Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members
Come with us to discover China!
China is our second largest export market. Already the world’s largest market for cars, cell phones and seafood, it is the fastest growing market for luxury goods, air passengers and nuclear power. China has the most internet users and online game players, the longest high speed rail network and the busiest port. There are well over 100 cities in China with a population of more than one million and, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, the economy will grow at rates of about eight per cent per annum for the next decade. In China’s case, seeing is believing. That is why we are excited to announce a special invitation from the St.Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce to join us again this October for our second trip to discover China! As an exclusive benefit for Chamber Members we are partnering with our neighbours at the Strathroy & District Chamber and Citslinc International Inc. to provide an 11-day, all-inclusive tour of Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai for $2,599 (USD) per person. Citslinc is one of the largest providers of foreign tours to China and works exclusively with over 800 Chambers of Commerce in Canada and the US. Elgin Travel in Elgin Mall will be our exclusive, licensed travel agent for the tour. This fully escorted trip is meant to be an introduction to the people, history, culture, commerce and daily life of this exciting country. The itinerary
is packed with sights and activities that will give you a full and rewarding experience. The trip departs on a non-stop flight from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport via Hainan Airlines (globally rated among the top 5 airlines) on Wednesday October 22, 2014, returning Saturday November 1. Your trip includes: • Round trip International airfare from Toronto • 4 and 5 Star Hotel Accommodations • Three meals per day • All tour fees • Deluxe in-country transportation and local airfare • Experienced Englishspeaking tour guides • All taxes and airport fees Prices are based on two person shared accommodation, single occupancy is available for an additional charge. This trip is also available to non-Chamber members for an addition charge of $200 (USD) per person. Deadline for registration and payment in full is July 25, 2014. Deposits are being accepted now at $400 per person to confirm seats. Our group of 80 available seats will be sold on a first-come/ first-served basis. Over 20,000 people travelled with Citslinc on Chamber tours last year alone. Two
staff from the St. Thomas & District Chamber have already participated on a Citslinc tour. Member Services rep Jeff Sheridan travelled with our group last October and Chamber CEO Bob Hammersley went in the spring of last year. Bob says “I had the opportunity to travel to China last April with them and I was impressed by their high level of professional service. This trip completely changed my understanding of China and I came away with an entirely new found appreciation for its people and its future, and the strong prospects and potentials for shared business relationships.” Information Session On Tuesday April 15 at 5:30 p.m., the Chamber will host a complimentary information session for anyone with interest in our trip. Leo Liu, President of Citslinc International will speak and representatives from Elgin Travel will attend with registration details. To attend, all we ask is that you register via our Chamber website. Go to www.stthomaschamber.on.ca and click on the listing in the Events column on the right side of our main page.
Business Beat Published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., and delivered to businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin Country For complete information on the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, reach us at: 115-300 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4L1 Telephone: 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 E-Mail: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca Website: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca President & CEO Bob Hammersley Accounting Coordinator Susan Munday Member Services Jeff Sheridan
www.chambers.ca April, 2014
ELGIN THIS MONTH
St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2014 Board of Directors Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Vice-Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Vice-Chair: Dan Kelly Dowler-Karn Fuels Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems Director: Sean Dyke
St. Thomas Economic Development Corp. Director: Monty Fordham Fordham Brightling & Associates Lawyers Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Jeff Kohler Presstran Industries Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Rob Mise myFM 94.1 Director: Allan Weatherall Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa
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