MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT My thanks to Vice President Rick Caruso for moderating a lively open discussion on the Tourism Destination Alliance at the November Meet & Greet. PECCTAC encourages all members to fill out the enclosed survey to ensure your voice is heard. Thank you to the Regent Theatre for hosting this event and to the Regent Café for the wonderful pastries and tasty treats. On behalf of the PECCTAC Board of Directors I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

NEW LIFE FOR THE PICTON CENOTAPH PARK After 87 years the Prince Edward County Picton Cenotaph Park requires refurbishment to ensure this historic and sacred park will continue to stand as a perpetual tribute to the many soldiers who gave their life in war. PECCTAC, in partnership with the Picton Legion and the Municipality has worked many months on this revitalization project. Scott Wentworth of Scott Wentworth Landscaping Group has created drawings incorporating design elements that feature seating areas, new trees and perennial plantings, new lighting and irrigation systems, and new walkways. The fundraising campaign kick-off took place at the Picton Legion Memorial Banquet on November 11th. Please see the enclosed brochure with further details on how you can support this very worthy project.
GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT
Our Chamber Builds Business! A Great Success! October 27th marked the 10th anniversary of the Quinte Business Achievement Awards Banquet. Congratulations to M&M Meat Shops, Picton, winner of the Business of the Year – Community Spirit Award for 1-20 employees. To Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, winner of the Business of the Year, Not-for-Profit category. To Willowlee Sod Farms winner of the Business of the Year – Service or Professional 1-10 employees category.		Lawrie Ackerman, General Manager
Peggy Lyon's of the M&M Meat Shops accepting the award		Debbie Moynes of Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association
Willowlee Sod Farms		Judy, Linda & Teresa - Regent Cafe
PECCTAC would also like to offer congratulations to the following members that were finalists: + Angelo’s Restaurant + Rick Caruso + County Weekly News + Elliott Sage Design & Construction + Fields on West Lake + Auston Gaber + Goodfellow Meats + Hagerman Farms + Huff Estates Winery & Inn + Picton Physio & Sports Injuries Clinic + Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture + Regent Café + Scott Wentworth Landscaping Group Ltd. + Westlake Wakeboard School You are all winners in Prince Edward County.		Scott & Yolande Wentworth and Peter & Celia Sage
		Lawrie Ackerman, Rick Caruso and Mark Henry
Thank you to everyone that came out to support the nominees of the 2006 Quinte Business Achievement Awards. Thanks to Peggy Dewitt for taking all the terrific photos.

CORPORATE TAX CONSOLIDATION A BIG WIN FOR ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TORONTO – Ontario businesses will benefit from one tax return, one set of rules and one point of contact as a result of a new federal-provincial corporate income tax collection agreement.
"This is a huge win for business,” says Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Consolidating corporate tax collection and auditing services is welcome news for the business community, and is an issue that was long called for by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The changes will result in increased savings and efficiencies for both business and government, improving the competitive position of our province."
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce estimates that consolidation of corporate income tax administrations will save Ontario businesses approximately $100 million to $150 million a year. Such savings can be used by business to increase investments in human capital, new equipment and research and development, thereby growing Ontario’s economy.
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara signed a Memorandum of Agreement, under which the federal government would collect and administer Ontario's corporate income tax. Under the agreement, businesses would make combined payments starting in 2008 and file a single return beginning in 2009 for taxation years ending after December 31, 2008.
This agreement will reduce compliance costs for businesses and enable the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to streamline service and reduce administrative costs. Benefits to Ontario businesses will include:
§ A single tax form
§ A single tax collector
The CRA will collect both federal and Ontario corporate income tax and administer the province's capital tax.
One set of income tax rules.
The federal government already collects corporate income tax for seven provinces and three territories. Provisions in the agreement signed today, such as Canada's enhanced enforcement efforts in the areas of provincial income allocation and interprovincial tax avoidance will benefit these provinces and territories.
Copies of the Memorandum of Agreement are available on the Department of Finance website at: www.fin.gc.ca/toce/2006/TxMOA_e.html

U.S. Consulate to host Webinar on Canada/US Border Crossing

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the US Consular General's Office, will present a "Webinar" (a seminar over the web) addressing issues on the Canada/US border crossings on Wednesday November 29th from 11 am to 12 pm.
The OCC is presenting this webinar to provide an information exchange with the US Consulate on current issues affecting the border. A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation, to be made by Keith Powell, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs.
The Webinar consists of an online PowerPoint presentation. Audio will be provided via telephone by teleconference. Questions can be asked by voice or in writing in a concurrently running "chat."
This seminar is mainly targeted to those who are concerned about border crossings after the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. All who are interested in border issues are invited to participate.
Registration for the Webinar is requested (a password and registration code will be given). For further details please contact: Sonia Mistry Policy Analyst: soniamistry@occ.on.ca
Phone: 416-482-5222 x240.