Great success! Our 2003 Annual General Meeting was held on February 19th at the Devonshire Inn in Wellington. We were delighted with Jeanette Arsenault singing her new song “Waiting To Welcome You” and with Ron Broadbridge of the Belleville & District Chamber of Commerce giving an inspirational presentation. Thanks to you both for your support. Mr. Ernie Parsons, our local MPP and Mayor Taylor were both on hand to speak and give their support. Many thanks.
Two new directors were elected to the board – Ms. Jill Shipp of Peddlesden Wines and Larry Cox of LeChat Dormant B&B and the Wine Barrel.
Returning directors voted on were Carol Rutter, Bernie Gaw, Ian Scrimshaw and myself. Directors completing the board are Ann Smith, Carmel Cassidy, Claire Vilela, Daneen Douglas, John Hill, Stewart McFarland, and George Wilson. Our County representative is Paul Morris. We have a terrific board of directors that represents the entire County and businesses.
Thanks to the Devonshire Inn for hosting this year’s event. The food was outstanding and the ambiance perfect.
We had a great response to the survey that was circulated in our last newsletter asking what you liked about Picton and what you would like to see. Thank you for taking the time to fill it out. Read on for an update to this initiative!

Lawrie Ackerman - President

New Membership Initiative

Tell your fellow business friends/partners the benefits of joining the Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce.
All PECCTAC members will be given a 10% discount off their next years (basic- primary) membership fee for signing up new members.

Another Membership Benefit!

As a member of PECCTAC your business can receive the same discounted rate to send your mail via courier. County Courier Service will pass on this special courier rate to all PECCTAC members, you just have to say you are a member and be sure to display your PECCTAC decal! Call County Courier at 969-8811 to inquire about their discount rate to PECCTAC members.

A Great Opportunity
Now your business can offer on-line shopping through your own WEBSTORE!

The Internet offers the easiest and widest access to reach potential customers worldwide at a lower cost than any other means of communication. As well, Internet access and online presence have a significant economic impact on the way you do business. Business opportunities through export, online banking, advertising & marketing by way of e-commerce will all lead to a more prosperous business.
PECCTAC partnering with an internationally recognized accounting firm is offering to small businesses e-commerce solutions at an affordable price. Check our website at www.pecchamber.com for further information and a WEBSTORE demo. Call Babbs at 476-2421 if you want more details.

The Revitalization Initiative!
> Profile of the “New Tourist”

According to studies, a vacation geared to “world class tourist attractions” is gone. The new tourist is seeking out places where they can learn something new about local culture and festivals. They want new and different experiences. The average cultural heritage tourist has a higher than average income and education. Some are two-income families. They spend more money, are likely to shop, and large numbers will be women. These tourists also stay in one area for longer periods of time. > Excerpt from “Municipal World” – February 2003

Many people attended the Summary Session of the Ryerson University Urban Study on Sunday, March 16th. Excellent and creative ideas were presented that revitalizes Picton’s core and addressed workable solutions to the concerns that were raised by our community. Recognizing the importance of the “downtown core” for the entire community has resulted in new federal legislation that offers tax incentives to help with the revitalization of downtowns. It is important to keep this initiative alive.

Learn How to Export to the United States

The New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) program is a practical, hands-on introduction to the basics of exporting to the United States. The NEBS program has been in existence for more than 15 years and was designed for the small to medium-sized Ontario manufacturer or service firm.
Although originally focused on companies that have little or no experience in exporting, NEBS is also of benefit to those looking to expand their sales to the United States. The program is operated by Ontario Exports Inc., the Ontario Government’s trade agency, in co-operation with the Canadian Consulates in Buffalo and Detroit.
With two days spent right at a U.S. entry point, the NEBS program will teach you the fundamentals of exporting to the United States. The course is wide-ranging, covering many different facets of exporting.
Prior to leaving for the border point, there will be briefing sessions outlining Ontario’s trade programs and services. You’ll even have the opportunity for private one-on-one interviews with the commercial officers at the Canadian Consulate.
For further details and the schedule of upcoming NEBS events in 2003 call the PELA Community Futures Development Corporation at 476-7901 and ask for Charles Wicks, Business Development Adviser. E-mail cw@pelacfdc.ca

The future prosperity of Great Lakes communities depends on managing the region’s water – locally and basin wide – not frivolously as an endless sea but realistically as a finite and fragile global resource.
(Excerpt from “Fresh Water Forum” February 26, 2003)

This was just a little of the information that was presented on February 26th at the Ramada Inn. PECCTAC was present to hear some the foremost specialists in the field of preserving freshwater. Speaking on local water concerns were John Jackson of the Great Lakes United and Jim Kelleher of the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan. Speaking on a national and Global scale were Dr. Ralph Daley of the United Nations and Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Gord Miller.

The New Bike Route Maps

5000 4-colour glossy bike route maps will be printed and ready for this bicycling season. The maps can be purchased through the PECCTAC office for:

Members: $.75 each
Non-members: $1.50. each.

Coming Events – Don’t Miss Out!

Do you want to know what is going on in Prince Edward County and surrounding areas? Check www.pecchamber.com under EVENTS.
It is updated regularly. If there is something you want added please call Babbs at 476-2421.

Website Update

Thank you to everyone who contacted us with the changes to their address.
If you want your website also included in the business directory please contact Babbs at 476-7421

Check PECCTAC’s Website

This newsletter and all previous newsletters are posted on www.pecchamber.com

Increased Business in the County!

It is wonderful to report the great success of off-season events such as the Maple Fest weekend. The increased tourism business resulting from these successful events has prompted our board to discuss the viability of keeping the Tourist Office at 116 Main Street open during these busy weekends off-season.

At present the only way we can provide this additional service is to ask Members to volunteer their time. Please call Babbs at 476-2421 if you are interested in volunteering your time.

Renovations!!!!

If you have stopped by our office lately you will see that it has undergone a facelift. A big thanks to Robin Lunn and Susan Thorn for their painting expertise and to Michael Leyendeckers for repairing the wall. We’re ready for the Tourists!

We Want To Know How We Can Serve You Better!

Please take a few moments to fill out the enclosed survey. The Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce wants to know how well we are serving our members. The results of this research will help focus future planning on areas members think need improvement and or change.

Welcome Centres

In our last newsletter we revealed that County Council was assuming the management of the two Welcome Centres. Resulting from our meeting with the Corporate Services Committee in January PECCTAC’s option to assist in the operations of the Welcome Centres was accepted.

OSUM Conference 2003 - April 30th to May 3rd

The Municipality of Prince Edward is proud to host the 50th Annual Conference of the Organization of Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM).
Check out the County’s website at www.pecounty.on.ca for all the exciting events that have been planned. PECCTAC will have an information booth at the conference site to assist the OSUM participants.

This is a great opportunity for our community to shine.

Welcome New Members!

Prince Edward County
Community Care For Seniors

Thank you for your support!