PAGE 14, WITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1990 Propert byasociation(2 Ini an earlier column, we looked at the beniefits of membersip in the Cbarnber of Commerce. PBut what about other organzations? la membersip worthwbile for a smail busfinessý Two major national business groupe are the Canadian Maiufacturers!» Association (CMA) and the Retail Council of Canada. The CMA is the oldest industrial association ini Canada, founded in 1871. It has offices in Ottawa and ail 10 provinces., Our purpose is te influence public policy, as it affects manufacturing" said Greg MacDonald, _MA director o public affairs. The CMA is not jut an association of industrial ganta. While it representa 75 per cent of almanufacturing output, in Canada, tbree-quarters of its members are -smali manu- facturers. And, the CMA is more than a lobby jroup. 'We provide a variety of services manky smaller members could not afford otherwise," MacDonald said. 'We* ,have expertise on taxation, occupa- tional health and' sfetyo standards and patents, you naine The OMA assiste with employee relations and offers . a Smal Manufacturers Benefits Package available off the shelf; it promotes exporte, and helpa ita members explore and take advantage of export markets. Finally, it bas two internai groupe which asset in the -acquisition -of, high ntecbnolog equipment and new m ateral. The Retail Counicil of Canada performa similar services for ita mnembers, retailers repreaenting 65 per cent of retail sales acrose the country; of ita 6,500 memabers, 90je ent are independenta. Our prime funiction is t enhance. the retail trade by influencing public p111cy.0 ad council resident Alasdair McKfichan. But we. also provide servies to members in areas such as advantageous rates on mnerchanta' credit card- rates, cheque. authorization, and expertise in transportation and courier services." The Retail Council bas a variety of awardt programs, and aiso sponsor seiminars and conferences te help members improve their business operations. We are aise increasin1y involved in issues like the development of universal product codes, and worIng with the banking community on electronic banIng services for , our members," McKichan said. Two other.'national businée groups targeted speciflcally at smaller businesses are the Canadian -Federation .Of Tuition Free Courses for Technical Workers Durham College and the Ontario Ministry of Skills Development are pleased to offer the following tuition paid courses to quahified Technical Workers. e Solid State Motor Controls a Advanced Pneumatics e Noveil Local Area Network e Multi-User DOS, an Alternative to-Local Area Network e Introduetion to Design of Programmable Gate Arrays *Design and Testing of Programmable Gate Arrays *Fiber Opties for the Communications Industry *Huntron Tracker, Electronie Diagnostic System. Ail classes are scheduled to start as soon as minimum class size has been achieved. Don't Miss Out. Register Now! For more information cail Peter Griffin at 576-0210. DU RHAM COLLE. £ Durh fit You want more th Get a lumpSý a dipomna prog January 7th an YumpStaTrt F Business Adn (2 or 3 year Dipior f irst semnester aftei choose one of the Acçounting, Inforr Production & Opei Human Resource.c General Program, Find out more 7:00- 8:30 p.n Oshawa. Cati 576-0210 e> M] DCULR H A M Main Campus 2000 Simcoe St. North Oshawa, ON LI H 7K4 Tel:4 116-576-02 10 TDD: 416-571-5560 TollFoee 1-800-668-5843 iar College.4; .mrpoS fart han just a job. >tart on your career and quick access to second year of gram through _IumpStart at Durham Coilege. Begin id finish your first year by August 2nd in time to enter second year. programs are availabte in Office Administration and Business Administration. ninistration nma) offers a common r which you wouid ,foiiowing options: nation Systems, Marketing, .rations Management, ,s Management, or the ator1m Sa. nomto ihto eebr5 I. Office Administration (2 year Dipioma) prepares you for a career as a secretary, administrative assistant, information speciatist, or off ice manager. n n room E218, main campus, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Mt. 240, or toit free 1-800-668-5843, for more Information. "I can't decide which association to loin sither-so let's do it the sctentifIc iwayi", Independent Business (CFIB) and the Canadian Organization of Small Business (COSB). The CFIB is a political action group representing 86,000 businesses that lobbies federal ,"d provincial governinenta on issues important te, business. Members are kept in teuch via the associations publication 'Mandate'. COSB, 'the voice of business,' is a relatively nwogization that was = esaléed in Edmonton in .1979. The association offers Ontario members business advice on tax and other matters tbrough ita Willowdaie office. Finally, there are the sector-specific organizations. Often, rivai groupe exist, competing for membèe. Elaine Reluor,* assistant general manager of the'Ontario Chiamibr of Commerce, advises that there are no bard' and fast rules for deidingwbich groups you should . R utt tflere are some ",It is not worth joinixig "y association if you are not goiing te be an' active participant," she says. "If you are jusétgoingto get what cornes imtne milfromi them, it is probably not a good inveatment. "Also, you should look at your own businessobetes ad com~pare them with the objectives of theorSanzation. If you are in an, environmentally sensitive mndustry, for instance, then an association -which monitor relevant legialation and Ikeeps youq informed would prcbabIty b. good fryour usnes. TIhe key is te know your own- needs and goalsand make sure that tbe aaocaio ou ,are onngfulfilla those need- ,or futesthose goal. If itdoa you shouldLbe a.member. Old Tyme Chrstmas at gallery leStation Galeys 1 annual Olde P e 2ristinas will bu held on. aturday Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, noon te 5 p.ým- There will bu an exhibition and sale of drawings, paintings, pho- tographs, prints, sculpture, jeery pottery, quilted'piilows, silk garments stained glass, fabric doils, folk art, hand pup- pets, ptorisdChristmas There will bu a bake table, refreshinents and special draws. Admission is *free. Association seeks volunteers The Oshawa and District Asso- ciation for Community Living has the following openinga for volunteers: - male volunteer aged 30 to 50, who enjoyspolbadminton, gmg out tednner occasionally, and outdoor activitics; - male vounteer te assiat a youn man i developig money- akills by attending recreational activities sud by shopping, -maie or femnale requiredte assist, an adolescent who erjoys cross-country skiing, skating and swimming For furher information cali 576-3011. /7 K Contînuous Learning at Durha'm Colle.ge Continuous Learning Calendars have been mailed. Registration for fast flilng courses begins. December 1lst in person - 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.- doors open at 6:00 a.m. for control number handout. Registration for other courses starts Monday, December 3. To register by phone wth Mastercard or VISA - cati 436-1100 or 1-800-668-5843, toilfree- You can also register by FAX or by mail. See your Continuous Learning Caiendar for particulars. If you need a caiendar oeil: Continuous Leaming 576-0210. DURHAM C @ L L Ui i- - - -