IN THIS TOPSHELF NEWS
Win $100 Visa Gift Card by participating in survey
Dennis Krangle, thank-you for being a Shelfspace member!
Issues & Answers
Note to those who accept American Express cards
Workplace Training Funding for BC Small Businesses
Shelfspace Opportunities Marketplace
Events in June
Win $100 Visa Gift Card by participating in survey
In our continued effort to improve and enhance the quality and variety of programs and services available to you as owners, managers and retail staff, Shelfspace would greatly appreciate it if you took a few minutes to complete a survey that will help us in this endeavour.
Business Assessment for Retail Owners
Business Assessment for Retail Staff
Complete the survey and be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! The survey will be closed Monday, June 7th for retail owners and Tuesday, June 8th for retail staff.
Thank-you to those who have already participated! Your feedback is of great importance to us.
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Dennis Krangle, thank-you for being a Shelfspace member!
Shelfspace would like to thank Dennis at Krangle Automotive for his continued commitment. Through your support over the last 13 years, you have contributed to a community that shares a passion for retail excellence and truly celebrates what it means to be entrepreneurial: dynamic, innovative and opportunity-seeking.
Thanks, Dennis!
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Issues & Answers
Fight Against Merchant Rates Code of Conduct Update
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry has been widely adopted by the industry. Flaherty says all the payment card networks, major credit and debit card issuers and payment processors have adopted the code, which will be effective starting Aug. 16. Under the code, merchants will be given clear information regarding fees and rates and given advance notice of any new fees and fee increases. More on the Fight Against Merchant Rates...
HST
While Shelfspace does not take a stance for/against Harmonization, we are committed to informing BC’s retail community as best that we can. A few resources that you may find of interest are:
• The MerchantHub blog: A number of your fellow members have also expressed their opinions, concerns and have asked some very good questions at the MerchantHub. Take a few minutes to comment, share your own or just take a look at what your peers are saying.
• The Advocacy section of the Shelfspace website has other resources and links that provide relevant HST related information
• A very insightful article was recently published in Business in Vancouver that weighs the pros and cons of HST
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Note to those who accept American Express cards
As of July 30th 2010, American Express will begin to charge you a monthly network access fee of $7.50. The network access fee will be charged to your merchant account on a monthly basis per merchant location.
For more information, please see your recent merchant statement or contact American Express Customer Service at 1-800-268-9877.
Workplace Training Funding for BC Small Businesses
The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Development in BC has launched the Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot Program that allows small business owners access to funding to support employee training, helping improve skills and productivity.
Available to employers in every community across BC, the program offers up to $1,500 per employee – to a maximum of $5,000 per employer. The funding will support training activities, which may be up to 6 months in duration, and can be offered offsite or in-house. Eligible employers must be a small organization of less than 50 employees, in good standing with the BC Corporate Registry and in existence for one year or more.
Eligible costs include training purchase costs, books and study materials. The program is designed to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to:
• Improve productivity.
• Support the introduction of new technology, machinery or work processes.
• Enhance international competitiveness.
• Introduce innovative training to increase the long-term competitiveness of the organization and its workforce.
Applications are open until Jan. 31, 2011, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be subject to available funding. For details on the program, click here.
Shelfspace’s PEAK Retail Training is an eligible training program. Click here for course descriptions or see EVENTS below for a up-coming events listing.
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Shelfspace Opportunities Marketplace
Our community is made up of a diverse set of skills. The Opportunities Marketplace is the virtual market space where members share their passion for excellence with fellow members, retailers and suppliers alike. Suppliers with products and services to help retailers be more successful, can post your idea, event, products/services, etc. on the Marketplace. Retailers as well can post a need or a special offer available to Shelfspace Members here!
Featured offer: Pushpin Digital Billboards is offering a special discount on digital signage for Shelfspace members only. Digital signage will influence your customer’s decision to buy and it is proven to be more effective than static signs. "Results from in-store digital media pilot programs have shown sales lifts from 15% to 60%" (Forester Research, Inc).
Save on digital signage with this limited time offer:
• 10% percent discount off all Pushpin services
• Free production of your first custom ad
• Free consultation and in-store assessment
To view this and other valuable offers, click here
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Events in June
Be Different or Be Dead Workshop - Vancouver
June 15th, 2010
Grow your business & dominate your competition. This workshop, featuring Roy Osing, author of “Be Different of Be Dead: Your Business Survival Guide”. Roy will discuss his practical and proven practices that will catapult the performance of your business to new levels and enable it to survive the unpredictable events of today’s volatile and unforgiving marketplace. Details
PEAK Retail Training
From front-line customer service, to sales, to leadership development, PEAK retail training will provide practical and relevant skills sets for retail owners, managers or sales associates. PEAK is an eligible program for the Workplace Training for Innovation funding. PEAK training courses available in Vancouver this month:
For other courses available this summer, click here
HST Seminars and other Community Events
June 2010: HST seminars are being held daily across British Columbia.
Other events listed:
- June 2nd, Victoria: Why most websites don't do much... and what you can do about it
- June 10th, Vancouver: 2010 Successful You - Small Business BC Awards
- June 16th, Victoria: "People are our most valuable asset"
- June 22nd, Calgary: The Order of Business: Spending Less and Making More - ActionCoach Seminar
Go to the Community Calendar now!
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