October 2023
Dear Members,
I hope many of you are enjoying the beautiful fresh fall air! It certainly is my favorite time of year on our beautiful Island!
We had a very busy September with our annual golf outing at St. Felix Golf Course raising close to $6000, thank you to all of our generous sponsors and everyone who took park. Our Women's Wellness Retreat at Briarwood Cottages was a great success with 28 ladies in attendance. A big shoutout to Lisa Reid owner of Briarwood for facilitating the weekend and her tremendous support in helping me organize it.
Small Business Week celebrations are happening next month. I know everyone is very busy this time of year, our farmers and fishers are hard at work. We have a few events happening so I hope you can make the time to drop by and connect with other business-minded people. Thank you for all you do in running your business and for contributing so much to our communities. We truly do live in an amazing place!
I received a consultation letter (dated Sept.22) from Hal Perry, Leader of the Opposition regarding amending proposed legislation to the Employment Standards Act to provide 3 days of paid sick leave, per year, to permanent, year-round workers. After 30 days of continuous employment, employees would be entitled to three days of paid leave per calendar year. Please read the letter HERE! I am aware that many businesses have their own policies in place. If you would like to share your current policies or provide feedback to me by the end of next week I can include it in our response. Thanks in advance.
Small Business Week Celebrations!
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Oct. 5 deadline to apply to Chamber Board of Directors (Apply Now)
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Oct. 17 Art Art Studio Tour with Joanne Brogran at Cottage Co & Me Creations 11531 Richards Road, Tyne Valley from 2:00-6:30 PM (Drop by and view or purchase one of her pieces of art)
- Oct 18 Business & Social Hour Mill River Resort 4-6 pm No registration required just drop in and say Hello
- Oct. 20 Barbecue at O'Leary Farmers Co-op 11:00-1:00 PM
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Oct. 25 Breakfast with the Premier, Summerside Oval 9:00 -10:30 AM Register HERE!
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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Hospice PEI Signature Fundraiser |
Hospice PEI’s signature fundraiser, Dancing With The Stars is happening on October 21st at the Delta Prince Edward!
This is the 11th annual event and is shaping up to be quite a spectacular evening. The fundraising event is a fun-filled night packed with music and dancing. PEI Stars are paired with local professional dancers to show us their best moves!
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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
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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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Whispering Hope Farm is very excited about what’s in store for their Halloween Event!!
They have limited spots, so please message or call Kayla to register your child.
(902) 303-3491
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WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT - DAN MACDONALD
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and organizers who contributed to the West Prince Chamber of Commerce golf tournament last week. Your support and commitment to our local Chamber of Commerce demonstrates the drive and determination that makes our business community thrive.
The game of golf has long been associated with networking and building connections. It provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and establish new relationships while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and friendly competition.
As members of the Chamber of Commerce, we understand the significance of collaboration and synergy within our community. This golf outing serves as a reminder of the power of coming together, not just for a round of golf, but for the greater purpose of strengthening the ties that bind us as business professionals in West Prince. Congratulations to all the winners!
Dan MacDonald, President, West Prince Chamber of Commerce
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Women's Wellness Retreat a Success
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Inaugural Prince County Women's Wellness Retreat 2023 was hosted by Prince County Chambers & PEI Business Women's Association this past weekend. There were a number of ladies who have retired from their businesses and were recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit along with their contributions to the business community. Three of the five ladies in attendance were presented with a Certificate of Recognition for being Past Women in Business in Prince County along with a swag bag. The five ladies recognized were Sandra Brennan-O'Meara, Cora Lee Dunbar, Sandra Caseley, Theresa Ballum (sent regrets), and Verna Pridham (sent regrets). Tammy Rix shared their business stories, along with their insights and some advice to pass along. Twenty-eight ladies were in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend as a whole along with the unique wellness workshops. A big thank you to all who took part in the activities and for taking the time to relax and reflect. We look forward to sharing an even greater experience with you next year!
Keynote Speaker Lori Gard: Striking the Balance: Nurturing Work-Life Harmony and Building Strong Relationships
Karen Milligan Workshop Session: Empowering Wellness Through Somatic Healing:
A Trauma-Informed Approach, Yoga Facilitation by Karen Milligan
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Above & Beyond Painting
Contact: Dwight Hamill
36877 Western Road
902-807-0582
Proudly Serving Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Dwight Hamill has been going above and beyond in the Prince County area, producing high-quality paint service to many churches, businesses, and residents. High-quality results with a focus on service and client satisfaction are what Above & Beyond Painting is known for. They stand behind their work and look forward to working with you on your next project!
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Contact: Roseanne Banks
Tignish Health Center
902-859-3949
Hospice PEI is a volunteer-driven organization assisting people in PEI by preparing, and supporting, end-of-life care, grief support, and caregiver support.
Interested in helping out they are always looking for volunteers!
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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
Save up to 70% on your shipping cost! Flagship is the only option you will want to choose for your shipping needs. Save up to 70% on your shipping cost! It is a convenient online shipping service that makes it easy to instantly compare discounted shipping rates, choose your preferred courier among Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar and DHL, print your label, schedule free pickup, receive tracking notifications and one consolidated invoice; all in one place.
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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.
We make it possible. You make it happen.
Are you ready to get started?
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Government Programs and Updates |
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Province of PEI
Innovation PEI - Ignition Fund
The 2023 Fall Round of the Ignition Fund is Now Accepting Applications
Innovation PEI is excited to announce the Ignition Fund is now open for applications! The Ignition Fund is a competitive-based fund for entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital for a new innovative business venture or to develop and launch a new innovative product. The fund invests seed capital that will allow successful applicants to turn their ideas into tangible and viable businesses. Read the full article here. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 23, at 1:00 PM.
2023 Easter Seals PEI Provincial Grant Program
Each year Easter Seals PEI is able to help fund programs run by registered Island charities enhancing the lives of Islanders living with disabilities through our Provincial Grant Program.
Grant recipients are chosen through an application and committee review process which takes place each Fall.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Provincial Grant program.
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All registered charities on PEI are welcome to apply using this online form: https://bit.ly/3ZpMn0q
- Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply again this year.
- The deadline for applications is Friday, October 13th at 5:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Successful recipient organizations will be notified in early November.
If you have any questions about the Easter Seals PEI Provincial Grant program, please contact Executive Director Kelly Mullaly at kelly@eastersealspei.org.
Customer Experience: Helping Businesses Boost Their Bottom Line
Customer Experience is a key business differentiator. Research shows that focusing on this aspect of your business will boost your bottom line, by increasing sales and gaining repeat customers. October 18th, 9:00AM-11:00 AM @Mill River Resort
Oct.3 Red Cross Emergency First Aid & CPR Training Wellington
Oct. 10 Ignition Fund Information Session Alberton
Oct. 24 & 26 Project Management 2-part series online Wellington
For more info. contact Barb MacDonald at 902-853-3616
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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Featured Businesses: Perry Batten, Royal LePage, Wind Energy Institute, Bob's Pharmacy
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Perry Batten Royal LePage |
HOME VALUATION
WHAT'S IT WORTH? Are you ready to list your residential or commercial property? Contact me by calling or texting for a real estate evaluation!
If you are looking for your perfect Prince Edward Island dream home or a new business opportunity simply fill out this form for updated information!
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Flu shots are now available at the pharmacy Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:30 pm.
No appointment is required.
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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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