November 2023
Dear Members,
Some 40 businesspeople – members showed up for the B.A.S.H. Business and Social Hour on Oct. 18th at Mill River Resort. We had a great time partnering with the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (or CCAFLIPE) –
celebrating Co-op and Small Business Week at Mill River Resort.
Members networked, made business connections, and received information on programs, products, and services, all while nibbling on delicious hors
d'oeuvres, all in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
During a formal portion of the evening, West Prince Chamber managers Tammy Rix and Acadian Chamber manager Raymond J. Arsenault both offered impressive statistics on the performance of small and micro businesses. In turn, West Prince Chamber President Dan MacDonald and CCAFLIPE spokesperson Velma Robichaud emphasized the importance of networking and mutual support in small communities. Alecia Arsenault, coordinator of RDÉE Prince Edward Island and invited the employers in attendance to take advantage of her post-secondary internship program while explaining the participation criteria for employers and students. Robert Maddix, coordinator of and Quebec sales missions, indicated that he is recruiting bilingual Island businesses for his two 2024 missions. For more information on either of these programs, please contact Raymond Gallant to connect you to the right people at 902-960-1285.
Remember to take a moment of silence on November 11 as we honor those who gave their lives to serve our country.
Sincerely Yours,
Tammy Rix
Chief Executive Officer
Have you had a chance to review our new membership fee tier? Find out how you can become a Connector or Influencer. Just a friendly reminder our year-end was August 31, and membership fees are due! Thanks in advance if you have paid.
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Business Tips and Ideas for the Seasonal Businesses
Pin-pointing ways for local businesses to thrive even during slower times.
As the off-season approaches rapidly, our community's business landscape shifts from the vibrant summer tourist rush to a quieter, more reflective period. Every business has different needs and variables however one common factor that all have in common is that they want to succeed. Sometimes it may be difficult to find the perfect ways to focus your time efficiently during the slower months. To ensure businesses, big or small, continue to thrive during these off-season months, here are some valuable tips to consider...
Embrace the Local Market: In the absence of summer tourists, focus on catering to our local community. Create special promotions, discounts, or events that resonate with the neighbors who support us year-round. Your local customers are your most reliable allies during the off-season. The Chamber Perks App is an easy Chamber program to participate in and a way to encourage more people to support local, you just have to offer a perk and promote it at your business!
Re-analyze Your Systems: This slower period provides an excellent opportunity to assess and upgrade your IT and Point of Sale systems. By fine-tuning these critical components, you'll ensure smooth operations when the busy season returns and customer service remains top-notch. We have wonderful resources locally that can support you through any upgrades or new services you may need.
Update Customer Databases: Take the time to clean up your customer databases. Ensure contact information is up to date and segment your customer base for more targeted marketing efforts. Personalization can make a significant difference.
Revamp Employee Retention Plans: Consider reviewing your employee benefits and retention strategies. The West Prince Chamber of Commerce offers Group Benefits for Businesses. The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan has been protecting Canadian firms for over 40 years. More than 30,000 small to midsize businesses choose the Chambers Plan to protect their employees with comprehensive group benefits, including Health and Dental insurance, making it Canada’s #1 employee benefits plan for small businesses. Contact Derek Nicholson Here!
A content and motivated workforce contributes to happy customers, leading to a stronger business reputation. Maybe that means new training programs, a team-building event, and initiating employee recognition to boost morale.
Collaborate with Holiday Events: Partnering with other businesses and local holiday events is an excellent way to increase your visibility and attract both locals and visitors. Participating in the festivities can bring a festive spirit to your business. Collaborations are wonderful this time of year!
Give Back to the Community: Find a local organization to support you during this season of giving. Not only does this positively impact our community, but it also enhances your business's reputation as a socially responsible entity. We are blessed to have a community full of wonderful programs and non-profits that are always looking for additional support, if you need help finding a good fit, we may be able to help guide you towards that.
Analyze Financials: Although this is no one's favorite topic, it can help tremendously. Take a closer look at your financial performance from the past year. Identify areas for improvement and set new financial goals. By doing so, you can pave the way for a more prosperous year ahead.
Plan for the Upcoming Year: Utilize the insights gained from your financial analysis to construct a robust business plan for the upcoming year. This proactive approach positions your business for success in the long run. It is also okay to acknowledge if you need to delegate this task or hire a professional to help if that is warranted.
As we embrace the off-season, let's remember that every season brings unique opportunities. By taking these steps to strengthen your businesses during the off-season, we're not only preparing for success in the months ahead but also continuing to contribute to the prosperity of the Western PEI.
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The 2023 Multi-Season Tourism Micro Grant Program will give members of PEI Regional Tourism Associations (RTAs) and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) the opportunity to try new event initiatives outside of peak season. The concept is to extend the season and focus on driving new business from Sunday to Thursday during the week.
The micro-grant will be administered through a partnership of Tourism PEI, the RTAs and DMOs, including:
- Central Coastal Tourism Partnership
- Discover Charlottetown
- Explore Summerside
- Island East Tourism Group
- North Cape Coastal Tourism Partnership
- Tourism Cavendish Beach
The goal of this program is to allow operators the opportunity to drive new business during off-peak seasons and off-peak hours and to test new engaging activations with potentially new audiences while minimizing risk. For more information click on the link above or reach out to Amanda Barlow at 902-394-1043 or email: tif@northcapedrive.com
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Is Ireland on your bucket list? |
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: • International roundtrip airfare from Halifax • 6 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis at superior hotel • Daily Full Irish breakfast • 5 Dinners • Transportation in a modern motorcoach with a driver and a guide • Tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary • Porterage for 1 piece of luggage per person in/out of hotels • Service charges and taxes • 1 checked in luggage per person • All Air taxes and fuel surcharges • All local applicable taxes
The deadline to register for Ireland is December 15th, 2023.
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Do you have news or important information you would like to share with other members? Chamber E-News goes out monthly!
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Acadian and West Prince Chambers
host a great B.A.S.H.
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PHOTO: Those speaking during the B.A.S.H. business and social hour were, from left, Robert Maddix,
RDÉE Sales Mission Coordinator; Tammy Rix, CEO of the West Prince Chamber of
Commerce (WPCC); Alecia Arsenault, RDÉE PEI’s PERCÉ Coordinator; Dan MacDonald, WPCC
President; Raymond J. Arsenault, CCAFLIPE Manager; and Velma LeBlanc, CCAFLIPE
spokesperson and RDÉE PEI President.
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Good Media Marketing
Contact: Janet Dahlquist
Route 11 #8090 Wellington
902-316-3159
At Good Media Marketing (GMM), we're redefining digital marketing with our G.O.o.D. approach - Growth-Oreinted, Organic Original, and Data-Driven. We believe that in today's dynamic digital landscape, success requires more than just a standard marketing playbook. I require strategies that adapt, evolve, and deliver tangible results.
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Dockside Shippers Fishing Limited
Contact: Chad Banks
56 Paugh Road East Bideford
902-888-8929
Lobster Fishing Company
For more than 150 years, Prince Edward Island lobster fishers have been waking up early, setting their traps and hauling in the most delicious red-shelled crustaceans to share with customers around the world. About 1200 Island lobster fishers work out of PEI’s 45 ports; many fishers are carrying on a tradition that goes back generations.
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West Prince Animal Supplies
Contact: Dana Ellis
1777 O'Leary Road
902-859-2033
Pet, Farm & Tack Store.
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Membership Resources, Programs & Group Travel
Coming Soon Chamber Perks Mobile App July 2023
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CHAMBER PERKS APP
To set up your company's account and to start offering perks on the app, go to the Admin Portal Website link https://cpaadmin.chamberperks.ca/ Save this link on your desktop for future reference or access it on your chamber's website homepage. Enter the Admin Portal Login Email Username and temporary password that was supplied in the onboarding email sent to you by your chamber. Make sure to change the password immediately.
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Check out the Chamber Perks offered so far!
Please contact Tammy if you have not received your log in info for you to update your profile or add a CHAMBER PERK. You can make make Chamber Perks available to the public too!
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Flagship Discounted Shipping Program
No Better Time To Try FlagShip!
When a member of your chamber opens an account with FlagShip and completes their initial shipment by December 10th, FlagShip will subsidize 50% of the first shipment expenses.** This exclusive, time-limited promotion offers an excellent chance for your members to experience FlagShip's shipping services.
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Elavon Merchant Services
Accept payments in-store, online and on the go
Elavon is our preferred partner for secure and reliable payment processing.
Payment Solutions Built for You
Elavon offers a powerful suite of payment solutions and flexible partner programs to help empower your success and accelerate your revenue growth. We provide next-day funding so you can better manage cash flow and business operations.
Are you ready to get started?
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Government Programs and Updates |
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2023 Micro-Grants Innovation
The Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) Micro-grant program is designed to provide a financial boost to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that are already operational, generating revenue, and who need a financial boost to improve their business operations.
Active Transportation Fund
Applications to the provincial Active Transportation Fund for projects in the 2024 construction season must be submitted by Dec. 1. The fund supports the building of new walking and cycling pathways, widening paved shoulders, increasing educational opportunities, and connecting existing walking and cycling trails. To review the guidelines and criteria, click here. To apply, click here. For questions, email ATPEI@gov.pe.ca.
Digital Museums Canada Funding
Digital Museums Canada is accepting funding proposals for online projects from museum, heritage, cultural, and Indigenous organizations. Two funding streams are available: Digital Projects (up to $250,000) and Community Stories ($25,000). Municipal organizations may be eligible if they meet other program criteria. For information, click here. Apply by Dec. 1, 2023.
PEI Climate Challenge Fund
The PEI Climate Challenge Fund supports projects that contribute to climate action in the province. Eligible projects can promote adaptation to the effects of climate change or reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase the removal and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A revised guidelines and criteria document and new application form are available here. Questions can be emailed to Kurtis Jay at ClimateChallenge@gov.pe.ca. Apply by Dec. 4, 2023.
NRCan Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program
The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program supports communities and sectors working together on solutions to climate change risks like sea level rise, erosion, and storm surges. This call will fund about 20 projects with up to $25 million each. Applicants are encouraged to contact NRCan early to discuss proposals. For the applicant guide, click here. To contact NRCan, email adaptation@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Applications are due Dec. 13, 2023.
Procurement Assistance Canada Learning Series Info Session (Doing Business with Government)
The PEI Business Women's Association is collaborating with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) to offer a three-part workshop for Prince Edward Island residents on the topic of doing business with the Government of Canada.
With the topics of doing business with the government, finding opportunities with the government and supplying professional services to the government. This three-part learning series also includes workshops to help business owners navigate the ins and outs of registering their business in the SAP Ariba web-based program that is used to view and bid on opportunities.
How Leading Agriculture and Food Companies Better Predict Supply & Demand with Earth Observation (Blog Article)
This featured blog was provided by EarthDaily. Food and beverage companies depend on raw ingredients like corn, wheat, barley, coffee,... To read the full article Click Here.
Province of PEI
Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities
Federal Government
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Business Assistance Service, standard with Chambers Plan employee benefits. Access to professional accounting, counseling, legal, and human resource experts who understand the challenges faced by small business owners.
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Member Feature: Lisa Enman Photography
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This is a section in the newsletter where employers can recognize one of your employees or yourself as a member! Please send a brief write-up and picture to admin@westprincechamber.com
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Trusted, Engaged, Responsive, and in your Community! Refer a local business to join today!
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#ExploreWesternPEI
#EntrepreneurshipOpportunities
#LoveLocalPEI
#WestWeCan
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