MBE Business Magazine

ISSUE 48 | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

article

Big Business, Big Government Versus the ‘Marginalized’ Electorate Part One Pg 12 Article

AUTO INDUSTRY LOOKS

to future beyond car ownership with sharing, subscriptions Pg 35

article

CANADA AND PROVINCES AGREE TO CURB GARBAGE, PLASTIC POLLUTION

PG. 37

THIS MONTH FOCUSING ON Significant Role Of Relationships In Success

Benefits of Time Management

What Is Freedom?

Are You Merchandising To Boost Sales?

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CONTENTS 06

Significant Role Of Relationships In Success.

09

Benefits Of Time Management

10

What Is Freedom

15

4 steps to engaged employees

18

5 Things Canadian Business Owners Need To Know Before Going Global With Their Business

20

Event Calendar

22

Many talented people think that...

Time management is an important aspect to help schedule your day and get...

Freedom can be defined as ‘the ower or right to act, speak, or think...

Nadine Roberts and her husband Conn both have full-time jobs outside of their roles...

28

Alberta Declares Beer Trade Fight With Ontario Over Access To Liquor Stores

30

Altria Makes $1.8b Investment In Canadian Cannabis Market

33

Are You Merchandising To Boost Sales?

35

Auto Industry Looks To Future Beyond Car Ownership With Sharing, Subscriptions

Altria Group Inc. is heading north for its next investment

February March Events and Holidays In Canada

6 Steps To Running A Successful Snack Category

The snack category is evolving, and although it still features the mainstays...

24

40

Cars and trucks sold in B.C. by 2040 will be zero emission: government

7-eleven Becomes First Convenience Retailer Chain In Canada To Accept Alipay And Wechat Pay

46

Chinese buyers hate new-car smell—so Ford’s eliminating it

EDITOR'S LETTER Welcome to our February & March issue!

The main highlight of this issue is an important article on ‘Canada & Provinces agree to curb garbage, plastic pollution’. In addition, we have a valuable article on Big Business, Big Government Versus the ‘Marginalized’ Electorate by David Ralph Mackereth and ‘Significant Role of Relationships in Success’ by President & CEO of MBE Group of Companies, Syed Mansoor Ali Naqvi.

Continuing with tradition, we have included the latest business news, market insights and an event calendar showcasing all major holidays and events set to be celebrated across Canada in February 2019 and March 2019. We have also included the latest and most relevant business news coverage from across the world.

As always, we hope this issue will be an informative and entertaining experience for all our readers and that it will live up to your expectations. Our team continues to work tirelessly to improve and refine our business magazine.

Your feedback is highly valuable to us, if you have suggestions or comments feel free to call us at 1-866-667-1377 or email us at info@mbeforyou.com to tell us what you think about this issue.

For ad placements and marketing related queries, please email us at mbe-marketing@mbeforyou.com Thank you, Aurora Zabala, Editor In Chief.

Publisher MB Enterprises Editor-in-chief Aurora Zabala Senior Editor Peter Z. Vaisey Managing Editors Steve Montgomery Mahmood Naqvi Design Cynthia Tolson A. Khan S. Saad Production, Technology & Print Simon Wilson R.J Advertising S. Hassan Shoeib Kamal Administration Alamdar Hussein Erum Asghar R. Adil HOW TO REACH US Website: www.mbeforyou.com Feed-back: 1-866-667-1377 E-mail: info@mbeforyou.com Mail: 100 Dynamic Drive, Unit 104, Scarborough, ON, M1V 5C4.

Fax: 1-866-204-6888 MBE Business Magazine is a monthly issue business magazine published by MBE. Inc. Ontario, Canada.

Printed by Vision Printers Contents © Copyrights 2017 by MBE, may not be reprinted without written permission.

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SIGNIFICANT ROLE OF Relationships in Success

Syed mANSOOR Naqvi

PRESIDENT MBE

Many talented people think that they can climb the ladder of

your world. The truth is, if you aspire to excel, but do not have

their dreams alone. In the beginning, it may seem right to

solid relationships with a keen knowledge and advisors, you

them but in reality there are some people more energetic,

are dramatically impeding your speed.

smarter and talented than the people around them. Resultantly, they fall in the classical trap of ignorance such that they

Everyone needs friends and quality relationships not just for

contemplate themselves a level above others, thinking they

the professional help but also for emotional stability. Getting to

won’t need anyone to bolster up their journey.

the top has never been effortless and anyone declaring it as easy is simply lying. Emotional endurance is an important

However, in the real world, it is the total opposite. Whenever I

tool to succeed faster than the rest. Without it, you must

look at any entrepreneur, scientist or artist, I’ve always seen

inevitably encounter more obstacles than the rest. But when

an assembled top-notch team in their surroundings which is

you have a group of warm and caring friends around you,

bonded together by impregnable interpersonal relationships.

they’ll stand by you during the time of test and hardships. If

The group of the wise advisors help a successful person in

you manage to reach the ‘peak’, it’s a lonely position if you

the elemental ways, both as a knowledge base and as an

don’t have the people to share the joy of victory with, which

emotional support system. In my opinion, I always consider

proves us to admire professional relationships.

that two brains are better than one. On the peak of your performance, expand your adeptness by bringing people into

Inner circle friendships play a dominant role in your journey to success. These people will help you at every stage and their presence is a reason of joy for yourself. Take a moment to draft a quick list of your inner circle. You should have at least ten people each in your professional circle and your personal inner circle. Life is a long journey so you shouldn’t worry if you’re making any mistakes in choosing a wrong individual in your circle. With the passage of time, you’ll meet certain people and this list will be filled naturally.

Once you have finalized both the lists, then it’s high time to focus on relationships with these people by constant contact on a regular basis. For the personal talks, you can always consult them on a random coffee session, sharing your ideas and boosting your energy. For the professional talks, it’s a bit complex which involves good contact techniques and sharing professional knowledge but with a caution of not divulging every information to these individuals.

The journey towards success is not a bed full of roses, you

06

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

need to maintain your outer circle as well. The phenomenon

1. Appreciation: Every human wants to hear positive things

for the outer circle is a little different as these are friends who

about themselves, but if you personally acknowledge them

aren’t close to you but you enjoy their company, spending

and their work, it’ll have a positive impact on their life.

around 10-20 minutes a week by staying in contact via email,

2. Good Listener. If you are a good listener, it helps you to

calls or social media. In this way, it leads to great connections

resolve your colleague's issues and maintain a better

and relationships full of joy and warmth. Regularly staying in

relationship

touch with your inner and outer circle will have a huge impact

3. Positive Impact: Your positive impact on others is vital to

in your life with the graph of your happiness and personal

achieve long-lasting relationships

relationships ascending to the top. As a result, your career will outshine when you have well-maintained relationships.

In life, always do little things day by day for massive outcome.

It doesn’t require huge amount of time but it only requires a

If you want to expand yourself, you have to fatten your circle.

few minutes which will make a huge impact in promoting

You should definitely have a plan to expand your personal

strong relationship. You should compliment others, smile

and professional circle. These are two smaller circles with a

generously and understand others so that you can be

handful of people you do not yet have a strong relationship

understood by them.

with but contently sharing your ideas, and sharing your thoughts will attract them to strengthen your relationships.

In a nutshell, you can’t achieve anything in life alone, you should add people into your life with a positive attitude to help

Outstanding relationships with colleagues also plays a

others without any selfish motives. This will surely make a

paramount role towards the path to success. With the

difference in the lives of others and in return your life will be

individuals you work with, all you can do to build a stronger

transformed making your reach to success within no time.

relationship is by improving the amount of contact.

There are various ways to nourish and build relationships, but let me list a few points which are highly effective in the long-term:

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

07

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Benefits of Time Management

SYED MAHMOOD NAQVI Vice President | MB Enterprises

Time management is an important

entrepreneurs to master but everyone

Even if you’ve failed to manage your

aspect to help schedule your day and

should realize the miraculous benefits

time in the past, it’s never too late to

get the maximum output from it.

of time management and appreciate

change and get yourself organized.

Scheduling tasks according to the

for the finite resource that it is.

You should set deadlines, delegate

calculated time helps one to be

tasks, prioritize your to-do list and

organized knowing what needs to be

The importance of time management

acquire the maximum value from your

done and the time required for its

will have a positive footprint on your

time.

completion.

personal and professional life. Time management requires you to organize

There are countless activities which

Time plays a significant importance in

your day in a manner that will make

you can perform with every extra

your life. Although, there are only

you find the best use for every

minute gained from proper time

twenty-four hours in a day; time is

moment. It allows you to create a

management, be it some daily-use

money, value and resource and it’s on

healthy balance of workflow and

activities like hobbies or cultivating

you to make the most of it in order to

personal life.

relationships by spending time with

obtain fruitful results.

your family. It will help you be happier Similarly, the effects of improper time

every day in the long-term as you’ll

While we are aware of the fact that

management are truly worrisome

get time for yourself, family and also

any wasted hour can’t be added back

which includes missed deadlines and

for the fun activities. Moreover, it has

to your day, therefore we should

living with excessive stress and

impressive benefits on one’s personal

realize the importance of time

anxiety. If money is lost, it can be

health as well, having more time to

management and how it helps you to

earned back eventually; but a wasted

have long and restful sleep.

maximize your efficiency throughout

hour is irreplaceable.

the day. This isn’t just the skill for W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

09

WHAT IS FREEDOM? SYED ALAMDAR HUSSAIN Country Head - MB Enterprises

Freedom can be defined as ‘the power or right to act,

Freedom of Press prohibits the government from interference in

speak, or think as one wants without any constraints or

the distribution and printing of information or opinions. It can

hindrance’.

be limited by copyright laws and libel.

Every person exhibits a different meaning of freedom and

Freedom of Expression includes freedom of speech, of the

practices it accordingly.

association, of the press, of assembly and petition. The freedom doesn’t extend to expression that causes panic,

To raise the question, what is freedom? Seems to be a

defames, creates fighting words, creates sedition, incites

hopeless enterprise. It is as though age-old contradictions

people to crime, or is obscene.

and antinomies were lying in wait to force the mind into dilemmas of logical impossibility so that, depending which

Freedom of Assembly sometimes used interchangeably with the

horn of the dilemma you are holding on to, it becomes as

freedom of association, is the individual right to come

impossible to conceive of freedom or its opposite as it is to

together and collectively promote, express, defend and

realize the notion of a square circle. In its simplest form, the

pursue common interests. The right to freedom of association

difficulty may be summed up as the contradiction between

is recognized as a human right, a civil liberty and a political

our consciousness and conscience, telling us that we are free

freedom.

and hence responsible, and our everyday experience in the outer world, in which we orient ourselves according to the

Freedom of Religion is the freedom of any individual or commu-

principle of causality.

nity, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in practice, worship, teaching and observance. This right

Ideally, the freedom can be deduced into five main catego-

extends to any religious belief, but not in the practice of all the

ries:

religious activities (for example, ones that involve breaking other laws).

Freedom of Speech is the right of the people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference. The right doesn’t extend to hate speech, advertising, and a few other instances.

Every person in this world has all the due rights to practice his right of freedom unequivocally and We should be responsible enough to protect and respect everyone’s freedom.

10

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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Big Business, Big Government Versus the ‘Marginalized’ Electorate Part One

DAVID RALPH MACKERETH dmackereth@canimac.com

In the philosophy of ‘yin and yang’, we observe that opposite

Bloomberg.com on December 7, 2017, “Corporate America

forces are often interconnected. One does not exist without

has a mound of money [$2.4 trillion] that begs the question:

the other. Yet when imbalanced, one dominates, and the

Where will it go?” Though U.S. corporations had more cash

other wilts.

reserves than currently needed, the U.S. Government voted in tax measures increasing this existing substantial corporate

If we consider the world as a mountain, those in control of Big

cash stockpile. In ‘Confessions of an Economic Hit Man’ John

Businesses and Big Governments are lapping up the sun on

Perkins writes, “The United States spends over $ 87 billion

the leeward side, or the yang; while, the majority are kept in

conducting a war in Iraq while the United Nations estimates

the dark wetter windward side, or the yin. For ease of

that for less than half that amount we could provide clean

reference, we will use 1 % to represent the leaders of Big

water, adequate diets, sanitation services and basic educa-

Businesses and Big Governments and their affiliated

tion to every person on the planet.” (1)

Privileged Elites; and 99 %, the ‘Neglected’ Majority.

Justifiably, there are a multitude of businesses and governments working diligently and responsibly all over the world. I

To start off, I would like to make note of two developments

am stressing ‘Big’ for Businesses and Governments that no

illustrating a very serious trend (we all intuitively know exists)

longer respond to the preferences of the ‘Negligible’ 99 %.

leading us to catastrophe, or potential extinction. The first will

Over time (especially the past 40 to 50 years) Big Business

cover a Government superfluous donation to Big Business,

has become more influential and involved with Big Govern-

and the second will describe alternative allocations of Public

ments. James Rickards illustrates this phenomenon in ‘The

Funds. Warren Buffet explains it well in CNN Money on

Death of Money’, “As in all societies, including the United

February 24, 2018, “A large portion of our gain did not come

States, elite interests can prevail over ‘national interests’ once

from anything we accomplished at Berkshire, adding that

elite political power is entrenched.” (2)

about $ 29 billion of that $ 65.3 billion gain came from changes to the tax law.” While Sho Chandra reports at

Frank S. Capon, in ‘Profit’’ advocates civilization is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, ”came about only when humans learned to live together collectively, to abide by rules and structures for the common good in which the weak are protected against the strong.” (3) I find it of interest that ‘Profit’ was published in 1984, and has numerous excellent perceptions on directing both business and government in a technology driven society. Capon goes on to add “The state is merely the collectivity of the citizens.

Its executive committee, government, is elected to be the mechanism whereby the will of the majority will be expressed in the form of laws or national policies which will be implemented.” (3)

12

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Lewis Lapham writes in ‘Age of Folly’, “They didn’t draw too

says in a July 2013 speech, as reported in salt + light media,

careful a distinction between democracy as a system of

“I think, at this time, this global civilization has gone beyond

government and democracy as a form of entertainment.” (4)

its limits …Because it has created such a cult of money that

Yet Big Governments can and do have a very real impact on

we are in the presence of a philosophy and practice of

the lives of the people they represent, as well as the

exclusion…” Theodore H. White, in his Time November 1984

world-at-large. After the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act in

(that memorable year) article asserts, “The food of money

1999, not only did the U.S. housing market take a disastrous

that gushes into politics today is a pollution of Democracy.”

downturn in 2007, but also, world-wide economies suffered

The elites, who dominate global decisions, are primarily from

extensive disruptions, as a result of the 2008 Financial

the more powerful developed countries, which we should find

Meltdown.

apprehensive. This disparity not only further enhances the separation between rich and poor around the world, but

The Digital Age has placed humanity in a precarious position.

pushes the impoverished further from the mind of these

Latham comments on the quality of government and business

prevailing managers.

leaders with “it can be generally understood that an ill-con-

(1) Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins

ceived war with Iraq comes to us courtesy of the same

(2) The Death of Money – The Coming Collapse of the

feeblemindedness that set up the Enron and WorldCom

International Monetary System by James Rickards

swindles, we might learn to elect politicians who speak to our

(3) Profit – The Nature, Size and Role of Profit in a Technolog-

courage and intelligence rather than to our weakness and

ical Society by Frank S. Capon

fear.” (4)

(4)Age of Folly – America Abandons Its Democracy by Lewis H. Lapham

On the whole, we are certainly putting inordinate intensity on money which clearly has no physical reality. Pope Francis

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

13

BUSINESS PARTNERS

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4 steps to engaged employees Nikki Lockington Nadine Roberts and her husband

Here are four tips from Nadine

closed and customers will come in at

Conn both have full-time jobs outside

Roberts for creating a positive work

night and say, ‘do you have this

of their roles as c-store owners, but

environment for your employees:

here?’ We might not sell it on our

they still find time to make staff

shelf, but we might have it out back

appreciation and engagement a focal

1. Look for someone who wants to put in that

for use in our bakery, and we’ll

point of their business.

extra effort.

always try to package it for them.”

“Being from a small town, it’s Nadine is a nurse practitioner and

sometimes difficult to recruit employ-

2. Take the time to let new hires get

Conn is a school principal, which

ees. You don’t have many options, as

comfortable.

perhaps helps explain why they don’t

there are job wanted ads throughout

At Suri’s Convenience, all new hires

seem to have trouble connecting with

our small town. For me, I’m looking

are initiated into the business during

their employees at Suri’s Conveni-

for somebody who’s friendly with the

a session with either Roberts, Conn,

ence in Springdale, a small communi-

customers and other people on staff,

or their manager, Nikki.

ty in central Newfoundland.

and reliable with a good work ethic, means a lot,” says Roberts, who has

“We usually take the employee

When you run a convenience store in

15 employees on staff, two of whom

around on the first day and tell them

a small town, there aren’t always a

are part-time, while the rest work

what our expectations are,” says

whole host of candidates beating

full-time hours.

Roberts. “It’s never too stressful; it’s

down your door for jobs. But based

kind of laid-back, and we tell them

on the Roberts’ experience, you can

“We’re a small business in a small

what we want and what we’re looking

still find staff members who want to

community, so our staff, for the most

for.”

work hard and pay it forward.

part, will go above and beyond.

Sometimes our grocery stores are

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

From there, employees are paired

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

15

with senior employees for the rest of the training process to help them learn the ropes in their area of focus.

With a full in-store bakery, deli bar, pizzeria, and eat-in café, Roberts requires employees with the right foodservice training. She says they either come to her with the appropriate background, or they’ve worked in other parts of the store and are ready to venture into this new territory.

3. Give them the chance to try something new.

“Cross-training is proven to be very great for this business, because if they can work in different areas, it’s more satisfying for them, and they’re not always in the same role all the time. We try to do that whenever possible.”

Roberts says this approach helps ensure her employees are always engaged, because not every staff member is perfectly suited for every task.

4. Take the opportunity to show them you care.

Roberts doesn’t have a specific incentive or rewards program in place, but she’s always eager to demonstrate to her employees how much they matter to her business.

“If any of our employees are having concerns or questions, we just try to help them out as much as possible. We give them raises based on how well we feel they’re doing, and sometimes I’ll go to the store and pick up a card to give as a thank you,” says Roberts.

16

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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5 Things Canadian Business Owners Need to Know BEFORE GOING GLOBAL WITH THEIR BUSINESS IMTIAZ KERMAL e-shipper

18

If you're on the brink of deciding to

Don't Get Worked Up About the Prospect

Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities

take your Canadian business global,

One of the main reasons so many

One of the best ways to help predict

you're making a good move. Aimia

Canadian business owners are

and counter challenges that crop up

Inc. recently released the results of a

hesitant about making the leap and

while taking your business global is

study that indicated that while only

going global is they're worried about

connecting with other international

20% of Canadian businesses are

how difficult the expansion will be.

business leaders connected to your

enthused about the possibility of

Yes, there are going to be some

industry. It's okay to ask them to

going global, 90% of the businesses

challenges, but most business

serve as a kind of mentor. Not only

that have made the leap are extreme-

owners find that as long as they

will they help you deal with the red

ly happy with the results.

approach going global with a calm

tape and other issues you'll encoun-

and collected attitude, it's a fairly

ter, they'll also help you reach out to

Here is some advice Canadian

smooth process. The business

other important contacts.

business owners who are considering

owners who have successfully taken

going global will want to consider.

their company global advise handling

In addition to connecting with a few

it exactly the same way you would

mentors, do some heavy research on

handle a domestic expansion.

your competitors who have gone

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

international. Explore the methods

communication include:

restrictions in advance means

they used to determine why some

• Watsapp

deciding not to market in that particu-

gained a great deal of success on the

• WhatsApp video

lar country or revamping your product.

global market while others struggled

• Slack

with the transition.

• Skype

Check to See if NAFTA Restrictions Impact

• WeChat

Your Industry

Have a Communication System in Place

• Telegram

There have been some big changes in

Communication has always been a

• Line

NAFT during the past year with more

challenge for Canadian businesses

• Google Hangouts

changes anticipated after Mexico's

that have gone global. It's much

All of these apps can be downloaded

presidential election. While many

harder to go to an office or plant to

directly to your smartphone and tablet.

smaller Canadian industries won't be

manage a problem when that

impacted by the new trade restric-

office/plant is on the opposite side of

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learned the only way they could

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market their product in one country was by completely changing the

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W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

products packaging. Knowing the

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

19

February - March

EVENT 2019 CALENDAR FEB 2

SATURDAY

Groundhog Day Groundhog Day in Canada focuses on the concept of a groundhog coming out of its home in mid-winter to “predict” if spring is on its way in the northern hemisphere.

FEB 5

TUESDAY

Chinese New Year Many people in countries such as Canada celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar.

FEB 14

THURSDAY

FEB 15

FRIDAY

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is an opportunity for people in Canada to tell somebody that they love them in a romantic way. It falls on February 14, the name day of two saints, St Valentine of Rome and St Valentine of Terni. In pre-Christian times, the middle of February was a time of pagan fertility festivals in Europe and allegedly the time when birds chose a mate.

National Flag of Canada Day The national flag of Canada was inaugurated on February 15, 1965.

The anniversary of this date is officially called the "National Flag of Canada Day", which is often shortened to "Flag Day".

FEB 18

MONDAY

FEB 22

FRIDAY

Family Day Family Day is observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick on the third Monday of February. In British Columbia, Family Day falls on the second Monday of February. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities.

Yukon Heritage Day Yukon Heritage Day is a public holiday in Yukon, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

MAR 1

FRIDAY

St David's Day Many Canadians of Welsh descent or those with Welsh connections celebrate St David’s Day on March 1 each year. The Welsh flag is often seen during celebrations on the day, as well as daffodils or leeks pinned to clothing

20

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MAR 5

Carnival/Shrove

TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is the last day before the long fast for Lent for some Christians in Canada. It often coincides with or falls close to the dates for the winter carnival celebrations that occur in the January/February period.

St. Patrick's Day

SUNDAY

MAR 17

St Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the nearest Monday to March 17 each year. It remembers St Patrick, a missionary who converted many of Ireland's inhabitants to Christianity in the 5th century. His feast day also celebrates Irish culture.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION

MONTH DEC - JAN

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R A B B A R I E P P L E F E N S Y P E T E T A B U E E S P A N S A D S T A S T A E R S T A T P A L R U S E N A A T I C D MO E P R R S N

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I L S A D H H A A B N I N A M H E T L E E T R B U E G 29

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T V S E A S O N

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E L M O

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E R T T H E S

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I F I R A M E A A S C R I Z Z A E A N C O H A W K V O V O E E A K L 77

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S L O B

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P A L L I T D S E O T U S I E B R E E A E R L D S G A L M P E S 37

41

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66

R A I T T

121

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128

S T O C K

19

48

S E R E N E

49

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90

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A R E A L

S A N K A

26

42

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108

114

122

E V A D E R

73

M A R S A L I S

115

A S I T W E R E

S N Y D E R T E N E Y E R

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

21

6 STEPS

to running a successful snack category

NIKKI LOCKINGTON

The snack category is evolving, and although it still features

they wanted, they just wouldn’t buy anything and they went to

the mainstays, including chips, cookies, and crackers,

another store,” says White. “But by bringing in all of the chips

innovation is popping up in the c-sector, including more ethnic

and beverages and still offering the movies, we found that

flavours and health-conscious options.

benefitted us the most.”

So how can convenience stores adapt to these changing

Now, customers can purchase two bags of chips for $5 or $6,

habits and cater to their snack-seeking customers? Ray White

depending on the brand, or they can bundle a bottle of pop, a

of Movie Source Convenience and Video has done just that at

bag of chips, and a movie to get a complete package for a

his Agassiz, BC store. Here’s his step-by-step guide.

movie night at home.

Step 1: Adapt to change

Step 2: Invest in efficiency

A couple of years ago, Movie Source Convenience and Video

Investing in more efficient beverage coolers was a no-brainer

was a video store that happened to have a few snacks and

for White, who believed in improving the overall shopping

beverages for sale. But when White looked at the long-term

experience for his customers. “Last year, we had nine coolers

viability of video rentals, he knew he had to up his conveni-

in here, so last July, we installed a 10-door cooler vault to get

ence game. “We slowly changed the store over to conveni-

rid of all those individual coolers. This saves us $600 on our

ence. We took our revenues up 500-600% in just over a year

power bill every month. By putting that in, our beverage

because of the switchover.”

sales went from $1,300 per month to almost $9,000 per month.”

The movie selection created a unique opportunity for White, who knew that his customers would appreciate a

White used this opportunity to promote co-purchases

one-stop shopping experience. “We found that when people

between the snack and beverage categories with smart

were coming in for movies before, if we didn’t have the snacks

merchandising decisions.

Step 3: Get in the zone “The movie section helps with snack sales and vice versa,” says White. “We run a deal where customers can purchase chips, pop, and a movie for $11.99, so that really helps.

Everybody in town knows we always have our chips on deal, and they’re positioned in the store so they’re in the areas with the highest traffic. You can make great margins in the snacks category.”

White suggests moving secondary displays around to see

22

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

where they’re most successful. He admits the best spot is always right at the till, but that interrupting the path to the

cation a win-win for both businesses.

beverage cooler can be effective, too. “Sometimes we’ll

Step 6: Stock up

move a chip display towards the walk-in cooler so people

As with any category, avoiding an out-of-stock scenario is

will see it there, too. Why not have a secondary display in

essential. “If we don’t have a product, customers are going to

addition to the regular rack of chips? This way, if someone

remember that and they won’t come back if they’re looking for

is going to grab a carton of milk, they’re also going to pass a

it again. I always train my staff to never say, ‘We don’t

display of beverages, a nut rack, a meat snacks display, and

carry that product.’ Instead, they say, ‘We’re out of that

possibly a chip promotion, too.”

product right now, but there will be more coming in with

Step 4: Try something new

the next delivery.’ Then they write that down and I know to talk to the rep and request to have that product brought in.”

White is a big believer in innovation, and will always make space for a new product. “If a supplier has a new product, we

By working closely with his supplier reps, trying out innova-

will try it and see if we can gain some traction with it. If we

tion, and always offering a deal, White has set his store apart

don’t see any traction within three months, we take it out, but

from the competition and is known in his community as the

then we’ll try it again in a few months. The demographics

one-stop snack and entertainment shop.

are constantly changing. We had Riceworks in here before and they never moved, but we put them back on the shelves last summer and they moved very well,” he says.

Step 5: Partner up “I think the meat snacks category is growing. I give the best rack positioning to the reps I see most often. If I’ve got a rep who’s in on a weekly basis and is taking care of his or her product, it’s going to be in a more prominent spot. Lack of service is a big problem these days.” The same goes for other categories, says White, which is why he tries to make the most of relationships with sales reps, calling good communiW W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

23

7-Eleven Becomes

FIRST CONVENIENCE RETAILER CHAIN in Canada to Accept Alipay and WeChat Pay

PR NEWSWIRE

7-Eleven Inc. announced that participating stores in Canada

for solutions that elevate their customers' experience. For

will now accept Chinese mobile payment systems Alipay and

Chinese consumers, mobile payments are the norm—cash

WeChat Pay. The world's largest convenience retailer is

and even bank cards are a thing of the past. By implementing

collaborating with cross-border mobile payment company and

Alipay and WeChat Pay, China's leading mobile payment

market leader CITCON. Alipay and WeChat Pay will now be

platforms, 7-Eleven is providing residents and tourists with an

available at 35 select locations in Vancouver and Toronto, with

easy and familiar way to complete transactions abroad and

plans for expansion in next few months.

setting a new standard for Canadian retailers.

"Digital Payments are on the rise and consumers across the

"7-Eleven is no stranger to firsts," said Doug Rosencrans, VP

world are embracing them for convenience. 7-Eleven is

and General Manager of 7-Eleven Canada. "7-Eleven has

redefining convenience for our customers across the globe

always sought out innovative ways to provide customers with

which includes providing mobile payment solutions," said

convenience how they like it, and when they like it. Alipay and

Gurmeet Singh, Chief Digital Officer & Chief Information

WeChat Pay are just another way we are enhancing the

Officer of 7-Eleven. "With 67,000 stores worldwide, Alipay

customer experience."

and WeChat Pay are just one of many solutions that we provide our global consumers so they can enjoy a frictionless

Mobile is shaping the future of convenience, and 7-Eleven is

experience in our stores. 7-Eleven is the first convenience

working to stay ahead of the curve by focusing their services

retailer to provide Alipay and WeChat Pay mobile payment

around mobile pay apps and other innovative convenience

solutions in Canada, and we continue to drive digital transfor-

solutions. Facilitating transactions through mobile technology

mation with the latest in consumer-facing mobile technology."

will provide an enhanced convenience experience for 7-Eleven Canada's customers.

Wei Jiang, President and COO of CITCON, explains, "Consumers today are increasingly relying on mobile to meet

"Alipay looks forward to supporting 7-Eleven in providing a

their needs. The explosion of mobile usage and QR-based

seamless experience for Chinese consumers as they visit

mobile solutions offer opportunities for retailers to provide an

North America and offering further convenience in the food

engaging and new retail experience. We are thrilled to

and beverage space along their routes so they can travel with

collaborate with 7-Eleven in a joint effort to redefine conveni-

ease. We are extremely excited to be part of this activation

ence in Canada."

and look forward to collaborating with 7-Eleven and CITCON," said Yulei Wang, General Manager, Alipay North

In an increasingly digital world, 7-Eleven continues to push

24

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

America.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7 Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7 Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 67,000 7-Eleven stores in 17 countries, including 11,800 in North America. Find out more about

expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and

7-Eleven Canada at www.7-Eleven.ca

outside of China. Alipay's in-store payment service covers over 40 countries and regions across the world, and supports

About CITCON

27 currencies currently. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites.

CITCON is a cross-border mobile payment and marketing solution leader, enabling merchants to accept QR-based mobile wallets in-store and online on a global scale. Among the payment options supported by CITCON, Alipay and WeChat Pay are two of the most popular wallets with over one billion active consumers. On top of payments, CITCON also allows merchants to run marketing and loyalty campaigns through their partner network. Find out more about CITCON at www.citcon.com

About Alipay Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world's leading mobile and online payment platform.

Launched in 2004, Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. In addition to online payments, Alipay is W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

25

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1 2 3 5 4 6 CALENDAR GIRL'S PLAYLIST ACROSS 1 "---- la Douce" 19 20 5 Neighbor of Namibia 11 "Futurama" genre 23 24 16 Tour vehicle 19 Eye drop 27 28 20 Luvs product 21 Turkic people 22 Transfer - (cell stuff) 32 33 34 23 1972 Chicago hit 26 lntent 37 38 39 27 ls -- (has a penchant for) 28 Pop n1usic's Bee 43 44 29 Isn't correct 30 ---Domingo 32 Mischievous little laugh 49 33 Soprano Sumac 35 1986 Bangles hit 54 55 56 57 37 "Take -- face value" 39 Mohawk-sporting star 63 64 65 41 Hardly happy 42 Big ornate cabinet 43 1999 David Bowie single 71 72 48 Saw or heard 49 Suffix with proverb 76 50 "--- favor" (Spanish "please") 51 --- tide 81 53 Owns 54 Brick placer 57 Douglas Hofstadter's "---, Escher¡, Bach" 87 86 87 89 59 Bird on a baseball cap 63 Rank below brig. gen.

93 94 95 96 64 Imbibing site 66 1977 Johnny Cash song 103 104 71 Asian portion of Turkey 74 Scull propeller 75 Neolithic tin1e 108 76 1960 Osca1¡-winning Melina Mercouri song 114 115 79 Cortes' gold 80 Rodeo lady 121 122 123 81 Sweaters with high, snug collars, for short 82 Ohio city 84 Cautious 126 127 86 --- -cone 89 ICU locale 130 131 91 J-N link 92 Rapper---Wayne 93 Pair 2 "One soweth, and another ---": John 4:37 97 1992 hit for the Cure 3 Actor Walter 103 Patriotic hymns 4 Stuck in --105 Round geon. shape 5 Find the total 106 Stubbed digit 6 American Falls locale 107 Adopt- - --(shelter program) 7 Marvin of R&B music 108 1967 Rolling Stones hit 8 Andy Taylor's kid 111 Lazy sort 9 Fisheye, e.g.

113 "--- tu" (Verdi baritone aria) 10 Prado pieces 114 Put icing on 11 Boat back 115 Vocalist Vikki 12 Italian resort island 116 "Wellaway!"

13 Lake that feeds the Mississippi 119 "Hardball" channel 14 Quite a way 121 --- Dhabi (sheikdom) 122 What there are songs for in this puzzle 15 Annoying 126 With 100-Down, cutting kitchen tools 16 Wave around threateningly 17 Square inch, say 127 Fingerprint feature 18 Siberian sled dogs 128 Edict 24 Singer Clark 129 Ex-governor Carlson 25 Bury one's --- the sand 130 Conclusion 31 Ever and ---131 Derisive look 34 Livy's 2,550 132 Not asea 35 --- -jongg 133 Exam for jrs.

36 Bride's title 38 Duo + one DOWN 40 Editor's catch 1 Critic's words of high praise

7

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102

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107

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41 Secure by twisting 44 Saxophonist David 45 Scotch mixer 46 Novelist Uris 47 Has the guts 52 Cornet valve 54 Thom --- shoes 55 High-caliber 56 Bosnian, e.g.

57 Seussian spoilsport 58 --- dog's life 60 Lysol target 61 Wool fat 62 With 100-Down, surprising revelations 65 Balm additive 67 --- Noir (men's cologne) 68 Zoo pen 69 Bacterial culture base 70 Depend 72 Vietnamese festival 73 Reguest from 77 Lenin's land 78 Annual: Abbr.

83 Forget to use 85 Scatting Fitzgerald

See previous issue answers on page # 17

86 Al Capone's nickname 87 Away from the city 88 Away from the city, maybe 90 Enterprise captain Jean-Luc 92 Stead 94 --- ed (gym class) 95 Missives 96 Aussie avian 98 Initial ism for a handyman 99 Al Capone, for one 100 See 126-Across or 62-Down 101 Hanging-basket plant 102 Airport kiosk printout 104 Leave the country?

109 GI orderer 110 Alternative to a clothesline 112 Fr. lady's title 116 Pro votes 117 Scottish body of water 118 Bushy '60s hairdo 120 Barter 123 Wine, in Nice 124 City in central Oklahoma 125 "--- Haw"

Alberta Declares Beer Trade Fight With Ontario Over Access To Liquor Stores

DAN HEALING The Canadian Press

Alberta has elected to pick on Ontario as it is the biggest liquor market in Canada, but other provinces may be also be called out for trade barriers

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is opening a new front in its beer war with other provinces by targeting Ontario

The complaint under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement is

for what it says are its unfair trade barriers to Alberta-made

being made against Ontario because it has the biggest liquor

suds and other alcoholic products.

market in Canada, but it could be expanded to include other provinces with similar barriers, Bilous said, adding he’s

The initiative emerged as Alberta announced a full retreat on

hoping for an amicable solution.

its own craft beer subsidies that were found by a judge last spring to be unconstitutional.

Under the CFTA, Ontario will have 120 days to respond to the complaint made in a letter sent Monday morning. The

“Alberta has the most open liquor policy in the country,

complaint may then proceed to a CFTA panel for a ruling on

offering Albertans a choice of over 3,700 Canadian products.

corrective actions or allowed retaliatory measures, with a

… Alberta merchants stock and sell 745 alcoholic beverages

provision for either side to appeal that ruling, explained

from Ontario,” said Economic Development and Trade Minister

Jean-Marc Prevost, Bilous’ press secretary.

Deron Bilous at an Edmonton brewery on Monday.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario said in a statement “Ontario is the largest market in the country, three times

Monday that it is aware of the Alberta action and that “brewer-

larger than our own, yet we can only find about 20 Alberta

ies from anywhere in Canada are equally able to access our

liquor products listed for sale in Ontario.”

listing process.”

In his letter to Ontario Trade Minister Todd Smith, Bilous complains that Ontario gives local brewers access to stores over Alberta brewers, gives Ontario beverages preferential shelf or refrigerated locations, requires Alberta brewers to provide commercially confidential information to their larger competitors to be listed and gives Ontario small brewers a significant discount on listing costs.

Smith said he is surprised by Alberta’s move.

“Just last week, I sat across from representatives from the government of Alberta and not once did they mention this to

28

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

me,” he said in a statement.

applied to all Canadian brewers but introduced a subsidy program solely for Alberta’ small brewers.

“The government of Ontario is committed to reducing interprovincial trade barriers, as we made clear in our fall

It lost a CFTA panel ruling initiated by Artisan Ales, a

economic statement when we said we wouldn’t stand in the

Calgary-based beer importer, which argued the grant

way of pipeline projects moving forward.”

program unfairly tilted the market against its product.

Neil Herbst, owner of Alley Kat Brewery of Edmonton, said he

Last June, a Court of Queen’s Bench judge ordered the

has faced numerous non-tariff barriers when trying to ship his

province to pay a total of $2.1 million in restitution to Great

products to Ontario, giving as an example a $400 laboratory

Western Brewing of Saskatoon and Steam Whistle Brewing

fee assessed on a shipment of $1,600 worth of beer.

of Toronto, finding that the subsidies created a trade barrier against their products.

Also Monday, Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci said he will cancel by Dec. 15 a program of grants for small Alberta craft

At the time, Ceci said the province would consider appealing

brewers in order to bring provincial beer regulations in

that ruling.

compliance with Canadian trade law.

His department says Alberta now has 137 liquor manufacturThe province will return to a system similar that was in place

ers, including 99 brewers. It says the number of brewers has

before 2015, with markups (a tax collected for the province)

nearly tripled since the subsidy program was introduced in

of $1.25 per litre applied to all beer sold in Alberta by

2016.

producers of more than 50,000 hectolitres per year.

Smaller brewers, regardless of province of origin, will be able

The province says it will introduce more supports for Alberta

to apply for markups of between 10 and 60 cents per litre.

liquor manufacturers in the next few weeks.

Alberta dropped its graduated markup system to go to a flat markup on all beer in 2015. It at first exempted brewers in Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta, then changed its rules so it

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

29

ALTRIA MAKES

$1.8B Investment in Canadian Cannabis Market

RICHMOND, VA.

Altria Group Inc. is heading north for its next investment: taking a minority stake in Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group Inc. The tobacco company reached an agreement to acquire

"Altria is the ideal partner for Cronos Group, providing the

newly issued shares in Toronto-based Cronos Group Inc. The

resources and expertise we need to meaningfully accelerate

transaction represents a 45-percent equity stake in Cronos

our strategic growth," said Mike Gorenstein, Cronos Group's

Group for an aggregate investment by Altria of approximately

chairman, president and CEO. "The proceeds from Altria's

$1.8 billion.

investment will enable us to more quickly expand our global infrastructure and distribution footprint, while also increasing

In Canadian dollars, the deal comes in at $16.25 per share,

investments in [research and development] and brands that

for an aggregate investment of approximately $2.4 billion.

resonate with our consumers.

As part of the agreement, at closing, Altria will have the right

"Importantly, Altria shares our vision of driving long-term

to nominate four directors, including one independent director,

value through innovation, and we look forward to continuing to

to serve on Cronos Group's board of directors. As a result,

differentiate Cronos Group in this area," he added.

the board will expand from five to seven directors.

The investment gives Altria a foot in the door of the emerging The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019.

global cannabis sector, which it believes is poised for rapid growth over the next decade. It also creates a new growth

"Investing in Cronos Group as our exclusive partner in the

opportunity in an adjacent category that is complementary to

emerging global cannabis category represents an exciting

Altria's core tobacco businesses, the Richmond-based

new growth opportunity for Altria," said Howard Willard,

company said.

Altria's chairman and CEO. "We believe that Cronos Group's excellent management team has built capabilities necessary

ANALYSTS' TAKE

to compete globally, and we look forward to helping Cronos

Since 2016, Cowen and Co. held the thesis that cannabis will

Group realize its significant growth potential."

provide incremental growth for tobacco, according to Vivien Azer, director and senior research analyst at Cowen.

According to Altria, the pact includes a warrant to acquire an additional ownership interest in Cronos Group at a price of

From a high-level perspective, Cowen finds this this deal

CAD $19 per share exercisable over four years from the

encouraging, she explained, because:

closing date. If exercised in full, the warrant would increase

The global cannabis opportunity remains large and untapped.

Altria's ownership in Cronos Group by 10 percent to approxi-

Cannabis spans multiple consumer verticals including adult

mately 55 percent.

use as a substitute social lubricant to alcohol; health and

30

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

wellness; over-the-counter pain and sleep; and pharmaceuti-

providing legal counsel to Altria for the deal. Hunton Andrews

cals.

Kurth LLP is providing legal counsel to Altria regarding the financing.

• U.S. tobacco is increasingly challenged by disruption and regulation.

Lazard Ltd. is the financial advisor to Cronos Group. Sullivan

The news came the same day that Altria announced it was

& Cromwell LLP and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP are

discontinuing the production and distribution of all MarkTen

providing legal counsel to Cronos Group for the deal.

and Green Smoke vapor products, and VERVE oral nicotine containing products, as Convenience Store News previously

Altria's wholly owned subsidiaries include Philip Morris USA

reported.

Inc., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. LLC, John Middleton Co., Sherman Group Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, Nu Mark

The decision, according to the company, was driven by the

LLC, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd., and Philip Morris

current and expected financial performance of these

Capital Corp. Altria holds an equity investment in Anheus-

products, coupled with regulatory restrictions that burden

er-Busch InBev SA/NV.

Altria's ability to quickly improve these products.

Cronos Group is a globally diversified and vertically integrat"Overall, we applaud Altria's decision to pivot fast and to

ed cannabis company with a presence across five continents.

move into a new adjacent category (cannabis) that is

Cronos Group operates two wholly-owned Canadian licensed

complimentary to its core tobacco business," said Bonnie

producers: Peace Naturals Project Inc., which received the

Herzog, managing director of tobacco, beverage and conveni-

first non-incumbent medical cannabis license granted by

ence store research at Wells Fargo Securities LLC.

Health Canada, and Original BC Ltd., which is based in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Cronos Group operates a

Altria has received committed financing totaling approximate-

portfolio of brands, which includes Peace Naturals, a global

ly CAD $2.4 billion from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Altria

medicinal brand and two Canadian adult-use recreational

may consider seeking permanent financing in the future.

brands, COVE and Spinach. Cronos Group has multiple international production and distribution platforms across five

Perella Weinberg Partners LP is the financial advisor to Altria.

continents.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Goodmans LLP are

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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Are you merchandising to boost sales?

NIKKI LOCKINGTON

For almost 50 years, Guy D’Alesio Sr. has spent countless

A fresh merchandising outlook

hours talking to customers on the floor of the family-operated

Sreeram Rajagopalan, senior manager of sales strategy and

Glow Groceteria c-store and deli he owns in Hamilton, ON.

planning with PepsiCo Foods Canada, says the snack category is worth D’Alesio’s merchandising attention.

As a result, the D’Alesios can safely say they know what their customers want: quality foodservice at a good price. And with

“The snack category showed 3% growth in the c-gas channel

that comes opportunities for other categories.

in 2014, and grew more in 2014 than it did in 2013,” says Rajagopalan.

“The snack and beverage categories do really well, and it all goes back to the deli,” explains Guy D’Alesio Jr., who has

When merchandising snack shelves, Rajagopalan advises

become more involved in the business, along with his brother,

D’Alesio to seek out category insights and follow planograms

Anthony. Their cousin, Emilia Floriani, also plays a big role

from his suppliers, and to focus on the SKUs his customers

when it comes to store operations.

will be looking for: for example, potato chips make up 55% of salty snack sales, and therefore deserve the lion’s share of

“The deli is our draw, and the offspring of that is people

category space.

grabbing a beverage and snack to go along with their sandwich or meal. There’s a lot of impulse buying, especially

And retailers shouldn’t forget that while single-serve bags are

with the snacks,” he adds.

highly impulsive, take-home sizes are also very popular in c-stores.

“Approximately 57% of snacks purchased in the c-gas channel are for immediate consumption and 43% are for future consumption,” notes Rajagopalan.

Promote a complete offer D’Alesio Jr. says combos built around deli sandwiches and other meals are a big hit at Glow Groceteria, and that updated technology has played a huge role in allowing his family to branch out into a variety of different promotions.

“We’ve kind of jumped to the Millennium now from the 60s; we had old cash registers that you manually punched in, but we finally have a scanning system,” D’Alesio Jr. explains. “So we’re able to do a lot more with promotions – two-for-one, buy the sandwich and get the pop for this price. We’re a lot more flexible now because we have the ability to do that at the point of sale.”

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

33

POS signage puts these bundling deals top of mind for Glow

people quality products at a fair price, treating them well and

customers.

giving them good service,” says D’Alesio Jr. “That’s pretty

“I’ve noticed a lot of people are grabbing the combos that

much been my dad’s success formula over the last 49 years.

we’re advertising. Sometimes you have to paint the picture for

More than anything, know your customer and give them what

customers. It gets them thinking that a bag of chips could be

they want.”

good with pop and a sub, even if it’s the exact same price if they didn’t bundle it,” says D’Alesio Jr., adding that he places

What are their top tips for merchandising success?

the materials near his foodservice and checkout counters for

1. Use your assets to set your store apart. Build combos

maximum impact.

around your biggest strength – a high-quality foodservice program.

Give customers the chance to save Rajagopalan recommends adding a sale price tag on the bag

2. Collaborate with suppliers. Work with your sales reps to

during any in-store promotions involving regular or bestselling

find the right planograms, promotions, and innovation for your

SKUs, as shoppers love the concept of saving. “The best

customer base.

price promotions are those that drive multiple sales, like 2 for $6, so you’re rewarding consumers for growing their basket.”

3. Communicate your deals. Place POS signage near the cash counter and in other high-traffic zones like the foodser-

D’Alesio Jr. says his suppliers help by providing POS materi-

vice counter and beverage coolers.

als and prepacks, and are also willing to work with him to determine the right pricing for his promoted SKUs.

4. Show them the value. Use price promotions to incent your customers to build their basket size, and call out the

“We’ll offer a special and we’ll share the cost of it,” he says. “If

savings wherever possible.

we’re reducing a product from $1.50 to $1, they’ll give us a 25 cent rebate, and we try to create more volume by selling that

5. Make a personal connection. Offer your customers

product for $1 instead of $1.50, or bundling it into a combo.”

unparalleled customer service and find out exactly what they look for when they shop your store.

“The store is clean, it’s merchandised properly, and we give

34

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

AUTO INDUSTRY LOOKS

to future beyond car ownership with sharing, subscriptions

IAN BICKIS

THE CANADIAN PRESS

New models range from more flexible and straightforward lease programs, to streamlined car-sharing as automobiles become increasingly high-tech and consumers demand a simplified shopping experience TORONTO – Major automakers are preparing for a future

The service, which starts at $949 per month, is a leasing

where drivers might not want to own the cars they use.

alternative that covers insurance, minor wear, winter tires and other costs in a single payment.

The shift comes as the industry undergoes rapid technological change towards a driverless future, while high up-front

“We’re giving everybody an opportunity to get a vehicle, and

costs and ownership burdens have a small but growing

own a vehicle like they own their cellphone,” said Alexander

minority of drivers fuelling demand for alternatives.

Lvovich, managing director at Volvo Car Canada Ltd.

“In terms of ownership models, I think really we’re on the cusp

Customers sign up for 24 months, shorter than many lease

of change,” said James Carter, principal consultant at Vision

agreements, while they can get a new vehicle and the latest

Mobility, which gives advice to the auto industry.

technology that comes with it every year, Lvovich said.

The new models range from more flexible and straightforward

Volvo expects the subscription model to make up about 10

lease programs, to streamlined car-sharing as automobiles

per cent of overall sales, a target already exceeded in its U.S.

become increasingly high-tech and consumers demand a

operations, as customers look for a streamlined process.

simplified shopping experience.

“These people want convenience, they want defined and predictable price, and they want all the services included. And

Volvo, for one, has announced that it will bring its subscription

they want to be able to access this experience in a convenient

service to Canada to meet those changing demands.

way online.”

Volvo was the first to launch such a program in Canada, but many higher-end car companies have a variety of subscription models in other markets, including allowing customers to switch between a numbers of vehicle options.

While some companies offer subscriptions, automotive giants like General Motors are pushing into car-sharing programs.

GM launched its Maven program in 2016 and expanded it to Toronto earlier this year, allowing customers to use a fleet of company vehicles in what’s framed as a simplified rental process.

GM is pushing into territory once led by small-scale co-opera-

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

35

tives but becoming crowded by corporate heavyweights.

Car-sharing services have faced backlash from locals who see them taking parking spots, but Robert said the service

Avis Budget Group Inc. bought car-share outfit Zipcar in

reduces the total number of cars, as about 70 per cent of

2013, while Enterprise Rent-A-Car bought the Toronto

Communauto members either sell their car when they join, or

AutoShare network in 2014 and now offers its own branded

decide not to own a car.

CarShare program in Toronto and a few other southwestern Ontario cities. Daimler AG launched its Car2Go program a

“There would in fact be less space for their own car if

decade ago and now counts close to three million members

car-sharing would not be there.”

globally, including operations in Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver.

Technological change is allowing even more blurring of ownership on the horizon, such as services like Turo, which

Even the British Columbia Automotive Association has

serves several Canadian cities and allows owners to rent out

jumped in the game, launching its Evo car-sharing network in

their car when not in use. GM’s Maven program is piloting a

the province 2015.

similar program in a few U.S. cities.

One of the fastest-growing players in Canada is Montre-

Self-driving cars also provide huge potential to disrupt the

al-based Communauto, which added a partnership with

ownership model in the longer-term, but still face significant

Edmonton-based Pogo in September, bought the Vrtucar

barriers before becoming a mainstream reality.

co-operative serving several southwestern Ontario cities in March, and is preparing to launch its service in Toronto in this

Services like car-sharing and subscription models, however,

month.

are setting the stage for the shift to more widespread automated services as the industry rapidly evolves, said

The company, which at 24 years old boasts of being the

Carter at Vision Mobility.

oldest car-sharing service in North America, sees continued growth in the model as drivers look for alternatives.

“We’re very much on the cusp of the future, but I very much see over the next five years that this type of way to get into a

“You get all the benefits of the car without the problems and

vehicle, not just buy, but have usage access to a vehicle, will

the costs involved in owning the car,” said Benoit Robert,

grow very very quickly and significantly.

Communauto’s chief executive.

36

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

CANADA AND PROVINCES AGREE TO CURB garbage, plastic pollution CANADIAN PRESS Federal and provincial governments to work on a plan to have Canada eventually produce no waste plastic at all Canada’s environment ministers want to cut in half the amount of garbage this country produces, in a little over two decades.

By 2030, they want to reduce the total amount of waste Canada throws out by 30 per cent; by 2040, they want to cut the quantity by 50 per cent. And as part of a national

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

strategy to curb plastic pollution in

ference with her provincial counter-

particular, Ottawa and the provinces

parts.

unanimously agreed to work on a plan to have Canada produce no

The meeting was supposed to be

waste plastic at all.

held face to face in Ottawa but was downgraded first to a video confer-

Much of the garbage Canadians send

ence and later a conference call.

to landfills and incinerators, after

Federal officials cited scheduling

recycling and composting and all the

conflicts that kept some ministers

other forms of diversion, is plastic.

from being there in person; behind the scenes, the tension between

“Plastic pollution, as we all know is a

Ottawa and some provinces over

major challenge for the health of our

carbon pricing is said to be a factor.

oceans, our lakes and our rivers,” said federal Environment Minister

McKenna said the focus of the

Catherine McKenna, speaking to

meeting was plastics, not climate

reporters after the two-hour telecon-

change, and said she was glad that

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

37

much of the plastic that ends up in the oceans but Canadians are not great at recycling despite the curbside recycling systems in most cities. Only about 10 per cent of the plastic Canadians buy gets recycled.

In 2014, the average Canadian threw away 706 kilograms of garbage.

A final national plastics strategy is still in the works but the ministers agreed to require that plastic products sold here be easier to reuse or recycle, and to introduce producer-responsibility systems to make the companies that sell products wrapped in plastic more responsible for ensuring they get recycled.

McKenna said Canada is slightly above average when it comes to recycling but is nowhere near good enough.

“The reality is we have a ton of work to do,” she said.

Environment groups think this agreement is not the ton of work that the ministers could put other differenc-

The proliferation of single-use plastic

es aside to find agreement on

packaging like water bottles, drinking

something else.

straws and food wrapping is sending

“How many more whales full of

massive amounts of plastic to landfills.

single-use plastic trash need to wash

“I was just really pleased to see today

More blows into waterways and drifts

up on shores around the world before

that provinces, despite where there

to the sea. Giant reefs of plastic are

our minister of the environment and

may be other areas where we don’t

showing up in the oceans and fish and

climate change takes strong action to

necessarily agree, that we can all

sea mammals are eating plastic

help curb the excessive production of

agree that plastics is a huge problem,”

objects thinking they’re food.

throwaway plastic?” said Sarah King,

she said.

head of an oceans and plastics Earlier this week, a sperm whale

campaign for Greenpeace Canada.

Canada is trying to be a leader in

washed up dead in Indonesia and was

curbing humanity’s plastics addiction.

found to have six kilograms of plastic

King wants Canada to follow Europe’s

At the last G7 leaders’ summit it

waste in its stomach, including 115

footsteps and ban certain plastics

convinced five of the seven biggest

plastic cups, a plastic grocery bag full

entirely. The United Kingdom is

developed economies in the world to

of string and two flip-flops. What killed

banning plastic straws and stir-sticks,

sign a plastics charter, pledging that

the whale is unknown because it was

while France is soon banning plastic

by 2040 all plastic produced in those

badly decomposed.

plates and utensils that can’t be

countries will be reused, recycled or

38

is needed.

composted.

burned to produce energy. (The

The lack of proper waste manage-

United States and Japan stayed out.)

ment in developing nations is behind

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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Cars and trucks sold in B.C. by 2040 will be zero emission: government CP Staff The Canadian Press

The proposed law would set targets of 10 per cent of sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040

law would set targets of 10 per cent

said 40 per cent of household

of sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030

emissions in B.C. come from transpor-

and 100 per cent by 2040.

tation and scientists worldwide have been warning for decades about the

The premier said the government will

importance of dealing with green-

“As a province, we need to work

increase an incentive program to

house gas emissions.

together to put B.C. on a path that

encourage the purchase of more

powers our future with clean,

clean-energy cars by $20 million this

“Here in British Columbia, the

renewable energy and reduces air

year, and it will expand the fast-charg-

government has recognized that we

pollution,” said Premier John Horgan.

er network to 151 sites.

have a responsibility to do our part

VICTORIA—All light-duty cars and

Horgan said the legislation will be the

seen as leaders and stand to benefit

trucks sold in British Columbia will be

first major policy commitment of the

from the opportunities created by

required to be zero-emission vehicles

government’s plan to meet the

innovation in the new economy.”

by 2040.

province’s climate goals.

Premier John Horgan said legislation

“As a province, we need to work

to be introduced spring will be aimed

together to put B.C. on a path that

at removing a major source of air

powers our future with clean,

Clean Energy Canada said in a

pollution and climate change.

renewable energy and reduces air

statement the government’s

The government said the proposed

pollution,” he said.

announcement will make it easier for

Green party Leader Andrew Weaver

people to go electric.

and those who are early adopters are

Weaver said once people get into an

40

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

electric vehicle, they never go back.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

The group’s executive director, Merran Smith, said a third of B.C. residents expect their next car to be electric.

“Not only do electric cars help cut pollution and clean up the air we breathe, in B.C. going electric cuts your fuel bill by three-quarters.”

The government said it would be reviewing the incentive program with an eye to expanding it over time, so buying a zero-emission vehicle will become a more affordable option for middle- and low-income residents.

The provincial government has committed more than $71 million to its Clean Energy Vehicle Program since the budget update in September 2017, encouraging residents to purchase green vehicles.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

41

Horoscope for Feb - March 19 Aquarius - Pisces Aquarius Many people are often confused by a horoscope for Aquarius, because on one hand they are so in tune with others that it seems they must be

themselves, they do think a lot about

as they'll give it.

other people and do get genuinely concerned when they think someone

These are smart, clever people who

isn't being treated fairly.

are quick on the draw. They're great at banter because they can think of a

Many inventors are Aquarius,

good response at a moment's notice.

because inventiveness is a

They're often good at things like

horoscope characteristic for Aquari-

see may not be what you get.

crossword puzzles and trivia because

us. They come up with sleek and

their brains work instantaneously to

inventive ideas all the time. They're

The Strengths of Aquarius

come up with the right answer. A

the type to find a creative way to fix a

horoscope characteristic for Aquarius

broken muffler, or to come up with

is clever, smart, and quick.

the idea behind a new play. They are

emotional and easy to get close to.

The truth is that this sign is a mass of contradictions, and that what you first

When it comes to a horoscope personality for Aquarius, the first thing that always comes to mind is their witty nature. They are free-flowing and willing to crack jokes at a moment's notice. They're often the funniest person at the party, though they are very respectful of others and don't typically tell jokes that others might consider in bad taste. They enjoy listening to the jokes of others

42

and will take a good ribbing as much

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

original people who dress the way They do care deeply about others

they want to dress and are often

and can frequently become

ahead of the trends. They're not

depressed when they think about the

afraid to express their individuality,

state of the world today. You'll find

which makes them either the coolest

them out volunteering, raising

person in the crowd or an outcast for

awareness, and otherwise focusing

their differences.

on humanitarian causes. Though they do typically think quite highly of

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

The Weaknesses of Aquarius

understand their friends, family, and

A big negative horoscope personality

romantic partners. They don't judge

for Aquarius is their stubbornness.

those around them, and they are

Pisces are extremely devoted and

They often seem to be really easy to

willing to help when they can. A

loyal and will stand by their friends,

get along with at first. And they are -

horoscope for Pisces will often

family, and love interests in the face of

as long as they aren't expected to

reference making good use of this

extreme adversity. They are not a sign

change their world view, opinion, or

innate skill.

that's going to bail on their partner at

plans. They want what they want when

ride than try to take the reins.

the first sign of a fight, and they're not

they want it, and they don't see any

Pisces are also very adaptable. A

the type of person who's going to sit

reason they shouldn't get it. These are

horoscope personality for Pisces will

back while their friends or family are

people who are as stubborn and

show that while they do have a strong

under attack. As mentioned above,

mules and completely unapologetic

sense of self and are unlikely to

they do shy away from conflict when

about it.

compromise themselves for others,

possible, but are more than willing to

they are willing to go with the flow in

stand up for what they believe in when

many situations. Some people find

necessary.

Pisces

Pisces to not have strong opinions,

A Pisces person is a person who is

but the opposite is actually true. When

You'll notice that a horoscope for

ever changing. As a result, a Pisces

they do feel strongly, they take their

Pisces will often refer to their creative

horoscope will often encourage the

beliefs very seriously and are not

nature. They are indeed very creative,

Pisces to take a chance and make a

afraid to share them; however, there

though the form their creativity takes

move. These are not signs that are

aren't many issues on which they

can vary from fish to fish. Some are

content to sit in one place and wait for

have these strong feelings.

artists who paint into the wee hours of

the world to come to them. They go to the world.

the night, others are writers who A Pisces horoscope will often refer to

create screen plays, novels, and

their accepting nature. They don't

poems. You will even find Pisces who

The Strengths of Pisces

particularly care for conflict and they

are creative in less traditional forms,

One of the biggest strengths of a

are willing to accept people as they

like topiary and claymation.

Pisces is their compassion. They are

are. Unlike other signs that are

able to see the world through the eyes

typically more combative, Pisces

of others, and so they can deeply

would rather sit back and enjoy the

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

43

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Chinese buyers hate new-car smell—so Ford’s eliminating it Alex Reid New patent filing reveals system for "baking" car to help odor dissipate faster

in a new car, such as leather and

children or animals in the car when it

plastic, releasing gasses into the air,

starts up.

mixed with various sealants and adhesives.

number-one-priority car problem for

The much-loved “new-car smell” is borne of the combination of materials

The toxic scent of vehicles is the

Here in North America, we mostly

Chinese consumers: it’s rated even

love it. But apparently, China doesn’t.

higher than engine noises, road noises or bad fuel economy. Ford has

According to Car Advice, Ford has

a special smell team to identify how

patented a new system that will help

bad the smells can be, rating them

its Chinese-market autonomous or

anywhere from “not perceptible” to

semi-autonomous cars get rid of their

“extremely disturbing.”

new-car smell after purchase.

The system has been designed to

Wouldn’t you like to have that job?

As a Ford smeller?

remove the smells by “baking” the

China is such a huge market for

cars, essentially: having them

vehicles it’s impossible for automak-

self-park in the sun and automatically

ers to ignore these demands. So if

opening the windows to help the heat

China wants their new cars to smell

remove the odor.

like cars that have been left in the sun for a while, then they’re going to

The system can also run the engine

get them.

and turn the heater up to full, so make sure you don’t leave any

46

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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A Criminal’s Weapon The Biggest Cyber Security Threats

E-TECH contact@etechcomputing.com

How unsafe is the internet really? How much damage can be done online?

cyber crime alone generates 1.5 TRILLION dollars annual-

The internet is much more unsafe than it was 20 years ago.

someone’s wallet and get away with it than it is to steal

Cyber crime has risen year after year and has evolved every

their credit card information online and get away with it.

step of the way. Cyber criminals are so smart, and

Criminals are much

modern-day technology introduces so many new innovative

braver behind a

threats to be wary of. Cyber War is real, and we are engaged

screen, and there are

in battle. It’s important to know who you’re fighting against,

many ways that they

what weapons they are using, and what you are fighting for.

can keep anonymous

ly[2]. It’s also undeniable that it’s harder to physically steal

and commit crimes.

Who Are Cyber Criminals?

The picture to

What Are The Biggest Cyber Security Threats Against Me?

the left depicts

What are the ways I can be attacked? How can I be

the stereotypical

protected?

Who am I protecting myself from? How much power do they have?

image visualized when someone

1. Phishing emails and social engineering attacks

says “hacker”.

Almost everyone has received one of these spam emails: an

Like all crime,

email requesting either information, login credentials, banking

there are many

information, etc. You can see from the red texts that this is

individually

clearly a scam. Phishing emails often have spelling mistakes,

driven criminals.

incorrect email domains and suspicious links. Here, we tell

But also like all crime, it has evolved to become more

you how to identify phishing emails. These attacks have

organized. For example, some of the most recognizable

become more sophisticated. Cyber criminals will impersonate

organized hacker groups are Anonymous (although they

someone close to you, a mother, a boss, etc., and email you

commit crimes that are more activist in nature), and Morpho

from an impersonating account.

(known for hacking Microsoft, Apple, Facebook and Twitter) [1]. These organizations are extremely powerful, enough to

2. Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS)

successfully attack governments and major corporations.

This is the technical term to overload an online service by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. In physical

What Are Cyber Criminal’s Motives?

terms, it’s like closing a highway because there’s too much

How much is my data worth?

traffic on the road. Cyber criminals will do this to shut down

There are many theories as to why people become criminals,

your network, and it’s even something that can be bought

but what is undeniable is the volume of opportunity cyber

over the Dark Web to commit to someone else’s servers if

crime can generate for a common lawbreaker. A huge

you had the mind to.

motivation is potential financial gain. Cyber crime has become so big and powerful that it is estimated that global W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

49

3. Ransomware

5. Data breaches

Like a simple, physical ransom, criminals will take something

Large corporations fall at the hands of hackers seemingly

of importance to you and demand you to pay them back. In

every week. One of the biggest data breaches to date was

cyber crime, what’s important is your data. Cyber criminals

Facebook, where 30 million users were compromised. You

will encrypt your files on your computer making them accessi-

can find out here the 10 best ways to stay safe on Social

ble only to them, and demand you pay them to get your files

Media.

back. This can be extremely costly for business, and in fact most 75% of small to medium businesses report a ransom-

6. Viruses & Malware

ware attack has

There are so much computer viruses and malware nowadays

led to

that modern computers are bought with a trail run of an

business-threaten-

antivirus software, like

ing downtime.

Webroot. Viruses and

Discover how to

malware can attack in many

protect your

ways, from deleting files, to

business from

shutting down your whole

ransomware.

device. Ensure your antivirus programs are always up to date and do routine scans of your devices.

4. Cryptojacking

Feel free to Contact Us for more information.

With the emergence of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethere-

Stay up to date with us and receive Cloud & Security Tips!

um and Ripple, etc., has created another way that cyber criminals can remain anonymous online. Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of another’s computer to mine cryptocurrencies, or cryptomine. Cryptomining, in the simplest terms, is the process of creating new cryptocurrencies – and once completed, you are awarded with currency. This requires a large amount of computer processing power, so cyber criminals will trick you into downloading scripts onto your computer to use your power.

50

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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HOW JUBILEE JUNCTION CONVENIENCE DONALEE MOULTON STANDS OUT Michael Habib has been working in

white twizzle straw, proudly

reflect the 54-year-old’s outgoing

the convenience store sector for

proclaims, “Try the best milkshake in

personality, but they are also good

more than 30 years. His approach to

the city.”

business. “I don’t want a customer to

business – and a key ingredient in his

walk out if I can help them,” says

sustained success – can be summed

“I offer things nobody else offers. I

Habib, whose family fled Lebanon in

up in five words. Stand out from the

create things nobody else creates,”

1976 as civil war erupted.

crowd.

says Habib, who runs the store with

Invariably, customers will walk out

his brother Al and his son Nick.

satisfied. Jammed into every corner

That big, bold attitude is evident

The ability to meet customers’ needs

of the 1,000 sq. ft. corner store

before customers even walk through

isn’t happenstance. Habib makes it a

(literally on a corner) are items as

the doors of Jubliee Junction Conveni-

point to ask people what they are

diverse as tennis balls, candy

ence, a c-store in central Halifax that

looking for and if they need a hand to

cigarettes, chili sauce and poker

Habib opened in 2006. An outside

find something. Nobody, he notes,

chips. “People aren’t here looking for

wall is emblazoned with street art

knows the store as well as he does

deals,” stresses Habib. “They’re

created by a customer. A train is

and customers – always greeted with

looking for convenience.”

pulling a giant, one-of-a-kind

a warm “hello” – are intrigued that he

ice-cream sandwich (for which the

offers assistance.

store is renowned), and an old-fashioned shake, complete with red and

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

It’s a regular occurrence, he adds, for customers, often harried and

The inquiry and the friendly greeting

frustrated, to walk into his store

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

51

looking for an item they have not been

convenience store across the street

able to find at three or four or five

started selling food. “People are

other stores, including department

creatures of habit,” says Habib. “Once

and big box stores. Fortunately, their

you pick up one thing, you pick up

luck usually changes at Jubilee

another.”

Junction.

Snapshot The diversity of items in the store,

Opened: In 2006, Michael Habib

known as J.J.s by the locals, echoes

opened Jubilee Junction, but the

the diversity of customers who pop in

location has been operating as a

to pick something up. The c-store is

convenience store for more than 60

situated on the corner of Jubilee Rd.

years.

and Preston St., a neighbourhood which represents a mix of single family residences in an older, established area of the city. Close by are Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College, and many students routinely make their way to Jubilee Junction for snacks, groceries, and special treats.

Getting people in through the doors is a critical first step, saysHabib. But once in, he realizes you also have to keep their interest. Recognizing the growing importance of food offerings, Habib opened a small snack bar in the back of the store two years ago where customers can grab a slice of pizza, a fresh-off-the-grill burger, poutine slathered in gravy, and more. The

Location: 6273 Jubilee Rd. in central Halifax where university students, seniors and young families live and shop.Size: 1,000 sq. ft., most of which is covered with items for sale Most popular items: pizza, Death by

Continue to grow. Keep an eye on

Chocolate milk shake, ice cream

trends – like Facebook and favourite

sandwiches

snacks – then try to incorporate those into your daily operations.

Jubilee Junction’s tips for a successful store Understand location. Every neighbourhood is different, and you must know what people in your area need – then meet, and exceed, those needs.

impetus for the expansion: the

52

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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How one simple idea has cut robberies at CBC NEWS PEEL CIRCLE K STORES BY 18% Circle K stores removed posters

When you can see directly into a

"When we go into a store and we

from windows, creating a sight-line

store and the front counter is visible

remove the signage that's in there ...

from the street to the cash register

from the street, you deter criminals

it's an immediate sense of safety

because they know it's more likely

because you can see outside and

Robberies of Circle K convenience

they'll get caught.

people can see you," said Sportun.

Program expanding to other cities

Peel Regional Police work with Circle

Clear Zone has done so well that

K to set everything up. They also

windows.

Circle K put it to work in other cities,

provide the store with a warning

like Thunder Bay, Ottawa and

sticker to put on the door that says,

It's called the Clear Zone program

Toronto, as part of a pilot program.

"Robbery Prevention Program in

stores have decreased by 18 per cent after shop owners in Peel Region removed posters from certain

and Circle K tried it out back in 2013

The company's manager of security,

by the phone, so that if a store is

Sean Sportun, says in some high-risk

robbed, the employee knows what to

idea.

areas, crime incidents have

do.

Peel police's crime prevention

all, he says, it's an added sense of

"Sometimes [the employee is] upset

security for shop owners and their

and shaken and can't think clearly,"

employees.

said Boudreau. "So step one is to

when Peel Regional Police approached the company with the

constable, Amy Boudreau, says the concept is simple.

54

effect." There's also a sticker to place

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

decreased 100 per cent. But most of

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

lock the doors to prevent the criminal

"We've had instances where people

from entering the store again."

started cleaning up and that can affect our investigation. It could remove finger- or shoe-prints," said Boudreau.

Sportun says Clear Zone's overall success has led Circle K to make the program its own. In order to continue expanding throughout the province, the company has partnered with Crime Stoppers.

This is the Clear Zone kit that's given

According to Boudreau, other stores

to shop owners and employees so

are beginning to use Clear Zone as

they know what to do if they're robbed.

well. There's also talk of other police

The red sticker on the right is the one

services adopting the program in their

placed on the door to deter criminals.

jurisdictions.

(Amy Boudreau/Peel Regional Police) Step two is to call the police, not the store owner or a loved one, and the final step, is to leave everything as is.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

55

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Instagram Helping Restaurants To Change the Game

KARTIKEY BHARGAVA

There’s no doubt that social media has changed the face of

restaurant having a business profile. First of all, it helps the

business in many ways. For Canadian restaurants, Instagram

restaurant stand out to their customers as being a business.

has increasingly become one of the more popular platforms

Second, it gives customers a lot of really important informa-

for engaging guests and potential guests on the social stage.

tion about who that business is,” says Levine.

With new and innovative add-ons for businesses such as

The Stats That Make Instagram Worthwhile

booking tables while on the app, the platform is helping to

Use Instagram and you’ll find more than just foodie snaps

facilitate better and deeper engagement. No surprise

and videos in your timeline; the platform uses the most

Instagram has always been very business-friendly for

popular hashtags for dining and restaurants in the world. For

restaurants. Not only are customers likely to post images of

example, according to Instagram, 111.9 million posts have

their experiences and dishes, but a new range of messaging

used the hashtag #yummy. And the fourth most followed

tools and a more business-focused approach on the platform

hashtag with over 250,000 followers is #foodstylist.

is also helping restaurants to really stand out.

Instagram differentiates itself from other social media Restaurants Canada’s Kartikey Bhargava, speaks with

platforms because of the larger number of users who choose

Instagram COO Marne Levine

to follow a particular business. With over 200 million active users who visit at least one business per day and 150 million that further engage in conversations with businesses each month, the potential is there for all to take advantage of.

A popular tool today for engaging with users is Instagram “Stories.” Pioneered by rival Snapchat, one-third of users have started a conversation with a business after viewing an Instagram Story. Stories work simply and dynamically.

The truth is that Instagram has been at the forefront of creating a wide range of business tools that allow restaurants of all kinds to engage with potential guests and raise their profiles.

Create a Business Profile A research shows that 59 per cent of Canadian consumers say they are inspired by content they see on Instagram and a quarter of them use this platform to decide whether to buy something or not. Setting up a business profile on Instagram is a particularly powerful tool for restaurants where the visual A restaurant’s Instagram success is driven by creating a good

side of things is so important and brand development is vital.

business profile on the platform. “I highly recommend any W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

57

simple click of a button on Instagram are starting to provide

Why Instagram is the Complete Restaurant Promotion Package

an invaluable way to boost business as it is rolled out globally.

Whether you have a small restaurant or a chain of outlets

According to Marne Levine, it’s key to make use of all the

across Canada, making the most of all the assets at your

tools now available if you want your restaurant business to

disposal is vital. Call-to-Action buttons in particular are

stand out on Instagram.

improving bookings for many businesses across a variety of

Assets such as allowing a user to book a table with the

sectors, including hospitality.

Direct messaging has been developed on the platform over the years and has improved since it was bought out by

This has changed the way we do business. In the past, where

Facebook. Now you can get inbox management tools with

some restaurants tried to ban smartphones from the dining

filtering capabilities so that you are able to better manage

table, they now actively encourage guests to snap away and

engagement with customers. New buttons that allow users to

take videos.

book a table or pay for an order means that potential customers can now take direct action without leaving their home.

Guest-generated reviews is a marketing powerhouse, but negative UGC (user-generated content) can also do the exact

Twenty-five companies are currently working on or have

opposite. In any case, it may not have the slick, professionally

completed their integration with Instagram and that includes

produced quality of a formal restaurant marketing campaign,

fast food restaurant A&W in Canada.

but positive UGC resonates far more with today’s consumers.

If your restaurant is confident in its brand and the quality of

They ran an Instagram campaign over a period of five weeks

food you produce, embracing Instagram and making use of

to attract new, younger customers to the brand. This involved

its growing number of tools and UGC is vital.

posting a series of photo ads featuring close-ups of their food which ran concurrently with another campaign on TV. Over

What this means is that restaurants need to be able to

the entire campaign, A&W registered a 39 per cent increase

respond and evolve to new additions and changes in the

in ad recall.

social media landscape. That’s going to be the really big challenge for small and medium size outfits over the next few years.

58

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Renovation:

Let there be light

NIKKI LOCKINGTON

John Manion manages one of the country’s largest Canadian

“We’re really pleased with how bright the location is, and I

Tire Gas+ sites, located in Kanata, ON. He has operated this

think that’s a driving factor. People want to feel safe when

high-traffic site for two years, and has worked hard to be the

they’re coming to a c-gas site, especially in the later hours.

c-gas destination for his growing community.

We’re open until midnight, and the LEDs really light up the whole parking lot and the store,” says Manion.

In the summer of 2014, Canadian Tire Gas+ closed the doors for three weeks for an interior and exterior site renovation.

Additional exterior upgrades included new fascia, paint and

“The renovations have been inspiring a lot of customers to

graphics on the canopy, which was done by Dupont. “In the

come check us out again. They may have been customers in

car wash, we went with a new style of overhead soft-cloth

the past, but they want to see what we have to offer now,”

called ‘The Whisper Wheel’ from Belanger, as well as two side

says Manion.

rollers on hydraulic tracks that follow the vehicle down the track and also wrap around the back bumper.”

Read on to find out how this renovation has increased sales and expanded the shopper demographics.

All 12 fuel pumps were updated with chip-and-pin technology to provide a fast, secure transaction at the pump, and a new

The exterior upgrades

diesel price sign was added at the road to draw in traffic from

This c-gas site needed to stand out from the nearby competi-

the nearby highway.

tion, and to achieve this, the renovation included new LED lighting.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

The interior upgrades

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

59

Before taking over this 1,400 sq. ft. store, Manion ran a 35 sq.

person responsible for their own section, we know who’s

ft. Canadian Tire Gas kiosk, so figuring out the right floor plan

doing their work and who’s not. With that we can also

and product assortment was a welcomed challenge.

congratulate someone for doing a job well done, or on the more negative side, we can speak to someone who isn’t

“Canadian Tire reviewed the category assortment to see what

playing the same game as the rest of us.”

we should increase or remove,” he says. They decided to replace frozen foods with a dairy cooler, and opted to

All of these changes had one goal in common: “We believed

introduce a café area to the store, which features pastries,

that by increasing our product assortment, improving the

fresh fruit, and deli sandwiches.

layout and focusing on welcoming, efficient lighting, customers would see that we’re a serious business with a lot to

“They increased the size of the cash area, as well as adding

offer.” It’s safe to say the Canadian Tire Gas+ team, along

about a dozen cabinets for storage and supplies,” he says.

with Manion and his employees, achieved this goal.

“We had a variety of shelves and racking, so we replaced that with the new Canadian Tire brushed metal shelving.”

Quick tips Brighten up. A well-lit store is not only inviting, it’s also safe

Manion believes these upgrades have created a cohesive,

and energy efficient. Customers and employees should be

shoppable store that will keep customers coming back time

able to see into and out of your store.

and time again.

Assign duties. Share responsibilities with staff members and The need to clean

assign specific duties or sections so you can ensure each

For Manion, there was little sense in such a big renovation if

employee is pulling his or her weight.

store cleanliness and organization wasn’t front and centre.

Keeping this in mind, Manion has always made it a priority to

Focus on cleanliness. Customers should feel good about

keep his store clean and welcoming.

buying food at your store. Clean up and rotate stock on a regular basis.

He created a task that he calls ‘zone defense’. Each week, every employee is assigned a section, and it’s their job to clean, stock, and organize the products and the shelving within that section.

The benefits are twofold, says Manion. “By having each

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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What Foodservice Operators Need to Know About the

New Ontario Environment Plan

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

On Nov.29 the Progressive Conservative government in

• Develop a proposal to ban food waste from landfill and

Ontario unveiled a new plan to address the province’s

consult with key partners such as municipalities, businesses

environmental challenges entitled Preserving and protecting

and the waste industry.

our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario

• Educate the public and business about reducing and

Environment Plan. Below is a breakdown of what foodservice

diverting food and organic waste.

operators need to know about the new Ontario environment

• Develop best practices for safe food donation.

plan.

These actions will likely be welcomed by most foodservice

A Shift Away from Cap-And-Trade

businesses, even though restaurants generally do not

The new plan recommits the province toward meeting the

generate much food waste; food that is prepared but not

emissions-reduction goals in the Paris Accord, but without the

served is an expense to be avoided in a tight-margin industry.

previous cap-and-trade system. The cap-and-trade model put

According to results from a recent quarterly Restaurant

limits on the amount of pollution that companies in certain

Outlook Survey, 77 per cent of restaurateurs and other

industries could emit, but permitted them to buy allowances

foodservice operators across the country already track,

at auction or from other organizations that came in under

compost or donate leftover food.

their limits.

Restaurants Canada is already working with organizations Under the new Ontario environment plan, the province will

such as Second Harvest and FoodRescue.ca to assist

spend $400 million over four years on a fund called the

restaurants with donating safe, surplus food and looks

Ontario Carbon Trust, with the intention to incentivize the

forward to consulting with the Ontario government on best

adoption of environmentally friendly practices and technolo-

practices around food donation.

gies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Supporting Businesses with Waste Reduction

Actions to assist businesses with reducing waste from plastics and other packaging materials:

A section in the new plan entitled “Reducing Litter and Waste

• Seek federal commitment to implement national standards

in Our Communities & Keeping our Land and Soil Clean” talks

that address recyclability and labelling for plastic products

about the need for businesses, including restaurants, to

and packaging to reduce the cost of recycling in Ontario.

contribute to waste reduction through largely voluntary

• Work with municipalities and producers to provide more

diversion programs. Below are some of the actions listed in

consistency across the province regarding what can and

the new Ontario environment plan that the government plans

cannot be accepted in the Blue Box program.

on undertaking to help businesses improve waste reduction

• Explore additional opportunities to reduce and recycle

practices.

waste in our businesses and institutions.

• Ensure new compostable packaging materials in Ontario

Actions to assist businesses with reducing food waste:

are accepted by existing and emerging green bin programs

• Expand green bin or similar collection systems in large cities

across the province, by working with municipalities and

and to relevant businesses.

private composting facilities to build a consensus around

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

requirements for emerging compostable materials.

more efficient by better connecting them with the markets that recycle what they produce.

These are actions that Restaurants Canada has long been

• Consider making producers responsible for the end of life

advocating for from governments. The foodservice industry is

management of compostable products and packaging.

facing increasing demand for delivery and take-out meals, which require containers and other single-use items to

Ontario’s Waste Diversion Act already requires businesses

ensure food quality, safety and accessibility needs are met. In

that are considered Blue Box Stewards to share in funding 50

order to ensure these items can be recycled and composted

per cent of the net cost of municipal recycling programs. Any

instead of ending up in landfills, municipalities must have

increase to the level of responsibility that industry must

clear, common rules for accepting products into their waste

shoulder for costs of waste management should come with a

diversion programs.

proportionate increase in control over the efficacy of those programs. Restaurants Canada will ensure the voice of

Placing Responsibility on Waste Producers

foodservice is represented in any discussions around

The new Ontario environment plan states that “making

implementing a producer responsibility model for waste

producers responsible for the full life-cycle of their products

management programs.

and the waste they produce will help companies to consider what materials they use in and to package their products, and find new and innovative cost-effective ways to recycle them and lower costs for consumers. It can also make recycling

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The plan lists the following actions that the Ontario government will take to place more responsibility on businesses that produce waste: • Move Ontario’s existing waste diversion programs to the producer responsibility model. This will provide relief for taxpayers and make producers of packaging and products

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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: March 2018

Architect

: Teeple Architects

Storeys

: 14

Suite Types

: 1Bed,1Bed+Den,2Bed,

Suites

: 228 with balconies 2Bed+Den, 3Bed, 3Bed+Den

Suite Sizes

: 528sq.ft. – 1,171sq.ft.

Starting Price : From the $300’s

MANSOOR NAQVI TEAM PLATINUM BENEFITS FOR ALL PROJECTS 1. Free Assignment clause 2. Price discounts 3. Lease during Occupancy 4. Extended Deposits 5. Capped development charges

MAHMOOD NAQVI SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SYED HASSAN

104-100 Dynamic Drive, Toronto, ON M1V 5C4 200 Consumers Road, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M2J 4R4 (416) 939-9378 (416) 497-5949 www.mansoornaqviteam.com W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

BROKER

Helping you is what we do.

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B M / RMA A M R .

W WW

A D A N BP CA

M O C .

A D CANA

With 2019 at the door we wish you and your family a very happy and prosperous year ahead and we are excited to share tons of newly added services and savings opportuni�es ready to cater to all your individual and business needs.

TOP

S T I F E N BE

We at RMA/MBBP are commi�ed to give you substan�al savings and discounts to reduce your opera�ng expenses and to save you several �mes your more of your annual membership fee. In other words, your membership fee could comes at no cost to you but with more savings.

Together RMA and MBBP provides you the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of individual discounts and services, grow your business, get exposure in the industry and avail substan�al savings in your opera�ng cost.

Address: 104-100 Dynamic Drive, Toronto, ON, M1V 5C4 Tel: (416) 293-2100 Toll Free: (1-855) 669-6227 Fax: (1- 866) 204 6888 E-mail: info@rmacanada.com Website: www.rmacanada.com

Payment Processing Services Credit & Debit Cards

01.

ATM Deals and Offers

02.

Esso (Imperial Oil)

03.

Shell Canada

04.

Energy Savings

05.

Grocery Coupon Redemption Service

06.

Pay stubs, cheques and office supplies.

50% discount on first purchase Deluxe Nebs

07.

Accounting Services

08.

Drug Plan

09.

Home, Auto, Health, Dental and Life Insurance

10.

e-Shipper

11.

Cineplex Discount

12.

Northern Financial Group

13.

MBE Business Magazine

14.

Real Estate

15.

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Choice Hotels

16.

Avis Preferred Services

17.

Travel & Tours

18.

Budget

19.

Immigration Services

20.

MBE Technologies

21.

Mortgage /Business Loans

22.

MBE Construction

23.

Credit Counselling

24.

RMA and MBBP Revenue Sharing

25.

Deluxe Payroll (formerly NEBS)

26.

Weston Bakeries

27.

South Cove Foods LP.

28.

Canadian Corporate Legal Services

29.

Legal Services

30.

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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T N I O 1P =1$ OUR SERVICES POS

ATM

LOAN

100 Points

100 Points

2500 Points

INSURANCE

Ù–FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

FREE PERSONAL ANNUAL TAX RETURN

MINIMUM 200 Points

cREDIT counselling

pERSONAL aCCOUNITNG

REAL ESTATE

MORTGAGE & BUSINESS

RENOVATION & REBUILDING

750 Points

FREE CONSULTATION + UPTO 2000 POINTS

2000 - 2500 Points

Earn Extra income with RMA/MBBP Referral Program Sign up as an MBBP/RMA member and refer a member to earn an immediate reward of $15, earn further points by referring a client to sign up for any of the above services and accrue points redeemable for cash Address: 104-100 Dynamic Drive Toronto ON M1V 5C4 | Tel: 1-855-NOW-MBBP (669-6227) Fax: 1-866-204-6888 | Email: info@mbbpforyou.com | Web: www.mbbpforyou.com

INTEGRATED

TALECH

Works with Elavon’s processing services.

Dedicated talech© support team is available 24/7 to help.

Protect your business with data encryption.

Accept payments from chip (EMV) cards.

Accept payments from mobile wallets, including Apple Pay. Create product variations and define multiple prices/quantities.

talech© Point of Sale Solution

Designed for today’s small businesses, talech tablet based solution is easy-to-use and will help you manage your inventory, track sales and grow your business.

SMART TERMINAL

POYNT

Turnkey Solution Features a mobile and countertop credit card terminal, printer, signature pad, PIN pad and docking station.

Wireless freedom WiFi capabilities enables you to take the checkout (and tipping) to your customer, inside or outside your business.

Accept major payment types Process all payment types - contactless EMV cards, Interac and mobile payments such as Apple Pay®* (NFC) and many more...

Smart Terminal Solutions

Function meets form in a new breed of wireless terminal that delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Poynt is an all-in-one smart device that looks great and gives both you and your guests a great view of every transaction.

MOBILE & ECOMMERCE Grow online sales across multiple channels worldwide.

Widest variety of payment options available.

Fit your needs and easily expand your global reach.

Learn more about visitors of your online store.

Help add value to your business.

Ensure faster, uninterrupted online payment service.

Mobile & E-Commerce Solutions

E-Commerce is revolutionizing the market and giving businesses the opportunity to open up their doors to a global base of clients instead of operating only locally.

E-Commerce

JOIN RMA / MBBP

AND NEVER PAY FULL PRICE AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR MOVIE NEEDS SAVINGS FROM

$4.00- $14.00 VOUCHERS ARE GOOD AT ANY CINEPLEX OR AFFILIATED CINEPLEX LOCATIONS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

SAVE $4TI.0CK0ET ON EACH

CINEPLEX KET

A1

TIC

534

231

Address: 104-100 Dynamic Drive, Toronto, ON M1V 5C4 Tel: 1-855 (NOW-MBBP) 669-6227 | Fax: 1-866 204-6888 Email: info@mbbpforyou.com | Facebook: facebook.com/mbbployaltycard

NEED A MORTGAGE?

WE OFFER BOTH COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL

TIRED OF YOUR RENT PAYMENTS GOING TO SOMEONE ELSE? LET US HELP YOU PUT YOUR OWN PAYMENTS GO TOWARDS YOUR OWN PROPERTY LET US HELP YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN Don’t Delay & Call Today

FREE CONSULTATION FOR MBBP MEMBERS

FIX *2.49% VARIABLE *2.15%

SPECIAL FEATURES New Immigrants Welcome | 5% DOWN Good or Bad Credit - No Problem! | Free Consultation 1st & 2nd Mortgages | Self Employed | Debt Consolidation BANK SAYS NO - WE SAY YES

CONTACT : Usman Farooq BA (Hons), CAAMP Mortgage Consultant ASSOCIATE OF AMIT PURI : 1200048 & Get A Better MortgageLIC 10874 Call For Professional Mortgage Advice

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Direct: (416) 844-9192 Email: mortgage@mbeforyou.com Web: www.mbeforyou.com

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THE ORIGINAL SOFT CLOTH WASH

24/7 Propane Station For Refill Of BBQ Cylinder , Car And Truck

Address: 2141 Dundas St. E Mississauga, ON L4X 1M3 Phone: 905-625-1982 Website: www.cleanmaxcarwash.net CAR & VAN WASH LTD.

Full Service Exterior/Interior

DPF System

+ tax

+ tax

+ tax

Engine Assembly

Full Service

A\C SERVICE AND ALSO SUMMER SPECIAL GAS CHARGE IN

+ tax

$140

COMPLETE SATISFACTORY REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES & MODELS

SPECIAL OFFERS

- Bunk Heater : $1250 included parts & Labor - Engine Heater : $1550 Included Parts & Labor

We also sell truck warranties with different packages with premium 2000 Plus All North America is covered including Parts Labor & towing too.

We got dealership for Webasto heater for Bunk and Engine We Install & Repair both Heaters Address: 6149 Shawson Dr., Unit # 6, Mississauga, Ontario Phone: 905-564-2424 / 647-283-6150 | Fax: 905-564-2411 Web: www.simrantruckrepairs.com | E-mail: simranttc@gmail.com

DEEP CARE DENTAL CENTRE

WHERE BENEFITS MEET REWARD

we are proud to launch FIRST DENTAL TREATMENT CARD POWERED BY MBBP AND DEEP CARE DENTAL CENTRE.

3 Types of Membership COUPLE CARD SOLITARY CARD STUDENT CARD

DEEP CARE DENTAL CENTRE: Address: F-2/1, Block-8, Kehkashan Clifton, Karachi.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbbppakistan

MBBP: Suit # 105, Clifton Diamond, Block 4, Clifton, Karachi.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbbppakistan | Website: www.mbbpforyou.com.pk

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