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With some 90% of business owners admitting to having no formal process when it comes to their sales, it may be time you consider signing up for Outstand, a self-marketing program for those of us who want to engage with customers, build relationships, stand out from the competition—and have fun in doing so.

While Outstand allows you to create and send stunning, branded messages, that’s just the start. The software service provides RESULTS, including how many people open your messages or click on any offers that you make. You can also use text messaging to make sure your message gets seen every time.

The list of Outstand features is a long one: setting appointments, meeting reminders, after meeting follow up, staying in touch, making connections, getting referrals, conveying product benefits.

Chamber members are eligible for a 30-day FREE trial and, by using promo code SLCOC, receive special pricing after that period.

It’s true that opportunities to serve in our community come in various shapes and sizes, but one immediate need has presented itself in the form of board membership in the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton.

Karen Riley, a Chamber member, brought this opportunity to our attention and we’re passing on the information as a public service.

The organization has its own criteria for board membership, which includes recruiting from those with skills related to government relations and labour relations as well as the legal community. Those connected to service (care and service providers) would also make potential candidates for the organization’s board.

That said, the first step would be to indicate your interest in serving. Melanie Bouck, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton, is the person with whom to connect. She can be reached at (519) 332-4444 or by email (mbouck@alzheimersarnia.ca).

The local Lowe’s store in Sarnia, a member of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, is appealing to fellow members as it launches a fundraiser that will help children with specialized care, rehabilitation, and groundbreaking research.

Lino Tesolin, who manages the Lowe’s store in Sarnia, says customers can purchase $2 “paper balloons”—with all proceeds going to the Children’s Health Foundation and its connection with the Children’s Miracle Network.

The store has pledged $12,000 towards the campaign. The organizations being supported through the Children’s Miracle Network include the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, Thames Valley Children’s Centre, and Children’s Health Research Institute.

The campaign runs through May 13.

In a launch event held on April 9, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce officially opened nominations for the 2018 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, the latest in a longstanding tradition that honours the very best of business in the region.

Past winners, news media, organizers and representatives from Libro Credit Union, the OBAA presenting sponsor, attended the launch event, which took place at the Imperial Theatre in downtown Sarnia, where some of the changes that are sure to make the Friday, October 12, 2018 gala even better than ever were outlined.

The link to the online nomination form can be found HERE.

Opening up nominations to all businesses in Lambton County is a first step in broadening the reach the OBAAs have in the community, creating a path to membership for those who have not yet taken that step.

“We believe the OBAA process can be the start of a journey that leads to membership,” said Chamber CEO Shirley de Silva. “Through this event, business leaders can experience first hand how being nominated for an OBAA by customers and peers can be an enriching experience, something to which both past nominees and the winners can attest.”

Two new awards—”Cool Place to Work” and “Chamber Champion”—will be featured as part of the 2018 OBBAs.

Dave Vanos, regional manager of Libro, said the financial services firm was pleased to be an ongoing supporter of the event.

“At Libro we speak a lot about the importance of recognizing success,” said Vanos. “This is something that the Chamber does very, very well.”

Vanos spoke in support of events like OBAA that highlight the success of individual companies and individuals throughout Sarnia and Lambton County.

Shirley de Silva, president and CEO of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, recently took advantage of an invitation by a local Women’s Interest Network group to “spread the word” about how the Chamber is making a difference by connecting with tomorrow’s leaders.

The group, which is connected with Imperial (a longstanding Chamber member), heard de Silva talk about a career journey that took her from the not-for-profit charity sector to executive management in the airport industry to her current role at the Chamber. She also shared insights on how future leaders can maximize their effectiveness regardless of gender.

“Building on your experiences and then using them to enrich the people around you is one of the best strategies imaginable,” de Silva said.   She also shared with the group on how the Chamber is undergoing a “strategic renewal” and how a “next generation” of leaders (like those in the room) can make a difference down the road.