September 2014 by Elgin This Month

Volume 5, No. 1 September 2014

• Elizabeth VanHooren My boy starts kindergarten Page 5 • Janine Lunn The love of gardening Page 6 • Jamie Quai Alcohol and advertising Page 29

Wanda Taylor Award-winning entrepreneur pictured with daughter Brianna

Also Inside: Women In Business Pages 20-27 Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Pages 18 and 19

Cover story: Page 3

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

Award-winning entrepreneur champions home base businesses

by Terry Carroll

Some entrepreneurs discover their niche, follow their passion, and stay at the same thing for years and years, maybe their entire lives, ideally becoming more and more successful as the years pass. Other business people are never afraid to change it up a little – in fact, they thrive on constant change and innovation. Wanda Taylor, entrepreneur, falls into the latter category. She summarizes her approach this way: “Give me an obstacle, and I will overcome it.” Some of those obstacles have been personal. She and her husband travelled all over Canada with WC & Company, a country, rockin’ country, blues kind of band for about 10 years, ending up as the house band and managing a resort in Minaki, just north of Kenora. Unfortunately, Wanda developed MS, and she had to get out of playing regularly, so she went trucking with her husband for about six years, including driving big rigs to the States before moving to St. Thomas and founding Taylor Music Studios some 13 years ago. Fortunately, her MS has been largely in remission. “I’ve been amazingly well,” she says. “I’ve basically been in remission for quite some time.” She credits some of this to Xocai, a healthy dark chocolate that she sold for a while, and continues to believe in. “I use the product regularly. I find it really helps with the fatigue.” (It’s also possible with four children, ages seven to fifteen, and her many projects, she really doesn’t have time for MS). Wanda was also one of the start-up distributors for Javita coffee and began a jewellery business called Dog House Key … jewellery being one of the keys to “help keep guys out of the dog house,” according to Wanda’s husband. Getting back into music teaching came naturally to her because she started as a teenager. “I’ve been teaching since I was 14 when my dad

...give me an obstacle, and I will overcome it...

wouldn’t let me work at McDonalds,” she says with a laugh. At Taylor Music, she teaches guitar, piano, voice, flute, drums, bass ensemble … and the list doesn’t end there. Many of her students enter at the Taylor Tikes & Tots level, and stay “until they leave me for college,” she says.

Recently she rented the basement level at 10 Princess Avenue, the former Hi-Ro Shrine Club in St. Thomas, now owned by Jelfs Karate Excellence. In taking the space, “we were about five years ahead of ourselves,” she says, but the basement was a great open space, plus the rent was right, the church she had been renting was torn down, and she couldn’t keep giving lessons in her basement. She shares some of the space with Active Abundance. She’s also looking at a dancer possibly coming in and perhaps yoga, if there’s enough enrollment. But as if all this weren’t enough, Wanda Taylor recognized that many small business owners, working from their homes, were struggling and really needed more exposure, more networking and access to more resources. “We saw there had to be a better way.” She started by hosting a show for home based

Elgin This Month General Manager Terry Carroll Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley Regional Sales Manager Nelson Parreira

businesses at Grace United Church. “For the first show, we had room for ten vendors and we got thirty,” she says. That show was such a success that she moved it to larger venues and, in the spring of 2014, partnered with St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders’ Association to create a home based business area in the Doug Tarry Room at the Timken Centre during the St. Thomas Home Show. About four years ago, Wanda integrated examples she’d seen in the States and founded the Home Based Business Association (HBBA) for St. Thomas and surrounding areas, a not-forprofit association with a mission “to enhance the presence, credibility, economic stability and future growth of home based businesses in the St. Thomas / Elgin County area and surrounding areas.” Memberships cost $60 per year. That part about “surrounding areas” was noticeably expanded a little over a year ago, when Wanda Taylor was instrumental in founding a national home based business association called HBBA Canada Inc. St. Thomas has 68-80 members, an Ottawa chapter is scheduled to open in September, and a London chapter is in the works for next year. Earlier this year, Wanda was presented with the Jeffrey Karp Award from Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC). According to the EBRC annual report, this award is dedicated to the memory of Jeffrey Karp, who passed away while working at EBRC and is remembered for his “outstanding performance, and his positive influence and supportive contribution toward the development of many business start-ups during his seven years with EBRC.” It’s presented to an SE (self employment benefit) client whose business has succeeded for a minimum of five years and who in our opinion has overcome significant adversity and persevered in their business development.” The award citation concludes: “Wanda Taylor is not only an asset to our City and County but is now a champion for all home based businesses across Canada.” Cover photo courtesy of Philip Bell, Shutter Studios.

Graphic Design / Production Metroland Media Group Sales Representative Greg Minnema

Elgin This Month is a monthly magazine focusing on business and lifestyle issues and includes Business Beat, the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce newsletter. The publication is available for pickup at no charge at news stands and other locations around Elgin County, as well as distribution to businesses and selected households.

Published monthly by Metroland Media Group Ltd., 15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2V7 519-633-1640 www.theweeklynews.ca/etm September, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

INNES AS I SEE IT

The future is in good hands by Jim Innes

You’ve heard of Generation X and Generation Y … well get ready for the coming-of-age of Generation Z, a highly sophisticated group of young people born after 1995. Most studies optimistically conclude that the future is in good hands; at least, this is the early conclusion. And I emphasize early because they are not fully integrated into the adult world of stress and competition. According to a recent Maclean’s article, it appears that in some big ways generation Z reflects an evolutionary progression. They are most notably marked by an inclusive and tolerant social conscience. And studies paint them as less vio-

lent than previous generations, and less likely to smoke and drink and participate in ‘risky’ sex. They are tech savvy (even more than generation Y) and, according to social scientist Mark McCrindle, “the most connected, educated and sophisticated generation in history.” As I’ve come to understand, the best of this new generation is represented by people like Maia Penn, a 13-year-old girl who launched her own business selling eco-friendly clothing. She was featured in Forbes magazine and has customers around the world. Her ultimate goal is to take care of the environment. The aforementioned Maclean’s article spoke about how 16-year-old Ann Makosinski invented a flashlight powered by the heat

...young Zeds are born into a world facing challenges... of your hand, an award winning invention inspired by the predicament of her friend in the Philippines who failed a grade because she had no electricity to study at night. And as I think closer to home, I am reminded of my 12-yearold son who in the last year has logged many, many, volunteer hours, and speaks of becoming an engineer “helping people to build their dreams.” What is defining about these stories of savvy generation Z kids is the blending of entrepreneurial efforts with an imaginative social conscience – attributed possibly to the decline in full-time jobs and pensions, as well as a growing sensitivity to our globally interconnected survival. These young Zeds are born into a world facing challenges such as dependable employment, frightening terrorism, and overwhelming environ-

• Farm Drainage • Bulldozing • Brush Cutting

mental concerns. And it is a world of connectivity, wherein their hearts and minds are shaped by a broad exposure to cultures, languages, and ideas. The future may be in good hands, but it will probably look like nothing we expected. Studies indicate that these young people have the same soulful need for love, joy and security as older generations. I trust that they’ll find it in ways that are unique to them. They will fix our wrongs and correct our misunderstandings. And it is very important that we do not judge their means and ways. In an interview on how children’s brains are adopting to technology, Michael Rich, Harvard pediatrician and researcher, stated in a New York Times interview, that children who overuse technology are less able to focus; however they are, in turn, becoming highly skilled at multitasking, which in the new digital era, is the basis of success. As I see it, we must be careful imposing our ideals upon these youngsters. What worked for us may not necessarily work for them. We must trust the process of natural acclimatization. It is my hope that this budding generation called ‘Z ‘ will fulfill all the predicted expectations. And with new insight, broader perspectives, and, yes, larger IQs, tend to the world’s needs till the day when the very new ‘Generation Alpha’ makes its way up the evolutionary chain. Jim Innes is a clinically trained therapist and a priest at St. John’s Anglican Church

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

LIFESTYLE THAT’S LIFE

This fall our nest is empty My little boy starts kindergarten by Elizabeth VanHooren

He is ready. Ready to follow his older brother up the steps of the school bus, ready to make his own friends (so ready he created an imaginary friend this summer) and ready to use his fire truck backpack and matching lunch box. He knows his phone number, how to count to ten, and after a lot of encouragement will print his name – almost legibly. Check. Check. Check.

But ... I don’t know if he comprehends how different the world is out of our nest. His whole world has revolved around our backyard, his grandparent’s homes and the cottage. His best friend is his big brother. They share the same interest in trains, Lego and dinosaurs. They squabble, wrestle over the same toy, and at times declare, “I’ll never be your best friend ever again.” But these are fleeting moments and five minutes later they are back to being “twins,” “best buddies.” And if that doesn’t happen, they always can come see their favourite mediator, “Mom.” Problem solved. He is scared of heights. In an effort to keep up with his brother or cousins, he will climb to the top of the treehouse, but then pretend he just isn’t ready to come down. He is adventurous. He wanders the field scooping up frogs, toads and worms and relocating them to what he considers more suitable homes in and around his playhouse or sandbox. He likes to tell stories, particularly about the “Halloween-pirateghost-monster,” who has horns, long scratchy nails and only comes out at

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September, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

night – right around bedtime. “That’s why I need my flashlight Mom.” He still sucks his thumb, but only when he is really, really tired. He tries but, “I just can’t keep my thumb down Mom.” No one has ever made fun of his bright red hair, freckles and a noticeable birthmark on his forehead … that’s just him. We’ve been practicing all summer for this upcoming transition. Zipping zippers, buttoning buttons, and putting his shoes on and off the right feet. My husband and I have raised a polite, happy, inquisitive and intelligent young boy. We are proud parents. And like so many other parents, this September we will send our offspring off to kindergarten to learn more. He is ready – and I will be in time. I just ask that you be kind to him, world. Remember, he is just a little boy. My little boy.

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

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AGRICULTURE ON THE FARM

How does your (farm) garden grow? by Janine Lunn One of my favourite childhood images is a grainy colour photograph of yours truly perched on top of a pile of soil, garden trowel in hand. I’ve always enjoyed getting my hands dirty, and have an affinity for plants. Fortunately I’ve always had the luxury of space and a patch of dirt on which to grow something each summer. The year we were first married, living in an apartment, I borrowed part of a friend’s garden patch so I wouldn’t miss a growing season. I still remember puttering in my grandmother’s garden when she admitted having trouble thinning out seedling plants, saying “I just can’t tear out plants that have the will to live.” I have always been able to relate to that sentiment; while some people have a habit of bringing home stray animals, my weakness is taking in stray plants; nursing them along to give them one last chance. I should admit: despite my interest in coaxing plants and seeds to produce, my gardening efforts are not always rewarded accordingly. Garden-prep season aligns perfectly with fieldwork, which means that crop land must be worked and planted, and often a cut of hay comes off before I can find a helper to rototill a garden patch. This

does buy me some time to focus, and tidy up the flower beds before it is vegetable-planting time. More than once a stray sheep (or 4-H calf ) has been shooed out of the emerging greens, enjoying all the tips of the seedlings before being placed back on the ‘right’ side of the fence. It’s satisfying to grow food and flowers but I prefer for our family to enjoy them, as opposed to the livestock.

rain barrels and children carting tiny watering cans, we barely made a dent in the dense clay. The space also means plenty of directions for weed seeds to spread (and birds to help), resulting in a willing crop of thistles, dandelions, crab grass, velvet leaf, ragweed, lambs-quarters, and so on. I’ve done yearly battle with these garden volunteers, always wishing that the perennial flowers could spread faster than the weeds. Part of me thinks I should embrace what grows in the open soil and just have an entire garden devoted to ‘weeds as art’ but I haven’t given in yet. I would love to grow enough vegeta-

“part of me thinks I should embrace … weeds as art”

The bonus and the drawback of gardening out here is the wide open space. This means it is not hard to find a place to plant, but it is sometimes hard to stop planting. This can result in obscene amounts of yellow beans or zucchini all at once, and a shortage of recipes and recipients for the overflow! Or, as was the case several years ago, our largest garden plot on record timed out perfectly with the driest summer in decades. Even with many hoses,

bles to fill our jars and cupboards for the year ahead, I have come to accept that my summer work and family schedule and this grand plan are not going to align. Sometimes it’s best to let the specialists with irrigation equipment handle the large-scale production. Fortunately we are a short drive from plenty of market stands when we find the time to put together a batch of pickles, can peaches, or prepare berries for the freezer. This year we’ve settled for tucking veggies into garden boxes and a few edges here and there. At best, we’ll have enough for some outdoor snacking or a few hearty salads. Thank goodness, the flowers take care of themselves, more or less. When I gather up some favourites for a table centerpiece, I may even let my little helpers add a flowering weed or two to the vase. If they have the will to live, we may as well make the most of it. Janine Lunn lives on the family farm near Belmont, Ontario.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

Business & Community Fundraising

STEGH Foundation presents 'Breast Health Is Forever' at CASO Royale Fundraising Gala ‘Breast Health is Forever’ is the inspiration behind this year’s signature event for the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation. This is the Foundation’s second annual fundraising gala with this year’s proceeds being directed towards the purchase of a digital mammography unit to support patient care excellence at STEGH. Following the success of last year’s Chair Affair, the STEGH Foundation returns to the CASO Station on Saturday evening, October 18. This year’s theme is inspired by the sophistication and flamboyance of legendary British Secret Service agent, James Bond. “Building upon last year’s success won’t be easy,” says Foundation Board Director Dr. Bill Abbott, “but there is definitely excitement in the air, and we can’t wait to unveil all of the planning and preparation that has taken place.” “Don’t gamble with your health, gamble for it. After all, ‘Breast Health is Forever’,” says Foundation Executive Director Paul Jenkins. “CASO Royale promises to be a memorable night that will mix glamour and intrigue with fundraising for a great cause. More importantly, this incredible evening will help improve the excellent quality care we already provide to the families and friends who depend on our awardwinning Hospital.” STEGH is an accredited site with the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) - a program of Cancer Care Ontario. “Our Hospital is committed to providing high-quality breast cancer screening,” says Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Manager Kathy Sophocleous. “A replacement digital mammography unit will provide new technology that combines the results of digital mammography and Breast Tomosynthesis* in one unit. This will result in increased diagnostic accuracy, ultimately resulting in better patient care. New advanced ergonomic designs will also provide increased patient comfort which is a welcome advancement.” CASO Royale Gala Tickets are $100 each and include dinner by the bite, gaming and prizes, as well as other interactive entertainment throughout the night. A limited number of tickets are available and are on sale now at the Foundation Office by calling 519.631.2030, ext. 2246. Businesses interested in becoming involved or

promoting the event are invited to contact Joanne Beaton at the Foundation Office. *Breast Tomosynthesis is the ability to capture multiple lowdose images that are then produced into a 3-D reconstruction of the breast.

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September, 2014

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

LIFESTYLE Our Heritage

The Dairy Heritage Museum Preserving Elgin’s Dairy legacy by Katherine Thompson

The Dairy Heritage Museum is hidden along a winding gravel road in the heart of Malahide’s dairy country. The museum is located on the former dairy farm of Andy and Lotty Van Kasteren at 48075 Jamestown Line. It got its start in the 1980s when Andy and Lotty started to collect old dairy heritage items to preserve the history of farm families and tradesmiths in the area. Items were collected from auctions, estate sales and donated by local farmers. As the years went on, the collection grew to the point that a new building was con-

structed on the Van Kasteren property to house it. In 2008, Gay Lea Foods purchased the museum collection, and in 2010 Gay Lea decided to purchase the entire Van Kasteren property and keep

the collection in its original Malahide location. Visitors to the museum can view a vast col-

...a vast collection of antique dairy memorabilia...

lection of antique dairy memorabilia including milk bottles, milk cans, milking machines, vintage signs, milk pails and various other dairy related artifacts. These artifacts can be viewed in person or on the museum’s extensive online database. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by this integral part of Elgin County’s agricultural heritage. Surrounded by Carolinian forest trails, the Museum also has lots of room for outdoor exploration. The Dairy Heritage Museum is open on Saturdays during the month of September from 9 am – 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under

the age of 12. For more information about heritage locations in Elgin County visit elgintourist.com/ heritage. More information about the Dairy Heritage Museum and Gay Lea Foods can be found at dairyheritagemuseum.ca or on Twitter @DairyMuseum. Katherine Thompson is Marketing & Communications Coordinator with The County of Elgin

Joe Preston, M.P. ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

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September, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

• September 2014 •

Reith and Associates is sponsoring the September Business After 5, but remember, the location will not be at their 462 Talbot Street offices. Instead, make the short jaunt across town to the St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre. Details below …

Business After 5 It’s a BIG Birthday Party! Wednesday

Our BEST business showcase National Small Business Week is coming, and so is the annual Business Sample Show, in the afternoon and early evening of Wednesday October 22 at St. Anne’s Centre. The Business Sample Show will be open to Chamber Members and the public from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Exhibitor bookings are being welcomed now at the Chamber. Maximum 50 spaces available. It’s a unique and powerful opportunity to make Business-To-Business and Business-To-Consumer contact. The 2014 Business Sample Show will

bring your business closer than ever to over 500 potential clients, with new and innovative advertising and promotional opportunities supported by aggressive pre-event marketing and promotion by the Chamber. You can also maximize your exposure through our customized PASSPORT Destination package for this year's show. All Exhibitors will receive: • Direct contact with our target market of over 500 attendees from B2B and B2C markets. • An 8 foot table (or the equivalent

September 17

St. Thomas Seniors Centre 225 Chestnut Street Sponsored by Reith and Associates Insurance & Financial Services 1914 to 2014 – A Century of Service Doors Open at 5:00 p.m. Pin The Tail On The Donkey starts at 6:15 p.m. Free admission to all personnel from any business or organization that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.

The busy floor of the Business Sample Show. Photo courtesy of Photos by MG

Business Beat Table of Contents Flying high ......Pages 10 & 11 Monty Fordham ........ Page 12 For the kids ............... Page 13 Seven wonders .......... Page 14 One-stop shop .......... Page 15 New Members........... Page 16

September, 2014

Greg Minnema, Advertising Sales

space) for the show, either on the floor or on the raised outer section of the Centre. Floor spaces $175. Upper perimeter $150. • Hydro hook ups for interactive displays are free but outlets must be requested prior to the Show. • Exhibitor booths may be designated as PASSPORT DESTINATION STAMP LOCATIONS. Everyone attending will be given a passport which must be stamped at a minimum of 50% of the designated spaces. Completed passports will then be eligible in a SPECIAL $500 cash prize draw. Add $50 to exhibitor fee for passport inclusion • Pre-event and post-event recognition in weekly "Green Mail" & in the October issue of "Business Beat” within Elgin This Month magazine • Extensive exposure via the Chamber’s website & social media platforms • NEW THIS YEAR – any exhibitor can do a “live” display or presentation on stage during the show. 10 minutes for $25. Call us for details and scheduling options. • Vendor Awards – Prizes for Most Creative Display and Most Interactive Display. Plan now to be a part of the Sample Show. For complete exhibitor and participant information, call the Chamber office and speak with any of the staﬀ at 519-631-1981 or reach us by email: mail@stthomasc hamber.on.ca

Participate in our October feature “Be Ready For Winter” To take advantage of excellent advertising opportunities give me a call at 519-633-1640 (ext. 22) or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca October Edition Advertising Deadline is September 13th

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

St. Thomas firms land business at airport! Not one but two St. Thomas companies are now firmly on the ground in new ventures at London International Airport. Adjacent to the main airport entrance near the

Oxford Street/Crumlin Road intersection, a new gasoline/diesel/propane fuel station has been installed by Dowler-Karn. Company President Dave Karn told the Chamber the new outlet is likely the most modern retail fuel outlet in southern Ontario. It’s fully automated for 24/7 operation with pumps equipped for diesel and gasoline service at all levels plus a propane refilling unit. The outlet is a handy addition for all types of commercial and vehicle traffic around the airport, and especially convenient for rental car returns. It’s also a very energy-efficient site with LED lighting that makes for an impressive look during darkness while enhancing safety for users. One of the biggest hits in customer service and satisfac-

tion at the airport has been a significant expansion in hospitality. Once checked through security, passengers have access to a new lounge and snack area. Complete beverage service is available and airport management has made a conscious decision to offer local craft beers. St. Thomas’ Railway City Brewery has selections on two of the four draught taps and business in the lounge area continues to exceed expectations in a big way. Latest projections suggest that at least 1 of every 5 passengers will do business in the lounge with a food and/or beverage purchase this year. That translates to over 100,000 customers. Another interesting fact from the bar proves that interest in craft beers is incredibly strong among visitors. The airport bar still offers a selection of main-stream bottled beers but the local draught products outsell them at least 20 to 1! Gerry Vanderhoek, Manager of Commercial Services and Passenger Experience at London International Airport, told the Chamber that additional redesign of the lounge area is expected soon to allow for more seating since the lounge regularly fills to capacity.

Left to right, Chamber CEO Bob Hammersley; London Airport reps Gerry Vanderhoek, Manager of Commercial Services and Passenger Experience; Dave Karn, President of Dowler-Karn; and Brad Rice, Manager of Business Development for London International Airport.

We recently had a chance to raise a pint and recognize the business presence of Dowler-Karn and Railway City Brewing Company at London International Airport. Pictured here, l to r, London Airport’s Brad Rice and Gerry Vanderhoek; Railway City Brewery Co-Founder and Vice-President of Marketing Paul Corriveau; Chamber CEO Bob Hammersley; and Dowler-Karn President Dave Karn.

Business Beat Published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., and delivered to businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin Country For complete information on the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, reach us at: 115-300 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4L1 Telephone: 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 E-Mail: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca Website: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca President & CEO Bob Hammersley Accounting Coordinator Susan Munday Member Services Breah Talan

247-450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON 519-637-0181 x204 1-888-877-2119 www.ArcBenefits.ca

September, 2014

Stability & Predictability for Small Businesses

EGGS 8.5X11-10-12

ELGIN THIS MONTH

St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2014 Board of Directors Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Vice-Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Vice-Chair: Dan Kelly Dowler-Karn Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems Director: Sean Dyke

St. Thomas Economic Development Corp. Director: Monty Fordham Fordham Brightling & Associates Lawyers Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Jeff Kohler City of St. Thomas Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Rob Mise myFM 94.1 Director: Allan Weatherall Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa

Member NEWS Events and News of Interest to our Members

New – Non-stop to New York It’s not the busiest airport in Canada, but it sure is well-connected and, beginning October 26, United Airlines will boost the local links by adding daily non-stop service from London to Newark, New Jersey. The Newark airport (EWR) is seen by many as a much more convenient link to

New York’s downtown and a faster land link than travel via JFK or LaGuardia airports. Michael Seabrook, President and CEO of London International Airport told the Chamber he is excited about offering this new direct destination to both business and leisure travelers in southern

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Ontario saying, “With just a 90 minute flight time, passengers can leave London early in the morning be in New York for the business day, and return home the same evening. It also makes it more feasible to book a weekend getaway in the Big Apple and enjoy all the sports, culture and dining in one of the most fabulous cities in the world.” Brad Rice, Business Development Manager at the airport, emphasizes connection opportunities through Newark and said, “We now have a new gateway to the Eastern Seaboard. United’s Newark hub provides excellent connecting opportunities to other US destinations and to Europe.” Another added value of the Newark connection will be year ’round links to the Manhattan cruise ship terminal which is only a 40-minute taxi ride from the Newark airport. The new United flights from London will operate with 50-seat regional jet aircraft and there will be two daily non-stop flights in each direction. Departing flights leave at 6:01 a.m. and 4:39 p.m. while departures from Newark run at 2:30 p.m. and 7:39 p.m. London International Airport will serve over 500,000 passengers this year and is on track to grow annual volume to over 700,000 people. Close to 50 flights arrive and depart there each day.

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of our Deluxe Studio suite! Call us for a Tour and Free Lunch “Metcalfe Gardens is the Next Best Place to Home” 45 Metcalfe Street, St. Thomas 519.631.9393 Fax: 519.631.2563

Mark Lassam, CPA, CA 115 Curtis Street, St. Thomas 519-631-1631 mark@lassam.ca

www.diversicare.ca

September, 2014

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Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

The Boomer & The Boomlet: the use of trusts in estate planning by Monty Fordham It is estimated that, over the next 20 years, assuming present life expectancies and relative economic calm, the Canadian Baby Boomers will inherit over 1 trillion dollars. By exten- Monty Fordham sion, the much smaller millennial generation is expected to inherit much more. (Unless, of course, their Boomer parents blow it all) This anticipated cataclysmic off-loading of wealth will undoubtedly not go unnoticed by the taxing authorities at every level of government. At present, at least in Ontario, estates are subject only to estate administration tax (EAT). It’s a paltry amount compared to what I think may be coming in the form of both federal and provincial inheritance taxes. Tax avoidance/deferral plans and the tools which create them will become more and more important in the future. At present, particularly in larger estates, corporations and trusts are often used to avoid or defer various types of tax, as well as organize more clearly the intentions of the testator. In general terms, Ontario law recognizes three

types of legal entities: the individual (you and me), the corporation (public or private, profit or non-profit) and the trust. Again, in very general terms, Ontario law recognizes two types of trusts: Inter vivos (established during the lifetime of the person creating the trust) and testamentary (contained within the will of the person creating the trust and effective only upon their death). The person who creates the trust is called the settlor; the person for whom the trust is created is called the beneficiary; and the person who manages the trust is called the trustee. In the case of larger estates, as well as the tax advantages, such as income-splitting between spouses, and flexibility of gifts to minors or persons with disabilities, the use of inter vivos trusts a framework * * RESPs • Mutual funds • Critical illness insurance provides for the management of the assets of the estate should one or both of I can help with your goals. the spouses become disabled or incompetent. Let’s talk about Money for Life. Last, but certainly not least, since the inter vivos trust does not die, the asMichael Moore* sets held within it do not Tel: 519-637-7747 pass to beneficiaries on michael.moore@sunlife.com the death of the testator, thereby eliminating, or www.sunlife.ca/michael.moore at least reducing the es#3 - 9 Princess Avenue tate administration tax. St. Thomas, ON N5R 3V3 The income tax benefits, and potential pitfalls flowing from the establishment of an inter *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. vivos trust, are many, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the and must be discussed Sun Life Financial group of companies. thoroughly with a tax Life’s brighter under the sun © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014. accountant and tax law-

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yer. In this discussion, you will hear terms such as “alter ego trust,” “joint partner trust” and “self benefit trust.” These various vehicles facilitate the rearranging of assets between spouses and among children, before and after death. Great care must be taken in drafting these types of trusts, since, unless the trust provides for amendment, its terms cannot be altered (at least not very easily). This is contrasted with the testamentary trust which takes its terms from the will of the testator and can be amended at any time prior to death. While there are definite tax and other advantages to rolling assets to a testamentary trust, estate administration tax may still apply to the value of any assets transferred to the trust. The use of a “Henson Trust,” (or absolute discretionary trust), may be helpful in the case of an estate, a portion of which will pass to a beneficiary with a disability. The way this type of testamentary trust works is as follows: the estate trustees are instructed not to transfer the inheritance of the person with the disability to him. In fact, the estate trustees are told that they have total discretion whether or not to pay anything to the beneficiary. Sounds cruel doesn’t it? Not really. In separate documents, the trustees are told to provide adequately for the needs and care of the individual, but are given the flexibility so as to avoid interference with other sources of income of the beneficiary. In summary, the use of inter vivos trusts and testamentary trusts can be beneficial in many types of estates, particularly large or complex ones, and estates involving persons with special needs, as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Lawyer Monty Fordham prepares this monthly column for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and our Members. Monty is also a volunteer serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Questions, comments and suggestions for future columns are welcomed by Monty at his office: Fordham & Brightling Associates – Lawyers, 4 Elgin Street, St. Thomas. Telephone 519-633-4000, FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca 12

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

ELC launches two construction projects It’s a new 6,000 square-foot Early Learning Centre (ELC) structure that will go a long way toward serving folks on a lengthy local waiting list, and create 20 new full-time local jobs. Following an official ground-breaking ceremony on August 5, heavy equipment moved onto the Peach Tree Boulevard property. After 26 weeks or so of construction, space will be ready for up to 70 children aged 0 – 12. To support families with children attending the nearby public school, before and after-school programs will be available. The construction project is the result of work started in 2009. Estimated cost is $1.5 million to create what ELC Executive Director Patricia RiddellLaemers describes as “an exceptional building.” She went on to explain to us the site will be the home of an “all natural playground” and that future expansion and growth are included in the plans. Coinciding with the launch of construction in St. Thomas, the Early Learning Centre also broke ground August 15 on a new 4,000 square-foot facility in Aylmer. The town has not had a licensed childcare facility in 20 years and demand for service there, as in St. Thomas, is very high. The Aylmer site will serve up to 50 children and brings the total inventory of local ELC buildings to five, plus 50 additional licensed home-care sites their staff supervise. Patricia Riddell-Laemers, Executive Director of The Early Learning Centre, shows drawings of what will When completed, the new St. Thomas and Aylmer be a finished project by spring next year. The ELC broke ground on their new Orchard Park child care ELC operations will add 40 – 50 new jobs. centre August 5.

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James Elsdon, producer at the Rogers TV Cable 13 studios in St. Thomas is more than enthused about a major new investment in local equipment. The St. Thomas community channel studios have been completely updated over the summer with new state-of-the-art HiDef equipment that brings exceptional capacity and quality to local programming. James is pictured here in the new Master Control suite. The Chamber salutes Rogers for this major investment and looks forward to seeing the results when we collaborate with our community station in programs leading to the municipal election this fall. September, 2014

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Pro Text Events and News of Interest to our Members

We’re working for awareness by Darren Reith

Here’s a look at something that’s hard to look at. One moment life is unfolding exactly as you planned; next you’re faced with a life-altering event. The unexpected ruin of our idyllic path happens every day, perhaps not to everyone, but it happens. Are you prepared for when it happens to you? September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, the perfect time to take stock of your life insurance and the needs and future expectations of your family and business. Life insurance is the largest unmanaged asset. That’s why it needs to be reviewed regularly. The dollar value of the life insurance you purchased ten, twenty or twenty-five years ago is not ad-

equate for today’s living expenses or tomorrow’s needs. There is no purpose or value in owing insurance that cannot provide what your family and or business requires to meet obligations after your death. Ignoring the realities of life and needs of your family and business will not make your death or that of your spouse any less likely. Good policy reviews consider both internal and external changes that can impact you and the lives of your family and the operations of your business. Not only do our lives constantly change, but so do the markets, the products and the economy. An annual review of your life insurance and companion investments is necessary to verify your level of risk and ensure your program remain suitable to your needs. Consider the 7 wonders of life insurance: 1. Buys time: Allows loved ones to focus on their grief by helping to pay for the funeral and other final expenses. 2. Provides a fresh start: Lets loved ones start with a clean slate by helping to pay off credit card bills, outstanding loans and even the mortgage. 3. Generates income: Helps replace lost income for years to come so that surviving family members can continue to pay for life’s necessities.

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4. Offers flexibility: Gives a surviving spouse the chance to take needed time off work or to switch to a job that offers more flexibility. 5. Create opportunities: Can provide funding to start a business, or pay for school so surviving family members can train for a new career. 6. Funds the future: Offers a way to fund longer range goals like a college education for the kids or a secure retirement for a surviving spouse. 7. Leaves a legacy: Gives parents the chance to leave future generations with the legacy of longterm financial security. Purchasing life insurance can be the most important step you take to protect the future of your family and your business. Life insurance can do some pretty amazing things for people. It will pay for your end-of-life expenses and buy your family and business the time needed to grieve and prepare for the future. It can keep families in their homes and pre-fund a child’s college education. It can keep a family business in the family and pay off debts or mortgages. It can provide a stream of income for a family to live on for a period of time. If you have not had a review of your life insurance, or have never received a second opinion on your current policy, consider your families future and contact an advisor you trust to be sure what you have is enough to give your family the peace of mind family members deserve. This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Darren Reith, a principal of Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited, 462 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments on this column are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via e-mail: info@reithandassociates.com

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Helping to Drive Business Success

For complete details, contact the Chamber

115 - 300 South Edgeware Road, St. Thomas Phone: 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 Email: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

September, 2014

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Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

One-stop shopping list Information overload is something we all share and, here at the Chamber, we understand. And that’s why we’ve assembled a quick checklist for Members to see and consider the growing number of benefits, discounts and services that come with Chamber membership. The information below is a quick summary. By all means, if you see a program or product you’d like more information on, the Chamber staff are eager and able to respond from our office or to put you in-touch with program agents and reps. First, let’s be clear on who can participate in Chamber programs and services, or take advantage of significant price advantages we offer across the entire Chamber network. It’s easy: Once a business or organization joins the Chamber, all of the personnel in that business or organization can get involved, attend or participate. In some cases, as explained below, our opportunities extend to retirees and immediate family members. You can check the Chamber website for additional details, too. Go to stthomaschamber.on.ca then click on the “Membership” tab below our logo on the main page. Under that tab is a section called “Membership Benefits”. Fuel discounts – Our national program with Esso (and Exxon / Mobil in the US) earns you savings of 3.5 cents per litre at any of over 1,000 Esso outlets anywhere in Canada and 18,000 Exxon

or Mobil stations in the states. It’s free to enroll. Register as an organization for multiple vehicles in a fleet or as an individual. Contact Esso sales at 1-888-330-2419 or EssoSales@fleetlink.com to apply. UPS Courier discount – Our newest addition to our Benefits Bundle connects you with the largest courier and shipping company in the world. Save 30% on courier shipments to Canada, the US and worldwide destinations. Additional savings on imports, customs brokerage fees & more. 75% savings on heavyweight freight, full load or LTL. No charge to enroll. No minimums. No maximums. Call 1-800-MEMBERS (636-2377) M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.mn. or visit membersbenefitprogram.com/stdcc Credit Card/Debit Card processing – Our Chamber Merchant Services program is managed by First Data Canada and not directly connected to any bank so you can choose where your account is locally. Full range of on-line, mobile and pointof-sale processing equipment. Monthly account fee just $5. VISA rate is 1.55%, MasterCard, 1.60%, Interac debit, just 5 cents per transaction. Amex, Discover and other card rates – just ask. Coming this fall – Mobile Debit for your Smartphone! ChamberMerchantServices.ca for more. Follow us on Twitter for the latest deals & news @ ChamberMerchant Insurance – personal Group Plan – The St. Thom-

St. Thomas Uncorked 2015 Sheila Nesbitt, Chair of our Member Services group organizing “St. Thomas Uncorked 2015,” is shown with one of our favourite wine-serving vessels. Alcohol regulations, unfortunately, will limit our use of this serving size but they won’t limit our ability to produce and deliver another exceptional Wine Tasting & Art Appreciation event at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre on Saturday January 24. Ticket details and other event information are in the Events section of the Chamber’s website at: stthomaschamber. on.ca

as & District Chamber of Commerce has been a strong supporter of our national Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan since it started in 1974. Life insurance, health, drug, dental, disability, critical illness, travel and more. Ours is the #1 group insurance plan for small business in Canada. Our local licensed agent is Jeff Crossett at ARC Financial. 519-637-0181, Ext. 204, or you can explore our Group Plan through our national website: chamberplan.ca Insurance – property & vehicle Group Plan – Cars, trucks, boats, motorbikes, homes, cottages and more. The savings we achieve by pooling Chamber Members together as a group can be phenomenal. Novex Group is our insurer. Our local licensed professional agent is Reith & Associates. Call 519-631-3862 or go online to ReithandAssociates.com and click on the Chamber logo. Their website will prove our savings and compare our plan with others! Data Backup & Recovery – the most critical part of any business or organization is the data in your computer systems. Secure cloud-based protection is available to all Members at a 15% discount through Quantum RBS. Hardware failures, theft, flood, fire or any type of disaster could cripple your operation. Quantum RBS takes away the worry and the grief. Details at 519-633-8903 or email sales@qrbs.ca

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Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

New Members

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. Those listed below were accepted as registered Members to August 15, 2014. Once an organization registers with the Chamber, all personnel (owners/ managers/staff) within the organization have full access to all Chamber programs, projects, events and services. Pivotal Services (A Division of Goodwill Industries) 95 South Edgeware Road St Thomas, ON N5P 4C4 Phone: 519-685-5389 x24 Email: info@pivotal.ca Website: www.pivotal.ca Contact: Andrew Price, Business Development Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Employment Services, Packaging Services Products & Services: Pivotal Services offers a unique range of flexible services in co-packaging, fulfillment, packaging assembly, shrink-wrap,

sleeving, pick and packs, labeling, inventory and quality services in the St. Thomas area. The new St. Thomas operation joins a second Pivotal facility in London. The Cellular Magician 808 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 Phone: 519-207-1311 Email: chadboutros@gmail.com Web: www.cellularmagician.ca Contact: Chad Boutros, Owner Buyers Guide Category: Cellular Telephones; Computers – Sales, Supplies & Service; Telecommunication Equipment; Wireless Communications Products & Services: At Cellular Magician all your electronic mishaps are welcome! Whether you dropped your iPhone on the sidewalk, or watched your iPod take a bath, let one of their knowledgeable and dedicated technicians take a look at it. If you are an Android, BlackBerry, or Windows Mobile user, they service a wide variety of electronic brands including, Samsung, Black-

Full range of Public Accounting Services including: Auditing, Accounting and Taxation Services

Mark Lassam, CPA, CA 115 Curtis St., St.Thomas, ON N5P 1J4 p: 519-631-1631 | f: 519-631-2929 mark@lassam.ca September, 2014

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Berry, Motorola, HTC, and LG. Additionally, they also service a wide variety of tablets, and computers from Dell to Google, and everything in between. Many of their repairs and services can be completed in a couple of hours or less! Visit the Cellular Magician and allow them to exceed your expectations. Now serving the St. Thomas market with other locations in London, Chatham and Leamington. The Open Kitchen 877 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E5 Phone: 519-631-5151 Email: stthomas@theopenkitchen.ca Web: www.theopenkitchen.ca Contact: Wayne Mancuso, General Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Restaurants Products & Services: The Open Kitchen is a new family restaurant in St. Thomas serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., this new restaurant seats 150 people. Breakfast is served daily to 4:00 p.m. The dinner menu includes an extensive selection of pastas plus slow-roasted prime rib. The St. Thomas location is part of a new dining concept development by Obsidian Group Inc. Obsidian is a development and management company established in 1996 and is recognized as the creator and developer behind several well-known hospitality brands across Ontario.

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Residential • Commercial • Industrial 16

HealtHy living EvEryday HEaltH

Help your child to be ready to learn at school by Laura Anguish

It's back to school time again! Whether you have a child or children in school now or are preparing to have children in school one day, there are some things you can do to help prepare them for lifelong learning.

Play is important for children's learning! It helps them develop a sense of coordination. Play can also teach them how to problem solve and share. Play encourages them to be creative and explore their world. Daily physical activity helps grow strong bones and muscles. Parents can increase 1. Read to your child. their own physical activity by getting out there Children who are read to during infancy and and playing with their child. preschool years have better language skills when 4. Take them for regular appointments with they start school and are more interested in read- their health care providers. ing. Parents who spend time reading with their When children feel well, they learn better. Have child form a better relationship with them. your child checked out by his health care provid2. Provide healthy foods. ers to make sure he is healthy and his immunizaChildren need energy to learn. Eating a healthy tions are up to date. As part of the health checkbreakfast and lunch, as well as healthy snacks up, have your child's ears, teeth, and eyes looked through the day give children energy to learn and at too. helps their brain to grow. Check out Canada's 5. Have a healthy sleep schedule. Food Guide and see if your If children are over-tired, they child is getting all the recomcan have a hard time controlling mended servings from all of the themselves and have a hard time food groups. learning. Set a sleep routine for “set routines and 3. Give them a space to play your child. limits” safely. 6. Use words of encouragement to build their self-esteem. Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. When a child

has high self-esteem, she feels free to express herself, thinks she can succeed, and is not afraid to take chances. Tell your child how proud you are of her and offer her praise for a job well done. 7. Set routines and limits. When children have routines, they feel safe and secure. Children like to know what is happening and when things are happening. Have a set time for your child to wake up and go to bed. Keep meal times, nap times, and play times consistent as much as possible. 8. Talk and listen to your children. Ask your child questions and listen to the answers. Point out things around you when you and your child are outside walking. Sing songs together. Encouraging your child to want to learn is important. Set a good example through your own positive attitude. For more information about this and any other questions, contact Elgin St. Thomas Public Health at 519-631-9900 and ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse. You can also find us online at elginhealth.on.ca as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

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Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Join the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Discover the Member Advantage program The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce works hard to promote networking and community involvement to better the local business community. Membership is a great way to elevate your business. The Chamber Member Advantage program showcases businesses that offer a discount or service of benefit to other Chamber members, whether it’s privileged pricing, an exclusive discount or other value-added benefits. This is a program where everyone benefits: you extend special benefits or discounts to fellow Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce members who utilize your business or service, and in return you receive advertising, recognition, discounts and benefits at many The busy four corners in downtown Aylmer.

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other businesses. By choosing to offer a Member Advantage discount, you not only increase your organization’s business by elevating awareness of the goods and services you provide, but you can also help to raise your profile in our community and your reputation as a strong supporter of the Aylmer & Area business community. A list of current Member Advantage Savings opportunities for members of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce is posted on the Aylmer & Area Chamber website. Remember ... show your card before you make your purchase. Check the website frequently for updates! For information on joining the Chamber, contact the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce, 30 Talbot Street East, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1H4. Phone: 519-773-5655. Fax: 519-773-5622. Email: aylmerchamber@eastlink.ca

Now! Local community news every day.

www.driver-realty.com September, 2014

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Plus much more!

www.theweeklynews.ca 18

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Catch the spirit!

Nominate an Aylmer & Area Chamber member for a Spirit Award

Annually, the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates a local business that showcases great community spirit. The Community Spirit Award presented by the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce and Meridian Credit Union recognizes outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals that demonstrate their passion for the business community. The award honours a business or individual that demonstrates an outstanding, generous spirit by way of support for the Aylmer area-based organizations and non profits, a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and ultimately, a dedication to making this area a better place to live, work and play. How to nominate – it's simple! 1. Check out the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Directory page on-line to ensure the business, organization or individual you have in mind is a member. 2. Simply email the Chamber office at: aylmerchamber@eastlink.ca before September 18, 2014 with the nominated business/ organization/ individual's name along with a few short sentences about why you believe the nominee is deserving of an award. Meridian believes in giving back to the community. If you would like more information about Meridian's Good Neighbour program stop in to the local branch at 34 Talbot Street West, Aylmer or find additional information online. Big or small, everyone gives back! Here is the opportunity to recognize Chamber people, businesses and organizations for their contributions! Meridian co-sponsors the Spirit Awards with the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Women in Business

Women investors – time to get started by Ellen Luft

The World Banks says that by 2014, women will control a GDP greater than India and China combined. According to the Economist, and research from Barclay’s Wealth, women’s economic empowerment is arguably the biggest social change of our time. We like to think that we have come a long way;

women now make up almost half the workforce in Canada. In this wave of change, there is one area where women appear to be a bit stuck, in spite of the above statistic. According to the TD Women Investor Poll, when it comes to household finances, the majority of women are clinging to the traditional role of managing household expenses, leaving much of their retirement and investment planning to a male partner, if they have one. According to the poll, in households that are run by women, assets tend to grow more slowly and are more likely to include a higher percentage of uninvested cash. Why? Women tend to be starved for time. To overcome this hurdle, women should work with an advisor to devise a plan and determine what is important financially. Once you know where you are and where you want to be, it’s a lot easier to envision how to manage your investment goals from there. Women tend to feel they need to know enough about the markets to invest well. If finances make your head spin, forget about the markets, stock charts, tickers and PE ratios. Take small steps and find an advisor you can trust to help you understand the important aspects of investment management. If you don’t understand your savings or retirement account, you won’t have much luck

Michele Milles of

This article was prepared solely by Ellen Luft who is a registered representative of HollisWealthTM (a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). The views and opinions, including any recommendations, expressed in this article are those of Ellen Luft only and not those of HollisWealth. TM Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license.

Cheryl McGrail Sinclair of Dental Hygiene Services

Doug Tarry Homes

Specializing in Nursing Homes and Home Care Visits

I am very pleased to have just celebrated my 10 year anniversary working for DTL! When I began I felt that a lifetime in the service industry would be great preparation for listening to and understanding the client’s. Working with individuals to assist them in purchasing just the right home for their needs and lifestyle is extremely gratifying. Although I am the New Home Sales Consultant in Lake Margaret Estates, we very much work as a team here at DTL. All of the information for our other developments- Orchard Park, Bradley Estates in Aylmer and Harrisview in Ingersoll, is available through me as well. Please visit me at 44 Hickory Lane, Lake Margaret Estates. The regular model home hours are Wednesday thru Friday 11:00 am ~ 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm ~ 4:00pm. Monday and Tuesday appointments are also available.

Practising dental hygiene since 1998, Cheryl McGrail Sinclair works with you to establish an on-going preventive dental hygiene program for you (through home care) or for your facility to promote dental hygiene and prevent oral disease. Many clients, especially the elderly, are not aware of the problems that can arise in their mouths. Oral screening, care plans and in-service education for staff are a few of the ways Cheryl can help prevent oral disease. • New client exams and annual oral assessment • In-Home mobile dental hygiene services • Polishing Stains • Fluoride Treatments • Desensitization • Professional cleaning of dentures and labelling • Periodontal debridement (dental cleaning) • Teeth whitening • Oral cancer screening • Custom fit mouthguards “Bringing quality dental hygiene care to seniors who matter the most”

Michele Milles

519-637-8266, michele@dougtarryhomes.com www.dougtarryhomes.com September, 2014

taking your investment management to the next level. Women tend to believe they aren’t rich enough or worthy of financial advice. If you hold onto this misconception, you miss the fact that wellinvested funds grow, and everyone has to start somewhere. If you aren’t investing and managing your money wisely you will never meet your financial goals. Women have come a long way, but when it comes to money we are managing to hang onto old stereotypes. Starting on an investment path is as easy as changing your perspective and taking the time to find an advisor who will address your special investment requirements. We are good at taking action, so just do it!

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Cheryl McGrail Sinclair, RDH, DipDh Home Phone: 519-695-5054 Cell Phone: 519-350-6267 casinclair@ciaccess.com www.cmsdentalhygieneservices.com 20

Women in Business

Effective listening increases organizational success by Cheryl Lester

Has anyone ever accused you of not listening? relationships are caused by the absence of good Do you catch yourself nodding in agreement, listening. As a leader or business owner, it pays to be aware knowing that you're only half listening? Do you of how you are listening. only start to listen part-way Internally focused listening through someone talking when In this mode, you are pria key word gets your attention? marily listening (consciously Do you tend to interrupt with “the quality and depth of or otherwise) to the sound of your own ideas or reactions? Do conversation will improve” your own inner voice – your you find yourself faking it, hopown thoughts, opinions, judging they won't notice? ments, feelings and concluIt's often difficult to give our undivided attention. It may be hard to listen to things that we sions. This can be helpful if you have a coach who think we've heard before. We may be distracted is helping you gain self-awareness about these internally or externally. We may react or interrupt things and has instructed you to “monitor your without regard for the other person when our inner weather.” However, outside of that goal, inthoughts or emotions are triggered. Listening can ternally focused listening takes your energy and focus away from the other person. You are apt to be demanding. Most people like to be listened to – really lis- interrupt with an untimely judgment or opinion tened to that is. We want to be understood, to that prevents the other person from finishing his feel valued, and validated. Like our partners, col- or her thoughts, which in turn may damage the leagues, workmates, staff, and clients, we know relationship, and impede progress. Externally focused listening when we’re being listened to – and when we are Externally focused listening involves just that – not. focusing, that is, on the person speaking, and what Effective listening hears more than just words. An effective listener also gets a sense of the speak- is really being communicated. You listen to both er's vision, values, commitment, concerns, and the spoken and unspoken in order to gain insights purpose through tone, the things unsaid, and and understanding about the values, vision, and body language. Many problems in life, work, and actions that energize (or de-energize) the speaker.

Dianne Hodges of Findley’s Driver Education “Creating Ontario’s Safest Drivers” is more than a slogan at Findley’s Driver Education Services Inc. We’ve taught over 60,000 students to drive safely, from beginners who are going for their first lessons to seniors looking for an upgrade to get their confidence back. We take great pride in providing quality service at an affordable price and we are the only driving school in Southwestern Ontario to offer skid control as part of the program. With over 100 yrs combined experience, we have the expertise to provide our students with the knowledge and skill to be safe, See uS for: responsible and courteous drivers. Road Safety • Complete Courses needs your help, so come and let us help you become one of Ontario’s safest drivers. • Skid School

• Road Test Preparation

Call NOW to book for September classes and SAVE $25.00 on your enrolment! 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 300 Talbot St., Unit 21, St. Thomas 50 Beech St. East, Aylmer 39 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg Approved MTO BDE Course Provider

519-631-7272 1-877-942-7272

findley@amtelecom.net September, 2014

Such listening develops and strengthens relationships, lays the groundwork for deeper communication, and reduces needless conflict triggered by a person feeling undervalued or unheard. [In case you're beginning to think that listening effectively means that you'll be listening longer … that's not necessarily true. Five minutes of focused listening can achieve much more than thirty minutes of unfocused listening.] The quality and depth of conversation will improve, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for your organization or business. So, challenge yourself to practice externally focused listening the next time you're in a conversation. If you notice that you're distracted or listening more to your internal dialogue, look at the person, and apologize for your lack of attention, then get back to the business of effective listening.

Cheryl Lester, Eagle Tree Leadership, is an international leadership coach known for her ability to help people improve their performance and effectiveness.

Ellen Luft

Ellen has been active in the Financial Services Industry since graduating from High School. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Investment Advisor and Insurance Agent. She focuses on providing wealth building solutions for individuals by focusing on all aspects of financial health including saving goals, taxes, estate planning and philanthropy. Ellen takes a very personalized approach to working with her clients, building long term relationships built on trust and a mutual understanding of her client’s goals. Ellen is very active in her community supporting such projects as the Elgin-St Thomas Community Foundation, The Art Center, Talbot Teen Center and local hospitals. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of St Thomas, and serves on numerous Boards in the community. Women today lead very busy life styles. Having someone they trust working on their financial goals allows them to get on with the demands of family, business and taking care of self. *HollisWealth is a trade name of Scotia Capital Inc. and HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd. HollisWealth is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Brokerage services provided by HollisWealth are provided through Scotia Capital Inc. Insurance products provided by HollisWealth are provided through HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd. ™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license.

Ellen Luft, CFP® Investment Advisor HollisWealth (a division of Scotia Capital)

ELGIN THIS MONTH

ellen.luft@holliswealth.com 519-631-4088 130 Centre Street St. Thomas, On N5R 2Z9 21

Women in Business

Positive self-talk and intentions by Laura Pavilonis and Nancy Annett

It’s so simple really … did you know that one of sibility to get her kids on and off the bus every the biggest barriers for women in business is nega- day. The interviewer asked her if she was really tive self-talk? It can be tied to the social demands ready to re-enter the work force and she almost related to your image and the responsibilities of responded ‘no.’ being a mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law Negative self-talk can be crippling. There is and employee. You can often sabotage yourself significant scientific proof that the brain demin the workplace with negative self-talk like “I onstrates “neuroplasticity.” Meaning, it is more can`t do this because I need to …,” or “I don’t adaptable than we thought and can change with have enough time,” or “I’m not _____________ effort and intention and therefore much of what enough,” and fill in the blank with a number of we do can create new neural pathways. The deitems. These limiting beliefs can destroy your fault in our brain is to go with the pathways that chances for success. are already developed, so you have to If you’re like many womchange the message you are sending en, you have the responsiyourself in order to change the out“it’s more important come. bility for a lot of the child care and housework which than ever to take the Move from critical self-talk towards can deplete you of the enpositive self-talk by simply making time to evaluate” ergy to do anything more positive conscious intentions and than what’s necessary. But watch how success dramatically imit’s more important than ever to take the time to proves. Tell yourself “I am great at what I do and evaluate what you really want and back that up will do well in my interview.” with positive messaging. If you need to, we’re giv- Or, “I am going to do better toing you permission to get the supports you need day and learn from yesterdays’ to fill in the gaps. When you don’t take the time mistakes.” You can also make to be clear on what you want and then follow it positive intentions for the day up with positive intentions, here’s a story about that sets the tone for it. For exwhat can happen: A woman sabotaged herself on ample: “I will have a very proan interview by starting to talk about her respon- ductive day.” Or, “My day will

be very positive.” Think about what you want to achieve or how you want to feel and express it as an intention. The important thing is to keep trying to be the best person you can be. Don`t let fear or barriers get in the way. Figure out what`s going to make you the best you can be and go for it, using the power of positive self-talk and positive intentions to guide you along the way. Nancy Annett, MBA, CHRP owns Ignite Career Life Solutions, and Laura Pavilonis, MBA, CHRP owns Reach Beyond Limits. Together, they form Rock Your Career Club.

Ginette Minor of

Ann Marie Perry and Laura DeVrieze of

Ginette is a highly-skilled sewing specialist who creates her own custom soft products. She has Slipcover certification through the CHF Academy, Workroom Certification through the WCAA, ReDesign Certification though the CRDA and a Seasonal Decorating Certification though the DSA. Through it all, she still finds time when she can by donating her time to committees, boards and charities. Has your pet chewed or scratched your favourite sofa or chair? Call Ginette and she can recover it for you with a slipcover!!

Ann Marie Perry and Laura DeVrieze are proud to be part of the professional team at Kee, Perry & DeVrieze. Both women are lifelong residents of the community and have grown with the firm from co-op student to partner. Between them they share a wealth of experience in the profit and not for profit sectors from small business to financial institutions and from bookkeeping to accounting, auditing and taxation. They also share a common commitment to quality professional customer service, treating each client’s needs as if they were their own.

Alexelle Slipcovers and Decor

My Houzz Profile: www.houzz.com/pro/ginetteminor /alexelle-slipcovers-and-decor Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/ginetteminor Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginette.minor Follow me on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ginetteminor/

For all your audit, accounting, bookkeeping and taxation needs, contact Ann Marie Perry or Laura DeVrieze.

15 Barrie Boulevard St. Thomas, ON 519-631-6360 www.kpdcpa.ca

Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers and Decor 519-494-0787 ginette.minor@gmail.com September, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Women in Business

Five tips from awesome female bosses by Anouschka Van den Bosch tip #2: Connect on a work level as well as perThroughout my career I have had the pleasure sonal level with your team; it makes us all huof working with some great female leaders. Yes, man. Something that all of these great bosses had in male leaders as well; however, today, I am focusing on my female bosses and what made them so common is the ability to listen; no, not just hearawesome. I learned from their leadership charac- ing me, but truly listening – without interruptteristics and have incorporated them into my own ing me, without thinking what they were going to say next and letting me finish my thoughts. leadership style. Early in my career I had a boss who, when I had It allowed me to feel comfortable to speak up made a mistake, would let me know what I did without fear of being interrupted, and throw out wrong, what I needed to do differently next time ideas that were maybe not exactly as they had and then moved on to our next task. She did not envisioned. They truly listened and together we would come up with ideas dwell on my mistake, and so I was able and solutions that made to learn from the mistake and not sit in sense for the business. Listenthe negative for the rest of the day or “it’s OK to show ing actively would be tip #3. longer. So tip #1: Explain mistakes, set emotions” Something else they all did expectations and move on! so well was to include all of I loved working with another female us, the whole team, in projboss who would leave me to do my job on a daily basis as she was located in a differ- ects whenever that was possible. Knowing when ent city, and then, once in a while, I would get a to delegate and when to work together collaboracall out of the blue, putting me into panic mode: tively makes a huge difference in the team dynamWhat did I do wrong? Why is she calling me? ics and how the team views you as a leader. Tip #4 And all she wanted to do was a check in, how was would be to include the team whenever possible I doing? What did I need from her? And how was in a project; even if it is to ask for research, or life? I loved those calls. I was able to share some opinions, people want to be part of your success of my personal life stuff as well as chat about the as it becomes their success as well. And my final tip #5 is what I truly believe in business things going on in my area. That makes

Sandra DiMeo of

Ferguson DiMeo Lawyers Sandra DiMeo of Ferguson DiMeo Lawyers is dedicated to working for her clients and her community. She was recently elected Vice-President of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation Board in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Family and Children’s Services. Sandra is also a long-time supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin. At her offices in the historic CASO Station, Sandra practises personal injury law, civil litigation and employment law. For over thirteen years, Sandra has been helping people adjust to significant and unexpected changes in their lives whether it is after a job loss or a serious car accident. “I ensure they are treated fairly, and I help to get them back on their feet,” she says. Whether it’s personal injury or a serious motor vehicle accident, civil litigation or an employment dispute, contact Sandra DiMeo for experienced professional service in Elgin County.

Canada Southern Railway Station 750 Talbot Street, Suite 211 St. Thomas, Ontario t 519-633-8838 • f 519-633-9361 www.fergusondimeolaw.com September, 2014

myself. Be human. It’s OK to show emotions. Tell the team your day is not going well if you feel impatient, ask for support if you need it and support team members when they are down. Celebrate success, celebrate life events. And have fun! No one said that business had to be serious every day. I often think back fondly to all my great female bosses. You have helped shape the leader that I am myself today, and I thank you. Anouschka Van den Bosch is a Human Resources Professional and Certified Life and Career Coach.

Mayor Heather Jackson of the City of St. Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson has done wonderful things for the City of St. Thomas since her victory in 2010. As Mayor and the head of the City Council, Mayor Heather, acts as chief executive officer of the municipality and presides over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively. She also provides leadership to the council and provides information and recommendations to the council with respect to the role of council and represents the municipality at official functions. Mayor Heather Jackson is also involved with many committees such as the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Gallery, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health and on the Board of Directors of the St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre. As mayor, Heather fosters activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality and its residents.

Mayor Heather Jackson City of St. Thomas, P.O. Box 520, 545 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Email: mayor@stthomas.ca City Hall Tel: 519-631-1680 ext. 4131

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Women in Business

Advancing Women Conference expanding, with events planned for Calgary and Toronto in 2015 With two days of learning and networking in the works, and two cities to choose from, there are many more ways to be inspired about a future in agriculture. After a successful first edition in Calgary in 2014, the Advancing Women conference is set to grow. IMCI today announced that Advancing Women conferences will take place in Calgary and Toronto in 2015. The Calgary event will be held April 6 and 7, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency and is open for registration. The first Advancing Women: Life Skills for Leadership – Women in Ag Conference was held at Calgary’s Deerfoot Inn & Casino on April 29, 2014 and attracted an outstanding group of registrants, speakers and sponsors. According to Iris Meck, conference organizer and owner of IMCI, there was no mistaking the reaction of those in attendance. “At the reception the evening before, people were already coming up to me asking about 2015,” says Meck. “People took the time to fill out their conference evaluation forms very thoughtfully, and most said: ‘let’s do this again, only bigger and better.’”

As Meck explains, the 2014 event consisted of an evening reception and a one-day conference. For 2015, the Advancing Women Conference in Calgary will begin on the afternoon of April 6 and then run the full day of April 7. Holding the event at the larger Hyatt Regency will allow more people to take part and make it easier to move around and meet people. The event’s networking possibilities will also be enhanced by a banquet on April 6. As in 2014, the 2015 Advancing Women: Life Skills for Leadership – Women in Ag Conference will feature a first-class faculty of speakers. These will include Alanna Koch, Saskatchewan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture; Courtenay Wolfe, former President and CEO of Salida Capital and Gwen Paddock, Royal Bank’s National Manager of Agribusiness, Client and Business Strategy. Speakers for the 2015 program are listed on the website at advancingwomenconference.ca Details on the Advancing Women Conference to be held in Toronto in 2015 will be announced in the coming months. For Meck and the team at IMCI, doubling the footprint of the Advancing Women Conference

Allison Fish of

Doug Tarry Homes My career with Doug Tarry Homes began just under a year ago. As a New Home Sales Consultant, I am honoured to be able to walk New Home Buyers through our award winning plans, find the most suitable design for them, and share the great features and benefits our Energy Star homes have to offer! Having a young family myself, I am honoured to watch families just like yours move into a safe home that offers outstanding quality and comfort for many years to come. Please visit me at the Edenbrook Model home at 1 Cider Mill Lane in Orchard Park, St Thomas to experience the Doug Tarry difference yourself! Regular model home hours are Wed-Fri: 11:00am5:00pm and Sat–Sun: 12:00pm-4:00pm.

Allison Fish

519-637-0035, allison@dougtarryhomes.com www.dougtarryhomes.com September, 2014

and moving cross-country is a challenge to be savored. “At the conference in April, so many young women told me that the experience had changed the way they thought about their future,” says Meck. “With all the support, mentoring and inspiration they saw around them, they knew that agriculture was the right place for them. I couldn’t ask for more.” The Calgary edition of the 2015 Advancing Women: Life Skills for Leadership – Women in Ag Conference will take place on April 6 and 7, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. For more information and to register, visit advancingwomenconference.com or call IMCI at 403-686-8407.

The Red Canoe

When the universe comes knocking on your door to write a Trilogy, you say, “What?” and in my case, I said “Yes.”

The first book in the Trilogy, The Red Canoe - Adventures Of The Heart, is Gail McNaughton due to go to print. The rest will follow. These are fantasy books and include paintings by wildlife artists, Paul Schleusner (now deceased), and Tom Spatafore. Also included are photos, my doodle art, poetry, stories and some offerings by guest writers. These books will appeal to those who love to canoe, are would-be canoeists & boaters, enjoy cottage life, are nature lovers or enjoy art from the heart. To add further value, there is a section in one book on paintings on birchbark and in another a photo-shoot story of the Frog King & Queenie.

Watch for the Trilogy at: www.GailMcNaughton.com

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Women in Business

Elgin Business Women’s Network (EBWN)

The benefits of being a member of EBWN Adapted from the Elgin Business Women’s Network website Elgin Business Women’s Network supports all women regardless whether they are in business for themselves, are part of a corporate business or not-for-profit, are retired, just want some friends or are in between careers. The organization offers the following benefits to the women who are members: • Support from dynamic business women. • Website listing including photo. • Event scheduling on-line. • Low membership fees. • Business spotlight opportunities.

• Exposure on social media - Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. • Access to post content to the EBWN Blog. • Networking and business promotion at monthly meetings which are varied including member presentations, guest speakers, special events, success meetings, trade-shows, education and training. • Ability to showcase at business events. • Leadership and volunteer opportunities. • Through EBWN’s membership with the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, access to any of their events. • Support from Website Administrator and Administration Team.

Dr. Sandra Lee, D.C., R.Ac., CKTP

• An Elgin County exclusive community website that provides unlimited, affordable ($20 monthly) online advertising for businesses in one central online location. Free listings of community events, garage sales, dinner specials etc... • My independent avenue choice as a result of the automotive slide. • I am moved to encourage and help other Entrepreneurs become independently successful by bringing community awareness to local businesses and inspiring consumers to shop locally. Website Administrator/Board Member for the EBWN and HBBA Chamber of Commerce Member

519-633-1444

519-631-9225

170 Wellington Street St. Thomas, On www.carechiro.ca

Kathy Kewley of Century 21

“A Name You Know...A Name You Can Trust” Kathy Kewley began her real estate career in 1978 and over the years has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful and most trusted realtors in London, St. Thomas marketplace. Kathy has been a perennial Award Winner for Outstanding Production and in 2012-2013 earned the prestigious Centurion Award which positions her in the top 7.3% of Century Realtors in Canada. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, Kathy would appreciate the opportunity to apply for the job

NETWORK REALTY LTD. Brokerage®

September, 2014

Kathy Kewley, Award Winning Realtor 519-851-7535 www.kathykewley.com

Membership fees help to cover web development costs and put into a secure member account to assist with membership promotional events and activities. To join complete the Membership Application at ebwn.ca. In joining the EBWN, a company is allowed to have two representatives. EBWN must be made aware of the names of the two individuals. EBWN must be made aware if the names of those individuals change. If you are an Independent Distributor or Real Estate Agent, or something similar, but working for the same company, there is a membership fee per person.

Kim Davis of InsideElgin.ca

• Chiropractor • Acupuncturist • Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner Treating: • Sports Injuries • Car Accident injuries • Muscle, ligament & joint Sprains and Strains • Sinus, allergies and lung issues and symptoms • Stress management including depressive and anxiety symptoms • Women’s health issues including menopausal symptoms and fertility assistance

• Organized and Credible Network that has been on-going since 1997.

www.insideelgin.ca contact@insideelgin.ca

Jacqueline De Leebeeck of Dynamic Edge

Jacqueline De Leebeeck, Lead Consultant

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Dynamic Edge specializes in large and small group facilitation that will engage employees to: • open communication bottom to top • help to develop initiatives with buy-in where it matters • develop leadership capacity at all levels • improve retention and productivity We can work with you to assess current realities, develop a plan to succeed, and recommend and facilitate an implementation processes that fits your culture and context. Our philosophy is simple – people focused.

519-631-2406

www.peoplefocusedconsulting.ca 25

Women in Business

Elgin Business Women’s Network (EBWN)

EBWN grew rapidly from 2009 to 2011 List is compiled and updated by Susan Fortin-Smith. PR/Advertising is done by Linda Crawford with Susan FortinIn 2009, the Elgin Business Women’s Network Smith’s assistance when needed. Admin joined the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Meeting Minutes is the responsibility of Commerce, and in 2010 we joined the Dutton Lori Wall who is also the East Elgin Rep, as Chamber. is Yvonne Brooks (who is not on the Admin In 2010, several things happened. Lori Wall and Team but is connected in this function as Linda Crawford joined the Admin Team which the West End Rep). had their first meeting on January 20, 2011. The Admin Team established DIVA awards that The Admin Team was very glad to receive new are decided upon by the Admin Team with no set members so that the roles could be divided. Mary criteria and so far have had Melissa Bishop and Pfeffer would continue as Treasurer. Gail Mc- Yvonne Brooks as Divas. Some policies and proNaughton will handle the Registration Table at cedures have been set up and documented. We meetings and call upon both Lori Wall and Mary had a news story done in the St. Thomas Weekly Pfeffer to help. She will also facilitate the Admin News by Heather Derks. We continue to support Meetings and prepare the agenda as well as con- Salvaide as our not-for-profit of choice helping tact new potential members who have questions women in El Salvador with entrepreneurial busior from leads generated off the website. Facilita- ness opportunities. Gail McNaughton submittion at monthly meetings will be handled by Anne ted the EBWN nomination for the St. Thomas Kenny, Susan Fortin-Smith and Gail McNaugh- Annual Honours program but we were not sucton. Facebook will be handled by Ann-Marie cessful as a recipient. We have had a variety of Cheung and Linda Crawford. Website will be different meetings including a Success Meeting, handled by Ann-Marie Cheung. The Membership Income Tax Tips, How to Use & Get the most our of our EBWN website, Tips for promoting of Events by Sharon, your business as a group discussion, summer soinvites you to the cial, Christmas event, th 5 Annual Mega One Stop Shopping Event Mix and Mingles, tours of member businesses, Sharon Lechner is a successful event planner in talks from members of Southwestern Ontario. Her business grew out of our own group, fundthe terrific experience she had previously, planning fundraising events for Red Cross and United Way. raising for FreshStart at some meetings, particiOn Saturday, October 18, 10am-3pm, at St. pation at the Business Anne’s Centre, Sharon is organizing the 5th annual Sample Show which is Mega One Stop Shopping Event, a gigantic vendor a St. Thomas & District event with free admission. A fashion show at noon Chamber event, Wedfeatures Magpie Shoes, Hepburn Monroe, Wind Sharon Lechner N Willow, Sherry’s Gifts and Jockey P2P featuring ding Acknowledgment Event Planner Varlerie Martens. as part of a meeting, new For more information, contact sharonlechner@rogers.com postcards done by AnnMarie Cheung as well as by Gail McNaughton Excerpted from ebwn.ca

Sharon Lechner

www.eventsbysharon.com

Ross stReet Agency

Lisa Jibson, MPA Owner and Chief Factotum

Ross Street Agency is a virtual assistant/executive support service business based in St. Thomas, ON serving businesses and residents across Canada. We offer a variety of services such as: executive virtual assistant, communications, human resource assistance, research, job search/career assistance, personal shopping, small business and home office organization, trip planning and event management, booking agent and many more. 25 years of executive support experience

www.rossstreetagency.com September, 2014

(226) 926-4969

bookmarks, our own show and tell events. We host meetings at a variety of venues including local restaurants, golf courses, and in homes. The annual Christmas event has been held a number of times in the home of Karen Huggett. Karen and her family live in a church so we all enjoyed their ceiling-high Christmas tree. Yvonne Ethier from Abbeywood Emporium had us in her store one year and her decorated store was outstanding and a real thrill as we tasted different products. Susan Fortin-Smith also opened her home to our group and pot lucks are our preferred venue. Summer fun took us to the home of Anne Kenny who lives in Aylmer and who can forget our Hat parade? We even attended Mackie’s On The Beach in Port Stanley, celebrating a 100-year milestone in business in 2011, and we ate lots of fries there. We’ve been known to dress up at meetings with themes and award prizes. The Admin Team, in particular, dressed as The Lime Green Beans at the Success Meeting and sang a song, and Gail McNaughton gave them each a doodle art as a thank you. We had a bonfire and tour at the farm of Pamela Anderson which was a nice casual atmosphere at Lavender Sense. The Arts & Cookery Bank was another highlight with members going by bus and entertained with games to play on the bus which were coordinated by Anne Kenny. Where there are women who come together, there will always be lots of fun. Who said professionals in business can’t have fun? These are special moments we share as colleagues and friends and April Laroche has diligently taken photos and supplied them to our EBWN website so we can all have Remember When’s.

Gail Dennis of Accounting With You

As a Qualified Accountant experienced in financial management, I have the ability to provide review, analysis and recommendations to my clients on a monthly basis. • Job Costing • Budget Analysis • Tax Planning • Cash Flows • Bookkeeping • Financial Reports • Income Tax Preparation for Business and Personal Are you aware of your insurance and retirement needs? As a Life Licensed Broker and Financial Planner, I can provide your financial plan and counsel you on your insurance and investment needs under an umbrella which provides creditor protection.

Prosperity Coach for Your Business and You

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Gail Dennis 226-236-2321 26

Women in Business

Elgin Business Women’s Network (EBWN)

Members of inclusive women’s organization help each other and have fun by Gail McNaughton Chair, EBWN

We are an “inclusive” group of women and not “exclusive.” Our group started as 5 women and now has 84. Our EBWN group appeals to women in home based and both small and large business, not-for-profit, government, those in transition and those who aspire to have a new business. We are members of both the St. Thomas & District and Aylmer Chambers of Commerce organizations. I joined the group because I was new to St. Thomas and wanted colleagues and friends and that was 17 years ago. I got inspiration, fellowship, education, information … par excellence ... and the opportunity to be a volunteer. Being the Chair for the EBWN has been an opportunity to grow our group size, and be part of a dynamic Admin. Team. We have worked through policies

and procedures, setting up a website, www.ebwn. ca and managing roles to cohesively plan and run the network on behalf of our members. Our monthly, evening meetings encourage networking using different venues and activities. We have dinner together, plus planned activities and speakers. We have two annual socials, participle in the Business Sample Show, and donate money from 50/50 draws to charitable organizations. We proudly placed stones in the Heritage Walkway at the Arts & Cookery Bank in West Lorne. I have seen businesses grow, partnering between businesses and positive encouragement to help others learn and grow. Friendships have developed, some women have been given Diva Awards and those who have retired stay on to mentor and encourage others. What more could you ask for? Oh yes, “Fun!” Gail McNaughton, Chair, Elgin Business Women’s Network

Marijean Amesmann, IBCLC of St.Thomas Breastfeeding Marijean, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the founder of St. Thomas Breastfeeding. Her services include: prenatal breastfeeding workshops, private consultations and free drop-in clinics. Marijean’s approach to breastfeeding support is based on the knowledge that is required for certification as a Registered Lactation Consultant, while lending compassion gained as a mother from nursing her own children. Marijean looks forward to connecting with families and community members through breastfeeding support and education.

Tara McCaulley of the Small Business Enterprise Centre As a business advisor at SBEC, Tara McCaulley is dedicated to helping small business owners succeed in today’s ever-changing economy. From start-up to expansion, Tara takes the time to get to know you and help you in determining your business goals. She provides relevant advice, with straightforward solutions and strategies, while equipping you with the tools and resources to help support decision making for your business. Tara McCaulley

SBECinnovation.ca

519-719-5764

www.stthomasbreastfeeding.ca

Jennifer Regular of Enlightened Wellness Energize your Soul and AwakenYour Healing Gifts!

Experience a renewed sense of self as we free your emotional attachments to build resilience and realign with your true purpose. Get a free guide to “Clear and Protect Your Energy” at www.enlightenedwellness.ca. In it, you will uncover energy leaks that drain you and discover ways to boost your vitality. Jennifer Regular, Multi-dimensional Healer and Author of “Embrace Your Power: A Healing Journal of Self- Discovery”.

Wendy Shattler of Annie Thingz With the desire to help everyone to become a furniture artist, what better way than to have everything in one store; thus, the birth of one stop shopping. We carry the best of the best, including American Paint Company chalk/clay/ mineral based paint and waxes, Canadian based Homestead House Milk Paint, the ever so beautiful Modern Masters Metallic and a wonderful selection of brushes for every task. Look for our new line of Reclaim by Caromal Colours, coming soon! 495 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

519-719-2131

info@enlightenedwellness.ca www.enlightenedwellness.ca September, 2014

Business Advisor

519.631.1680 x 4503 tmccaulley@sbecinnovation.ca

ELGIN THIS MONTH

519-207-5600

www.anniethingz.com 27

Homestyle Decorating

Need some décor colour? by Renée Carpenter

Colour can transform a room – whether it’s in small doses or bold strokes. And, you don’t have to lift a brush to do it! Vibrant window treatments, furnishings, and accessories are simple ways to add colour to your décor. Be confident with colour in your décor with smart tips and tricks. First, take your colour temperature. Colours are either warm or cool, depending on their undertones. Figure out where you land. Do you gravitate towards warm and cozy or cool and modern? Let colour breathe. The eye needs a place to rest. Embrace colour in your space without saturating it to bring about balance. Make all-important colour decisions IN your space where you will be living with the colour.

It will look completely different at home than in a showroom. Take samples home and live with them for a full day and night to see them in the different light that reflects throughout your room. Lamp light will look different from daylight, etc. A big bold painting brings serious flair and

...white plus colour is one of the coolest looks...

can instantly change the vibe of any space. Whether hung above a fireplace, sofa, or elsewhere in the room, a painting can create a focal point with impact and add both colour and dimension. Pick up a few of its colours in accessories, like pillows, to highlight the piece even more. Love or hate them, plants and miniature trees are making a comeback – but not the trailing philodendron in a macramé holder. Plants and trees are being put into living spaces by designers not just as an afterthought but as an intentional part of the design – fiddle leaf figs, succulents, lemon trees, air plants, hibiscus amaryllis, orchids, etc. I love fresh flowers for a temporary pop of colour, whether seasonal or direct colour source. Throw pillows are a simple way to add a splash of colour and comfort to any room. Mix and match patterns and solids to create a dynamic contrast. Combining colours that are direct opposites on the colour wheels intensifies their impact. White plus colour is one of the coolest looks and it never gets old, partly because it is so versatile, partly because it’s good clean design. Take a white box of a room and layer in the colour via rugs, pillows, throws, lamps, artwork and other accessories. It’s easy to switch out when you’re ready for a whole new look. Accent your room with furniture. Add a chair or ottoman in bold print to perk up a mellow layout. Take your time and find the pattern that you like best, holding up swatches against the walls and existing furniture. Look for a pattern that has colours used elsewhere in your room so that the new piece looks right at home. Dress up the floor. A large, colourful patterned rug really anchors a room and makes it more vibrant. You can base a whole design on one gorgeous rug – clear out the space, add in the rug, and in that single move, you’ve added colour, softness, and a palette to work from. Layer in neutral furniture, window treatments, and accessories to finish out the look. Window treatments provide a striking swath of colour and create a focal point for your room. Mount curtain panels on the wall, near the ceiling, with the bottoms brushing the floor for a dramatic, colourful look. Experiment with different patterns, colour combinations and treatment styles to find which style works best with your windows. Renée Carpenter owns Jennings Furniture & Design & Stage It With Jennings in St. Thomas.

September, 2014

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Dining & Entertainment Food & Wine

The don’ts and don’ts of alcohol advertising by Jamie Quai

This is a topic I’ve wanted to cover for several years now. Advertising is a daily reality of any business and in the wine, beer and spirits world is under quite a few restrictions. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the organization that oversees all alcohol acts, laws and regulations in this province has a comprehensive package with all of the details. It can be readily found online, and in this month’s article I am going to highlight a few rules of interest to the curious consumer. It is illegal to advertise or offer drink prices based on the purchase of other drinks. No ‘2nd drink is half off’ or ‘2 for 1 drinks’ are allowed. This is done for very obvious reasons. Licensees such as restaurants or bars cannot put themselves in a position where they promote drinking in large volumes. Licensees are also prohibited from advertising in a manner that is seen as promoting irresponsible consumption. That would include terms like: ‘happy hour,’ or ‘cheap drinks.’ When it comes to general advertising with a manufacturer (like a winery or brewery) advertising cannot promote any type of irresponsible or extended amount of consumption. This level of consumption is defined as having more than three drinks on one occasion. Alcohol advertising is allowed to promote a specific brand but it specifically prohibits promoting general consumption. ‘Drink Brand A wine’ is ok, but ‘Drink wine’ is not. Under the purview of no general advertising, a brand is prohibited from making any of the following types of claims: health benefits, curative benefits, alcohol as a stimulant or depressant, and alcohol as possessing dietetic benefits. There are exemptions if the claim is accepted as fact by recognized organizations such as Health Canada. It seems as if every week there is a new pro-wine or anti-wine study that discusses wine as part of a healthy lifestyle. As a consumer, it is interesting; as a winery owner, it

is off limits. While it is quite apparent that direct advertising to persons under the legal drinking age is a no-go, what most people may not realize is that all forms of indirect advertising are also unlawful. This includes all of the following: celebrity endorsements from individuals who are seen as role models for youth; using children’s songs or fictional children’s characters; scholarships for youth organizations; media that is frequented by youth; or advertisements placed in areas in which greater than half of the persons who are exposed to the ads are under the legal drinking age. A very practical example of this no alcohol advertising is at a youth music event where it is possible that the majority of the patrons are in fact the adults who are chaperoning. It is illegal to advertise alcohol in any way that associates drinking with any activity that involves motor vehicles, requires skill, or potential danger. The AGCO gives several examples of these activities including: racing, boating, working, studying, or child care. But wait, haven’t we all seen alcohol advertisements with a group of people living the good life, in the great outdoors, full of adventure and thrills? The answer is yes and no. Those activities can make an appearance in the ad provided: only spectators have the product while the activity is on, operators of motor vehicles enjoy the beverage chronologically after completing the activity, no advertisement shows both consumption and

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a motorized vehicle in motion, and no branding appears on vehicles used in competition. My final summary of the regulations involves a little list of several things that the alcohol advertising is not allowed to imply drinking will lead to (straight from the AGCO): “social, professional or personal success, athletic prowess, sexual prowess, opportunity or appeal, enjoyment of any activity, fulfilment of any goal, or resolution of social, physical or personal problems.” Next time you see an ad for an alcoholic product, I hope you see all the subtlety that goes into selling a brand without selling a brand as part of a lifestyle.

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LIFESTYLE Time On my Hands

Tales of a mediocre fisherman

The good ol’ boys show us how to do it right

Samaritan. “Or drop in for a beer.” That was the unwritten law of the lake, especially since most of John Hueston and I walked out on the public the cottages are accessible only by boat. You never dock to inspect Big Red, a rough old pontoon know when you might need help. Or a beer. The wives walked down the gravel road to anboat. Its American owners were very serious fishermen, John told me, and had been coming to the other dock with a phone, where our plight was lake for many summers. Their vehicle was parked overheard by the crew of Big Red – three good nearby – a twenty-year-old van with a plastic ol’ boys. Big ol’ boys. “We’ll take a look at y’all’s wind deflector, an American flag decal, and Ken- boat,” they promptly offered. Despite all efforts, the engine wouldn’t start, so tucky plates. the Americans gave us a lift We had no idea our lives would on Big Red, and promptly soon hook together. ...we were offered ice-cold beers. They While my eyes casually scanned shared their fishing stratethe deck, John’s went straight to bonding well gies, and showed off their their lures. What were they using? until then... on-board fish-cleaning staI am surprised by John’s interest tion, propane barbecue, and in fishing, since his leisure purthe hinged two-by-fours that suits tend toward the adrenalineflipped out from the boat’s charged and grueling. As for me, sides to hold extra trolling though I am quick to relax, fishing is one of the rods. The deck was covered with lawn chairs, and manly arts in which I do not excel. Barb and I were guests of our old Aylmer coolers for fillets and beer. This was a factory ship friends, John and Karen, at their cottage on a lake – a well-oiled machine for transferring pickerel just south of the French River. After spying on Big from lake bottom to stomach bottom. “If you ever need anything, you know where Red, we launched our boat from the dock, but the engine soon sputtered and died. A nearby boater we are,” John said in gratitude. “Or drop in for towed us back to the dock. “If you ever need any- a beer.” The next day John and I went fishing, but not thing, you know where we are,” John said to the by Duncan Watterworth

for pickerel. We portaged a canoe to a small bass lake, and cast our worms along the edges of the lily pads. We eventually had three big keepers for supper. None of them were mine. I did catch one that I thought was respectable, and John scooped it up with the landing net. Then he removed the hook, and gently released it into the lake before noticing me fumbling for a camera to record my trophy. We were bonding well until then. At suppertime, just as we were about to fry our bass, we looked down the lake and saw Big Red steaming straight toward the cottage. “Is there beer in the fridge?” John shouted, as we ran down to the water. Big Red circled just off the end of the dock, and declined an offer to tie up. One of the boys reached out and passed us a plastic bag full of pickerel fillets. “Just caught an hour ago,” he said. “We are going home tomorrow.” So we dined on bass, with a generous side of pickerel. Those boys were pros, and we’d happily share a lake with them anytime. Duncan Watterworth is a retired lawyer whose mind tends to wander.

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HealtHy living EvEryday HEaltH

There’s a lot of noise out there

wonder how many other noise stressors are profoundly affecting our lives. The obvious health consequence of noise expoA recent article highlighted noise as a health issue that most of us don’t think about. Noise is a sure is hearing loss. This is a condition called presstressor that has far more health effects than just bycusis. Due to loud music and a generally noisy hearing loss. The increased stress caused by noise environment, young people these days experience can increase workplace accident rates, stimulate a 2.5 times greater rate of hearing loss than previaggression, disturb sleep, cause changes in hor- ous generations. Hearing loss is often associated monal levels, contribute to hypertension, and with the natural process of aging, but there are even increase the risk of myocardial infarction studies comparing populations around the world that indicate that hearing loss is not an inevitable (heart attack). The potential impact on health from noise is part of the aging process but is actually the result disturbing and therefore warrants consideration of chronic exposure to moderate levels of environmental noise. for preventative measures. Sound is measured in decibels Think about a typical day. ...a rock concert (dB). In human terms the threshFor many, the day begins old of healthy hearing starts at 0 dB is only 10 dB with a start from the alarm, up to 120-140 dB, the threshold of waking us from healthful, less than the jet pain. A ticking watch is measured stress-relieving sleep. Inat approximately 20 dB, a typical engine... stantly, our heart rate and conversation is around 50-60 dB, blood pressure increase, a hairdryer or subway is approxiand there may even be a mately 100 dB, while a jet engine corresponding increase in cortisol levels (stress at approximately 100 feet away is measured at hormone). The rest of the day may be filled with loud mu- 130 dB. Interestingly, a rock concert at 120 dB sic, traffic noise, airplanes, hairdryers, vacuums, is only 10 dB less than the jet engine at 120 dB. Noise has also been associated with potentially machinery, crowds and the list goes on. When was the last time something like a refrigerator shutting serious cardiovascular health problems. The World off made you realize how noisy it actually was? Health Organization has concluded that there Did you take a deep breath, notice your shoul- is at least a weak correlation between long term ders relaxing and feel an overall sense of relief? I noise exposure, above 65-70 dB and hypertension by Dr. Greg Johnston B.H.K., B.Ed., D.C.

(high blood pressure). Studies have also found evidence that noise levels of 50 dB, equivalent to a moderate rainfall, at night may also increase the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) due to chronically elevated cortisol production. Sound need not be extremely loud to have adverse effects on health. Stress can be generated due to the annoyance associated with the sound, and this should be considered in regard to health affects as well. Some studies have examined the “annoyance level” of noise. Noise from neighbouring apartments or properties as well as within one’s own home can generate significant levels of irritation and noise stress. This can lead to increased incidences of depression, psychological disorders, migraines and emotional stress with all of the accompanying physiological responses that we have already addressed. Noisy neighbours may be more than just an annoyance; they may be actually adversely affecting your health. Our health is our most important resource in daily living. It’s a noisy world out there so take care to try to control and diminish the amount of noise that you are exposed to. Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor and partner in Family Health Options Treatment & Resources Centre in St.Thomas

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Associates INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED

Alvin Brown

1914 1917

The A.M. Brown Insurance Agency relocates to #2 Southwick St., St.Thomas

1961

Harold Jackson, cousin of Alvin Brown, joins the agency

Harold Jackson

1 1973 1987 19

George S. McLachlan Insurance is acquired, the brokerage name is changed to Reith & Associates Insurance Brokers Limited

19 1992 1994 19

Dan Reith Jr. joins the brokerage Darren Reith joins the brokerage The brokerage name is changed to Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited

Dan & Darren Reith assume 2000 Brothers 2 ownership with the passing of their father

TODAY TO

Darren Reith

Dan Reith Sr., son-in-law of Harold Jackson, joins the agency acquiring the practice and forming Reith & Jackson Insurance Agency Limited Harold Jackson retires, Jerry Beavis merges his practice forming Reith & Beavis Insurance Agency Limited

1999 Dan Reith Jr.

2014

The A.M. Brown Insurance Agency -Alvin Brown begins his practice in Shedden Ontario as a purveyor of Accident & Sickness policies to area farmers

196 62

Dan Reith Sr.

1914

Dan is the Principal Broker; leading the general insurance team. Darren leads the life insurance and investment services team. He is also a proud member of the Premium Association of Financial Professionals: The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)

The family business has changed since our founding. Yet the constant, is our dedication to providing an exceptional client experience with affordable solutions to protect the people and property that matter most to you.

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www.ReithAndAssociates.com

Reith &

A CENTURY OF SERVICE