What's New

RCMP Media Relations Officer Michael Harvey says that local forces face an up hill battle in the fight against contra band tobacco. Because of its unique geograpy, Cornwall's location is ideal for smugglers bringing illegal cigarettes across the border. In fact, Sgt. Harvey says that  most of the contra band tobacco distributed across Canada enters the country in the Cornwall region. In spite of the efforts by the RCMP, OPP and Cdn. Border Service, the Regional Task Force has hardly made a dent in this lucrative trade. Of the 50 million illegal cartons of cigarettes entering Canada each year, only about one million are seized on entry.

Sgt. Harvey says that the smuggling issue is a problem we can't ignore. As many as 15 organized crime units operate in the area using profits from cigarette smuggling for drug, people and firearm trade. He says that the community must step up to the plate and promote the good news stories taking place in Cornwall.  Law enforcement alone will not eliminate the problem; we must educate the public. Currently, an educational awareness campaign is underway by the RCMP pointing out to smokers the consequences of their purchasing  illegal cigarettes. 

In the photo, CBA member Bob Copeland (R) thanks Sgt. Harvey for his informative presentation. 

Team work starts at the foundation of any organization and like an embryo, it most grow from there. That is the metaphor that CBA's February guest speaker  Doreen South uses to describe the process of building team spirit. To have a healthy team, members must feel comfortable to express their views, thoughts, feelings etc in a "safe" environment. That is,  an environment of acceptance and support where belonging is fostered. In this environment, people are not afraid to commit themselves unconditionally to the task at hand.

We all  have energies emanating from our bodies, so it is up to individual team members to extend positive energy vibes (respect and nurturing) and suppress the deadly energy vibes (blame and condemnation).  By using dousing rods, Doreen successfully demonstrates the energy we have and the effect it has on people around us.   Depending on our thoughts, positive or negative, the rods will react accordingly.

Doreen would be happy to discuss further her services and how to build team spirit in your organization.  You can contact her through her web site http://www.angelwhispersconsulting.com/ . In the photo, CBA member Dr. Thorin Gault thanks Doreen South for her presentation to CBA members.

The naturopathic approach to health care is certainly not new. It is the first form of health care ever used in the world, treating ailments with herbs and botanical medicines. Dr. Esposito says that unlike chemical based drugs, botanical medicines have little, if any,  side effects since they are all natural and compatible with our bodies.

A visit to a naturopathic doctor is certainly not rushed. The initial visit lasts 1 1/2 hours with the doctor using a holistic approach looking at a patient's lifestyle, diet and past which may reveal underlying causes of current health problems.  Depending on these factors, remedies may be as simple as taking vitamin supplements or require more involved kelation therapy.

Dr. Esposito invites CBA members to stop in and see her at her new location after April 1, 2010.  She points out that  visits to a naturopath doctor are covered by most private insurance company plans. 

The level of frustration in the audience was palpable as  CBA members and guests who use electronic payment processing  asked Moneris' Stephen Turgeon how merchant fees were calculated on their sales. Thanks to Mr. Turgeon's knowledgeable background and experience, the audience came away with a better understanding of why and how fees are determined for credit and debit cards.

Mr. Turgeon explained that today, 65% of all purchases are completed using some form of plastic. We will never be able to go back to a paper transaction. Many factors influence the fee charged by Moneris for these electronic payments: Method of selling (is it a face to face transaction), the type of product or service and branded cards. These factors determine the risk of default and reward points that benefit the card holder.

Mr. Turgeon explains that  the new embedded chip cards will virtually eliminate card fraud. All companies will be fully compliant with these new cards by the end of 2010.

Mr. Turgeon says that there are many sources of merchant processing systems, each with their own method of calculating merchant fees.  He suggests you shop around and know what you're going to be charged before committing to one supplier.   In the photo, CBA member Theresa Taylor presents Mr. Turgeon with a customized portfolio.

Whether for corporate or personal gift giving, Tammy Head will personally find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Tammy has a list of local vendors whom she is proud to support and can source many sorts of gifts from house wares to environmentally friendly gift selections. Not sure what sort of gift might be suitable?  Tammy has taken care of that too with her gift certificate program. By appointment only, certificate recipients can visit Tammy's Gift Gallery and browse through hundreds of gifts and several catalogues.

If you're an employer looking for an incentive program for employees or clients, a visit with Tammy is the right place to start. She will be happy to discuss your needs and set up a creative  awards  program for achieving employees and loyal clients.

Visit her web site www.averypresenthelp.com

Thanks to Theresa Taylor and her committee, CBA members and guests celebrated in an olde fashion style. Tom Rand got the group in the spirit of the season by reading  'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Games and trivia contests were available for everyone. Competition got heated though for the best decorated ginger bread house.

Winners were as follows:

Have you ever become so overwhelmed and stressed by work or life in general that you don't know where to turn? CBA member Dr. Pierre Milot offers a service for today's active business person that helps them to stay focused on the issues that matter. Dr. Milot holds a doctorate degree in human sciences and  says that like  having a marketing plan for our businesses, so too should we have a plan for our lives. It all starts by indentifying our goals and objectives then perhaps setting a new direction for our life.

Dr. Milot's career/life coaching can be completed in group workshops or in a one on one format. Coaching plans normally take 8 weeks but for the busy individual , programs can be accelerated. Like any plan, results are evaluated to ensure the desired result is achieved.  For more information or to talk to Dr. Milot, visit: http://www.lifecoaching4stress.ca/

On October 28, St. Lawrence College held their student awards banquet at Ramada Inn in Cornwall. This year CBA is proud to award our $500.00 bursary to Jenn Baker. CBA member Tom Rand made the presentation on behalf of all our members.   Our bursary is funded from the proceeds of our monthly 50/50 draw.

Jenn is a third year student at the college and is pursuing an accounting diploma. 

The Benson Group is proud to support local charities and organizations in the community.  Through golf tournaments , the firm has raised 100s of thousands of dollars that support the Father Rudy Villeneuve Foundation. In spite of the success that Benson  enjoys, one thing is certain: Cornwall will remain the home base and head office of the firm for many years to come.