Calabogie & Area Business Association

FYI CIRCULATION COPY - June 8, 2009

(At each CABA meeting we look to provide current information of interest to our business community.)

1. Ottawa Valley Business Reports that Canada has moved to FIFTH place in a World Economic Forum’s ranking for “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness” behind

France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The Forum interviewed 13,000 Executives worldwide. Our excellent natural and cultural resources were particularly noted.

2. FREE Seminar by Canada Revenue Agency/Minister of Revenue for GST/PST. Topics covered include: How the taxes work; obligations, entitlements, how to complete return, who has to register, record keeping, special situations. Hosted by Lanark-North Leeds Enterprise Centre. Info 613 283 7002 or cjames@ripnet.com .

June 11^th – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3.TASTE OF THE VALLEY is seeking vendors. If you produce agricultural or meat products you may want to showcase your business at one of three events being held in Town of Arnprior, Madawaska Valley or the Whitewater Region (Cobden). Contact Alastair Baird at 613 735 0091 or Bruce McIntyre at 613 732 5945

4. www.calabogie.org analytics – May 2009

Site Usage – 367 Visits / 1.33 Pages per Visit representing 19.32% increase over April

5. OVTA reports Year 2 of “Go Snowmobiling” campaign deemed a success with permit sales increasing to over 90,000 from 82,000 in 2007.

6. OVTA celebrated Tourism Week June 1 – 7 and in conjunction with other events organized “A” Channel visits to various tourism hot spots including Calabogie.

Programs aired on “A” Channel Mon – Fri from 6 - 10 a.m. and Sat from 7 - 9 a.m.

7.OVTA Guide distributed to 26,000 homes in Toronto and in Globe & Mail on May 20 and May 27^th. The Economic Development Committee of Greater Madawaska purchased advertising for Calabogie within this guide.

8. Township’s Economic Development Committee has installed Tourist Map boxes on exterior of Tourist Booth, Barnet Park, Municipal Office and plans for the RC Church in Mount St. Patrick and a public area in Griffith. WE NEED A CABA VOLUNTEER TO ENSURE THEY ARE STOCKED. NAME: _________________

9. As of December 1, 2008 the responsibility for legislative oversight of small drinking water systems in Ontario was transferred from the MOE to the Ministry of Health and Long_Term Care and the local public health units for implementation.  All small drinking water systems are now governed by two new regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

           1.  O. Reg. 318/08 (Transitional - Small Drinking Water Systems)

2. O. Reg. 319/08 (Small Drinking Water Systems)

10. TRADES AND SERVICES are encouraged to participate in a survey regarding projected shortage and future availability of skilled trades. Go to www.oved.ca/survey or contact Mitch Wilkie at Renfrew County Economic Development 613 735 0091.