Social Media: Why, What, How
written by Dave Cage
At a recent breakfast meeting at the Express Restaurant, Presenter, Carla Sorowka, MBA, talked to over 40 of our Chamber members about how Social media is the perfect way for small business to demonstrate transparency and engage target market. The presentation included tips to get started and acquire different tools to manage and improve social media strategy.
With such an involved topic, Carla has provided notes to the Chamber office. Anyone wishing a copy please contact the office.
more...Happy 2012
written by Dave Cage
We wish all our Members a very happy 2012. Your support and involvement over the years has made this a very successful business organization and we look forward to our continued success in 2012.
We look forward to seeing you soon as we have many events planned for you throughout the year.
Best wishes to all.
Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade
written by Dave Cage
Chamber President Bob Douglas, and Executive Director Dave Cage, participated in Stoney Creek's 57th annual Santa Claus parade on Saturday, December third. We were privileged to drive a brand new Dodge extended cab pickup, courtesy of Taylor Dodge Chrysler. Thanks to Taylor Chrysler Dodge Jeep for providing such excellent transportation! It was just what we wanted for Christmas!
The weather was perfect for the parade, which featured several marching bands and over 70 floats. Although Santa always brings out the crowd, perhaps the nice weather attributed to at least double the usual crowd.
We also had a couple of "Police Foundation" graduates from Trios College helping us by marching in front of our vehicle. The Stoney Creek Chamber has been a participant in this parade for many years and we would like to thank the organizers for all their volunteer time and effort in putting on such great event.
Annual Holiday Gathering
written by Dave Cage
The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce held the Annual Holiday Gathering for members on December 1st. The party was held at the "Express" restaurant on Gray Road with Sonny and his team providing great food and service. This has always been an excellent evening for celebration and networking as we get ready for the holiday season. It was great to see so many members out to this event.
Dave Cage, the Chambers Executive Director, and Connie Behie, the Chambers Administrative assistant, were great hosts once again, and personally welcomed the over 100 members who attended this event. Chamber President Bob Douglas said a few brief words during the evening and thanked those who attended as well as the sponsors, who really made it all happen. This year there were six sponsors who for many years have been Chamber members and strong supporters of the Chamber. They are: Brittania Cleaners, McHugh, Mowat, Whitmore, Ionico, and McPherson, Grenning & Company, Tripemco Insurance Brokers, WWW.Printer.ca, and Royal LePage State Realty/ Patrick Campbell.
So,,, from all of us at the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce.... we thank you very much for all your support over the past year....and we wish you, and your families, and "your business", all the very best over this Holiday season, and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2012!
Luncheon with Police Chief Glenn De Caire
written by Dave Cage
Police Chief Glenn De Caire addressed Chamber Members and guests at a luncheon meeting held at the Innsville Restaurant, March 9th.
The Chief shared information we should use to reduce the risk of fraud through credit/debit card, internet and personal data theft. The main message was, DO NOT give out any personal or banking information to anyone over the telephone. Emails requesting personal information should also be disregarded. Most importantly, if you find a situation that seems suspicious, report it to the police. We were also reminded not to carry our Social Security cards and only to carry credit cards that we would frequently use. Equally important it to pay close attention to monthly bank and credit card statements.
Members attending were also given an opportunity to ask a variety of questions. It was a very informative and interesting event enjoyed by all.
more...Chamber Pool Tournament
written by Dave Cage
The Chamber hosted a pool tournament at Boilers Restaurant on November 17th.
Congratulations go to our winners Harry, CanWeb Printing & Dennis, Central Boiler Works and second place winners, Jack, Cassell Manufacturing & Brad, Brownlow Partners.
Special thanks to Kim, Central Boiler Works for her assistance, and thanks to Tim Hortons for providing prizes.
more...Remembrance Day
written by Dave Cage
This past Friday November 11th, I had the distinct honour of placing the wreath for "The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce" at the cenotaph in Stoney Creek. In all my years with the Stoney Creek Chamber, about nine years now, this is the first time I've been involved in the ceremony. It was to say the least, a very moving experience!
I arrived at St Francis Xaviour Church at about 10:30am....the parking lot was already full, and the parade was almost fully assembled. Dave Cage told me I could march in the parade if I wanted, so I got in position behind the Legionnaires, and just in front of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It was cold but sunny.... I felt very honoured to be included in this group as I waited for the parade to start. At 20 minutes to 11am the company was instructed to march. It brought me back to my days in high school and marching with the cadets and the school band. It was only a short march, but what an unbelievable experience!
The area around cenotaph was crowded with several hundred citizens, young and old alike. As the ceremony started I read the inscription on the cenotaph...."While yet unstained our ancient banner, keep it's place of pride, Let none forget how great a debt we owe to those who died". The names of those who died were read out .... then came the roar of the Lancaster Bomber flying overhead....one of only two Lancasters out of the over 7,000 that served in the war, still able to fly.
It was then my turn to lay the Chamber's wreath....I thought of my father, and my uncles, who served in the war. What a price that was paid for the freedom we now enjoy. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Battlefield Branch 622, who organized the ceremony, and to all those who took part. We should all be proud to be Canadians.
The Mayor's Luncheon
written by Dave Cage
On Thursday, October 5th, the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce welcomed mayor Bob Bratina to a lunch hour meeting for members and guests at Liuna Gardens in Winona. The lunch, with over 60 in attendance, was organized by the Chamber and sponsored by Bob Hemberger of the Innsville Restaurant. Mayor Bob's address was not a State of the City message, but rather a pep talk about the recent accomplishments the city has had. He attended with his chief of staff Peggy Chapman, and there were several City councillors in attendance, namely Terry Whitehead, Brad Clark, and Maria Pearson.
more...In Celebration of Small Business
written by Dave Cage
In Celebration of Small Business week, The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce held an open house for Chamber members and guests. The event ws sponsored by Audie McCarthy of the Marrek Group and Patrick Campbell of Royal LePage State Realty Brokerage, with special thanks to Tim Hortons, Stoney Creek locations, for providing coffee and dessert.
Despite the rainy weather, over 60 attendees made this an excellent opportunity for business networking in the newly renovated, expanded Chamber office.
There were many business card draws held throughout the course of the evening, and we called on our good member Ron Foxcroft, Fox40 International Inc. to start us off with the first draw.
We enjoyed the opportunity to see so many members at the October 19th event. For those unable to attend, please come by any week day morning to see the new expansion and learn more about what the Chamber has to offer.
Mayor Bob Kicks off Stoney Creek Chamber AGM at Players Paradise
written by Dave Cage
The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce held it's 61st Annual General Meeting Tuesday September 13th at Kicks Sports Lounge located in Players Paradise on Seaman St in Stoney Creek. Mayor Bob Bratina attended the event, and provided a very positive message to the approximately 70 people in attendance about the good things happening in Hamilton. You can read more about his comments and the "good news" story in this week's Stoney Creek News. Players Paradise is a great new indoor soccer facility in Stoney Creek, and for many in attendance, it was their first time there. Kick's Sports Lounge is located in this facility and Tony Falsca and his staff provided great food and service for this event. The sponsors for the AGM were " McHugh Mowat Whitmore Ionico & MacPherson", "Norstar Windows & Doors", and "RBC Royal Bank". The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce has 436 members in Stoney Creek and the surrounding area, and provides support and value added services to it's members and the local business community.
Joint Chamber Night at Holiday Inn Express
written by Dave Cage
Members of the Stoney Creek and Grimsby Chambers enjoyed a wonder evening of food and fun hosted by Holiday Inn Express.
Approximately 100 people attended the event held at the end of July dispite the extremely hot weather.
more...Great Day for Golf
written by Dave Cage
Our Chamber Tournament, held on June 2nd, at Southbrook Golf & Country Club, was enjoyed by 114 golfers.
The weather was excellent and all the holes were playable in spite of a very wet spring. The end of the tournament was celebrated with lots of networking, delicious meal and prizes for everyone.
We thank our sponsors, Stoney Creek Furniture, and all our hole sponsors and those who donated prizes, for helping us to make this an enjoyable event for everyone involved.
Our next Chamber tournament has been booked for June 7th, 2012. Chamber members are welcome to book now for next year.
May 31, Networking Breakfast
written by Dave Cage
Lori Raudnask, 2nd VP on our Board of Directors facilitated a high energy workshop at the Express Restaurant on May 31. Lori got us on our feet with interactive activities to demonstrate that you can have fun while learning. Her topic, "Persistance Pays" not only describes the workshop but Lori herself. She is a living example of someone who navigates the roadblocks often encountered as a business owner with a positive attitude and a big smile.
2010 Citizen of the Year Awards
written by Dave Cage
Stoney Creek Celebrated the contributions of the community’s 2010 Citizen of the Year recipients during a ‘Grand Event’ organized by the Stoney Creek chamber of Commerce.
Over 250 people attended the May 12th celebration at Galileo’s Garden to show support and appreciation while enjoying a fabulous five course meal.
Our masters of ceremony, 2nd Vice, Lori Raudnask and Chamber President, Robert Douglas provided narration to individual presentations recapping the accomplishments of these worthy citizens and businesses.
Congratulations to Jim McIntosh, 2010 Citizen, Natasha Valconi, Junior Citizen, Superior Radiant Products, Outstanding Large Business, Aulward Graphics, Outstanding Small Business, Losani Homes, Community Recognition, Clough Energy, Legacy Award and Dean Saumur, Youth Recognition Award.
Special thanks to our sponsors
Donald V. Brown Funeral Home
BMO Bank of Montreal
Hamilton Economic Development
Brownlow Partners Chartered Accountants
DJB & Company Chartered Accountants
Stoney Creek News
Lions Club of Stoney Creek
A news clip of the 2010 Citizen of the Year Awards is available on NewsClip TV.
It’s never too early to nominate worthy citizens and business for the 2011 Awards.
60th Anniversary Gala
written by Dave Cage
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce 60th Anniversary Gala.
The evening started off with appetizers and mingling followed by a fabulous dinner. Galileo’s Gardens did an outstanding job for us once again. The live jazz band through dinner with the Carolyn Plettell trio was enjoyed by all.
more...Area Rating
written by Dave Cage
On February 28th, the Executive Directors of Stoney Creek, Hamilton and Flamborough Chambers presented a collaborative view regarding area rating.
The consensus shared to City Council and staff is that a service based area rating system would be fair to everyone as services would be taxed based on availability of the taxpayers geographic address rather than by Ward only.
City Council voted to accept both suggestions from the Chambers and the Citizens Forum for financial review.
It appears that the City will be increasing taxes by less than 2% and area rating decisions will be delayed as results are to be revenue neutral based on a realignment of some taxes in various areas.
The Chambers will continue to monitor and offer to assist in this process.
Economic Recovery is not Easy but will be Sustained
written by Dave Cage
In a presentation to Stoney Creek Chamber Members,
Guest Speaker: Robert Hogue, Senior Economist,
RBC Financial Group advised that;
§ Notwithstanding the inevitable temporary setbacks, the global economy is on the right track
- Canada is among the leading advanced economies in the recovery
- Policy – both monetary and fiscal – will remain stimulative in the near term although gradually less so as the recovery matures
- Canada’s external sector will contribute to growth next year and business investment will provide a stronger boost
- Consumer spending will grow at a moderate pace. Housing will stop contributing to growth.
If you wish a copy of the power point presentation, please contact the Chamber office.
