5th ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT!
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
1pm Shotgun Start
Bayview Golf Course
 
A few team spots still available! Tournament is OPEN TO EVERYONE - so invite your clients, friends, employees - yes even family!
  • 18-holes of golf with Power Cart
  • BBQ Dinner
  • Prizes
  • Golfer's Goody Bag
  • Golf Games
  • Take-home Wine Gift
  • 4-person scramble / Mixed or Same Gender

ONLY $95 per golfer or $380 per foursome. Tournament open to EVERYONE!

 

REGISTRATION CLOSES THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 - Call Susan Mills at 519-238-2001 to register today.
ONE DAY - TWO WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1: Digital Marketing on a Shoestring
Workshop 2: Trip Advisor
Monday, September 19
Pine Dale Motor Inn, 107 Ontario St. S.
 
Digital Marketing on a Shoestring: 9am-Noon
 
Discover the most important aspects of digital marketing - this workshop is designed for small and medium sized businesses. Don't waste your time making mistakes or allowing your skills to become out-dated. Capitalize on emerging trends, prioritize your time and resources while keeping customers engaged long-term. 

Facilitator: Emily Baillie, Compass Content Media.

COST: $45 for Chamber/BIA members / $60 non-members  
 
Trip Advisor: 1-3pm
 
Discover the different levels of participation in Trip Advisor, how to increase your pa yout and get the most out of the "toolbar kit" to find out what's working for your listing. Learn to use specials and photos to make you Trip Advisor presence look more professional and attractive to your customer. 

Facilitator: Kyle Morrison, Tourism Sarnia Lambton. 
 
COST: FREE! 
 

SMALL BUSINESS: TOO BIG TO IGNORE
What's Ailing Small Business in Ontario?
Tuesday, September 20, 6pm-8pm
Pine Dale Motor Inn, Grand Bend
 
We are hosting a special meeting September 20. 2016 at 6pm to get YOUR take on "what exactly is ailing small business in Ontario". 

YOUR INSIGHTS will be sent to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) for inclusion in a final report being released during Small Business Week, October 2016.

The OCC advocates for business at the provincial level and has 21 staff working for YOU, representing 60,000 Ontario businesses. 

Please RSVP to let us know you're coming!
 
       
2017 VISITOR ACTIVITIES GUIDE ADVERTISING
It Starts At The Beach...and Ends Where You Want 
Book & Pay by September 16 and SAVE 10%
Barry & Judy Johnson will be calling you!

New for 2017
  • New larger format guide
  • Pull/fold-out map
  • More ad size choice
It Starts at the Beach is the most comprehensive source of information about the Greater Grand Bend Area for residents and visitors planning where to stay, play, eat or meet. This is the "looked-for" guide in this area.

Due to this guide's popularity and growth in recent years, we are moving to a larger size guide (8x10 inches) to accommodate important content and to showcase local businesses. We are working with the Lambton Shores Nature Trails folks to secure a municipal grant in support of a full-size fold-out map of Lambton Shores. The move to a larger format means all ad sizes have increased and there's now more ad size options.

Display ads start at just $150 and discounts are available.


This guide's advertising space was SOLD OUT last year - so don't delay, call Judy or Barry Johnson:

Phone: 519-852-5009 / 519-235-4115
2017 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL UNDERWAY
Your Renewal Package Mailed August 29
Renew by September 30 for chance to WIN your membership for FREE!
 
If you have not received your Membership Renewal package in the mail, please call Susan Mills at 519-238-2001.

Keep your membership benefits, perks and discounts and renew now while you're thinking about it.

Early Bird renewals get a chance to enjoy FREE membership by renewing by September 30.

Payments accepted by Cash, Cheque and Credit Card. To pay by credit card, go to www.grandbendchamber.ca/payment - enter the full amount of your invoice and your transaction is completed on PayPal's secure website.

2017 Membership decals will be mailed to you at the end of November.

MEMBERS FALL MIXER 
Thursday, October 13, 5-7pm
Midori Sushi, Main St., Grand Bend

Chamber Member Tina Sandre and the team at Midori Sushi host our upcoming fall Members Mixer.

Have fun, taste test, get the latest news and network. How did your fellow Chamber members do this summer season? Find out at the Mixer.

We're seeking a sponsor for this event, so if you're interested please contact Susan Mills at 519-238-2001. Sponsorship cost: $199.00.

Remember - the first 34 people who RSVP get their first beverage on us!

Travel Affinity Program Cancelled!

It's important to us that Members feel they get a return-on-investment for their Membership dollar and so t he Chamber seeks out new opportunities to provide value to our Members - whether in special opportunities or discounts not available to others. 

The Travel Affinity Program was one such initiative we thought Members would enjoy, however after its spring launch and with two trips put together by member business Ellison Travel & Tours, it would seem this is not a program in which our members are interested.

There was little take-up on this new program offering and as a result, both trips have been cancelled (to Mexico and Ireland) and so has the affinity program.

We extend a BIG THANKS to Ellison Travel & Tours for all the work they did on putting together these two trips and negotiating with the travel suppliers to achieve discounted pricing for members.