After more than eighteen months of uncertainty, stimulus spending and dramatic shifts in global economies, one clear truth remains. There ever been a more important time than now to understand all the factors impacting our economic security. That is why we encourage all Members to attend Outlook 2010, the Chamber’s annual economic forecast luncheon.

BMO’s dynamic economist, Dr. Sherry Cooper, has been described in the Globe and Mail newspaper as “Canada’s megawatt celebrity economist” and we couldn’t agree more. She is in constant demand as a speaker and writer because of her ability to simplify and de-mystify the murky waters of economics and finance. For the sixth time in the last seven years, the Chamber is pleased to host Dr. Cooper as the keynote speaker in our annual Outlook 2009 luncheon event on Tuesday March 9 at St. Anne’s Centre.

Dr. Sherry Cooper is Executive Vice-President, BMO Financial Group; Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets. Her return to St. Thomas as our guest for the Outlook luncheon has been made possible with generous sponsorship and support of BMO Financial Group.

Sherry Cooper has a well-earned reputation to get the facts and isn’t fearful of explaining reality, no matter how much it hurts. As in her past visits to our community, we expect her remarks to include exclusive and custom data specifically about St. Thomas, Elgin County and southwestern Ontario.

She is the author of two best-selling books, The Cooper Files and Ride the Wave. In addition, Dr. Cooper gives more than two hundred speeches each year, is a monthly co-anchor on CNN’s Street Sweep, and makes regular appearances on CNBC’s Wake-up Call and Bloomberg News. She writes a bi-weekly column in the National Post and is often quoted in the print media including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Business Week and Investors Business Daily.

Tickets for Outlook are on sale now for all Members at the Chamber office. $26.25 per person ($25 plus $1.25 GST) includes a complete buffet luncheon. The event will begin with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Cooper’s remarks will start at noon then food services will end the program. Call us soon to order tickets as this event will sell quickly: 519-631-1981. Reserved seating is available on single orders of 6 seats or more. Click here for a convenient link to our ticket order form.

Welcome New Members

The Chamber network grows every month! The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. The organizations listed below, their management and staff were accepted as registered Members December 1, 2009 to January 15, 2010.

BLUE SKY I.T. STRATEGIES
47389 Talbot Line R. R. 5
Aylmer ON N5H 2R4
E-mail: doingitright@blueskyit.ca
Website: www.blueskyit.ca
Phone: 226-234-4955
Contact: Catherine Barr, Owner
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Computers – Sales, Services & Support; Information Technology Services
Products and Services: Catherine provides computer consulting services with support and solutions that enable customers to maintain and build their information technology needs.

DOMINION LENDING CENTRE
829 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E4
E-mail: jrussell@dominionlending.ca
Website: www.dominion lending.ca
Fax: 519-637-8811
Phone: 519-637-3582, 1-866-559-1090
Contacts: Jim Russell, Mortgage Agent
John Bustard, Mortgage Agent
Rajesh Jaitly, Mortgage Agent
Jean Mann, Mortgage Agent
Dave Riddolls, Mortgage Agent
Colin Deacon, Mortgage Agent
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Financial Services; Mortgage Services
Products and Services: The St. Thomas branch of Dominion Lending is part of a national mortgage brokerage and leasing company. Their mortgage professionals offer free expert advice and work to take the hassles out of the mortgage process. With access to more than 90 lending institutions, including big banks, credit unions and trust companies, they are familiar with a vast array of available mortgage products, ranging from first-time homebuyer programs to financing for the self-employed to financing for those with credit blemishes. They work on behalf of their customers, not the lenders, to ensure they receive the best possible rates and products available in today’s marketplace.

E.A.S.Y. VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES
12 – 426 Talbot Street
St. Thomas ON N5P 1B9
E-mail: scott@easyvaservices.com
Website: www.easyvaservices.com
Fax: 1-866-517-7544 Phone: 519-854-8271
Contact: Scott Caslick, Owner
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Business Advisory Services; Accounting Services; Administration Services
Products and Services: Scott Caslick is a business administration professional who provides virtual administration support to all types of businesses and organizations. Services include accounting, file/records and management, office setup and integration, data entry/control, transcription, publishing, research and much more. Services can be tailored to individual needs, short term or long term and as a temporary fill-in for an existing employee. There are no geographic boundaries and satisfaction is completely guaranteed.

GREENLY CLEAN
452 Talbot Street,
St. Thomas ON N5P 1B8
Website: www.greenlyclean.ca
Fax: 519-631-5675
Phone: 519-631-9866, 1-800-794-6652
Contact: Jean Jones, Manager - Housekeeping Home Support Services
Buyer’s Guide Category: Cleaning Services
Products and Services: Greenly Clean is a home and office cleaning and maintenance company that upholds an environmental commitment — to promote the health of customers and workers, use only natural, environmentally safe products and practices when providing their services. They will also incorporate friendly visiting and complete errands for their customers.

MERRITT & ASSOCIATES
116 Forest Avenue
St. Thomas, ON N5R 2J7
E-mail: racer3923@rogers.com
Fax: 519-631-6750
Phone: 519-631-1123, Cell: 519-870-7745
Contact: Gus Merritt, President
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Building Contractors; Restorations; Renovations
Products and Services: Merritt and Associates performs all types of restoration services including concrete, masonry and stone work, slate roofing, antique windows and related hardware services.

WHARF (THE)
4- 208 Main Street
Port Stanley ON N5L
Fax: 519-782-4676 Phone: 519-782-7788
Contacts: Barb & Gary Scrivens Co-owners
Christine Currie, Kitchen Manager/Head Chef
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Banquet Facilities; Restaurants
Products and Services: Set at the mouth of Kettle Creek, the Wharf offers diners of this popular establishment a most dramatic view of the Port Stanley harbour while they enjoy a meal from their superb menu of Canadian cuisine favourites. The Wharf is also and ideal site of for special events, weddings, banquets and meetings. Watch for details about upcoming comedy and music tribute nights.

YELLOW SIGN PEOPLE
45559 Edgeware Line, R. R. 8
St. Thomas ON N5P 3T3
E-mail: mark-hiepleh@sympatico.ca
Fax: 519-633-3862; Phone: 519-633-7039
Contact: Mark Hiepleh, President
Buyer’s Guide Categories: Signs/Screen Printing; Advertising Promotion
Products and Services: The Yellow Sign People provide mobile sign rentals and maintenance for businesses and organizations looking to promote sales and events. The signs are available to be placed at their customers’ own sites or at numerous strategically placed locations in our area. Both short term and long term contracts are available.