GREATER PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY ON IMPLICATIONS OF HYDRO ONE SALE
 
PETERBOROUGH, AUGUST 20, 2015: The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have joined a province wide coalition of 36 Ontario Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade calling on the Government of Ontario to provide factual evidence that electricity prices will not increase as a result of the government's decision to sell off 60 percent of Hydro One.
  
“Rising electricity prices are a collective concern and have put Ontario businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” said Stuart Harrison, President & CEO of the Peterborough Chamber “It is important to recognize that electricity represents a significant cost to employers. As the government moves forward with the sale of Hydro One, it is essential that it works to ensure that business operation in Ontario remains affordable by containing electricity costs.”

In a recent report by the OCC, Empowering Ontario, Ontario’s chambers of commerce called for increased transparency around electricity and system cost drivers from the provincial government. The partial sale of Hydro One should be subject to a similar level of scrutiny. 

In the short time since the release of the 2013 Long Term Energy Plan (LTEP), industrial electricity rates have increased by 16 percent, and will increase a further 13 percent over the next five years. According to a survey conducted by the OCC, one in twenty businesses will either shut their doors or move to another jurisdiction in the coming years due to these rising rates. The Government of Ontario needs to make certain that the cumulative burden on business operation in Ontario does not increase due to the partial sale of Hydro One.

“The Ontario Chamber Network is concerned that the sale of Hydro One could adversely affect the cost of doing business in the province by adding to the rising price of electricity,” said Harrison. “As such, we are seeking detailed clarification from the government on how the sale will impact electricity prices.”

Members of the Chamber Network, Boards of Trade and local businesses are joining efforts to highlight the concerns being felt by business owners across varied sectors and regions in Ontario. The Chamber Network looks forward to the provincial government joining these discussions in order to provide some clarity around the future competitiveness of Ontario’s electricity system.   

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August 13, 2015                 For Immediate Release

12th Annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards 2015

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 50 Finalists (see attached) for our 12th Annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards, which publicly recognize and honour local businesses that have demonstrated a passion for excellence.

These companies will be recognized, and the recipients revealed, at the 12th Annual Excellence Awards Dinner being held on Wednesday, October 21st at The Trentwinds International Centre, 264 Lansdowne Street East from 5:30pm to 10pm.  There will be a total of 18 awards handed out, including our prestigious Business Citizen of the Year Award.  Tickets can be ordered online at www.excellencepeterborough.ca or by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 705-748-9771 x0.

The Chamber gratefully acknowledges the many members of the organizing committee and the strong commitment from our sponsors - our event sponsor, Bell Canada; our Citizen of the Year sponsor, Nexicom; and all individual category sponsors.  
Business Excellence Awards Finalists 2015
(listed in alphabetical order)

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT (sponsored by Gauvreau & Associates Chartered Professional Accountant)

• Noble Purification Inc.
  
• PTBO Northern Originals
  
• Smithworks Brewing Company
  

SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Siemens Canada Ltd.
  
• Smithworks Brewing Company
  
• Yorkshire Valley Farms
  

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada)

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Service Inc.
  
• Restwell Upholstering Co. Inc.
  
• Sciens Industies Inc. 
  

TOURISM (sponsored by BMO Financial Group)

• Birch Bend Cottage Resort
  
• Peterborough Musicfest
  
• ReFrame Peterborough International Film Festival
  

HOSPITALITY (sponsored by Sysco Central Ontario, Inc.)

• Euphoria Wellness Spa
  
• Riley's Pub
  
• The Venue
  

MICRO BUSINESS – Fewer than 5 employees 

• Glow Maternity
  
• Let's Get Digital
  
• Lifloc Holsteins
  

RETAIL - CHAIN/FRANCHISE (sponsored by RBC Financial Group)

• Merit Travel Peterborough
  
• Subway
  

RETAIL - NON-CHAIN/NON-FRANCHISE (sponsored by The Peterborough Examiner)

• Euphoria Wellness Spa
  
• Jo Anne's Place Health Foods
  
• Paris Marine Ltd.
  

CUSTOMER FIRST (sponsored by TD Canada Trust)

• Home Suite Home Transitions
  
• Let's Get Digital
  
• Paris Marine Ltd.
  

LOCAL FOCUS (sponsored by Trent University)

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum
  
• Peterborough and District Farmers' Market
  
• Peterborough Museum & Archives
  

INNOVATION / RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (sponsored by Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster)

• Next Millennium Farms
  
• Noble Purification Inc.
  
• PKA SoftTouch Corp.
  

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OR RENOVATION (sponsored by City of Peterborough)

• Longley Harley-Davidson
  
• Summit Terrace
  
• The Loomex Group   
  

MARKETING & PROMOTION (sponsored by BDO Canada LLP)

• Cottage Country Connection 
  
• GreenUP
  
• Lakeshore Designs
  

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES (sponsored by County of Peterborough)

• Mason Homes Ltd.
  
• The Food Forest Cafe  
  
• Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground
  

HEALTH & WELLNESS (sponsored by Peterborough Regional Health Centre)

• Active Living Physiotherapy
  
• Elderberry Clinic
  
• Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine
  

NOT-FOR-PROFIT (sponsored by Fleming College)

• Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge
  
• Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough
  
• Easter Seals Ontario: Peterborough
  

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR (sponsored by LLF Lawyers LLP)

• AON Inc.
  
• Peterborough Regional Health Centre
  
• Siemens Canada Ltd.
  

STUDENT BUSINESS LEADERSHIP BURSARIES (sponsored by Peterborough Economic Development)

• To be announced at the Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, 2015
  

4-UNDER-40 PROFILES (sponsored by Peterborough Distribution Inc.)

• To be announced at the Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, 2015
  

BUSINESS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Nexicom)

• To be announced at the Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, 2015

As we continue to enjoy what remains of summer, there’s one thing that keeps popping up – the fall season is right around the corner. For some, it means pumpkin flavoured everything, but for many businesses, it means shorter days and longer work schedules. This time of year also sees an increase in consumer spending, so it’s essential to keep clients interested and it’s also important to be prepared.

So what are some things you should be doing now? Start by making a plan for the next three months and prioritizing your goals by setting realistic deadlines. By preparing an action plan now, you will feel less pressure come the new season.

A new season also means new ideas. Come up with an exciting new idea to hook new clients and to keep current ones interested. Brainstorm ways to freshen up your business’ image or your product, giving off a new impression.

August is also a great time to re-connect with clients. Many will still be away on vacation, but it’s a good idea to give them a call or send them an email. This will let them know that you have not forgotten about them and that you are looking forwarding to working with them in the coming months.

Finally, take time to promote your business locally. More and more studies laud the benefits of local shopping, meaning many are turning towards local businesses. Showing people that you are a member of their community can go a long way to build client loyalty.

Here at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, we believe in supporting local businesses and this fall we will be doing just that with our re-branded LoveLocalPTBO Business Expo, which takes place on September 9th from noon to 7pm at the Morrow Building. Visit our website or call Chad 705-748-9771 x206 for more information

http://web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events/2015-LoveLocalPtbo-Business-Expo-397/details