Social Media and Small Business don't mix so well according to a new survey. BizLaunch.ca found 49 per cent of the entrepreneurs surveyed spent up to 101 hours in social media promotions but, only 28 per cent say that investment brought returns. Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch.ca says the biggest mistake small business owners make with social media is using your Facebook page or Twitter account only to plug sales or specials.
He says social media is about building a community of people with common interests. BizLaunch and Bell Aliant are hosting a free seminar on growing your business online. It's tonight at the Saint John Library in Market Square starting at 6pm.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
More Olympic Runners Announced
The thrill of a lifetime will happen for many on Tuesday of next week. More of those people chosen to escort the Olympic Flame through Greater Saint John have been announced. In Quispamsis, the torch will be carried by the mother and daughter duo of Cindi and Megan Baisley. It's expected to arrive in the Town just after 3:30pm on Tuesday of next week. Tim Lowery will also get the honor in Quispamsis.
Down the street in Rothesay, Katelyn Johnson of Fredericton will get her 15 minutes of fame with the flame. Barry Short will take up the torch here in Saint John before it is handed off to Debbie Cooper for the huge ceremony at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. The following day, Ellen Steeves will continue the relay with a run in Grand Bay Westfield.
Down the street in Rothesay, Katelyn Johnson of Fredericton will get her 15 minutes of fame with the flame. Barry Short will take up the torch here in Saint John before it is handed off to Debbie Cooper for the huge ceremony at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. The following day, Ellen Steeves will continue the relay with a run in Grand Bay Westfield.
Christmas Spirit in Quispamsis
A trip to Quispamsis tonight could help you get over the hump if your still trying to find your Christmas spirit. The town is holding it's annual tree lighting ceremony tonight in the Arts and Culture Park. Mayor Driscoll and councilors will be there and along with the tree, the switch will be thrown on the town's Dreamland Display.
The outdoor rink will open for the first time this season following the tree lighting and starting tomorrow, the ice surface will be open every day between ten in the morning and ten in the evening. The ceremony gets started at seven o'clock.
The outdoor rink will open for the first time this season following the tree lighting and starting tomorrow, the ice surface will be open every day between ten in the morning and ten in the evening. The ceremony gets started at seven o'clock.
Strong Numbers for Saint John Area Real Estate
After you hear these numbers, you might not wonder any longer why so many people in Greater Saint John are choosing Real Estate as a profession. The numbers are in for the residential average price for homes sold by Saint John Real Estate Board’s MLS® system. They set a new record with the average price for a home up 18% to over $178,600 dollars.
MLS® home sales were 544 last month, down just three per cent from a year earlier. The total value of all MLS® home sales was $30.4 million in October up 15 per cent from last year.
MLS® home sales were 544 last month, down just three per cent from a year earlier. The total value of all MLS® home sales was $30.4 million in October up 15 per cent from last year.
No Curfew for Quispamsis
The town of Quispamsis will not implement a curfew bylaw. The request came from a resident who noticed young people strolling through his property and ringing his doorbell at all hours of the night and early morning. Rothesay Regional Police Chief Stephen McIntyre wrote to council advising them the cost of prosecuting offenders would be considerable and would be the sole responsibility of the town.
McIntyre adds he would not like to see a situation where officers are taken away from other duties because they are taking a young person home or waiting to turn them over to an adult.
McIntyre adds he would not like to see a situation where officers are taken away from other duties because they are taking a young person home or waiting to turn them over to an adult.
Project at the Irving Oil Refinery is Finished
It took almost 1.4 million working hours and cost 220-million dollars but, the Irving Oil Refinery maintenance project is finished. During the peak of the project, there were 2300 construction people working. Spokesperson Lesley MacLeod tells CHSJ News, even better news is no one was hurt over the two month stretch and that means no lost time.
During the project, 37 cranes capable of lifting 750 tonnes each were used and this is the largest project of it's kind for the refinery.
During the project, 37 cranes capable of lifting 750 tonnes each were used and this is the largest project of it's kind for the refinery.
New Bylaw for Subdivisions in Quispamsis
From now on, subdivisions in Quispamsis are going to require more focus on storm water management. A bylaw is now in affect requiring developers to conduct an examination on stormwater sewers and any impact rain and snow melt would have on neighbouring properties. Director of Engineering Gary Losier tells CHSJ News, so far the feedback from new residents is positive.
Losier adds developers are going to charge to do the assessments and it will likely be included in the lot fee.
Losier adds developers are going to charge to do the assessments and it will likely be included in the lot fee.
Provincial Conservatives Set Up Website
The Provincial Conversatives are taking to YouTube and the web to get their views out on the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec. Leader David Alward says they want to offer the people of the province straight talk on the issue and says these sites serve as tools to help New Brunswickers get the real facts about the deal.
Alward adds these outlets allow everyone in the province to get information that hasn’t been tainted by the Liberal spin machine. The website is STOPSHAWNNOW.CA and the party also has a YouTube channel.
Alward adds these outlets allow everyone in the province to get information that hasn’t been tainted by the Liberal spin machine. The website is STOPSHAWNNOW.CA and the party also has a YouTube channel.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
H1N1 Clinic for next Priority Group in Saint John Tomorrow
The next priority group of adults with chronic conditions can get their H1N1 vaccine in Saint John tomorrow.
The people in this category have conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Also included in this clinic are those with ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Quadriplegia and Paraplegia. The clinic will be held tomorrow at Exhibition Park on McAllister Drive from
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For complete clinic listings and priority group information: go to www.gnb.ca/flu or
call 1-800-580-0038.
The people in this category have conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Also included in this clinic are those with ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Quadriplegia and Paraplegia. The clinic will be held tomorrow at Exhibition Park on McAllister Drive from
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For complete clinic listings and priority group information: go to www.gnb.ca/flu or
call 1-800-580-0038.
Graham Continues to Sell the Proposal
(Graham Speaking to Chamber)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)
Premier Graham was the guest speaker at the KV Chamber of Commerce Luncheon yesterday. The topic up for discussion of course was the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec. Graham says he has heard the concerns about what happens after the five year rate freeze comes to an end, and between 2003 and 2008, there has been an increase of 25% on rate payers bills.
Graham adds other long terms savings under the proposal include the decommissioning of Point Lepreau in 30 years and the Mactaquac Dam upgrades which both become responsibilities of Hydro-Quebec.
Opposistion Leader Holds His Stance
With no referendum vote planned for the proposed NB Power-Hydro-Quebec proposal, the Conservative Government is re-newing it's call for transparency from the Graham Government. The Premier has said he still hasn't heard a viable option from the opposistion but David Alward tells CHSJ News, they do have a plan for the future of the public utility.
Alward adds what he is most disappointed in is the fact the Premier is a man who can't keep his word.
Alward adds what he is most disappointed in is the fact the Premier is a man who can't keep his word.
Provincial Budget Just Weeks Away
With all this talk of the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec, it's easy to forget the budget will be handed down on Dec.1st. That is roughly two months ahead of the norm which has political observers wondering if it is a good or bad news budget. Former Finance and now Business Minister Victor Boudreau tells CHSJ News, like the document in the spring, there are some tough decisions to be made.
Boudreau took a lot of heat when the spring budget was released and several cuts to ferry service were announced. following rallies and public out-cry, some of the service has since been re-stored.
Boudreau took a lot of heat when the spring budget was released and several cuts to ferry service were announced. following rallies and public out-cry, some of the service has since been re-stored.
Rothesay MLA Ready for Legislature
Margaret Ann Blaney is geared up for what is expected to be a lively session of the Legislature. The Conservative MLA for Rothesay tells CHSJ News, Premier Graham's prediction of wiping out 40% of the Province's debt with this deal doesn't jive with what the auditor general has added up.
Blaney adds at the end of the day, the Graham Liberals do hold the balance of power when this issue comes to a vote but her party has several mechanisms they can employ as legislatures.
Blaney adds at the end of the day, the Graham Liberals do hold the balance of power when this issue comes to a vote but her party has several mechanisms they can employ as legislatures.
Former Heart Surgeon Will Ride for the Conservatives
(Dr. Jim Parrot Speaking with Supporters)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)
A retired heart surgeon will carry the banner for the Conservative Party in the riding of Fundy River Valley. Dr. Jim Parrot was officially nominated to run for the party in next falls provincial election last night. No question, Parrot brings a wealth of back-ground in healthcare but we also asked him about the proposed NB Power and Hydro-Quebec deal. Parrot tells CHSJ News, this is a bad deal for the entire province.
Parrot adds he brings a wealth of front line knowledge on the health care front and believes he has sensible solutions to some of the problems.
Premier Graham Ready for Legislature Opening
Today marks the opening of the fourth sitting of the 56th Legislative Assembly. Premier Graham tells CHSJ News, it's likely the session will open with a debate over the proposed NB Power-Hydro Quebec deal---but that's doesn't mean other issues will be put aside.
Graham adds he knows today will be primarly focused on the NB Power proposal and says he hopes during the debate an alternative plan will be brought up to lower energy rates so there can be a good discussion.
Graham adds he knows today will be primarly focused on the NB Power proposal and says he hopes during the debate an alternative plan will be brought up to lower energy rates so there can be a good discussion.
Alward Ready to Fight the Good Fight
It's going to be a hot session----that from provincial Conservative Leader David Alward on the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly today. Alward tells CHSJ News, his party will hold the Graham governments feet to the fire over the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec.
Alward adds the opposition will present alternate plans to help prevent the sale of NB Power's assets.
Alward adds the opposition will present alternate plans to help prevent the sale of NB Power's assets.
Rally Today in Fredericton
No word on how many are expected, but a rally is scheduled for the front steps of the Legislature today. People who don't like the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec will be on hand to voice their disgust with the memorandum of understanding. Doug Williams is the organizer and tells CHSJ News, Premier Graham was elected on a promise that he would not sell off the assets of the utility.
Williams points out they have over 25,000 Face Book members opposed to the deal. The rally gets underway at Noon.
Williams points out they have over 25,000 Face Book members opposed to the deal. The rally gets underway at Noon.
Health Minister Not Concerned Her Issues Will Be Lost
(Health Minister Mary Schryer)
(File Photo)
With the opening of the legislative assembly today expected to be dominated by discussions around the proposed deal between NB Power and Hyrdro Quebec, the Health Minister isn't afraid issues in her file will get lost in the shuffle. Mary Schryer says the health affects every New Brunswicker.
Schryer adds the 144 new doctors in the province and the new emergency departments in Saint John and will also be up for discussion.
Municipal Operations Getting Ready For Winter
This winter will see an on street parking ban on all city streets from November 15th to April 15th, with a few exceptions. A resident at the Ward 1 winter management meeting last night asked if the city is going to find designated lots for vehicles to park in during snow storms. Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News, the city is looking into it.
Rice says the city is in discussions with the Parking Commission to try and figure out if there are any lots that can be used during the snow ban. Parking is prohibited on almost all city streets from midnight until 7 am but Rice says warning tickets will be issued until the end of the month.
Rice says the city is in discussions with the Parking Commission to try and figure out if there are any lots that can be used during the snow ban. Parking is prohibited on almost all city streets from midnight until 7 am but Rice says warning tickets will be issued until the end of the month.
Milford Resident Happy With What She Hears
Milford resident Debbie Taylor says she is impressed by the citys plan for managing the winter months. Taylor tells CHSJ News, last year she was concerned about the city contracting out plowing jobs.
Taylor says her road was plowed by a 1 ton truck that hardly put a dent into the snow. She says she is happy to hear her road would be plowed by city crews this winter.
Taylor says her road was plowed by a 1 ton truck that hardly put a dent into the snow. She says she is happy to hear her road would be plowed by city crews this winter.
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