CHAMBER UPDATE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: We are pleased to welcome the following new members: Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Susan Bickle, Director Administrative Services, (905) 885-9100; Bobcaygeon Taxi Shuttle Service, Peter Bedard, 738-7502 or 738-9604; and HerbsOntario Festival, Janette Oliver-Rodgers, 793-3276.

WEB SITE UPDATES: As previously requested - if you would like to have a picture of your business beside your listing on our web site please supply us with a few photos (which we will return) and we’ll be happy to update our site. Currently, the cottages and b&b sites have been revamped and we ask that you check your listing to make sure that everything is accurate. The sections on trailer parks, motels and inns are still in progress and we’ll let you know when they are done.

KAWARTHA LAKES ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: The 2002 Business Directory is underway! Click here for the current directory listings. Please print a copy, choose your category and fax it to 738-1534 or call us at the office by March 15th. As you will see each member receives two free listings - one alphabetically by Chamber and one by category in the Buyers Guide. Any additional listings requested can be added at the cost of $25 each. Ad sales for the directory are being handled by David McGraw and if he hasn’t contacted you directly he can be reached through the Lindsay Chamber at 324-2393 or leave a message at our office and we’ll pass it along. The directory is scheduled for an early May release.

CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATE: The Economic Development Department is planning to attend the following tourism trade shows for 2002 and are looking for volunteers to assist them with their presentations. Toronto International Bicycle Show at Exhibition Place, May 1-3; Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, Exhibition Place, March 9-17; The Cottage Life Show, Toronto International Centre, April 5-7; Forever Young 50 Plus Lifestyle & Travel Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Sept. 6-7; and the SuperTrax Snowmobile Show, Toronto International Centre, Oct. 18-20. If you can help with any of these shows, please contact Margaret Cunningham at 324-9411, extention 233.

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS UPDATE: "Beyond the City Lights" is a workshop focusing on rural tourism. There are 6 one-day workshops being held across the province with 3 being held in this region. These workshops will provide participants with information on tourism trends, success stories and business tips to help them enhance their operation and develop the local tourism industry. The program for each workshop will feature three key-note speakers and local resource people presenting concurrent sessions. The cost for the one-day workshop is $55 + GST and you can register by calling 1-800-668-6284. Dates and locations are: February 26th in King City; February 27th in Huntsville; and February 28th in Brighton.

DID YOU KNOW?: The Johnston Group which markets and manages the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan has been named one of Canada’s 50 best-managed private companies in the 2001 competition sponsored by Anderson, CIBC and National Post. The Chambers Plan . . . A quality plan from a quality company. Call 1-800-393-0630 for more information.