CHAMBER UPDATE

WELCOME NEW MEMBER: It is our pleasure to welcome the Bobcaygeon Inn/The Big Tomato back as a member. New owner Peter Patel is looking forward to a busy summer! The Inn and restaurant have maintained their phone number: 738-5433.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE: We are very pleased to announce and congratulate the honourees of our Awards of Excellence. As usual the judges found it difficult to choose based on the wonderful nominations received. However, we were pleased to present the following: Citizen of the Year - L.E. "Ted" Shea Memorial Award to Dr. Jim Fagan; Business Leader of the Year - Roberta "Robbie" DeClute Memorial Award to Dave Poole of Buckeye Source for Sports; Outstanding Business Achievement to Buckeye Marine. Again, our congratulations to the honourees and all of those nominated.

4TH ANNUAL SPRING SOCIAL BANQUET & AUCTION: The evening was a great success! Thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored the evening, and spent their hard-earned money at the Auction! Special thanks must be extended to the organizing committee: from the Chamber of Commerce - Janet Brock, Lori Ann Moffatt, Bev Matthews, Tara Anne Taylor, Patricia Burry; from Kawartha Settlers’ Village - Shane and Kathy McLean, Joyce Poole, Anne Cleland, Yvonne & Gord Gibson, Doreen Murray, Pam Gray. Next year’s 5th Anniversary should be the best yet!

DID YOU KNOW?: That the Chambers of Commerce Group Plan now offers an Individual Long-Term Disability Plan called Priority, as well as the group LTD option. Perfect for owners and key employees as a direct alternative for workman’s compensation or to "top-up" group coverage. Call 1-800-393-0630 for more information. Submitted by Planned Benefits Inc.

UPDATE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: We have received the following information via e-mail: The Mariport Group is working with Transport Canada on an important issue that will affect operators of marine craft, from dinner cruise boats to white water rafting, canoe or kayak outfitters and pedal boats on a pond behind a motel. PASSENGER LIABILITY INSURANCE: The Marine Liability Act (MLA) came into force in August 2001, and regulations for passenger liability insurance will be in place during 2003. The MLA requires that insurance is carried in the amount of $350,000 per passenger. A background paper, questionnaire and cover letter that can be e-mailed and also extensive information is available on Mariport’s web site at www.mariport.com. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Christopher Wright, Project Manager, Mariport Group at 1-800-319-9997.