West Prince Chamber of Commerce
E-News December 2021
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Dear Members,
Last week, our Chamber joined other PEI Chambers, along with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, in writing a letter to Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau on her department’s decision to halt the export of PEI potatoes across the Canada-US border.
Our Federal Government can play a leading and active role in helping to educate our trading partners and advocating for one of our long-standing industries, rather than arbitrarily devastating an entire province based upon what a trading partner may or may not do.
Moving forward, we are urging the Federal Government to work with the wider strength of our partners and officials to support the PEI potato industry in a Team Canada approach. To read the full letter click here.
Please take moment to review some of our achievements this past year and continue to reflect on your strengths in your own business and what you can add to our local business economy.
West Prince Chamber of Commerce - At a Glance 2020/21
Programs & Special Events
- PEI Partnership for Growth will proceed with our vision
- NEW! Labour Market Development Project
- Student Workplace Placement Program (SWPP)
- Love Local PEI Campaign (All Island Chambers Partnership)
- Western PEI Tourism & Economic Forum in January
- Backyard Grilling Package Fundraiser to support the Chamber Bursary Awards
Signature Events
- Virtual Business Excellence Awards (Business Profile Videos)
- Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser at St. Felix Golf Course
- Annual AGM in February will change to a President’s Luncheon & Guest Speaker in the fall
Mixers
- Breakfast mixer at Mill River Resort with Sandy MacDonald/Holland College on Shaping the Future and Strategic Plan
- Feel your Best from Head to Toe and Inside Out, Little Black Dress owner Shawna Perry, after-hours mixer at Briarwood Coastal Cottages (May)
- Chamber Coffee Chat (Virtual) on Dec. 2 with SWPP
- Members Meeting in June at Briarwood, with Kester presenting Labour Market Survey results
Communications
- Monthly E-Newsletters and blasts to keep you informed about Chamber activities
- Regular posts on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Regular emails and updates as news and policy change
- On the road visiting members and new businesses
- Take part in Rural Action Centre Partner meetings
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Participated in a 7-week Inclusion Program “Lead the Shift” (This program is for leaders and professionals (HR, CEO, etc.) who are responsible for overseeing strategies within their organizations and who want to be more inclusive: to lead, engage, and work with diverse teams).
Other Chamber activities
- Chamber Bursary Awards – awarded in June each year to two students from Westisle pursuing a post-secondary field in Business. This year’s candidates were Skylar Rayner and Keely Dyment
- Provided work experience to our summer student Kailee Skerry through the Post Secondary and Canada Summer Jobs program
- Grant Thornton survey interview on Finance PEI Strategic Pan
- Move locations and set up the new office, phone, email, and signage
- Test NEW Pragmatic Video Conferencing Program
- Federal Pre-Budget Consultation Meetings
- Meet with NEW PNP businesses being set up in our communities
Looking forward the West Prince Chamber of Commerce will continue to engage and support our members in future goals and our vision. We have done extremely well at building our Chamber brand and having an organization that can sustain itself will be our priority. Let's continue to value our partnerships with other businesses and organizations. Collaborations are more vital today with our ever-changing world economy and having the opportunity to share events and platforms can only benefit all those involved while showing strength to our growing communities.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, we wish you a happy holiday season and best wishes for 2022.
Tammy Rix
Chief Executive Officer
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Chamber swears in new President |
Carol Rybinski (right) was sworn in as the West Prince Chamber of Commerce’s new president at the chamber’s annual general meeting on Nov.17, 2021.
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Welcome Board of Directors 2022 |
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Back Row from left: Emmerson MacMillan, Monique Horne (Secretary), Dan MacDonald (Vice President), Leah McGrath, Paul Arsenault, Norma Jean Griffin, Amber Frey (Treasurer), Melissa Heald, Denis Gallant Front Row: President Carol Rybinski, Past President John Maynard, Missing from Photo Geoffrey Irving
One Vacancy
Have you ever considered joining the Chamber Board of Directors?
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Our Board consists of volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds who are elected to oversee the affairs of the West Prince Chamber of Commerce
- By serving on our Board of Directors, you'll have a direct impact on our business community and the role the Chamber plays in it.
- If you are a Chamber Champion and want to make a difference, we invite you to apply to join our Board of Directors by calling 902-726-5646.
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Nominate your Favorite Local Business |
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It’s nomination time again. The West Prince Chamber of Commerce is once again pleased to open nominations for the various categories of business excellence that are recognized at our annual gala. We look forward to your input as we recognize the value, dedication, and ingenuity of our small business community.
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LOVE LOCAL PEI
Business Directory
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Give the gift of local this holiday season with the help of the Love Local, PEI Directory
The Love Local, PEI Directory can help you find unique gifts for everyone on your list and includes locally owned and operated businesses. Check out our website and find your region.
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The Maritime Edit Magazine |
"If the global pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that our success isn’t determined solely by what happens on the international stage; it’s more often driven by the things we do locally."
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"BIZY IN THE STICKS"
Chamber Podcast
Episode #15
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In this episode, we discuss the recent merger of four Legacy Credit Unions and how the amalgamation will bring benefits to its rural, customers, small business owners, and staff. We discuss the service and upcoming retirement of the long-serving Tignish Branch CEO.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST LINK BELOW
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Do you have news or celebrations you would like to share with other business members? Chamber E-News goes out monthly, usually around the second week. Just email your news to admin@westprincechamber.com |
Located in the heart of Tignish, PEI Shirley’s Café was established in 1991 as a family business. She also has a $1.00 Mart around back.
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Offer full-service firm offering advisory, accounting, tax, and integrated cloud accounting services.
Contact: Riley Shea
Ph: 902-370-2224
email: andrea@koscpa.ca
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Burleigh Bros. Seafoods Ltd. is a multi-generational
family-owned and operated seafood processing business
that has been operating since 1934. They provide a variety
of fresh and wild oysters and clams, the majority of which
are sourced directly from the deeded oyster beds located
on the famous Malpeque Bay.
Contact: Thomas Burleigh
Phone: 902-831-2349
Email: Thomas@burleighbros.pe.ca
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Academic Advising/ Part-Time Study. If you would like to improve your study skills, discuss available academic supports, explore program delivery options.
Career Planning: Who you are, your values, interests, and preferences will all factor in choosing a strong career pathway. If you want to explore career options or enhance your employability skills, Holland College can help you prepare.
Contact: Haley Doherty
Phone: 902-5669368
Email: hedoherty@hollandcollege.com
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Program Funding & Upcoming Events |
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The Board Member Training program is designed for members of boards of directors for not-for-profit organizations. This program will bring awareness on key topics revolving around a board of directors and board operational procedures. For more information please call Marloes van der Leeuw at 902-566-9372 or
Climate Challenge Fund
The goal of the Climate Challenge Fund is to empower people of different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, who work across sectors and in different communities throughout the Island, to contribute to climate action in any or all of the following areas: adapting to projected impacts of climate change; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; increasing opportunities for carbon sequestration (the removal and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere); building capacity and resilience through public outreach and education; and/or expanding climate change research and knowledge. Apply to the Climate Challenge Fund
NEW Apprenticeship Program to support Agriculture Industry
Holland College starting January 2022 will deliver the Truck and Transport, Heavy Duty Equipment, and Agricultural Equipment Technical Training Program. The program will be based at the Queens Country Highway Depot and will include onsite visits to industry shops across Prince Edward Island. The government will fund the tuition for all participants in the program. Learn More about the Apprenticeship Program
Business Start-Up Training & More
Digital by Default: The Future of Digital Healthcare in Canada
December 8 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Prior to 2020, telehealth was viewed as a complementary part of healthcare, but its use since the start of the pandemic has increased significantly and it has the potential to evolve into a long-term and lasting trend that will expand access to essential health services and healthcare delivery. This webinar will help guide you through the acceleration and advancements of digital healthcare with the help of our expert panel, including:
- Brad Sorensen, Founder, and CEO, Providence Therapeutics
- Christian Macher, Country President and Oncology General Manager, Novartis Canada Inc.
- Laure Tessier-Delivuk, Client Solutions Director, Digital and Solutions, GE Healthcare
- Stephanie Chicoine, Senior Healthcare Business Manager, Microsoft Canada
PEI Business Women's Association
Activate HER PEI – Start-up program for women
PEIBWA, through the support of the Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership, is excited to offer a NEW six–week program for women looking to start a new business.
Next Program Start Date: January 20, 2022
Skilled Newcomers in Construction
The information session for our next Skilled Newcomers in Construction program is next Wednesday, Dec. 8th, at 9:00 AM. 8 weeks in the classroom, 8 weeks paid work
Read this infographic for more info and contact janet@capei.ca if you have any questions.
211 PEI – the Island’s navigation service to thousands of non-profit, community, and government programs across the province. 211 PEI is a free and confidential phone, website, text, and email service that can navigate help seekers in areas such as seniors' programs, financial supports, mental health, clothing/other goods, housing, food supports, recreation, non-urgent health issues, COVID-19, and all levels of government services, to name just a few. Available 24/7/365 by phone (in 150+ languages) and online, 211 PEI connects Islanders to supports and services quickly and easily for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Every call is a personal experience. Highly trained navigators take their time to listen and ensure that help seekers receive referrals to meet their needs.
Unsure whether to reach out? There is no wrong call! Dial or text 211, visit pe.211.ca, or email help@pe.211.ca. 211 PEI is a signature service of the United Way of PEI.
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Trusted, Engaged, Responsive, and in your Community! Refer a local business to join today!
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