Roger Brooks Worshop Inspires Branding in Bruce County

Spruce the Bruce held its Workshop with Roger Brooks, of Destination Development International (DDI), on Nov 13 – Nov 15. Brook shares the lessons he’s learned over the past 30 years while helping over 1000 communities. This experience has made Brooks a master of the “art of differentiation”, or “branding”.

Both business owners and municipal officials from 11 Bruce County communities attended the 2.5 day workshop. All of them walked away inspired to help their towns become destinations that attract both locals and tourists alike.  Both the county and the communities now have solid brand directions and are going to be busy over the next couple of weeks as they explore these new directions.

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Second Annual Marine Heritage Festival Announced for Saugeen Shores

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, the Marine Heritage Society and the town of Saugeen Shores are pleased to announce the second annual Marine Heritage Festival.  It will be held July 27-29, 2012.

 Families and Marine Heritage enthusiasts alike are invited to join us for 3 days of fun throughout Southampton.  The festival opens at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre with opening ceremonies and a tour of the General Hunter/War of 1812 Exhibit.  Other activities throughout the weekend include a pancake breakfast, vintage boat show, BBQ lunch, cardboard boat challenge, a fish fry dinner and much more!

 Once again, the Chamber of Commerce is holding a Treasure Chest Hunt!  Festival-goers simply have to visit 6 participating business, find the treasure chest with the hidden number and enter it into the space beside the corresponding merchant.  Completed entries should be dropped of into the bin at the Southampton Visitor’s Centre.  The winner will be announced at Pioneer Park on Saturday July 28^th, during the Fish Fry.  The contest runs July 16 – 28.

A complete schedule of events is available at  http://www.brucemuseum.ca/calendar/marine-heritage-festival/, or call 1.866.318.8889 (toll free) or 519.797.2080

Workshop on Training for Tourism Diversity

Explore the Bruce has Invited You:
(excerpts from an Explore the Bruce News Release)

REGISTER NOW FOR OUR FIRST DIVERSITY TRAINING!

Each year more and more international tourists are visiting Bruce County. Our biggest challenges are: language barriers, cultural differences and communicating safety concerns. Guest Speaker, Michael Zhang will offer professional advice on how to make your business welcoming and safe for our New Canadians.

DMO’s and businesses have gained both a better reputation and a bigger share in the Chinese market through Michael’s help in providing better travel experiences to Chinese tourists. 

When & Where: Please select a workshop that best fits your schedule.

Workshop 1: Monday, May 28^th, 2012- 9am-11am: Tobermory Community Centre

Workshop 2: Tuesday, May 29^th, 2012- 5:30pm-7:30pm: Southampton Town Hall

 *Maximum 50 participants per workshop

Cost: $15 per person (HST Included)

Registration: Pre-registration is required by contacting Lisa Greig at lisa@explorethebruce.com or 1-800-268-3838.

 Please Register by May 23^rd, 2012.
Light refreshments will be offered at the workshop

 

Trends in Social Tourism Marketing

Yfactor’s attached article shows how social media marketing has been used as an effective marketing tool in the tourism industry.

Trends in Social Tourism Marketing

Botanical food gardens will be developed in Ripley – Owen Sound Sun Times – Ontario, CA

Botanical food gardens will be developed in Ripley – Owen Sound Sun Times – Ontario, CA.

Finding Free Business Advice by Roger Pierce

Many thanks to Roger Pierce for his support of Enterprise Centres in Ontario in the attached article which appeared in the Toronto Sun on September 14th. The Enterprise Centres, including the Saugeen Shores Business Enterprise Centre, are initiatives of the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade (MEDT) and are operated in conjunction with local municipal partners. Our office is operated as a department within the town of Saugeen Shores, and is also supported by the County of Bruce. Our staff can help at every stage of your business development, from start-up to selling or closing. And our services are free of charge! We can be reached at 519-832-2082 or visit our website.

Finding Free Business Advice

Canadians Opting for Staycations and Comparison Shopping As Inflation Hits | Gifts and Tablewares

According to quarterly findings released today from the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index, Canadians are delaying vacation plans, shopping around for groceries, following their budget more closely and holding onto their older vehicles, thanks to rising gas and food prices

Canadians Opting for Staycations and Comparison Shopping As Inflation Hits | Gifts and Tablewares.

Southampton Town Hall 100 Year Celebration – August 8, 2011

Plan to attend the Southampton Town Hall 100 year celebration on Monday, August 8, 2011, starting at 3 p.m.

Southampton Town Hall Celebration – August 8, 2011

Ten Students Participating in Summer Company 2011!

The Saugeen Shores Business Enterprise Centre is pleased to announce that there are 10 students participating in the Summer Company program through their office this year. Training and launch day take place on July 4, 2011. Congratulations to all of our successful applicants! It should be a good summer.

Southport Horticultural Garden Tour – Saturday, July 2

The 2011 Garden Tour in Saugeen Shores on July 2, 2011, featuring nine magnificent gardens in Southampton and Port Elgin. Sponsored by the Southport Horticultural Society. Tickets are $10 each and available at Bayberry’s Flowers & Gifts, Southampton; Shoreline Stone & Garden Centre, Beagle Run Nursery and Ralph’s Hi-way Shopette, Port Elgin.

Time is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, contact Lorraine Boucher at 519-832-4176, glboucher@bmts.com or Liz Owen at 519-832-5812, kelsie@bmts.com.