With over 1400 members, it can be hard to keep track - find out what you need to know HERE!

 

Fourgrounds Media Co-Produces First Hollywood Feature Film
! Fourgrounds Media Inc., a Niagara video production studio, is excited to announce their involvement as co-producer on their first feature film. The film “Without Ward”, written and directed by Cory Cataldo, was filmed in the Hollywood Hills last summer.   Fourgrounds’ co-owners Adrian Thiessen and Kristen Nater flew to Los Angeles mid-July for on-set VFX supervision and to meet the cast. Read more.

 

 

2013 BDC YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Who should win the $100,000 Grand Prize?
Encourage your network to VOTE and give a young entrepreneur the chance to win the $100,000 Grand Prize!  The countdown has begun! Nine young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing decisive moments in their business have been selected as finalists for the 2013 BDC Young Entrepreneur Award.
Canadians can vote daily until June 11, 2013, at noon, Eastern Daylight Time.
For more information, please click here.

THE TWILIGHT JAZZ SERIES NEWS! UPCOMING PERFORMANCES - TWILIGHT JAZZ BY THE LAKE - This one day summer event will be happening in August.  Stay tuned for details. NEW SEASON - Starts in October every other Thursday night at Mahtay Café and Lounge… Here are some names that will be featured in our future line up: John Sherwood, Duncan Hopkins, Wendy Lands, Daniel Barnes Groove Trio, Le Trio Parisien featuring, Juliet Dunn, Thyron Lee Whyte, Ori Dagan, Melissa Shriner, Ripari Trio, Craig Roberts , Jumpin' Jive Band. To find out more, please visit http://www.julietdunn.ca/

Leadership Niagara
Inspire People Ideas Change
Come celebrate a growing network of inspired leaders. 
2012-2013 Community Projects

Friday, June 21, 2013 from 5:30-7:30PM
Amici's Banquet Centre
2740 Merrittville Hwy, Thorold

Tapas Au Marche style - $30 per person/$25 for alumni
Register online at leadershipniagara1.eventbrite.com

 

Over three hundred and fifty attendees joined Business Link Media Group in celebrating the achievements of Niagara’s top 40 Under Forty winners at the Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre in St. Catharines on Thursday, May 16th.  Jack Peets, 105.7 EZ Rock, was the MC for the evening and highlighted the achievements of these 40 incredible people.  Winners included two from the GNCC - Mary Jane Johnson and Corrina Massicotte!  Congratulations to all winners! Read more.

 

Congratulations to CAA Niagara Vice-president of Marketing and Public Relations, Rick Mauro, who received the prestigious Dr. Louis J. Cahill Distinguished Service Award at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Hamilton chapter's annual Pinnacle Awards.  This award is given to a member of the CPRS who has demonstrated commitment to public relations in an exemplary way. Well done!

  

MOVED!
Davidson Commercial Corp., Brokerage
has MOVED! Formerly on Vansickle Road, they are now located at One St. Paul Street, Suite 14, St. Catharines. Phone etc remain the same.  www.dccb.ca

 

The Niagara Street, St. Catharines location of YMCA of Niagara has changed!  This office is now located at 43 Church Street, Suite 104, St. Catharines.  Phone and email remains the same.


NIAGARA
TECHNOLOGY
SUMMIT
Were you unable to attend? See video by clicking here!

 

Cave Spring Cellars is please to announce...

Our annual Go Sip Girls! is back but we’re giving it a new spin, taking ‘Go Sip’ into the boutiques of Jordan Village.

Go Sip Girls! - Thursday, June 6th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Join us for an evening of sipping, shopping and strolling throughout our village while enjoying wine tastings and nibbles at each stop, relishing the stylish offerings at each boutique.

Your ticket will include a Go Sip wine glass to take with you on your sojourn from shop to shop. Grab your girlfriends and let us spoil you!

Tickets are limited, so book now! $25.00 per girl - Call 905-562-3581 ext. 302

 

Centre for the Arts, Brock University and Dreamwalker Dance Company are embarking on The Niagara Shebang – a multi-disciplinary, professional development and creative residency program for emerging and established artists in the Niagara Region. The four-day residency will take place in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, April 21-24, 2013. 

The public is invited to attend an informal presentation of The Niagara Shebang on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre. This event will be the culmination of the first session in this three year, multi-disciplinary creative residency program. This is a FREE event, no reservation is required.  A reception will follow in the theatre lobby. 
 

For an incredible eight of the past nine years, Niagara College Canada has been celebrating their number one standing in Student Satisfaction. This accomplishment is due to their strong commitment to the success of their students, and the dedication of their faculty and staff to providing an unparalleled student experience. Niagara College has retained the number one ranking for student satisfaction! Congratulations to all at Niagara College Canada! Read more here.

Spring '13 Group Show

April 18 - June 29, 2013

'A Leap of Faith' by Brian Wyers

With new and vibrant floral paintings  from Brian Wyers and Susan Porter, TAG Art Gallery welcomes all for our exciting Spring '13 Group Show. Also new for Spring are the 'ibuki keiretsu' steel sculptures of Tanya Wood to bring a breath of energy to any flower garden or windowbox; and a unique series of acrylics on clear acetate by Grazyna Adamska in the upstairs gallery.
View more online.
 

MOVED! Informed Energy Solutions Inc. has moved!  Formerly on King Street in Vineland, they can now be found at 4506 Ontario Street, Unit 4, Beamsville.  Hope the move went smooth!

 

Please join with Sullivan Mahoney LLP in welcoming J. Patrick Maloney as their newest Junior Partner.  Patrick shares their commitment to clients, our community and each other.  He has proven his ability to provide sound and cost effective legal advise to a wide range of private, public and institutional clients as a member of their Municipal Law and Land Use Planning Group. 
Congratulations & Welcome!
 

Edward Jones Advisor Ms. Nicolle Lalonde will host Rules of the Road: A Common Sense Seminar on Investing on Thursday May 02 at 6:30 pm at The St. Catharines Club, 77 Ontario Street.  The Rules of the Road seminar will cover the keys to successful investing by addressing important factors to consider, such as taxes, quality investments, price, diversification, long-term investing, losses and careful decision-making.  The seminar is free, but space is limited. To reserve your space, call Joyce Little at 905-687-8889. Read more.

 

The Downtown Association reminds us that the In the Soil Arts Festival will be celebrating its fifth season of showcasing homegrown talent from Friday April 26 to Sunday April 28 in various locations in Downtown St. Catharines.  Get your all-inclusive festival pass today!  Early Bird Pricing until April 12 only $25, then from April 12 onwards $30.  For full details about In the Soil including a festival schedule please visit In the Soil website.
 

Partridge donates $1 million to PAC Concert hall to be named Partridge Hall (April 2, 2013) St. Catharines, ON - The Partridge family of St. Catharines has made history as the single largest family donor in support of the Performing Arts Centre with today’s million dollar announcement.  Members of the Partridge family, including family patriarch Peter Partridge, joined Mayor Brian McMullan on stage at a lunchtime event to announce the family has donated $1 million to Niagara region’s newest cultural destination. Read more.

From A Spark to a Flame - Celebrating 50 Years of Choral Brilliance!  Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem - A Gala Presentation.  Chorus Niagara, Niagara's premier 100-voice choral ensemble, with Artistic Director Robert Cooper, present Giuseppe Verdi's masterwork Requiem Saturday May 4th, 7:30pm, at the historic Lake Street Armoury, 81 Lake Street, St. Catharines.  Audiences are invited to attend a post-concert reception for the historic lighting of Chorus Niagara's 50th Anniversary Candles and to enjoy a sample of the anniversary celebration cake. Read more.
 

Congratulations to Niagara Classic Transport! On April 2nd, 2013, 'Niagara on the Lake Transit' celebrated one year of successful service. With increasing ridership and growing usage of the Niagara Transit App, the first year of this program has seen many positive outcomes - fundamentally keeping NOTL "better connected." Read more.
 

TOUR SEASON! As always, Konzelmann will begin offering daily public tours in May. Starting next month, join our friendly and knowledgeable staff for a guided visit through the production facility and a structured tasting of exquisite wines. Tours will be conducted daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and take roughly 30 minutes. Tours are $5 per person, for those 19 years or older and subject to availability, please call ahead or book a tour here.
 

Anne Armstrong, Executive Director Gillian's Place, will be walking with 4 generations of women and girls in her family in the Walk For Women to support Gillian's on May 11th, 2013, Mother's Day weekend. The walk has a 5km or 2km walk option and gives the opportunity for mothers and daughters, all women and girls to come together to say with a unified voice that violence against women is unacceptable and to take a stand together against woman abuse.  Will you join us?  You can join the walk, sponsor Anne and her team and come day of to cheer everyone on as we all work together to end Violence Against Women.  Let's do this now so the young girls in your family and everywhere can live safely and won't have to face violence and abuse.  Click here to support Anne's team and the cause.
 

WHAT NOW by Velvet Tomassini -  Velvet's passion for cultivating a financially literate society is extremely evident in this "must read" book of how to manage your money.   Targeting an audience of High School, College and University Students, but certainly not lost on any adult needing a little guidance in the art of how to make your money work for you.  Candidly written with understanding and ease (not to mention the witty illustrations you look forward to with each turn of the page), you will walk away from this book wondering intensely why this subject is not mandatory in our high school curriculum .
 

There is an exciting opportunity being offered to students in Niagara who are attending post-secondary school next year. It's called the Sprowt.ca Video Scholarship Contest. All students have to do is enter a video less than two minutes in length that explains 'what they want to be when they grow up and why'. Video are encouraged to be creative, fun and engaging. The total prize pool this year is $4,000 with the 1st place winner taking home $2,000!
The deadline for submissions is April 26, 2013
Once the deadline has passed, all video submissions will be narrowed down to the top five as chosen by a panel of community judges (lucky me is one of the judges). The top five videos will then go to a public vote from May 13th-27th.  Simply visit http://sprowt.ca/scholarship to find the application as well as examples from last year.
 

The Royal Henley’s  strong and dedicated culinary team has been making Residents highly satisfied with their fabulous meals since opening  for almost 3 years now.   It is time for our wonderful Chef to head west in search of his dreams and, therefore, opens an opportunity for an Executive Chef  or aspiring Sous Chef to join our team.   Do you know of someone who has what it takes to make our 118 guests content and happy each day?  Then, contact Ms. Margaret Milley, Executive Director via email at margm@royalhenley.com with your resume.
 

Niagara based company awarded two prestigious industry awards! 

Niagara based company Brand Blvd Inc., located in St. Catharines is proud to announce that they have won two prestigious industry awards in 2012: Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) National Distributor of the Year Award, and Facilis Partner of the year award.

Read more.
 

A Break With Tradition: New Niagara District Airport Commission Chairman Takes Office: Long-serving Niagara Falls Councillor Janice Wing is the new Chairman at the Niagara District Airport. She has been a Commissioner since 2004. Janice is the first female at the helm of the airport in recent memory. Her election represents a further step in the new direction the airport has taken over the past few years. Read more.
 

The Larocque Group has been busy for over 40 years now - and while their name is known throughout the region, things are changing in the firled of surveying, and they do more than you might realize!  Brent Larocque, President of The Larocque Group, graduate of the University of Toronto and a Licensed Ontario Land Surveyor, has been instrumental in building the firm's technical department in AutoCAD and design.Brent also implemented their GPS/Reference Station and Smart Antenna technology and equipment for use in the field, along with developing numerous Land Information Systems (GIS) for both corporate and government clientele. Read Brent's profile here.
 

The Business Link will be celebrating the achievements of Niagara’s top 40 Under Forty winners on May 16, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre in St. Catharines. 
Jack Peets, Co-host of the 105.7 EZ Rock Midday Show, is the MC for the evening and will highlight the achievements of our 40 incredible winners. 
Read more here.

 
Golden Globe Nominee Alan Thicke Hosts Dancing Like The Pros at Fallsview Casino in July!  Dancing with the Stars fans and audiences alike will have their chance to crown a champion during a new interactive dance competition as part of Fallsview Casino’s July entertainment.   Hosted by multi-talented Canadian Alan Thicke, "Dancing Like The Pros" showcases an all-star cast of acclaimed dancers that will battle on the dance floor in an intense live competition for judges' feedback and audience scores. Read more here.

Congratulations to Horizon Utilities Corporation on achieving its first-ever safety milestone, recording two million hours worked without a lost-time injury!  Horizon said the achievement was made possible thanks to its employees and the strong support from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local Union 636) and its Joint Health and Safety Committee.  Read full release here.
 

The Pen Centre is currently booking space for the Craft & Artisan Show scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 28, 2013. If you would like to participate in this show, please contact Show Creations by phone at 905-790-3355, by email  or visit:  www.showcreations.ca.  Also accepting at this time bookings for the September 17 – 22, 2013 Craft Show.
 

Please note - Gotcha Covered has moved!! They were closed April 2 through April 7, 2013 to move from Niagara Street in Welland to their new showroom, located at 239 Main St. West, Port Colborne.  The new showroom opened Monday April 8, 2013. Please feel free to contact by email: info@gotchacovered.ca, or by phone at 289-836-9342. Gotcha Covered is looking forward to meeting you at their new location!

Niagara Youth Take Action - A benefit concert in support of Free the Children on May 22 at Centre for the Arts, Brock University. 

The benefit concert will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre with a special VIP meet and greet with Remigio Pereira and Marc Kielburger at 6:30 p.m. in the David S. Howes Theatre lobby.  

This inaugural event in support of Free the Children is the first of its kind in Niagara.

Read full release here.

 

Job Gym Employment Services

Presents: Spring Job Fair!

Seaway Mall, Centre Court
800 Niagara Street, Welland

April 17th, 2013
9:00AM - 6:00PM

This is a free service that they are providing to employers.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact:
Amanda at 905-732-7655 Ext. 255
or by email at achannon@jhs-niagara.ca.

The Enterprise Centre is moving!  We will still be located in the same building, moving from ground level to the third floor.  Please find our new address below:
St. Catharines Enterprise Centre (SCEC), 1 St. Paul Street 3rd Floor Suite A301, St. Catharines
Due to the moving process, you may experience a small interruption to service.  Please note we will reply to emails and voice mails as soon as possible.  Our move is scheduled to begin Monday April 1st, 2013.

Chorus Niagara has an action packed spring ahead!  To recognize their 50th Anniversary, Chorus Niagara set a record goal of $50,000 to be raised by the Annual Singathon in February.  Thanks to the efforts of choristers and the generosity of their sponsors and the community, they are happy to announce that they have more than surpassed that goal!  Congratulations!  To read their eNewsletter, please click here.

Are you interested in becoming a Yoga teacher?  Yoga by Sarah is offering a Yoga Teacher Training Program.  Whether you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher as a career choice, or interested in a further study of yoga for self development, this program is for YOU! 
To find out more, click here.
 

WELLAND, ON APRIL 2013: YDV Group recognized for achieving exemplary marketing results! YDV Group, a marketing agency specializing in email marketing and social media marketing has received the 2012 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than half a million small organizations worldwide.  Read more here.


Several new Community Partnership Opportunities are being offered through Goodman School of Business, Brock University: Operation & Logistics,
Mini-Communication Plan, and
Consumer Research Projects. 
There is also an opportunity for our small business partners in Operations Management.  May to July/August projects on Lean Analysis.   Two students who have studied Quality Management and Process Improvement and each would like to do a Lean Analysis for a Community Partner over the course of the Spring/Summer term.  A Lean Analysis helps to “preserve value of product or service but with less effort”.  It looks for efficiencies that don’t sacrifice quality. Lean can be used in either a service or manufacturing business. Please click on the title for more information, or contact: Gillian Kemp at 905-688-5550 Ext.5023.
 

Industrial Fabric3:  Festival of the Arts Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts March - April 2013: The third Festival of the Arts – Industrial Fabric3, showcasing the remarkable talents of students enrolled in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts will be held March - April 2013. This two month festival signals that time of year when students who have been preparing individually and collectively will bring their in-class, independent or studio projects to fruition. In the spirit of openness and mutual generosity, we invite you to celebrate their achievements on stage, in studios and galleries, and at regional venues.  For a calendar of events, click here brocku.ca/humanities/departments-and-centres/fine-and-performing-arts/industrialfabric3

Congratulations to Carousel Players, celebrating its 41st anniversary! Carousel Players is an award-winning professional theatre for young audiences committed to the development of new work and the production of theatre that entertains and challenges their audiences. The company presents inspiring and creative plays for children aged 5 to 15 in schools, theatres and other venues. Visit Carousel's website for more information at www.carouselplayers.com.

The old St. Catharines Raquet & Athletics Club has a NEW manager! Lisa Wilson is excited to tell you about the renovations they did to the Ballhockey.com Athletic Centre!  Whether it's to play ball hockey, tennis, squash or volleyball.. If you're part of the soccer or running club, or maybe not a member but you want to hold a birthday or family party, reunion... There are many opportunities to explore and benefits for the community. Visit Ballhockey.com at www.ballhockey.com/niagara-ball-hockey-club soon!

ASI Group Ltd. (ASI), a full-service engineering and technology based company with a focus on all aspects of underwater infrastructure inspections, maintenance and repair based in St. Catharines, announced the addition of the ASI Mohican to their diverse fleet of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV's).
This robust ROV is the ultimate tunnel inspection vehicle due to its 10-km umbilical and sophisticated technology!
Read more here.


COMEDIAN RUSSELL PETERS DEBUTS AT FALLSVIEW CASINO IN JUNE - Trace Adkins and Sheena Easton among stars visiting Fallsview Casino Resort!   Niagara Falls, ON – Comedy lovers will get their fix of Canadian stand-up giant Russell Peters when he makes a stop at Fallsview Casino on his Notorious World Tour as part of the casino's June entertainment docket. "This is definitely a show not to be missed," said Fallsview Casino’s Director of Communications Greg Medulun. Read more.
 

Fred Vrugteveen, Niagara Pallet & Recyclers, will be performing with Collegium Musicum, a Christian Men’s Choir, and Musica Sacra, a mixed voices Choir, at an Easter Concert on April 6, 2013 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 53 Church Street, St. Catharines for the Benefit of Jordan Christian School.  You or your business can support this event by being an event sponsor for $150.00 which will feature your company name in the program, or by attending this event.  Tickets are $10.00 each or $25.00 per family at the door.  Interested? Please contact Fred at fred@niagarapallet.ca.

Niagara Giant Tiger Stores Renovated!  Giant Tiger Welland Ave, Scott Street, St. Catharines, and Thorold Stone Rd, Niagara Falls, are excited to announce the Grand Re-Opening of their stores this coming Saturday March 23, 2013!  The stores will be open from 8:00AM to 9:00PM with various activities (including a barbeque) throughout the day.  Congratulations on your terrific new look!

NEWS! Ryan Bassett, Sales Director for DANIMA CREATIVE GROUP wants you to know they are running a contest for a free website, open to anyone with an existing website that is in desperate need of an update. 
You have to be the owner or have the owner of the site's permission to enter (we ask for the contact information of the site owner upon entry), and we will be drawing the winner on April 1st. 
Full contest details and entry information can be found at www.danima.com/makeover. Be sure to take advantage of this great offer from Danima! 

 

Foundation wins award for transparency in financial reporting! 

For release: March 6, 2013 - The Niagara Community Foundation has won a prestigious award of excellence for its 2011 annual report. 

The Foundation received a Voluntary Sector Reporting Award (VSRA) presented by the Queen’s University Centre of Governance.  It was one of five winners selected from more than 100 submissions from charities across Ontario. To read the full release, please click here.
www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org

Take part in the Earth Day Promotion from National Record Management.

Buy NRM boxes for $7 each which includes the contents shredded. Drop off at the National Records Management truck pick up in St Catharines on Earth Day - April 22nd. Interested? 

Contact Aimee Ludwig at: aimee@nrmcanada.com
Or call 905-563-0847.
NATIONAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT TEAM




The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation 
WE ARE MOVING!
As of March 14, 2013, our new address is:
1200 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines ON

Thank you for updating your records.  Our contact information remains unchanged. 
Phone: 905-323-3863
Fax: 905-684-3226
Website: www.scghfoundation.com

 

14th Annual Bethesda Fundraising Dinner Auction
Friday April 26th, 2013

Club Italia, Niagara Falls

Celebrity Host Michael "Pinball" Clemons 
In support of Bethesda’s Respite Program for Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
You won't want to miss this evening of celebration witnessing the Children's Respite Program waitlist decrease as much-needed funds increase.
Tickets are $75 per person ($40 Charitable Tax Receipt)
Read more.

 

Visiting Angels have MOVED!  Formerly on Geneva Street, Visiting Angels can now be found at 197 Ontario Street, St. Catharines.  Hope the move went smooth!

 

Lets give a warm welcome to David Kat, CFP, BA Hons. Economics, a new Financial Advisor with Glavac Financial Planning.  David just joined Andy's practice in Welland and was previously with Meridian Credit Union in Fonthill (serving Pelham, Welland, Port Colborne and Wainfleet) as a Senior Wealth Advisor.  David has been in the industry since 1994 and has been a CFP since 1999.  Welcome!

 

Chorus Niagara premieres work by local composer
Michael Kositsky - A MIGHTY CRY
An 1812 commemoration on
Saturday March 2, 7:30pm, pre-concert chat  6:45pm. 

The Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria
67 Church Street, St. Catharines
For more information, please click here.

 

The stress response - Stress has become a way of life for many of us. We can't always control the stressors that happen in our lives, but we can choose and manage our own responses. Share this article with your staff and think about the things we can do to better manage our responses when stressful situations arise. View these and other articles online by Clicking Here. Niagara Region Public Health.

 

WEST LINCOLN HOME, GARDEN & TRADE SHOW - The West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce officially that their Home Show date this year will be  SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 from 9 AM - 4 PM.  Usually held on the last Saturday of March, it was moved to accommodate a hectic schedule and the board feels this date will be an excellent time of year for their show as people are more likely to be thinking Home Improvement at that time of year.  So please book your space early, it is filling up fast already & they will have an excellent show!  Check out the details on our website as well as for updates of Vendors booked and features of the show.  www.westlincolnchamber.com

 

New Performing Arts Centre designs take centre stage (February 22, 2013) - The latest art exhibit in St. Catharines is heading downtown: new designs for the Performing Arts Centre are complete and will be unveiled at a public open house on Thursday, March 7 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm inside Market Square. Read more.
 

For the love of horses. 
Last Chance Horse & Pony Rescue needs your help. 

LCHPR gives horses in need a chance for rehabilitation - whether the horse has been neglected, mistreated or through unfortunate circumstances, are no longer being cared for. 

LCHPR offers Equine Education & Community Group programs along with Summer Camp lessons, is open to the public and has some very interesting sponsorship ideas!

Visit them at: www.lchpr.org

 

Savoia Gourmet Emporium has MOVED!
Look for their NEW location at 20-261 Martindale Road, St. Catharines.
Savoia celebrated with a Grand Opening on February 22, 2013.
They can be reached at: 905-641-2230 or by email: e.savoiagourmet@bellnet.ca.

 

EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 28, 2013 - Minor Emerg Walk-In Clinic is relocating to Court Street Medical Centre! Proudly serving St. Catharines and the Niagara community with much needed physician services and minor surgical procedures since 1999, we welcome all our patients from the Niagara Health Centre (180 Vine St) to our new location.  FREE parking, close to St. Catharines Bus Terminal. Call 905-682-5411.


Exciting news from Cogeco!  Jack Custers, Cogeco, wanted to give a head's up that Cogeco has recently upgraded their Business Internet Service at no extra cost. Click here to link to the Press Release that includes the specifics.
 

Cooper Wealth Management
is proud to announce that Christopher O’Connor, an imminent Goodman School of Business graduate, has been hand picked to join the prestigious MBA program at the International University of Monaco in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. We anticipate an exciting year ahead for Mr. O’Connor as he refines his business and investment skills in one of the world’s leading markets for Wealth Management. Good luck Chris and bon voyage!

 

The Board of Directors of The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation invite you to celebrate a dream that has become a reality. The Dream Soiree will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at the new site of the NHS - 1200 Fourth Ave, St. Catharines.  For more information, or to reserve on-line, visit www.scghfoundation.com.

 

Congratulations to Matthew Schappert and Rick Nero, in the Grant Thornton - St. Catharines office, who recently passed the Uniform Evaluation (UFE), one of the world's most rigorous professional accounting examinations.  The staff at Grant Thornton, are exceptionally proud of them, as well as those in their firm who coached and mentored them along the way.
 

Pennies for Community Care! 

Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, the oldest consecutively run food bank in Ontario, is looking for your pennies!

Every penny counts, and $6000 in pennies has been collected since the drive was launched last spring.

Any business wanting to participate in the Change for Good drive can contact:
Nancy McIntosh at Community Care
905-685-1349 Ext.245

 

Business Link is celebrating their
10th anniversary with the launch of a
brand new website! 
Check out all of their products and services at
www.businesslinkmedia.com.

 

A Black History Month Celebration of North American Spirituals with the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. 

The Elmer Iseler Singers and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, two renowned Toronto-based professional chamber choirs, join forces to perform Amazing Grace - a Black History Month celebration of the spiritual traditions of North America on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Centre for the Arts, Brock University.

Read More.

Karen and Doug are very pleased and excited that Ilya Rubin, has moved from Toronto to Niagara and joined the 13th Street Winery team as a experienced wine sales and marketing specialist.
Doug believes that over time, Ilya will also prove to be a tremendous resource for the greater Niagara community as his gifts are diverse and top notch.

 

 

50 YEARS of CHORUS NIAGARA! What do the following organizations have in common with Chorus Niagara? Read CNotes here 007...James Bond Shoppers Drug Mart The Bruce Trail Association After Eight Mints We are in good company!  All these well known institutions celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. If you know of another organization or a married couple which is also celebrating a 50th this year, we want to hear about them! Send us the information by clicking 50th Anniversary!

FALLSVIEW CASINO WELCOMES NEW AND RETURNING ARTISTS!  Niagara Falls, ON – Oh, what a night it will be when Frankie Valli takes the spotlight at Fallsview Casino singing timeless and beloved classics like "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry" as part of the May entertainment series.  Read more.

Through the Niagara Community Foundation, Tim and Gini Rigby created the Newman Rigby Family Fund to support children and youth in St. Catharines needing help to participate in cultural, sports or recreation programs.  Both families have deep roots in the city and this endowment fund is their legacy to their community, a way for them to say thank you for everything that St. Catharines has given to them and their family.  Endowment funds provide a way for people and companies to support charities, communities or causes. Call 905-684-8688 or visit: niagaracommunityfoundation.org for more information.

The Principals and staff at EPR Kielstra & Company Charterd Accountants are proud to announce that Ryan Wilson has passed the 2012 Uniform Final Examination (UFE).  Congratulations Ryan on achieving this significant career milestone!

Congratulations to Stan Parzygnat, Sundawn Integrated Services, on receiving the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Award. Stan demonstrated philanthropic leadership when he became Presenting Sponsor of the SCGH Foundation Annual Golf Classic in 2004.  He has continued to contribute generously financially and has also played a large role in building awareness for the essential needs of our community hospital. The St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation.

Centre for the Arts Director of Brock’s Centre for the Arts named national arts presenter of the year!   Congratulations to Debbie Slade, director of Brock’s Centre for the Arts, for being recognized as the 2011-12 National Arts Presenter of the Year by CAPACOA (Canadian Arts Presenting Association).  She received the award at the association’s 25th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner in Toronto in January. Read more.

The Pen Centre was recently recognised by local charities for its contributions to the community in Niagara. Pen Centre Manager John Bragagnolo received an award from  representatives with Hoarding for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity acknowledging their large contributions. The Pen Centre has donated over 5,000 square feet of hoarding materials along with over 100,000 square feet of construction materials to both organizations, helping to raise funds for important home building initiatives in our community.

New venue for Twilight Jazz Series!  Paul Shea and Juliet Dunn, Shea D Duo, will be at a new venue starting January 2013.  Their Thursday night Twilight Jazz series, held at Mahtay Cafe and Lounge on St. Paul Street, will provide a more intimate setting for the series.

Congratulations to Bruce Timms (Timms House & Building Inspections and St. Catharines Regional Councillor) on being elected chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority at their AGM on January 16th.  Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs was elected as Vice-Chair.

Brock University Students Union (BUSU) has a sponsorship opportunity with their Brock Dance Club. "With the help of our sponsors, we will be able to run all our events on campus and in the community, while giving you the opportunity to expose your organization and promote the services you have to offer." Currently we are working on our 4th Annual Charity Benefit and this year all proceeds will be going to The RAFT. We are also looking forward to our University competitions happening in March. And most importantly our Year End Showcase which is one of the bestselling shows at Brock University's Center for the Arts. Read more.

CASINO NIAGARA TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY FOR BUIDLING MAINTENANCE Casino Niagara will temporarily close for scheduled building maintenance starting Wednesday, January 30 through to Thursday, January 31. Fallsview Casino Resort will remain open. WHEN: January 30 at 4:00 a.m. till January 31 at 8:00 a.m. Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls.

Carousel Players is pleased to announce that Paul Lukacs, a St. Catharines resident and a Grade 5 teacher at St. Philomena Catholic School in Fort Erie is the 2013 winner of the Norah Morgan Memorial Award. Read more.

Take a ride on the FUNNIEST bus in town when Axis Theatre Company rolls into St. Catharines with The Number 14! Celebrating its 20th anniversary and final ride, Axis Theatre Company from BC will bring their award-winning play The Number 14 to the Centre for the Arts, Brock University on January 31, 2103 at 7:30pm in the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre.  Read more.

Congratulations and thank you to the Take It To Heart Committee - May Court Club of St. Catharines, PerformanceCars and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South for their exceptional contribution to the growth of cardiac care services in the Niagara Health System.  At the last "Take it to the Heart" Gala, the team announced that its $750,000 fundraising goal had been reached. Very Impressive!

Congratulations to Cameron Leach - the new General Manager of the St. Catharines Club!  After an extensive recruitment process, Cam was chosen to continue building on the strong foundation left by Archie Katzman.  Mr. Leach has wide-ranging experience in the hospitality industry and has been a member of the club since 1989.  Congratulations!

An Exciting Step Forward in: BLACK CAR TRANSPORTATION for the Niagara Region!  Niagara Classic Transport (NCT) and Coventry Connections (CCI) are pleased to announce the creation of an unprecedented and premium line of "Black Car Services" for the Niagara Region.  This larger fleet of exclusive and superior vehicles is positioned to dramatically improve services.  Read more.

Condolences to Dr. Andy Panko, Associated Brownfields, and his family on the loss of their mother, Olga Panko on January 14, 2013.  There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

DRAGONS’ DEN will be holding open auditions in Niagara Falls on Thursday, January 31, 2013 looking for the next big thing for the hit series on CBC Television. Entrepreneurs from across the country are getting yet another chance to enter the DRAGONS’ DEN in a bid to score some high-powered financial backing for their business ventures. Visit: Dragon's Den Website here. DRAGONS’ DEN gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls - the Dragons.   Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment - from the Dragons’ own pockets! They’ll be looking for the biggest and best deals from coast-to-coast. Read press release here.

Job Gym announces their Employer Champion of the Month Boston Pizza Welland has provided meaningful employment to new and existing staff over the past year.  Additionally, they support community initiatives through the Boston Pizza Foundation and the owner, Debra Zahra, personally participates in many activities that contribute to the betterment of the Welland area.  Job Gym is proud to say that Boston Pizza is a valued member of our community!

Effective immediately McGowan Office Interiors has reloacted its facility to the following address below.  Changes have been made to all email address so please update your files. McGowan Office Interiors Inc., 94 Copernicus Blvd, Brantford, N3P 1K5 T: 519.756.2480 - F: 519.756.0931

CHORUS NIAGARA, Niagara's premier 100-voice choral ensemble, conducted by Artistic Director Robert Cooper, holds its 7th Annual Singathon Fundraiser at "The Most Famous Food Court in the World" the Seaway Mall in Welland Ontario, Saturday, February 9th from 10am-3pm.   The Seaway Mall was the location for the Chorus' 2010 YouTube viral flash mob, produced by Alphabet Photography, viewed over 41 million times.

On January 10th, 2013, the Federal and Ontario governments joined with Hamilton’s Municipal Government and TradePort International Corporation to announce a $12M infrastructure investment for cargo development at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, the third largest cargo airport in Canada. Read more.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc., is pleased to introduce a new partner for financial success planner, Adam Bosak!  With more than 10 years experience in the financial services industry, Adam has gained the respect of his clients by providing them with sound, reliable investment advice.  Adam is available for consultations at his office, your home or an RBC Dominion Securities branch near you. Read more.

Congratulations to Niagara College on becoming the first Canadian post-secondary education facility to earn Carbonzero certified status. Niagara College worked with Walker Environment Group to determine the WVEC's carbon footprint and used revenue derived from their Welland campus's solar panels to purchase offset credits.  Along with limiting the impact on the environment, the project allowed their Environmental Studies students to work on the project. Read more.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RECORDS! Pirie Appliances Ltd., has a NEW phone number!  Please call 289-438-2130 to contact!

St. Catharines entrepreneur Archie Katzman, is retiring from being general manager at the St. Catharines Club, after almost 20 years of rebuilding the club membership. Archie, 82, has received countless recognitions for his community work including being the first Niagara recipient of the Canadian Red Cross Power of Humanity Award.

The team at Dilts Piston Hydraulics in St. Catharines have landed several contracts over the past month totaling $1.5-million to build a series of Collomatic Winches for the Yangfan Group (shipbuilding industry) in China's Zhejiang Province.  The new contract work is a direct result of consistent business development investment over the past few years.  Congratulations!

The Partners of Wormald Masse Keen Lopinski LLP are pleased to annouce that Trevor Cowan, Dane Elliott, Kevin Reilly and Alyssa Stuppiello have successfully passed the 2012 Uniform Final Evaluations (UFE).  Congratulations!

Moksha Yoga St. Catharines invites you to attend their Open House January 26, 2013!  Offering FREE Hot Yoga all day (18yrs +) and Community Social 1:30-3:30pm To find out more, please visit www.mokshayogastcatharines.com.

Congratulations to Dave Teutenberg, B.Acc., C.A. (Fort Erie) on being named as a new partner with DJB Chartered Accountants.  Dave is and active community member and works with a number of local non-profit organizations and agencies.

Congratulations to Sarah J. Draper B.A. (Hons.), J.D., M.L.A. - on being admitted to the partnership of Daniel & Partners LLP, continuing her practice in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, corporate law, realestate, wills and estates, and municipal law, in the Niagara Region.

It is Icewine Festival time again in Niagara with a full slate of activities at wineries across the region! Over three weekends in January, Deborah Levy from Dairy Farmers of Canada will present six unique Niagara wine and artisanal cheese seminars. For more information, please visit: www.niagarawinefestival.com.

The Niagara Health system is offering tours of the new state-of-the-art hospital in St. Catharines between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on January 26th.  Located at 1200 Fourth Avenue, there will be free parking available on site (please use main entrance off First Street Louth).  Interested participants should arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to tour, and bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold.

The Home Depot is hosting FREE Women's Workshops at their YMCA Drive location. Next Do-it-yourself workshops will be on February 6th 2013 and March 6th 2013 from 7:00PM to 9:30PM.  Call 905-937-5900 to reserve your spot today or visit their customer service desk.

Brian St. Hilaire, CPA, CA is pleased to announce that the accounting firm of MacGillivray, Chartered Accountants has joined Grant Thornton LLP, effective January 1, 2013.  Congratulations to all at Grant Thornton LLP!

Worker Health and Safety Awareness In 4 Steps - In 2010, the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety recommended the development of health and safety awareness materials for Ontario workplaces. The Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps workbook with employer guide are now available online.  Please click the link for more information. www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/prevention/awareness.php

Congratulations to David L. Edwards of Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP, for his appointment as a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice in and for the Province of Ontario.

Congratulations to The Pen Centre on being awarded a 2012 Maple leaf Silver award in the Cause Marketing category, which recognizes an event or program that involved the cooperative efforts of a shopping centre and a charitable or community need, interest, or cause.

Congratulations to: Niagara College Canada for its record-breaking enrolment! Enrolment broke 10,000 for the first time - up over 10% from 2011.

IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 303, acted as Santa Claus to Habitat for Humanity in December with a donation of over $5000 to Habitat's current home build site in Welland.  Thank you for an excellent example of community leadership!

PerformanceCars cares!  The employees of PerformanceCars donated close to $6,000 in food and clothing for Community Care of St. Catharines & District.  On behalf of the community - Thank You!

Please join us in offering our condolences to the De Divitiis family for the passing of Paolo "Paul" De Divitiis. "He was known to people as more than a friend..."

DJB Chartered Accountants extend congratulations to their new managers - Scott Newport, B.Comm., C.A. (Burlington); Paul Pezzimenti, B.Acc., C.A. (Grimsby); Mike Pychel, B.Acc., C.A. (Fort Erie); and Rob Neill, B.Sc., F.C.A. (Firm Managing Partner).  Please join Rob and the DJB Firm in welcoming these individuals to the management team.

Congratulations to PondView Estate Winery for Best Canadian Dessert Wine of the Year! (Canadian Wine Awards -- Wine Access Magazine), 2010 Vidal Icewine amongst top 25 Ontario Wines of the Year (Wine Access Magazine) and winning an additional medal at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Wine Competition as well! Read here.

Brock University, Niagara College and the Niagara Region are partnering to sponsor  Niagara Employment Crawl 2013  on April 9 and 10, 2013. We are looking for local businesses to participate in this event, showcasing their organization and possible careers to post-secondary students. This is a Call for Employers to be part of an exciting initiative that is being pulled together to open our youth's eyes to the businesses and opportunities in Niagara. The deadline to December 31st, 2012. Please contact Cara Boes or Kelly Bradbury at the Niagara Region with any questions. Read more.

Wouldn't it be great, if in April you would receive a package with the Job Description, Job Ad (print or online), Resume screening steps, Interview Questions, Candidate assessment process all lined up and ready to go??  Contact Gillian Kemp at the Goodman School of Business, Brock University at 905-688-5550 Ext.5023 or read more here.

Congratulations to Bethesda Services for achieving their accreditation for the period of September 2012 until September 2016!  Over four days, FOCUS conducted interviews with over 140 people and sent a team of evaluators to over twenty sites where Bethesda provides services.  There are only 18 other organizations in Ontario that have this accreditation.  Well done!

Niagara Casinos Wins Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers Award!  Niagara Casinos proves it takes more than luck to be recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for the third consecutive year. The notable distinction positions Niagara Casinos among the best-in-class industry leaders that offer exceptional work environments. Read more...

MOVED!  Tracey Hrick is letting us know that PPS Accounting Solutions  has moved to 82 Ted Street, St. Catharines.

Me Time Tanning and Montana's have come together to help a local School with some fundraising. On Tuesday November 27th between the hours of 5pm and 11pm Montana's will donate 10% of the food sales to the school and AMS parents guild. All those who present this coupon will help support a great school and educational programs. November 27th - use this coupon at Montanas in St. Catharines at 327 Lake St. (this location only) and help a great cause to benefit many children!

The Boot Shop has been a local family owned shoe store since 1942. Celebrating our 70th Anniversary is a milestone for St. Catharines businesses. We hope that our Chamber of Commerce members will join us for this celebration. See flyer for details! November 21-25, 2012.

2nd annual Operation Winter Warmth Campaign In partnership with The PenCentre. Working together to keep our kids warm this winter by collecting donations and using them to purchase hats, coats, mitts, boots and winter bundles for students in need. If you are interested in donating to our cause, this can be done by visiting the PenCentre and dropping off donations of cash or NEW items at The PenCentre Guest Services, or visiting the EFN Operation Winter Warmth.

How cool is this!  Art by Darlene - before and after pictures of the hallway project at Garden City Manor.  Previously, residents would linger around the exit door and elevator hoping to leave. They were aggitated and often in the path of visitors and staff risking escape and possible injury. This no longer happens.  The paintings were done in a hallway with 7 FLAT PANELLED service doors and an elevator that was uninteresting but well-occupied. Now residents and staff can feel like they are transported onto a street in Paris, complete with Chocolate Store, Dress Shop and Cafe. Also the elevator is now painted to look like Florist Shop Doors and simply by virtue of a "Closed" sign, residents (and some visitors!) are convinced that this is not a way off the floor.

Pilates Emporium invites you to attend their OPEN HOUSE this Thursday November 22, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m.  with Tours and Information, and 7:15 Introduction to Back Care 101!  Current clients and friends welcome.  Come prepared to participate. Resources provided.  Call 905-682-3400 to let us know you are coming.  Community Care is looking for warm clothes for people of all ages. Bring your donations to the studio and we'll have them picked up. Thank you for your kindness!

Force Security Inc., is excited to be a new member to the Chamber this month and are looking forward to networking and attending as many functions as possible to support local business. We are proud to announce that our company is expanding and  we are happy to welcome Laurie Kroeker to the company as our Marketing and Business Developement Co-ordinator!! You can contact her at : laurie@forcesecurity.ca.

Once again Chorus Niagara presents Niagara's favourite seasonal gem, Handel's Messiah, which it has performed biennially since 1990 to capacity houses.  Along with 38 million others, you have seen and heard the "Food Court" rendition of the most famous part of Messiah.   This season experience Messiah as Handel's first audience did in 1742 Dublin.   Period instruments will be played exclusively for this performance, lending a warm, light and historically accurate sound to the work.

Come join us for our annual Holiday Open House at HQ Group Salon Spa on December 5th, from 5:00-8:00pm.  We will be serving drinks,hors d'oeuvres and having door prizes.  20% off all retail, skincare and boutique items.  Start Christmas shopping early! Please R.S.V.P. by November 28th,2012 to: hqgroupsalonspa@gmail.com or 905-684-0772.

Get a jump on Black Friday at the Pen Centre! We're swinging the doors open on Thursday, November 22 at 8am sharp for our first-ever BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND SALE.  Great bargains, super deals and lots and lots of "FREE STUFF!"  No need to cross the river when you can simply cross town!

Niagara District Airport is officially “Open for Business.”  On September 1st 2012, Allied Aviation became the Airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO).  A Fixed Base Operator is a company that does the refuelling at an airport and provides ground handling for both commercial and private aircraft.  Allied is the largest North American owned fuelling services operator, serving airports such as Toronto, Montreal, all three New York Airports, and many others as well.  You can read the first issue of the Niagara District Airport Commission's newsletter here.

The Dalhousie Yacht Club will be hosting their annual Grand Illumination of the Clubhouse and Community Tree-raising on Friday, November 23.  You are invited to purchase a Festive Ribbon for their outdoor Community Tree for $10.00 - all proceeds go to OUT OF THE COLD, St. Catharines.  Please contact the Manager at DYC at: manager@discoverdyc.com for more information.

Niagara Region - Public Health wants to know what they can do for your workplace.  Subscribe to a free monthly Workplace Health e-Newsletter that enables workplace information right at your fingertips; connects you to free workshops, Webinars & training on health issues that affect your workplace; provides you with up to date, accurate health information on a variety of healthy workplace topics for you to distribute to your employees; and MORE!

Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects (LTP) celebrates the holidays with It's A Wonderful Life - a stage version of the Christmas classic that comes to life in the form of a live radio broadcast. Based on the 1946 Lux Radio version, this musical adaptation is sure to bring nostalgia and warmth to Niagara's festive season.  From November 21 to December 16, 2012. For tickets, please visit: www.lyndesfarnetheatreprojects.com Read more...

St. John Ambulance announces that November is CPR month!  Did you know... St. John Ambulance does not receive government funds for any of their services.  The courses and first aid equipment is used to pay for the services provided back to the community as Medical First Responders at most local events; Therapy Dog Teams - who visit hospitals, nursing homes, hospices etc.; Youth Cadets - a free program to local youth; and, Car Seat Safety Technicians who ensure infants and children are safely riding in vehicles.  In 2011 their volunteers gave more than 30,000 hours of community time back to the Niagara Region.  Read more...

Niagara will soon be home to a new auto dealership with the announcement of Subaru of Niagara to open on December 3, 2012 on Lake St. in St. Catharines. This new business, being opened by Alex Digenis, Henley Honda is a testament to the economic development of the Niagara Region and speaks to the efforts of numerous organizations to revitalize the small business community in the Region.  Read more...

Open House at Konzelmann Estate Winery!  Please be our guest at our Evening Splendour Open House. Light fare and of course our award winning wines.  In house specials & perfect gift items for the special people on your holiday list. Konzelmann Winery, 1096 Lakeshore Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake Friday November 23, 2012 - 6:00 PM RSVP by November 16 to 905-935-2866 or email Bev Ferrante at bev@konzelmann.ca

Bethesda is hosting a "Transition to Adulthood Resource Fair" for families with teenagers with autism and/or other developmental disabilities.   Happening this coming Saturday, November 17th at Denis Morris High School.  All are invited to attend. Read more.

The St. Catharines Downtown Association reminds us that November 11 is a day of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.   The St. Catharines cenotaph on St. Paul Street West is undergoing repairs and is expected to be ready for Remembrance Day services.   On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, please observe two minutes of silence in remembrance.  Lest we forget...

TYLER'S WARMTH is a winter warmth drive, in memory of Tyler King who died in 2007. Pam King, founder of the drive, shares "Tyler would spend his Christmas money on winter mitts, hats & scarves to donate to give warmth to less fortunate people... and it's in the name & honour of my youngest son that "Tyler's Warmth" was established." Donations can be dropped off at Royal LePage Real Estate, 101 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines or 2 Facer Street.

Sheehan & Rosie Insurance Brokers has MOVED!  Formerly on St. Paul West, they are now located at 195 King Street, St. Catharines.  Phone etc., remains the same. Good luck in the new digs!

MACDONALD ZUBEREC ENSSLEN ARCHITECTS - has been selected to receive the SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AWARD  for the New Carlisle Street Parking Facility.  This project will be honoured at the Ontario Concrete Awards Banquet to be held at Concrete Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Congratulations!

Scotiabank Convention Centre Receives World Acclaim - In August, the facility was named one of the six best new convention centres in the world by Conference and Incentive Travel magazine, and a week later it was named one of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in Canada. Painter said the best venue award came as a surprise.  Congratulations!  Read more...

There's an app for that!  No need to blame traffic at the bridges, thanks to The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. and  CAA Niagara! Motorists will now be able to check the status of the lift bridges over the Welland Canal vis smartphone technology.  CAA has an app available to members - and the Seaway has an accessible link for your smartphone browser. How cool is that!

Fun 'n' Finance for Women Thursday, Nov 8th, 2012 6:30 – 9:30 pm Casablanca Winery Inn, Grimsby, Ontario You are invited to join us for a complimentary evening of education, fashion, pampering, and socializing for WOMEN only!!! All new topics! www.TheWomenInFinance.com

STUDENTS DARE TO ENTER THE DEN IN NEW ALL-STUDENT DRAGONS’ DEN SPECIAL THIS HALLOWEEN The all-student episode of DRAGONS’ DEN airs Wednesday, October 31 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV Read full release here!

Join us at Clareʼs Harley-Davidson of Niagara 590 York Rd. Niagara on the Lake, 905-684-4647 www.claresharleydavidson.com Thursday, Movember 1st - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Team Pre-Registration is encouraged at http://ca.movember.com/team/458373 Register at CLAREʼS Harley-Davidson®. There will be music, light food & refreshments.

Wearable Art Runway Show November 3, 2012 "It's music, it's entertainment, it's theatre... a must-see event on the St. Catharines social calendar." - Doug Herod, St. Catharines Standard Tickets available through Brock Centre for the Arts - call 905-688-5550 Ext.3257 or visit the online box office.

Hilton Garden Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake installed one of Niagara's first electric car charging stations. Supporting Niagara's position as the Green Energy Capital of Canada, this is the first Hilton Garden Inn in Ontario to feature a electric car charging station. Pictured in photo - Frank Vismeg, Hilton Garden Inn and Walter Sendzik, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

HELP US FILL THE GREEN LIMO! Community Care Needs your help! Saturday October 20th 9-12 @ No Frills Lakeshore Rd 1-4 @ No Frills Welland Avenue Donations of peanut butter and canned meats are greatly appreciated.

The Business that Jim Built The Forbes Family and Staff cordially invite you to attend The Grand Opening of the Desks Plus Showroom Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm 166 Bunting Rd, St. Catharines. Please RSVP to stephanie@desksplus.com or auto reply at 905-641-4713 Ext.113

Fourgrounds Media Opens New Offices - Equals a Success Story for nGen :  nGen - Niagara Interactive Media Generator, is pleased to announce one of it's first tenants at the Generator at One facility,  Fourgrounds Media Inc.,  will move out of the incubation space, and into a post-production studio of their own this fall. Fourgrounds Media, a leading video production studio in the Niagara region, has called nGen's Generator at One home for the past three years, but the time has come to branch out and continue growth in their own creative workspace.

Silver Spire United Church invites you to attend the 3rd annual Harvest Festival, on Saturday October 13th from 11 am - 3 pm at Centennial Gardens Park (Totem Pole Park), with entrances from both Gale Crescent and Oakdale Avenue near Eastchester, beside the community gardens. Food, market, crafts, information tables, music, entertainment, face painting and more! Celebrate harvest and the downtown neighbourhood in this beautiful community park which is part of the Merritt Trail System and follows the historic Second Welland Canal. Free admission. For information, to volunteer or donate, 905.984.5310, ext. 11.   All are welcome!

Radar Property Management Inc. is excited to be hosting the October 18th meeting of the new & improved St. Catharines - Niagara Landlord Group. New members welcome! The St Catharines - Niagara Landlord Group on Thursday, October 18th at 6pm at our office.  All are welcome to attend and share information, educate and unite.  Contact Karen Marquardt for more details and to RSVP. Read more...

B4Networks has exciting news! It's a boy!  On September 29, Bryan Lachapelle welcomed his 2nd son Aiden Lachapelle into the world.  Both mom and baby are doing well.  One of their employee's, Mike, has also welcomed his new baby Keira Domenique Elia into the world on September 30th.  Welcome and congratulations to both families!

Steadman's is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year and they think a new facelift to the building is a great way to celebrate!  Ken and his wife Kirsten have been selling diamonds, jewellery, watches, clocks and giftware and also providing personalized service to customers with repairs and custom made jewellery which is all done on site.  Read more...

Club Roma 125 Vansickle Road,St. Catharines Invites you to... Gnocchi Night Friday October 26, 2012 4:00 - 7:00PM.  Proceeds from their event are used to help local charities.  Looking for a good night out? Call 905-682-7621 for details!

Lyndesfarne has just moved their headquarters to the historic Niagara Falls landmark, The Seneca Queen Theatre on Queen Street in Niagara Falls, the centre of the arts and culture district! The Seneca Queen Theatre was built in the 1940's. Marilyn Monroe gave the Canadian Premiere of her film Niagara at this stylish theatre in January of 1953.  They are very excited about their latest campaign: 'Name a Seat' whereby for $250 you can designate your very own seat with a brass plaque. You may want to  buy a seat for yourself, for a friend, or in memory of a loved one. Read more...

Niagara Symphony Orchestra announces:  A Great New Look!  A Great New Season!  Still Great Music!  Only 18 Days!  FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS Call the Box Office (905) 688-5550 ext. 3257. A New Web-site Coming Soon!  To learn about our CONTEST, read more now...

Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects (LTP) is celebrating its 8th anniversary season with the award winning English thriller, based on the Susan Hill novel, The Woman In Black at Seneca Queen Theatre from October 10 - 28, 2012.  Read more...

Fallsview Casino Kick Starts Annual United Way Campaign with $100,000 Donation! To build momentum, sometimes it takes a little push or a big boost as the United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie recently received with a generous $100,000 corporate donation from Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara’s Corporate Giving Program. Read more...

Who are YOU running for?   21st annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Sunday, September 30, 2012  Canada’s largest single-day event in support of breast cancer research, education and awarenes.(*Read more here) Contact Teams_Niagara or visit facebook

Masquerade Ball Friday September 28th at 8:00PM Black Tie Event - Masks Required In support of: Niagara Life Centre $60 per person/$100 per couple Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Convention Centre For more information email: niagaramasquerade@hotmail.com

Congratulations!  Dalhousie Yacht Club is celebrating a milestone birthday - 75 years!  It was on January 8th, 1937 that Frank Cornelius, Beverly Renshaw, Harold Gutteridge, Jules Dugas and Cyril Crysler met to form a yacht club. They decided to call it "Dalhousie Yacht Club". Dalhousie Yacht Club is a friendly group, with varied boating interests for both power and sail.  The clubhouse with its excellent restaurant has a memorable view of Lake Ontario sunsets.

JONES NEW YORK is having a special contest taking place in their store at the moment and thought you might be interested! The winning customer and a friend will receive a head to toe look and an appointment with our retail specialist!  Contest ends October 14th. Click here to enter contest!

Niagara College welcomed royalty on Sept. 15 as Her Royal Highness Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visited the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus to celebrate the launch of NC's Canadian Food and Wine Institute. The Countess toured Niagara College's Wine Visitor + Education Centre, where students, faculty and staff described the winemaking process and provided an overview of its current culinary and wine research projects. The Countess also viewed the adjacent teaching vineyards, and received a demonstration of the student-created Wine Visitor + Education Centre iPad mobile application.

YOU’RE INVITED!  Join us for an exclusive Girls Night Out with the Women In Niagara at JONES NEW YORK Thursday, October 11, 6PM-8PM 7500 Lundy's Lane, Suite B2, Niagara Falls Featuring a fashion presentation!  Plus, enjoy an exclusive promotional offer just for you!  RSVP and attend for a chance to win a free fall must-have item!  To RSVP, please email Alex Kilner at: associate@gncc.ca or call 905.684.2362 Ext.224

Laurie Flasko, co-author of Bullying is NOT a Game, will be the keynote speaker at presentations to parent and education communities in Niagara. Professionals in the community will be part of an expert panel discussing realities of bullying.  These presentations are being funded in partnership by the Education Foundation of Niagara, Laurie Flasko & Associates, Kiwanis St. Catharines, Rotary of Grimsby. Read more here or visit www.nobully.ca for more information.

The St. Catharines Public Library is hosting their Author Readings & Book Signings at their Central Branch and will be featuring two Chamber Members!  Rashmi Biswas (Lake & Associates) on Rash Decisions – October 4th and Julie Christiansen (Julie Christiansen, MA, Counselling & Psychotherapy) on Bullying is Not a Game: a Parent’s Survival Guide – October 30th.  Both events start at 7:30PM.

Community Care is asking everyone’s help in creating a “Peanut Butter Sunday” (or Monday, Tuesday….) where donations of much needed peanut butter may be collected to replenish their empty shelves. Whether within your church, a social gathering, birthday party or by simply dropping it into the food barrels at your local grocery store, Community Care needs your help!

Pilates Emporium Open House Thursday, September 20th, 7:00p.m. Tour the studio and talk to the Instructors to find out what Pilates Emporium is all about.  Read more...

TAG Art Gallery is pleased to present an additional celebration of nature and autumn: "Outlooks", a series of work by Frankie Ip.  "This series 'Outlooks', beyond depicting the beauty of nature, reflects my personal aesthetic; my personal feelings and philosophy, my life experiences and my painting skills."  Read more...

Canadian Blood Services - St. Catharines Blood Donor Clinic:  We are now in Signal Mode. The Blood Signal is being heard across Canada on radio and seen on digital billboards and in all communities across the country.  The Signal will be activated from September 10 to September 30 to help meet our collections targets. We are asking Canadians and especially you, our staff, to answer the call of the Blood Signal, grab friends and book appointments. Now is the time to act. Please encourage your family and friends to donate blood. Book an appointment online today: donatenow.blood.ca

Habitat Niagara proudly broke ground on September 10th on their fifteenth home in the City of Welland. Since the charitable home building organization began in 1993, they have built 36 homes across Niagara, this being #37.  Read more...

Brain Injury Association and Friends Helping Friends would like to invite you to their 14th Biennial Conference "Making the In-visible... More Visible." Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Americana Conference Resort and Spa, 8444 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls, ON.  Keynote Presenter - Paul Rosen "To Make Your Dreams come True, First you have to Open your Eyes". Read more...

TYLER'S WARMTH - In memory of TYLER King who was killed in a tragic accident in 2007 - Pam King - a REALTOR® Member of the Niagara Association of REALTORS® is organizing "Tyler's Warmth" - a Winter Warmth Drive.  Donations of winter coats, snow pants, vests, winter boots, shoes, socks, undershirts, sweaters, track pants, pj's, blankets, sleeping bags, mitts, hats, scarves, etc. from newborn to adults, male and female are all urgently needed. The deadline date for Donations is Friday, November 9th.  Read more...

New Artistic Director Appointed to Chorus Niagara Children's Choir - Niagara's premier 100-voice ensemble, with Artistic Director Robert Cooper and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Nelli as the new Artistic Director of the Chorus Niagara Children's Choir.  An experienced Elementary Music Specialist, Ms. Nelli brings an outstanding array of experience to her new role as Artistic Director.

Climate Action Niagara is back after the 2011/2012 Food Security Series with interesting and informative discussions on environmental issues. The remainder of 2012 focuses on Niagara's Urban Forest. All talks reference climate impact on tree species and will take place at:  St. Catharines Centennial Library 54 Church Street at 7pm.

New partnership scoops up a sweet deal for NC students - Students have a new reason to whet their appetites for Niagara College Orientation, thanks to a new partnership between Niagara College and Marble Slab Creamery.  In collaboration with NC's Orientation committee, Marble Slab Creamery in St. Catharines has whipped up a new ice cream flavour inspired by College mascot Knightro.

SAVE THE DATE! Back by popular demand, Climate Action Niagara will offer a second edition of the Niagara Renewable Energies Tour October 19th, partnering with green energy and environmental leaders from across Niagara. Tour begins at 9:30am from the Black Sea Hall, Welland Ave, St Catharines.  Solar industry expert Allan Ferguson of Hotwired Solar acts as guide with commentary throughout Niagara's green energy treasures. To read media release, please click here.

Countess of Wessex to visit Niagara College September 15 - Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will visit Niagara College September 15 as part of a tour of Canada with her husband, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. During her visit, the Countess will tour the College's Wine Visitor + Education Centre and celebrate the launch of NC's Canadian Food and Wine Institute Research Centre.

Pathstone Mental Health invites you to attend their Annual General Meeting on: Wednesday September 26, 2012 Reception 5:30-6:30PM, AGM 6:30-8:00PM. Featuring: Laurie and Amanda Flasko - Bullying is NOT a Game! Please RSVP HERE.

GRAND OPENING! Dr. Erica Mattia invites you to attend the Grand Opening of NHRC (Niagara Health & Rehab Centre) on Saturday, September 8th from 11-3pm.  Location: 3A-23 Hannover Drive, St. Catharines.  Please join us for refreshments, prizes, and demonstrations!

Children!  Come and experience the Mighty Machines!  Touch a Truck on Saturday, September 22, from 10am to 2pm at Niagara College, NOTL Campus.  Over 50 vehicles, food and book sale!  Children under 1 year are FREE.  Accessible.

INVITATION! Please join us for the launch of Niagara's first ever Micro-lending program.  FirstOntario Credit Union, in partnership with the Business Education Council of Niagara and the Niagara Community Foundation, is launching a Micro-lending program in support of the Niagara Region's Prosperity Initiative poverty reduction goals. Join us on September 18th from Noon to 1pm.  RSVP here.

NAME CHANGE! Boss Realty Corp., Brokerage has a NEW NAME!  Now known as Davidson Commercial Corp., they are a strictly commercial real estate brokerage - with 3 generations of commercial real estate experience!

snacks 'n' sneakers Imagine being one of the children in the school yard and classroom on the first day of school. Now imagine that you are without a lunch bag, school supplies, snacks or new shoes. Over 3,000 children in St. Catharines and Thorold are registered with Community Care. We need your help! Please visit us online to securely donate: www.communitycarestca.ca

NAME CHANGE! Binational Tourism Alliance Inc. has a NEW NAME!  Now know as The Binational Alliance - a Non-profit - U.S./Canada Trade Organization.  btaglobalgateway.com

NEW NAME! NEW LOCATION! Complete Comfort Heating & Air has a new name!  They are now Complete Comfort Niagara Inc. - and can be found at 2 Cushman Rd Unit 2 in St. Catharines.  Good luck in the new digs!

Daniel & Partners LLP are pleased to announce that Sarah J. Draper has received her Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University!  Sarah joined the firm in 2008 as an associate and continues to serve her community and clients in Niagara.

MOVED! Varena Trading Limited has MOVED!  Formerly located in St. Catharines, they can now be found at 70 Pine Street in Thorold!  Hope the move went smooth...

CHANGE MORE THAN YOUR OIL - Help Change a Life The Charity Drive started August 1st 2012 and will take donations until September 11th 2012. Donate $3 to MDC today and get a Muscle Up Savings Book worth over $100 in savings while making a difference in the lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy.

Silver Spire United Church welcomes Rev. Jane Capstick and Rev. Bill Thomas as their new ministers!  Rev. Bill was recently spotted at the YWCA's "No Fixed Address" event, to help raise awareness of Homelessness and Poverty especially for women and children in Niagara.

Adam Shields, Business Link Media Group, in an attempt to try and raise money and awareness for healthcare in Niagara and the "It's Our Time Campaign", will be taking the challenge once again to golf 100 holes in less than 12 hours on September 4th at Pen Lakes Golf Club.  Adam would like your support.  You can make your secure online donation by clicking this link

Niagara North Community Legal Assistance is celebrating their 30th Anniversary on September 12th with a complimentary reception at the Lincoln County Law Association Library (3rd Floor, RSK Welch Courthouse) 59 Church St, St. Catharines at 5:30pm.  Please RSVP to lazaran@lao.on.ca if you are planning to attend.  Congratulations!

Ted Palmer, BEC (Business Education Council of Niagara) is happy to announce the "BEC has been awarded the Number 1 Employment Services Provider in the St. Catharines Standard Reader's Choice Awards.  Thanks to you all for your excellent customer service to our clients and partners."  Congratulations!

Chorus Niagara – Auditions:  Celebrating our 50th Season, Artistic Director Robert Cooper invites singers to audition for Niagara's premier 100 voice community choir for the 2012 - 2013 Season.  Call Pam at 905-357-1616 for an audition appointment.  www.chorusniagara.ca

RAWSTOCK; RAW FOOD MOVEMENT MEETS WOODSTOCK IN NIAGARA THIS SUMMER! A day filled with food, yoga, live music, and guest speakers gathering to celebrate promoting health and well-being through a raw foods diet.  The first annual Rawstock Niagara will be heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday, August 25th for a day of food, music, yoga, and wellness. From 11am to 10pm, vendors, speakers, and demonstrations will pack Kinsmen Hall and surrounding outdoor green space located at 430 King St. in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Admission is free, open to all ages, pet-friendly, and wheelchair accessible. www.rawstockniagara.com

Leadership Niagara Since its inception in 2007, Leadership Niagara has been supported by some Niagara's most recognized organizations. This year marked the fifth year of the program and Leadership Niagara is proud to have developed 23 innovative community projects and graduated 120 community leaders.  Interested in the program? Click here for application - deadline Aug. 31, 2012. Contact:  Mario De Divitiis, Executive Director, Leadership Niagara 905-688-5550 ext 5928 or leadership.niagara@brocku.ca

Heading north on Friday for the long August weekend?  Caroline of Caroline's Caricatures invites you to visit Kempenfest in Barrie this weekend where she'll be drawing caricatures! Lots of family entertainment - visit www.kempenfest.com for event details.

Robinson & Associates invite you to join them for their Project SHARE Fundraiser. With every donation you will ge hot dogs or hamburgers and a pop.  Former Chicago Black Hawk Doug Jarrett will be signing autographs for donations and Bones from the Niagara Ice Dogs will be there from 12-1PM.  August 17th, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 4424 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls ON.

Bethesda is celebrating 75 years this year and invite you to join their celebration at their 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Thursday, September 13, 2012 Niagara Parks Whirlpool Golf Course They are very excited to announce that Marcel Dionne, Hall of Fame NHL star and local businessman, will be joining them on the golf course and will also be our Emcee for the evening! REGISTRATION FORM and SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES    For more information visit www.bethesdaservices.com.

MOVED! Functional Rehab & Sport Injury has moved!  No longer at the Garden City Plaza on Lake street, they are now located at 211 Scott St Unit 3, St. Catharines.  Phone and fax remain the same.

MOVED! St. Catharines Downtown Association has moved!  No longer on Ontario street, they are now located at 80 King St, St. Catharines.  Phone and fax numbers remain the same.

The Nitsopoulos Family - owners of Heart of Niagara Hotels (Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre, Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre, and Days Inn, all located in St. Catharines), have pledged $100,000 to support the NHS Healthcare Complex and Walker Family Cancer Centre currently under construction in west St. Catharines.  The General Radiology Sub Waiting Room and the Command Centre Meeting Room will be named in their honour.

Gillian's Place is seeking new Board Members. They are looking for a strong team player who brings vision, energy, leadership and knowledge to the issue of ending violence against women.  Position is a two year term and active participation in regular monthly meetings is expected.  Legal or fundraising expertise would be an asset.  Submit resume and cover letter to karensmithcurtis@gmail.com by July 25th.

 NO FIXED ADDRESS - 24 Hours In Your Car - Raise Awareness of Homelessness Like a marathon or walk-a-thon, participants will gather sponsorships and take part in an event that gives them a taste of what it is like to have to live in their car.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the programs & services of the YWCA Niagara Region.  For more information, please visit: www.NFANiagara.com

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Do you enjoy football?  The Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club has an exclusive online offer for GNCC Chamber members!  To read more about it, please visit the Members Only Area!

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Greater Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce invites YOU to participate in their Business After Five on July 26, 2012, hosted at Bill's Toyota Sales, 925 Garrison Rd, Fort Erie and co-hosted by Dean Demizo State Farm Insurance!  Please note: you must RSVP to attend to 905-871-3803 or email office@forteriechamber.com.

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MOVED! Forum Antiques has moved to their new location!  Just a little down the road next to Niagara Motors, Forum Galleries Antiques and Appraisals is now located at 1547 Niagara Stone Rd Hwy 55, Niagara-on-the-lake. 

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Niagara Health System Foundation would like to thank our members that participated in the 2011 Fall Classic Golf Tournament. 

Your participation helped the Chamber raise  $10,000.00 for the It's Our Time Campaign. 

"We know that raising money through special events is a process that involves commitment and long hours of work from many people; please convey our thanks to all who had a hand in this success."

Above: Nancy Diamond, past Chair, St. Catharines - Thorold Chamber of Commerce; Jan Cook, North Niagara Campaign Co-chair

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Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP are please to announce that Terry Rmaniuk and Vita Gauley have joined their full-service legal team.  Terry completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University in Sudbury and received his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall.  Vita completed her undergraduate at Brock University and obtained her Juris Doctor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan.  Congratulations and welcome!

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Plain & Simple Fashion Show & Silent Auction featuring Mens and Womens Fashions will be held on Sunday August 19th 2012 from 1-4pm at the Fonthill Fire Station.  $20.00 per ticket - all proceeds go to Niagara Life Centre.  For Ticket information contact Carla Bono 905-328-2873 or carlabono@live.com. Anyone interested in making a silent auction donation or willing to help please feel free to contact Carla.

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New Name - New Business!  DTZ Barnicke Niagara - Owen Hughes, is now Hughes and Co. - a boutique consulting firm servicing the Niagara Region and beyond! Find out more about them by visiting their listing on the chamber website.

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Stan Drobnich, Employment Help Centre wants us to know about their fundraiser BBQ for the Community Garden.

Wednesday July 11, 2012
4520 Ontaro St, Beamsville

All proceeds will be used to help sustain the Community Garden.

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Please help Child Advocacy Centre Niagara and be entered into weekly draws of $1,000! Youth Philanthrophy Initiative (YPI) is celebrating Canadian charities in the month of July by awarding weekly prizes of $1,000 to a Canadian charity. To learn more, visit: http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/552266/688ee08256/ARCHIVE

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Carlos' Cantina wants to advise you that throughout the months of July and August they will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.  They do have air-conditioning!

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Mike Thomson, Franchise/Business Consultant, will be joining the franchisor Edible Arrangements on July 9th in the role of Franchise Business Leader for Canada - the first employee of the company outside of the USA and also the first staff person based in Canada, working from his home office in St. Catharines. There are currently 64 stores in Canada, with major expansion plans underway.  Congratulations!

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Niagara Classic Transport (NCT) is proud to present this state of the art, 38 passenger limousine bus, absolutely loaded with every luxury feature you can imagine.Great for weddings, wine tours, concerts and more. This bus has already started turning head so please make sure to book a viewing time soon. Click Here to read more from the NCT newsletter.

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Linda & Dan Sztanko, SendOutCards, invite you to attend Coffee & Cards Niagara! Join them for a Casual Chat about SendOutCards.  Thursday July 5, 2012 at the Cafe on Main, 1445 Pelham Rd, Fonthill (across from Mossimos). Parking at the back. Please RSVP if planning to attend!

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Chorus Niagara announced that another grand singing season has come to a rousing finale with an evening of sparkling operetta delights! There could be no better way to end this their 49th year of bringing the sounds and sights of choral music to the Niagara Region. Next season promises to be even more exciting, grander and full of vocal gold as Chorus Niagara celebrates its 50th Anniversary season with a glittering array of very special programs. Click Here to read the Chorus Niagara newsletter.

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DID YOU KNOW... the Chamber now has NEW email addresses along with the new website.  Please be sure to update your records! 
Please update St. Catharines - Thorold to Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
Events: events@gncc.ca
Membership: membership@gncc.ca
Policy: policy@gncc.ca
Info: info@gncc.ca, gncc@gncc.ca
Accounts: bookkeeping@gncc.ca

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BCS Niagara has MOVED!  Formerly on Towering Heights Blvd, they are now located at 32 Chicory Crescent, St. Catharines, effective May 22, 2012.  Hope the move went well!

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nGen - niagara interactive media generator - announced that the Niagara Region's various municipalities will now be singing with one voice thanks to the creation of a Region-representing music video created by the Niagara Social Project.  The Niagara Social Project, was founded by local organizations Tri-Media Integrated Marketing Technologies Inc., Fourgrounds Media Inc., and nGen - Niagara Interactive Media Generator.  To read more, please click here.

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NAME CHANGE! Skyway Print & Design has a NEW NAME!  Now called Wadetech - still offering the same great service.  Their email and website has also changed.  Their new contact info can be found on the GNCC website or email Joe Lynch, Senior Account Executive at joelynch@wadetech.com.

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H2Only is thrilled to be helping fund the building of a well in Somalia that will provide for 1,500 families as well as displaced refugees. One of our drivers is a refugee from this region so this project is dear to our hearts.  If you would also like to help, please check out www.hope-international.com.  It's amazing how little can mean so much!  For the price of two pizzas, you can change the lives of one family... permanently!

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Join Stella's for our annual summer golf tournament where all of our proceeds go to our Spirit of Christmas dinner. 

Each Christmas The Standard's parent company Sun Media, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Stella's Dining Lounge and Niagara College's Food and Wine Institute partner up and provide a free Christmas dinner for the homeless on Christmas day.

This is a great opportunity to have some fun, network with business leaders, and raise some money for a great cause. July 25, 2012.  Click on flyer for details.

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Child Advocacy Centre Niagara is very pleased to announce that the Masonic Lodges of Niagara "A" District has selected CACN as its charitable organization for 2012. This means that CACN will be the beneficiary of various activities for this year. The next event is coming up quickly. Event at the Kent will be a fun filled event taking place at Kent Heritage Farms (1139 Queenston Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake) on Saturday July 7, begining at 5:00 pm with a prime rib dinner.
There will be a silent auction and live music by Ashland Avenue. Tickets are $30 per person and they can be purchased at CACN as well as by contacting Mike Rolston at 905-935-6034.  For more information please contact Kaley Stewart at kaley.stewart@cacniagara.org or 905-937-5435 x7000. You can also visit our website at www.cacniagara.org. We hope to see you all there!

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VERGE Insurance Group is inviting all to support the United Way St. Catharines & District by joining them for a BBQ!

When? Thursday July 26th from 11:00AM to 2:00PM
Where? Montebello Park Pavillion, Ontario Street,
St. Catharines (right across from the VERGE office).

 

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The Fort Erie Festivals & The Binational Alliance invite you to join them for the Opening Ceremonies of the 26th Annual Friendship Festival "Commemorating the Bicentennial of The War of 1812.  Friday June 29, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Mather Arch, Fort Erie.  Please click here to view invitation.

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Tim Hudak, Leader, PC Party of Ontario, The Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment were among many in attendance for Pleasantview Funeral Visitation & Reception Centre grand opening ceremonies held Saturday June 16, 2012 in Fonthill. The 1000 plus attendees enjoyed a catered lunch, a cermonial release of a flock of doves, and had a chance to win a trip for two to New York City. To read full release, please click here.

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nGen - niagara interactive media generator - announced that the Niagara Region’s various municipalities will now be singing with one voice thanks to the creation of Region-representing music video created by the Niagara Social Project.  The Niagara Social Project, founded by local organizations Tri-Media Integrated Marketing Technologies Inc., Fourgrounds Media Inc., and nGen – Niagara Interactive Media Generator, is an attempt to establish a single voice for the Niagara Region through the creation of a music video and social media campaign highlighting both the lifestyle and business advantages of the Niagara Region. To read the full release, please click here.

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Alan Ferguson, HotWired Inc. PV Solar, is having an Open House on Saturday, June 23, from 10am to 3 pm at 3200 Bowen Rd in Stevensville.  Come out and get more information about microFIT!

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Youngs Insurance would like to invite you to participate in Youngs Insurance Brokers' 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.  The tournament will take place on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Legends on the Niagara Golf Course.  This year the proceeds will be donated to the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre Building Fund.  Through various programs and services, the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre has assisted thousands of immigrants overcome barriers to integration, helping them build new lives for themselves in Canada. The larger centre currently being developed will help better serve newcomers and their families in their time of need. For registration form, please click here.

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Summer Group Show on June 15 till July 28 at TAG Art Gallery - Tom and Frank Goldspink are pleased to invite you to come out and support art in Niagara and check out these new works at http://www.tagartgallery.ca.  The works of these contemporary artists demonstrate the many styles, techniques and themes that stimulate our imaginations and joy of colour.

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Target Corporation has confirmed that the Pen Centre, St. Catharines, will be home to their future location, scheduled to open in 2013.  Renovations for the Pen Centre location should take between 6-9 months to complete.  People interested in working for the new Target can visit their website.

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Sullivan Mahoney LLP is pleased to welcome their newest lawyers.  "Our strength is people" and these new people are: Gillian Fahy, Employment Law Group; Michael Vanoostveen, Litigation Group; and Diana Continenza,  Personal Injury Law Group.  Welcome!

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Congratulations to National Records Management celebrating their 5th year anniversary!  NRM will be featured in the next Business Link issue - but you can get a quick preview by Clicking Here.

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Congratulations to Cache Bistro + Lounge + Patio - celebrating their 1 year anniversary!  They welcome all the wonderful people that have made this last year an amazing success to indulge in a wild and decadent party for the ages!  Complimentary Cocktails and Oyster Bar, $3 drinks all night long - June 12, 2012.  Music by Mike Toast.  Please RSVP to info@hidden-events.com for guest list as the night could become overbooked.

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Please be advised - effective July 1, 2012 that Jolanta B. Bula, LL.B., Barrister and Solicitor, will be relocating her practice to One St. Paul Street, Suite 704, St. Catharines.  Good luck with the move!

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MOVED and NEW NAME! Popoli Delmonaco Chartered Accountants has moved and changed their name! The company is now known as Lucy Popoli Chartered Accountant Professional Corporation, has relocated to 9 Pine Street North, unit 35 in Thorold. Still offering the same great service!

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Juliet Dunn from Shea D Duo would like to thank all that have come out to support live music in Niagara, and invite you so spread the word to help save the Twilight Jazz Series.  Visit TWILIGHT JAZZ SERIES for more information.

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Congratulations to Stoney Ridge Estate Winery for TWO Double Golds at the All Canadian Wine Championship!  Both 2010 Excellence Chardonnay and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon won the Double Gold, followed up by 2010 Warren Classic Chardonnay with Gold, 2010 Excellence Merlot with Silver, and 2009 Cranberry Ice with Bronze.  Well done!

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Invitation to the 2012 Annual City of St. Catharines Mayor Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday, July 30, 2012 at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club.  The proceeds from this year's tournament will support the new Niagara Healthe Care Complex in West St. Catharines and the Niagara Peninusula Children's Centre.  

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As Canada Day, July 1 falls on a Sunday this year, stores are permitted to remain open on Sunday, but must close on Monday July 2. Please keep this in mind when planning your long weekend, and remember to support Chamber members, and the local retail industry.

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Tri-Media proudly announces its selection among the leaders in the "24th annual PROFIT 200 ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies" by PROFIT Magazine, as published today.  Ranking Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies by five-year revenue growth, the PROFIT 200 profiles the country's most successful growth companies. 

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Me Time Tanning , 130 Hartzel Road, St. Catharines, is holding a Charity Car Wash & BBQ event in support of Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold! There will be many things happening that day such as live music by the Morning Announcements, a BBQ, Carwash, bathing suit venue and many discounts on in store products!

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Radar Property Management want you to know that they are really enjoying their new location on Ontario Street. They have made some changes and additions to their team, and invite you to come on in and meet everyone!

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Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects (LTP) is pleased to announce that from Friday, August 31 - Sunday, September 2, 2012, Buskerfest Niagara will bring acts from around the world showcasing three days of colourful street performances by more than 20 world-class talented buskers. The extraordinary and bizarre talents at this year's festival will provide outdoor amusement for all, unlike any other festival in the Niagara Region.  

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The St. Catharines Downtown Association is seeking emerging and established artists, living and/or working in St. Catharines, interested in participating in NNA Art City, an event which will be held in downtown St. Catharines on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

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Wildfire Grillhouse & Lounge are excited to announce their Patio is now open! They are also offering a 10% off discount coupon valid till June 30th.

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Leadership Niagara - Niagara's only community leadership program is celebrating their 5th year and a growing network of inspired leaders building a strong Niagara community. Leadership Niagara is inviting community members to join the class of 2011-12 for an evening of networking and celebration on June 15th at 5:30pm Amici's Banquet Centre.

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MAC Outpost has MOVED! Formerly on Selina, they can now be found at 353 Lake Street Unit 14, St. Catharines L2N 4H5. Can't wait to see the new digs!

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Congratulations to Landon Morgan - who celebrated its 20th anniversary with some team-building activities during the week of May 28th. Hope you had some fun!

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Carousel Players are inviting you to their 40th Birthday Party on Sunday June 3rd from 1:00 to 4:00PM at Market Square, St. Catharines! They also invite you and a guest to attend the Niagara Arts Inspire Niagara Schools Educator Showcase and Trade Fair on Monday June 4, 2012 from 4:30 to 7pm at the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre Centre for the Arts, Brock University, St. Catharines.

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Chorus Niagara invites applications for the position of Artistic Director: Chorus Niagara Children's Choir. Chorus Niagara Children's Chorus offers Niagara Region children aged 7-17 a unique and enriching opportunity for children and youth to learn, create, imagine and grow through retreats, rehearsals and performances of choral music.

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Sail back in time with Niagara College's new War of 1812 tall ship cruises - Niagara College's Sailing School, offered by its Continuing Education department, is offering two new history cruises to set sail this Victoria Day weekend, in addition to its annual Twilight and Kids' Pirate tall ship cruises. The New Tall Ship 2012 Cruise - commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, is offering an exciting historical daytime cruise on the Tall Ship Empire Sandy.

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Great Wolf Lodge Car Wash For Cancer! In support of the Walker Family Cancer Centre on Wednesday May 30th, 2012 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM at Great Wolf Lodge, 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls. Stop by for a car wash & purchase a "Big Move" special package!

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Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects (LTP) proudly announces the relocation of their theatre company to the Seneca Queen Theatre (circa 1940), located at 4624 Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario. Congratulations!

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Restaurants Mai Vi and Tôi have merged into one entity. The new hybrid will be called Tôi Restaurant urban vietnamese fare and will be located at 12 Queen Street, Downtown St. Catharines.

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Nancy Reimer, Hulse and English, is retiring! Congratulations and all the best to you, and welcome to Lisa Timpany, who will be Nancy's replacement.

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Kathryn Sebeslav, Business Development Bank of Canada , is retiring! Congratulations and all the best to you, and welcome to Lori Dobby, who will be Kathryn's replacement.

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Heather De Cal, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, is retiring! Congratulations and all the best to you, and welcome to Catherine Robertson, who will be Heather's replacement.

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The St. Catharines Jaycees invite you to attend their 16th Annual Victory Cup Golf Tournament ! When? June 9th, shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Niagara golf Course. Interested in playing? Contact JCI Niagara

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There's an app for that! Niagara Classic Transport is pleased to announce the release of their new mobile transit app available in the Apple store (for iPhones) and they're positive you will love it! Designed as a quick and simple way to track your local transit routes as well as locating the exact position of your transit vehicle. See your iTunes store to download the App today!

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This just in!  HotWired Inc. PV Solar is hosting an Open House this Saturday May 26th, from 10:00AM to 3:00PM at their location on 3200 Bowen Rd, Stevensville.  Hope the weather is sunny for you!

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Join the Pilates Emporium Team as they gather 29 people to ride the Big Bike from Boston Pizza (across the street from Pilates Emporium).  When? Monday June 18th at 7:45PM.  Each person is asked to raise $50 in support of Heart and Stroke. They ride around the block and return back in one piece. Information and pledge sheets are available at the front desk.

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RoseAnn Waters, Success Vision, wants us to know that as of May 15th, they have a NEW address. Formerly RR5 Firelane Rd in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Success Vision can now be found at 118 Page Street in St. Catharines.  Good luck in the new digs!

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Ken Windjack, The Greens At Brock, wants you to know they have rebranded their golf course, creating 'The Desert 9' and 'The Beach 9'.  The Desert 9 has Arizona style bunkers filled with live cacti and yucca.  The Beach 9 has lots of white sand and live palms over 30 feet high.  The plants include a live geico (gecko) that was found on one of the palms.  Hopefully he has paid his insurance...

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Enjoy a lighter side of Chorus Niagara!  Niagara's premier 100-voice ensemble, with Artistic Director Robert Cooper, presents the final concert of the 2011-12 concert season, Deep In My Heart, on Saturday June 2nd at 7:30PM and Sunday June 3rd at 3:00PM.  Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University, St. Catharines.

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Niagara Inflatables & Games was the winner of the Festival and Events Ontario Entertainment Supplier of the Year 2012, which was awarded at the annual FEO Convention in Niagara Falls just last month. Congratulations!

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Mainstream would like to invite you to attend their 7th Annual Charity Golf Classic, held at the Rees Jones Course at Grand Niagara.  Proceeds from this event, held on Tuesday June 19th, directly benefit Mainstream participants and the Resource Centre Program.

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Congratulations to Niagara This Week celebrating eight (8) years in Niagara!  David Bos, General Manager, said that Niagara This Week is lucky to have such a talented, hard-working staff of more than 100, along with the more than 1,200 carriers in the region.

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After three months of hard work, the revamped St. John Ambulance building on Church Street, St. Catharines, was unveiled on April 14th.  The work was completed by Niagara College Students and Community Partners as part of the Many Hands project.

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Congratulations to Speedpro Imaging Niagara - big winners at the Speedpro Annual Convention held in Banff Springs!  Winning Canadian and US awards - fourth time winning Canadian Franchise of the Year, and second time as North American Sales Leader of the Year!

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Effective immediately McGowan Office Interiors has relocated its facility to 94 Copernicus BGlvd, Brantford. Changes to email and website too - please see their listing on the chamber's website for full details.

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Please be advised that as of April 23, the main office for CERF Niagara has moved from King Street in St. Catharines to Unit 20 - 300 Lincoln East Street in Welland.  Phone and fax numbers have also changed. Please see their listing on the chamber's website for full details.

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There is a NEW address for The Car Doctor.  Formerly on Dunkirk Road in St. Catharines, The Car Doctor can now be found at 11 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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The new Pleasantview Funeral & Reception Centre is now OPEN!  Located at 2550 Highway 20, with entrance off of Merrittville Highway, this state-of-the-art facility creates a new standard of comfort, convenience and customer service.  Please join them at their OPEN HOUSE and dedication on Saturday June 16th from 11:00AM to 4:00PM and see this stunning new Funeral & Reception Centre and the surrounding gardens.

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Join the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation for their 2012 "Spin for the General" on Saturday May 27th, taking place at the Spin-Doctor in the Pendale Plaza across from the Pen Centre.  Spinners of all ages and levels of endurance will "Gear Up for a Great Cause" and participate in one or more of five spin classes beginning at 9:00AM and spinning through till 2:00PM.  All proceeds will be directed toward the Cardiac Care Unit at the St. Catharines General Hospital.

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Hospice Niagara invites you to join in celebrating 10 years of the Hike for Hospice Niagara on Sunday May 6th at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie. This nationwide event brings together local communities in support of Hospice Palliative care to raise funds and raise awareness.  All funds raised in Niagara stay in Niagara.

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Business Link Niagara announces their 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award winners.  The award night will be held on May 14, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Parkway Conference Centre with MC Jack Peets, co-host of the 105.7 EZ Rock morning show.  Congrats to all!

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Dine for a cause!  Boston Pizza invites you to participate in their All Day Fundraiser - at 3 Boston Pizza Locations in Niagara and support the Niagara Life Centre.  sunday May 27, 2012.  Boston Pizza will donate $10 from every $20 ticket sold.  Tickets must be purchased in advance - call 289-969-5361 to order.

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Rankin Cancer Run invites you to join together to raise funds for all Niagara with over $2,500,000 raised and given back in the last 6 years. To participate on Saturday, May 26, 2012, you can register online at: www.rankincancerrun.com.

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Business Link announces their 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award winners. The number of Chamber members are too numerous to list here, but you can see them by visiting businesslinkniagara.com. The award night will be held on May 14, 2102 at the Holiday Inn Parkway Conference Centre with Jack Peets, co-host of the 105.7 EZ Rock morning show. Congrats to all!

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Quartet of Honours for Chorus Niagara! CHORUS NIAGARA, Niagara's premier 100-voice ensemble, with Artistic Director Robert Cooper, receive a quartet of honours this spring and summer for guest performance, guest conducting and adjudication. To read the full media release about upcoming peformances, please Click Here.

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Pilates Emporium is pleased to announce that they now offer Zumba lessons along with their Essential Pilates & Golf conditioning. Looking for lessons? Contact them today!

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Gillian's Place announces their 14th and FINAL Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Peninsula Lakes Golf Course in Fenwick. For more information, or to register online please Click Here.

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TAG Art Gallery is pleased to host, for the third year, the Niagara College Graphic Design Grad Show and the Art & Design Juried Paintings Exhibition. Please join them in celebrating the accomplishments of these talented students! To read more about this, please Click Here.

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Lyndesfarne Theater Projects is proud to announce that Our Town will be playing at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theater, St. Catharines until April 21, 2012. Be sure to support the wonderful local emerging talent acting and presenting this great play! Click Here for details.

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According to the recent release of the Federal Budget, the penny will be eliminated from production this fall. ANY and all donations...even your pennies...to Community Care can make a tremendous difference to those in need in our community. Some of our clients are living on pennies a day.
To read more, see: Community Care needs your help!

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CAA Worst Roads - Whether the issue is traffic congestion, potholes, bike safety or crumbling pavement, we want to hear from you. Help Pave the Way to Safer Roads. Voting through CAA's new and improved platform kicked off March 27. Vote at worstroads.ca.

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NAME CHANGE! Cody & Associates has changed their name AND location effective April 1, 2012. Please join us as we welcome Mr. Rick Dale, President, now operating as Loose Cannon Express, in Dunnville.