness the true strength of the Chamber during our biggest exhibitor showcase of the winter. It's a fantastic way to shake off the cold! Accessibility laws have changed in Ontario and businesses and organizations must comply with new customer service standards. We are partnering with HR Management Services on Demand for a timely seminar on February 28th. You can not afford to miss this. As Winter fizzles, we'll continue to heat things up as Interim Chamber GM Matt Hutcheon sets out on numerous outreach seminars to organizations and members to outline the Chamber's new Strategic Plan.

Quick Links
New Members January 2012 Visit our Website Upcoming Events Strategic Plan

Chamber Events are sponsored in part by VIA Rail Canada

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February News from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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We are also excited to have our Past President, Megan Knott be part of the Mayor's Task Force on Development. The Mayor's Task Force on Development will spend the next year examining municipal policies and processes with the intent of streamlining them to better encourage development in the community. Leave a comment and let us know what we can do to get the message through: info@kingstonchamber.on.ca John Ryce President

Chamber Events are promoted by Bell Media Radio Stations

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Strategic Plan Highlight - Advocacy & Policy. The Chamber will achieve status as the authoritative voice of and for business in the Kingston community

The Greater Kingston Chamber is increasing its portfolio in being actively involved in lobbying all levels of Government on behalf of its members. Whether it's municipal taxation, City bylaws, business development, licensing for business, improving access to funding programs, removing inter-provincial trade barriers or looking at increasing equalization payments for tax exempt institutions, the Chamber is a key player in the process. Policy/Communications Coordinator Bill Stewart is involved in the Ontario Chamber's Policy Resolution Caucus which assists in steering the Ontario Chamber's support for the Canadian Chamber's resolutions. These recommendations cover areas of Federal Government jurisdiction including Finance and Taxation, Environment, Industry, International Affairs, Social Policy, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Here is the link to the full 80 page document. If there is an issue that concerns you and the operation of your business, we are keen to listen and work for you. Please forward all questions and enquiries to policy@kingstonchamber.on.ca We will also keep you updated on proposed policy resolutions to be unveiled at the Ontario Chamber AGM May 3-6 in St. Catherines. During our March Board of Director's meeting, we will here from policy officers from the Ontario Chamber in Toronto to discuss and explain the process of resolutions and hear what the OCC has planned for the ensuing year. For 100 years the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has remained a strong advocate for Ontario businesses. As a membership organization, their lobby efforts are informed by local

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February News from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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chambers of commerce, boards of trade and businesses of every size, in every sector who collectively make the most relevant and influential network in the province - 60,000 strong. We welcome you to learn more about the OCC, and what key policy issues are impacting Ontario's business community.

Featured Article - 8 Things Your Employees Need Most

Pay only goes so far. Getting a raise is like buying a bigger house; soon, more becomes the new normal. Higher wages won't cause employees to automatically perform at a higher level. Commitment, work ethic, and motivation are not based on pay. To truly care about your business, your employees need these eight things-and they need them from you: 1. Freedom. Best practices can create excellence, but every task doesn't deserve a best practice or a micro-managed approach. (Yes, even you, fast food industry.) Read more...

Be A Part Of It Get The Word Out:

Take advantage of our networking and promotional opportunities to raise the profile of your business.

Get Informed:
Use our events and information to help your business succeed.

Get Rewarded Throuhg Membership:

Participate in our group benefits, merchant discounts, fuel programs and other effective offers to save you money and enhance your bottom line.

Get Involved and Get The Answers:

Support our efforts on your behalf. We work for our members and

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February News from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

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the entire Kingston business community to foster an environment that helps our local businesses succeed and prosper.

UPCOMING "CAN'T MISS" EVENTS: Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 Chamber Workshop. Selling to the Millenial Generation PART ONE with Dave Neely of D.K. Neely and Associates. Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 Famous February Mixer. Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 Chamber Annual General Meeting.

Save - M2M Discounts

Benefit, save, network and promote the Chamber brand with using Member 2 Member Discounts. Click here to view discounts currently offered by members. Contact the business, introduce yourself next time you visit and prove your Chamber membership to redeem. Be a part of it. Click here to offer your discount today.

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Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce | 945 Princess Street | Kingston | Ontario | K7L 3N6 | Canada

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