www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 30, 2011 · 20 Chamber survey identifies advocacy priorities Taxes, economic development, and easing the business permit process were identified as top priorities by members of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce in a business survey, the results of which were released Tuesday. There were 245 respondents to the online survey with the results deemed to be accurate within +/-6.3 per cent, 19 times out of 20. Gerald Bramm of Bramm Research Inc., conducted the study. "The results of this survey will help us set our advocacy priorities," said Wendy Rinella, chair of the Oakville Chamber of f Commerce. "Oakville's business community has a critical role to play in Oakville's present and future. Through tax dollars, businesses subsidize the lifestyle we enjoy in Oakville. Oakville is uniquely situated to make it a premium location for business in areas such as advanced manufacturing, professional services, life sciences and digital media." Other key findings from the respondents include: · 82 per cent of respondents would advise a colleague to set up or relocate an existing business to Oakville · 54 per cent of respondents are likely to expand their business in the next three to five years · 47 per cent of respondents said there are barriers to doing business in Oakville with the number higher for member companies with 50-plus employees · Companies with 50-plus employees are less likely than smaller companies to expand their business and more likely than smaller companies to consider moving their business out of Oakville in the next three to five years. The survey results can be found on the chamber's website at www. oakvillechamber.com. Iroquois Ridge Centre, Library set to celebrate first decade People are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Iroquois Ridge Community Centre and Library on Saturday, Dec. 10 with family-friendly festivities and birthday cake. There will be a number of free children-friendly activities and a library story-time reading, as well as special retro pricing on all recreational swims. At 12:30 p.m., Mayor Rob Burton and members of Oakville Town Council will serve free birthday cake in the lobby. The entire day's events run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can also swim for free by making a donation to the Oakville Fareshare food bank. Items of greatest need are powdered laundry detergent, canned fruit, canned pasta sauce and regular tea. The centre is located at 1051 Glenashton Dr. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.oakville.ca/parksrec.htm.