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“Nominations for the 201 Business Awards are now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted!” “Nominations are now open for the 2012 Business Awards”. These were two announcements made by Executive Director, Alan Greene at the Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce meeting September 26, 2011.
The winners of the 2011 competition will be presented at the Wetaskiwin & District Business Awards Gala Thursday October 20, 2011 at the Memorial Arts Centre. The evening will commence with cocktails at 5:30 pm. The ticket price is $40.00. Awards being presented include:
Small Business: Any business with 1-5 employees• Mid-Size Business: Any business with 6-20 employees •Large Business: Any business with 21+ employees • Agricultural Business: Any number of employees but must excel in the agricultural industry • Non-Profit Organization: Any number of employees but must be a registered non-profit • Employer of the Year: Any number of employees, but must lead by example, have a overall positive relationship with staff and go the extra mile for staff • Customer Service: - An individual who shows the "WOW" factor while going the extra mile for their customers and showing a commitment to the community • Chamber Business of the Year: Any number of employees but must be a Chamber member and be involved in Chamber activities.
Allan announced that the Chamber, in partnership with the Community Learning Council and JEDI will be hosting a series of videoconferencing sessions in October. The quality is high but thanks to technology and videoconferencing, the cost to participants is low ranging from $10 - $15 per session. To register, please contact the CLC at 780 361-6241 or visit www.clcwetaskiwin.ca Wednesday October 05, 2011.
Promotional Strategies: Creating Buzz for your Biz
Limited budget? Want to create a buzz about your product, service or company? Join us to learn cost-effective and often free promotional tips and techniques. Find out how to effectively promote using traditional and electronic methods for a wide range of products and services. Presenter: Greg Gazin - Gadget Guy/Parallel 2000 Corp. Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
October 06, 2011
Social Media for Marketing
In this tough economy, social media offers you a FREE way to connect with your target market and build client relationships with just a few clicks. Move beyond the buzz words and learn how to use social media to make a tangible difference in your marketing and sales. Social Media = New generation word of mouth. Presenter: Devesh Dwivedi, MBA - entrepreneurinmaking.com
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Thursday October 13, 2011
Group Benefits
Are you a new business owner and you no longer have group benefits, like when you were an employee? Attend this session for a down-to-earth explanation of group benefit basics. This session will walk you through an actual schedule of benefits and how to create one for a company. We will also examine some creative methods of offering benefits to your employees. Presenter: Earl Shindruk – Optimax Benefits/Grant MacEwan University’s School of Business. Time: 12:00PM-2:00PM
Thursday October 13, 2011
Insurance: What you need to know
As a business owner, what kinds of insurance do you need to have? Depending on the structure of your business, it’s important to consider the different types of business, group and personal insurance. This session will focus on insurance needs for entrepreneurs and for new and growing businesses. Presenters: Sheila Butt & Gail Baillie, CFP – RBC Insurance. Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM
Tuesday October 18, 2011
Income Tax Basics for Sole Proprietors & Partnerships
This session provides basic income tax information for the small business owner that is either a sole proprietorship or a partnership. Presenter: Canada Revenue Agency. Time: 11:00AM-12:30PM
Wednesday October 19, 2011
Is Franchise Ownership Right for You?
Thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs become franchise owners ever year. Should you? If you're considering starting your own business, this session introduces the world of franchise ownership. Investing in a franchise blends the satisfaction of being your own boss with the security of someone looking out for your success. Franchising lets you be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Presenter: Ron Smith - Open for Business/FranNet. Time: 10:30AM-12:00PM.
Wednesday October 19, 2011
Market Research
Need to research your business, and don't know where to start? Find out about the types of information you need to collect, where to look for it, and how to identify your target market. Realistically look at data to determine the viability of your business idea, and learn what you need to present to financial institutions. Presenter: Eric Brant - The Business Link. Time: 1:00PM-4:00PM
Thursday October 20, 2011
Visual Merchandising Basics
Visual merchandising is a set of techniques used by retailers, business owners with a store front, farmers' market vendors, trade show booth hosts, or anywhere products are sold. This session covers design basics, visual merchandising tips, and involves interesting stories you can learn from. Presenter: Melissa Walker - Flourish Design & Merchandising. Time:12:00PM-2:00PM
Thursday October 27, 2011
Small Business Accounting Basics
Familiarize yourself with some basic accounting terminology, as well as three of the most common financial statements. Presenter: Steve Bruns, CMA - Grant MacEwan University. Time: 12:00PM-1:30PM
Given the full dining room attendance at the Chamber meetings held at Montgomery Glen, it is evident the Wetaskiwin business community values the many benefits offered by the Chamber. The advantage of being a Chamber Member is not only the networking opportunities, but the many benefits made available to business owners and employees. For more information go to: http://www.wetaskiwinchamber.ca/