Of particular interest to me
was the fact that PECCTAC is addressing six of the top nine
concerns identified by the two hundred and fifty companies
that responded to the study. The final three concerns are
issues PECCTAC has no control over or input into. Clearly
we are on the right track in terms of what the business community
is concerned about, and what they want their Chamber to focus
on. Fighting these issues has not made us popular with Municipal
Council or municipal departments, but our role is to fight
for the rights of our members and the business community,
not win popularity contests.
Of equal interest in the report to me was the fact that more
respondents said they were either satisfied or very satisfied
with PECCTAC than any other organization in The County. We
were even rated higher than the Fire Department!
However, 15.9% of respondents said they were very dissatisfied
with PECCTAC. While I realize we can't please everyone, this
gives us a goal to work towards. Clearly we are not doing
enough to satisfy all the business's in the County.
Interestingly, the largest sector of respondents to the study
were not PECCTAC members, it was the building/construction
industry. PECCTAC only has three builders/construction companies
as members. This dissatisfaction may explain why we do not
have more companies in this sector as members.
We have our goals set out for us. Your board is developing
a plan to address these issues so that we can continue to
grow as a force in this community to benefit our members.
My hope is that by the next study, we have managed to increase
our satisfaction rating even higher and reduce the number
of dissatisfied companies. It's a good goal.
Sincere Regards, T. Rob Brown - President
General Manager's Report
Our October Meet & Greet was a great success largely
due to the fabulous treats presented by the Painted Peppercorn.
Our thanks to The East Central Ontario Training Board (ECOTB)
and PELA CFDC for helping to host this event. Following the
Meet & Greet was the presentation of the County Business
Retention+Expansion (BR+E) survey results. Over 50 people
attended this presentation, all keenly interested in hearing
what local business owners had to say about doing business
in Prince Edward County. Our thanks to Scott Lawson, Eric
Bloom and Ann MacIntosh of ECOTB and to all members of the
steering committee for their commitment to getting this vital
information out.
One of the areas of concern in this BR+E study is the lack
of focus on other tourism related draws to Prince Edward County.
PECCTAC is addressing this by initiating the printing of a
comprehensive fishing map.
The Bay of Quinte Fishing map is well underway and will be
available in January 2006. For members that were unable to
attend a copy of the report is available at the PECCTAC office.
Lawrie Ackerman – General Manager
Clarification:
In the BR+E survey 63.2% of respondents were very or somewhat
satisfied with PECCTAC. While we are very proud of that we
clearly have work to do, as 15.9% of respondents were very
dissatisfied with PECCTAC.
Some very valid concerns and comments were expressed in the
comment section at the end of the survey. These are issues
our organization can work on. However, some comments were
based on misinformation, which we would like to clarify.
Comment:
Lower the cost to belong to the Chamber. $300/per
year is too much.
Clarification: The basic membership fee is $160/per
year + $10 Ontario Chamber of Commerce fee. All other fees
are optional and based on services provided.
Comment:
Taxpayers say: “That’s my money paying
for The Chamber.”
Clarification: In 2005, PECCTAC received from the
taxpayers via the Municipality: $50,000 to provide Visitors
Information Services for Prince Edward County.
That equates to $1.78 per visitor or $2.00 a year per county
resident for the operation of a County Visitors Information
Service.
Comment:
The people that benefit from tourism should pay
for tourism.
Clarification: Tourism affects the entire community
and directly or indirectly every business. The tourism operators
supply their businesses and life style from the businesses
that are indirectly related to tourism. In addition, valuable
employment stems from the tourism sector. The community needs
to expand, not minimize tourism to grow a more diverse base
keeping the County’s future fully employed.
Comment:
The Chamber is only about B&Bs and not real
businesses.
Clarification: There are 305 PECCTAC members. 113
members are accommodation related. The balance of membership
is made up of retail shops, accountants, bookkeepers, financial
advisors, IT specialist, banks, restaurants, wineries, agriculture,
construction, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations.
PECCTAC is involved in many business related projects that
affect all businesses. Such projects are:
+ Business Retention+Expansion Survey (BR+E)
+ Monthly Meet & Greets where all business owners can
network
+ Quinte Business Achievement Awards. This organization represents
all business
achievement throughout the Bay of Quinte area.
PECCTAC is an advocate for all business people. Some recent
issues PECCTAC has spearheaded: Canada Post, the new water
regulations, and taxation.
Summary:
Only 37% of PECCTAC members are accommodation related.
All business owners need to get involved to support their
Chamber and create a stronger voice.
Comment:
The Chamber should only be Commerce not Tourism
because they don’t do anything for tourism. The Chamber
should be the Picton Chamber, because they do not send people
anywhere else.
Clarification: 12,000 Tourists physically visited
the Chamber this year.
1,400 General Information Customers, (Commerce Customers)
physically visited the Chamber this year.
1,200 County businesses, (Commerce Customers including members
& future membership inquires), physically visited the
Chamber this year.
Total customers: 14,600
In addition:
2,500 Tourist received individually tailored tourism packages
by mail from the Chamber.
200 Commerce Customers received by mail relocation and new
membership packages.
Total customers: 2,700.
And…
2,500 Tourists e-mailed and were individually serviced by
the Chamber.
2,500 Commerce Customers e-mailed and were individually serviced
by the Chamber.
Total customers: 5,000.
and finally…
3,000 Tourists telephoned and were serviced by the Chamber.
2,700 Commerce Customers telephoned and were serviced by the
Chamber.
Total customers: 5,700.
Summary
60% of the visitors to our office are Tourism related customers.
This does not include the additional supply of tourism material
to County businesses, residents, Kiosks and Co-op Tourism
Partnerships. In 2005, 80,000 County Red Maps will be distributed
as well as 80,000 guidebooks.
PECCTAC promotes all businesses through referrals as well
as through the business directory and Accommodation Association.
Businesses in Prince Edward County are represented at 12 Travel
& Trade shows throughout Ontario, Quebec, U.S.A and internationally
through PECCTAC’s partnership with Ontario East and
The Bay of Quinte Tourist Council.
Comment:
The Chamber should only be Commerce not Tourism because
they are never open when the tourists are here – like
lunch time, evenings and weekends.
Clarification: The Visitors Information Office is
open and operational: 10 Hours a day, 7 days a week, during
peak season and 8 Hours a day, 5 days a week in the shoulder
season, closing only at lunchtime and that again only in the
shoulder season.
These hours of operation are directly related to when the
tourism businesses are open and how much money we have for
operational costs.
Operational costs to run the Visitors Information office includes:
mail, telephone, e-mail, Internet/Web Hosting, Web site maintenance,
financial charges, computer maintenance, payroll for office
personnel,
audit, legal fees, insurance, advertising and promotion, co-op
Tourism Partnership fees, office supplies, property taxes,
utilities, office equipment rental, office equipment purchase.
PECCTAC membership fees pay for 50% of the ENTIRE Prince Edward
County Visitors Information budget. Membership fees also pay
for 100% of the “Chamber” budget.
In Conclusion:
PECCTAC has a 100 Year history of serving the Prince Edward
County business community. Our organization strives to meet
or exceed our member’s expectations. We appreciate the
candid remarks in the BR+E survey and with your continued
support we will provide a stronger voice for the entire business
community.
PECCTAC submits Request For Proposal
Your PECCTAC board of directors has worked very hard to put
together a comprehensive document to support why PECCTAC would
be the best organization to provide Visitor’s Information
Services in Prince Edward County. The closing date for the
submission of the RFP was October 7th. The decision of who
would receive the contract was to be announced at the October
24th Council meeting. We have heard this will not happen.
At the time of writing this newsletter PECCTAC has not been
advised as to when a decision will be made.
Quinte Business Achievement Awards Dinner
The following businesses from Prince Edward County were nominated
at the Quinte Business Achievement Awards dinner on October
21st:
Printcraft , Huff Estates Winery Inc., Brag - Garb - Terra
Florens, Carruther's Chocolates, Camp Barcovan's Tent &
RV Park, The Milford Bistro, Long Dog Vineyard & Winery,
Suzanne's Signature Specialty Foods, Picton Farm Supply, Stedman's
V&S Variety, Marshman Jewellers, Prince Edward Limousine
Service, Currah's Café & Restaurant, Glenbridge
Fine Country Fare, Hadden-Holme Guesthouse and B&B, Merrill
Inn Restaurant, Regent Café, The Bean Counter Café,
The Claramount Inn & Spa, Carmela Estates Winery, Hennessy
Home Finishing, and The Harbour Restaurant.
2005 County Winners:
Business of the Year - Tourism/Hospitality
Merrill Inn
Amy and Edward Schubert, Merrill Inn |
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New Business of the Year
Milford Bistro
Karin & Michael Potters – Milford Bistro
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Congratulations to
all the nominees and winners.
Farmers Feed Cities
Agriculture represents the largest business in Prince Edward
County.
“If farmers are to make a living at what they grow,
they need a good price for what they sell!”
This seems simple enough to understand but the Ontario Federation
of Agriculture is undertaking a public awareness campaign
to get our governments attention. Enclosed in this newsletter
is a card “Farmers Feed Cities”. Send this in
today to help our local farmers. For more information on this
and other important issues affecting our farmers go to www.farmersfeedcities.com.
New Accessibility Law Now In Effect Accessibility
For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005 Receives Royal Assent
QUEEN'S PARK –
The landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act – legislation that will break down barriers for
people with disabilities – received Royal assent and
is now the law, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Dr.
Marie Bountrogianni announced today.
“The McGuinty government has delivered on its commitment
to bring in strong and effective legislation promoting increased
accessibility,” Bountrogianni said. “Providing
accessibility is fundamental to reaching the full economic,
social, cultural and human potential of our province. We will
now move forward to implement legislation that will make Ontario
a world leader in improving accessibility for people with
disabilities.”
The new law will require government to work with the disability
community and the private and public sectors to jointly develop
standards to be achieved in stages of five years or less,
leading to an accessible Ontario in 20 years.
What are some of the changes that we can expect to see as
a result of the new legislation?
Standards will be set in both the public and private sectors
to address the full range of disabilities – including
physical, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning.
New standards could include:
+ Accessible pedestrian routes and entrances into buildings
+ Lower counter heights at cash registers to accommodate wheelchairs
§ Large print menus in restaurants for the visually-impaired
+ Staff training in serving customers with learning disabilities.
What is the goal behind the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005?
With this legislation, the government is acting to transform
Ontario into an accessible society for people with disabilities.
Every Ontarian should have the opportunity to learn, work,
play and otherwise participate in society to their fullest
potential.
Until standards are in place, the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, 2001 will remain in effect, and government ministries
and other affected public sector organizations continue to
have planning obligations in accordance with that legislation.
Welcome New Members:
Accurate Translation Inc.
Aquarelle Cottages
Body Great Bath Products & Gifts
Brenda’s County Retreat
Elizabeth House
Enterprise Quinte
Goodfellow Meats
Good Evening Entertainment
Huntley Communication Services Inc.
Original Winery Tours Inc.
Pete’s Stained Glass
Saila Promotion Marketing & Design
Thompson Farmhouse Guest Suite
Triple W & Thunderbird Garage
399 Limo & Rising Star Productions
Thanks for your support!
Meet & Greet Schedule:
Nov 2, 2005 - Picton Town Hall, 5-7pm (followed by PEC Tax
Payer Federation Presentation).
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