november 2014 chamber connectionspub/pdfs/chamber connections - nov… · you have never been to...
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In this issue:
Luncheon with Sunrise CF Buy tickets for Farmer Appreciation Join us for Business After 5 at MNP
Insight · Influence · Connection · Exposure · Access
NOVEMBER 2014
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
NOVEMBER 2014
Business Leadership Dedicated to Economic Vitality and Quality of Life
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER
“The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of its Members by advocating for a healthy community, both economically and socially.”
That line is straight out of the Chamber’s by-laws and is our mission statement. Proudly I sat at a Provincial Chamber event a number of years ago and
heard it cited by a facilitator who was conducting a workshop on how to build a mission statement. Although I don’t know when the Weyburn Chamber
adopted this phrase – I do know that it stands today as the guiding principle for all that we do here at the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce.
As most of you have probably heard I will be moving on from the Chamber in November to a new opportunity. When I started with the Chamber over 8
years ago, I firmly believed in the Chamber and its mandate – and I will continue to be a Chamber Member and supporter.
I want to take this time in this newsletter to thank each and every Member personally for your hard work as we make Weyburn (and quite frankly
Saskatchewan) a better place both economically and socially. The support I have received over the years from you has allowed us to move on many files
which have made Weyburn better. Also, I want to thank the Board of Directors who have provided me with flawless direction over the years. Specifically the
Presidents who I have served under: Susan Stewardson, Brent Allin, Twila Walkeden, Jeff Chessall, and Rodney Gill.
Has the work always been easy and fun? Nope. Does the work get boring? Nope. Sometimes it’s hard to go to government (particu larly municipal) and
suggest that they are missing a target. I say that because I believe everyone is doing their best, and letting your neighbor know that you disagree with his
idea is hard. Are we at the Chamber always correct? Nope. We do our best to understand the issue at hand and work closely with our partners in
government to create the best environment we can. I am proud to say that both of our Municipal Governments are very open to business and they honestly
want to build a healthier community both economically and socially.
The Weyburn Chamber is in good shape. We are financially sound, we have an exceptional Board of Directors, and the staff are excellent. Although leaving
the Chamber is difficult, I am confident that the Chamber will continue to get stronger and more influential in the future. Next year, will be the Weyburn
Chamber’s 75th year, and as we reflect I can assure you that this Chamber is not sitting still, but in fact it will be breaking new ground.
Once again, I wish to thank everyone in the Chamber network for allowing me to serve you for all
these years, and I encourage you to continue to build this great community organization which
truly – truly – does advocate for a healthier community, both economically and socially.
Jeff Richards
General Manager
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Please feel free to contact us at:
11-3rd Street NE Weyburn, SK S4H 0W1 Phone: 306 - 842 - 4738 Fax: 306 - 842 - 0520
[email protected] www.weyburnchamber.com
Proudly Serving our Members Since 1940
The Importance of Regional Planning
In Saskatchewan municipalities have authority to
manage municipal servicing, use of land, development
and subdivisions. As such, many municipalities choose
to establish partnerships with other municipalities to
assist and advise councils on land use and
development in areas of joint interest through a
formal process of inter-municipal planning - a
Planning District Commission.
The Weyburn Planning District Commission is made up
of Councilors from the RM of Weyburn #67, the City
of Weyburn and an independent Chairperson. The
Commission also includes representatives from
municipal staff, Weyburn Regional Economic
Development, the Chamber of Commerce and the
Weyburn Utility Board. The Weyburn Planning
Commission meets monthly for discussion about mutual
interests to create opportunities for consistent land use
policies and zoning between affiliated municipalities.
The Official Community Plans of both RM’s are now
being developed. Having these policies in place is
critical to ensuring that government is fair,
transparent and supportive of growth. Having
development plans that are engineered, serviceable,
and well organized is what is creating many of the
growth opportunities that we are experiencing. As we
plan for a future of sustained growth it is imperative
that the City and the RM are meeting regularly and
working closely on joint development projects such as
the upcoming septage receiving station, boundary
alterations (such as we saw with annexation of The
Creeks development), and joint servicing agreements.
We know that without an established Planning
Commission these types of joint interest projects take
longer to develop if at all. ◘
P3’s - Is this real?
Infrastructure is fundamental to prosperity, and in Saskatchewan we have a lot of
infrastructure expiring right now. Schools, hospitals, and of course water and sewer
systems are all in need of upgrade. Not only due to age, but also because we are
experiencing growth at an unprecedented rate. In order to meet it growth requirements,
innovative solutions are needed — one of the solutions that has emerged is the P3
model.
Over the past couple of years we’ve heard about “P3s”, but it can be difficult to apply
it to our day-to-day thoughts. The reason for that is because it is complicated. It is not
a panacea for infrastructure, but it is another tool that can be considered. P3s –
Public Private Partnerships – are not new to Canada, however, it is a terminology that
is relatively new to our discussions Saskatchewan. The Chamber firmly believes that we
need to keep that terminology in our regular conversations in much the same way we
use terms like vendor financing or life-cycle accounting.
Although they’re not day-to-day practices for most of us, we certainly are familiar with
them and we dial them up if they’re the right answer for the particular project our
business is working on. Regina’s waste water treatment center will be built using a P3
model as well as the Regina Bypass project - the largest infrastructure project in
Saskatchewan history. Without the engagement of the P3 model the bypass project
would absorb approximately 18% of the provincial budget. Clearly on its own the
government would not have the resources to make these necessary improvements in
public infrastructure to support growth and improve quality of life. ◘
Resources for more information on P3s
SaskBuilds (http://www.saskbuilds.ca/alternative-financing/FAQs.html)
Infrastructure Canada (http://www.infrastructurecanada.ca/P3s)
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
Tell us what you think! The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Member Survey is now online.
P l e a se t ake the t ime to v i s i t
www.weyburnchamber.com, and follow the link
to the survey.
Just remember - only one survey per member!
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH BIDDING ON CONTRACTS FOR GOVERNMENT OR OTHER ENTITIES?
If so we want your input to ensure that our government and Crown sectors are operating a best in class system when it comes to government procurement. In June, the government of Saskatchewan created Priority Saskatchewan, a division of SaskBuilds, to ensure that businesses are treated fairly when bidding on government and crown contracts. As such, they have made it a priority to consult with industry associations and businesses to seek their input.
Join SaskBuilds November 24th 1:00 - 2:00 pm
at Canalta Hotel, Weyburn The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Lionel LaBelle, Senior VP Priority Saskatchewan and/or Mr. Roger Parent, Legislative Secretary to Minister Gordon Wyant, Q.C. Minister responsible for SaskBuilds. For more information or to register to attend please contact Rochelle at the Chamber office at 306-842-4738 or [email protected].
Access to Oil & Gas Markets The U.S. needs less. Asia needs more. Failure to access global markets has cost Canada up to $50 million a day.
“We’re losing some $50 million every single day—$18-19 billion every
year because our resources are landlocked.” When Minister Joe Oliver spoke
those words last December, he was referring to the incredible discount
Canadian companies are forced to give for their oil products because they
cannot access world markets. The value of the discount demonstrates
significant fluctuations over time and is subject to analysis. However, the
basic fact is that Canada’s failure to diversify its energy markets is leaving
millions of dollars on the table every day.
The oil industry, while largely based in Alberta and Saskatchewan, touches
the Canadian economy as a whole. Presently, Canada’s relies on the US as
the destination for virtually all of its oil & gas exports. Due to a revival in
production it is predicted that US imports will decrease dramatically over
the next 25 years. Despite that, opportunity exists to increase exports of
Canadian oil & gas to Asian markets where there will be significant
increases in imports. However, Canada currently lacks the infrastructure
necessary to get our resources to the Asian market.
British Columbia, Canada’s gateway to Asia, is at the heart of some of these
discussions. The issue is complex, and there is conflicting information on the
risks and benefits. We believe in facts and it is important to make a sound
discussion about the future of moving oil out of our province and into
international markets.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has done a great deal of work on this
file in terms of gather facts, putting together educational productions, and
starting the conversation. It is also up to us to build grassroots support
through education and marketing. ◘
Read more from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce:
$50 Million a Day Brochure
Moving Oil by Water Infographic
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
We’re listening to you. The government listens to us!
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is developing policy
recommendations for the coming year and upcoming provincial election.
We want to hear from you on the ongoing and emerging issues that are impacting your business and we are coming to Weyburn. Join us at our policy roundtable to share your ideas for strengthening the provincial business environment.
November 5, 2014
1:30-4:30 pm Canalta Hotel, 1360 Sims Avenue, Weyburn
About the Event The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has updated its policy development process. The new process gives us an opportunity to meet with business people in their communities. Who is invited? The policy roundtable is open to members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce as well as members of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. This event is closed to members of the media and government. Register Online Today It’s easy and free to register online, www.saskchamber.com and click on the upcoming events. Contact Information Phone: 306.352.2671 [email protected]
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
You have never been to any business networking events, and now you have
received an invitation to your very first one. Feeling nervous? Being
prepared will go a long way to keep your nerves at bay and allow you
walk into the room with a confident stride. So let’s go through what
business networking events are all about.
Purpose - The purpose of business networking events is to help people
establish a network, whereby they can use this network to further their
business interests. What business networking is about therefore, is talking
to people – finding out about who they are and what they do. In return,
they will also want to know who you are, and why you are attending the
event. So expect a lot of talking and information gathering!
The Format and Venue - The format of business networking events vary –
cocktail evening functions, workshops, seminars, morning breakfasts, business
luncheons are all common formats. There might be a presentation by the
organizers or sponsors during the event. What is common amongst all
formats of business networking events is that there will be a period of time
where attendees are free to walk around the room and talk to others. This
is the crucial period where you can meet and greet other fellow attendees.
The size of the venue will depend on how big the event is and how many
people are invited. However, they are generally held in rooms that are not
too big in order to encourage interaction. There are usually light
refreshments provided at these events.
The Interactions - So what sort of interactions can you expect? Don’t be
surprised if someone you don’t know comes up to you and ask all sorts of
questions – what do you do? Why are you here? What do you think of
the latest change in government legislation affecting your area of
business? The more questions they ask, the more they get to know
you. Consider asking some meaningful questions yourself, so you can be
more memorable to others.
As attendees of corporate
networking events are there to
expand their networks, you will
likely find them to be friendly
and sociable. Of course, there
may be some who are a bit too
nervous to mingle. Don’t hesitate
to initiate discussions and introduce yourself, they might just be the sort of
contact you have been hoping to meet.◘ Source: www.thetalkofmanchester.co.uk
The Breakfast Series & Business After 5 Events - What to Expect at Business Networking Events
On October 23rd, Sunrise Community Futures hosted a Chamber
Luncheon. Guest speaker, Chad
Fleck from STEP, along with a
video of Weyburn exporter, Brad
Wallin, gave insight into the
export markets to chamber
members in attendance.◘
The new location for E. Bourassa & Sons and NAPA Auto Parts store
held their official Grand Opening on
October 23rd, with a BBQ lunch,
tours of the new building and official
ribbon cutting with RM Reeve Carmen
Sterling, with approx. 800 customers
and residents attending. ◘ (Shown here, Diane Bourassa, Carmen Sterling, Kurtis Bourassa, & Dan Bourassa Jr)
Weyburn’s Premier Business Networking Event
Relax, do business and broaden your network.
NOVEMBER 18 AT MNP OFFICE
FROM 5PM - 7:30PM
SUITE 301, 117 - 3RD ST NE
COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS STARTING AT 5PM
PRESENTATION STARTING AT 6PM
Join us for Business After 5 to meet and mingle with Chamber members
and their guests. This event is free for Chamber members, their staff
and guests. Don’t forget your business cards!
To RSVP, please register online at www.weyburnchamber.com
Featuring Speaker
John Gormley
John Gormley’s book will be available for
purchase at the event.
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
Weyburn Chamber of Commerce presents
FARMER APPRECIATION NIGHT
Proudly sponsored by:
Cocktails at 6:00 Supper at 7:00 Program to follow Presentation of the Golden Sheaf Award
Tickets: Members - $35
(Purchase your ticket at www.weyburnchamber.com)
Golden Sheaf Award Winner
Tuesday, November 4th at McKenna Hall
Almost sold out!
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
Welcome new Chamber Members ….
CR Safety Ltd.
CR Safety Ltd. offers a variety of training programs,
including: St. John Ambulance First Aid,/CPR/AED,
WHMIS, In Vehicle Driver Evaluation, Canada Safety
Council Defensive Driving Course, and Professional
Driver Improvement Course.
Cliff Reaney
306-861-9966
www.crsafetyltd.ca
Weyburn Naturopathic Medicine Clinic
Dr. Toby Bridgman, ND
Dr. Bridgman has been practicing naturopathic
medicine for 6 years. Using a wide range of private
lab testing and naturopathic therapies, Dr. Bridgman
helps patients diagnose and treats a variety of health
concerns.
Dr. Toby Bridgman, ND
306-891-9697
www.drtobybridgmannd.com
Upcoming Events
Nov 1 ABEX Awards Nov 4 Farmer Appreciation Night Nov 5 Sk Chamber Meeting Nov 18 Business After 5 with MNP Nov 24 SaskBuilds meeting Dec 4 Parade of Lights
Weyburn Chamber of Commerce presents
21st Annual Parade of Lights
Thursday December 4th
Lineup at 6:15 pm
at Crescent Point Place
Parade starts 7pm
Registration deadline:
Friday, November 28
The Parade is a great way to show off your business! No Santa Claus on your entry. The Chamber
supplies the only Santa Claus in the parade and he is the Grand Finale.
Lights really do make a difference! Candy to be handed out as weather conditions may
make it slippery. You are certainly welcome to hand out candy while walking beside your float.
There are many opportunities to promote your business
through the Weyburn & District Chamber of Commerce !
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
CONTACT US TO INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS’S EXPOSURE
306-842-4738
FIND OUT HOW TO
ADVERTISE WITH US
Advertise in the CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
newsletter
Banner advertising on the chamber website -
www.weyburnchamber.com
All members are listed in the Business Directory on the Chamber website. We make regular referrals to member businesses.
If your contact information needs to be updated, please let us know.
Target your advertising dollars!
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS NOVEMBER 2014
The Chamber’s Grand Opening Service
In our continuing effort to better
serve our Members, and increase
awareness of, and the traffic into,
their businesses, the Weyburn
Chamber of Commerce has a Grand
Opening Service for Chamber
Members.
Any new business opening - or any existing business doing a grand re-
opening - will be eligible to access the services of their Chamber for that
event.
This service includes:
A representative of the Chamber will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
The Chamber will promote the event through our website and newsletter.
The Chamber will issue media advisories to the local media.
At the discretion of the member, the Chamber will invite dignitaries such
as our MP, MLA, and Mayor.
The Chamber will provide the ceremonial ribbon and scissors.
Coming soon - The Grand Opening Idea Book to assist members in
planning other promotional strategies to enhance their event and
business
All businesses wishing to take advantage of this service must be members in
good standing with the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce.
FIND OUT HOW TO
ADVERTISE WITH US
CONTACT US TO PUT YOUR BUSINESS HERE
306-842-4738