Your Business. Your Community.
Volume 5, No. 12, August 2015
Inside:
• Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Pages 18 and 19
• Port Stanley this summer Pages 20 and 21
• Running A Successful Small Business Pages 22-27
Jim Waite World-class coach Cover story: Page 3
HELIX
TICKETS
n Pig HELIX, Mudmen, Dam Adv anced General Admission: $15 + tax tax the Door: $25 including General Admission at adv ance) VIP (Only available in VIP Single: $25 + tax VIP Table: $15 0 + tax
lix will heavy metal band He r on the Legendary Canadian l this summe tiva Fes rse Ho n Iro the headline main stage.
Friday ZED
AuTuMn HILL
CASO Station on Thursday from 5:30pm-9pm Enjoy unique samples created by chefs, wineries, and breweries that use local farms for their ingredients. Advanced tickets are $15 including entry, souvenir wine glass, entertainment, and five tasting coupons. Tickets at the door will be $15 without the tasting coupons which will be available for $1 each.
New
Midway
Buy a book of 35 tickets in advance for $40 and save, save, save!! Midway Hours: Thursday 4pm-11pm Friday 4pm-11pm saturday 11am-11pm *Special midnight madness price on Saturday 8pm-11pm*
sunday 11am-6pm
MuDMEn
es open at 4pm , Dave’s not Here – Gat ZED, Jukebox Heroes Adv anced General Admission: $5 + tax tax the Door: $10 including General Admission at e) anc adv VIP (Only available in VIP Single: $10 + tax VIP Table: $70 + tax
JukEBOX HErOEs
TICKETS
AuGusT 20-23, 2015
FESTIVAL HOURS
Las t Highw ay rat tlers, sar ah smith,
Dang AuTuMn HILL, Them – Gates open at 4pm Adv anced General Admission: $15 + tax tax the Door: $25 including General Admission at adv ance) VIP (Only available in VIP Single: $25 + tax VIP Table: $15 0 + tax
ed ed with a album releas Autumn Hill has return nd new single “Bl ame” which bra a rts. this summer, and the countr y radio cha is cur rently racing up
Fresh Fest
21st ANNUAL
TICKETS
of Led Zeppelin’s studio Recreating the sound tur ing the Led Zeppelin live cap o albums while als experience.
Saturday
eon – Gates open at 4pm
THEM DAnG rATTLErs
THuRSDAy 4Pm-11Pm FRIDAy 11Am-11Pm (mIDwAy HOuRS 4Pm-11Pm)
SATuRDAy 11Am-11Pm SunDAy 11Am-8Pm
Psychic Fair
Medieval Times
CASO Station on Friday and Saturday 11am-8pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Get a reading from one of the many gifted readers with tarot cards or tea leaves! Free entry!
Roots, Brews
Take a trip back in time and experience demonstrations of fencing, armoured fighting, various arts and period dancing performed by the Society for Creative Anachronism.
& BBQ
Amateur and professional teams compete in a nationally sanctioned BBQ competition! Join us on Sunday to enjoy these BBQ dishes, our entertainment line-up, and some local craft beers and wines. Our entertainment includes Roots music such as The Stanley Brown Blues Band and The Rizdales! Advanced tickets are $15 including entry, entertainment, and sample tickets. Tickets at the door will be $15 without sample tickets, which will be available for $1 each.
United Way Hand Car Races
Create a fun team of four pumpers plus one pusher to compete in united way’s hand car races! On Saturday and Sunday, come and compete in a 150 metre return trip on the rail tracks! Each member pledges $20 to united way to participate!
PARKING is FREE!
Medieval Demonstrations – Thursday 4pm to 10pm
Battle re-enactment – saturday 11am to 10pm Join us for a historical re-enactment with The King’s Company! There will be two units in the portrayal of the war of 1812 – the 10th Royal Veterans from Britain and their American counterpart, the 17th u.S. Infantry.
Location
The Festival will be held at Railway Park between the CASO Station (750 Talbot St) and the Elgin County Railway Museum (225 Wellington St).
ROSS STREET
Thursday
north Parking lot located at Ross and Talbot. South Parking lot located across from Timken Arena. no parking access in Starwood/VanPelts area.
A BIG THAnK yOu TO OuR SPOnSORS
August, 2015
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Local boy does really, really good by Terry Carroll
An outstanding athlete in two sports – golf and don’t care how much you know until they know working life on the railroad, then moved to the curling – and an accomplished school principal, how much you care. Once they know how much St. Thomas Times Journal for 25 years, rising to advertising manager, before he opened Jack Waite Jim Waite from St. Thomas has gone on to be- you care, you can get people to follow you.” Jim approaches every player based on that play- Appliances. Jack was a hardworking man who alcome a world-class coach. And while the term “world-class” sometimes gets thrown around a bit er’s individual needs. Some athletes respond to a ways took care of his customers. When Jim was 13 years old, Jack dropped him loosely, in Jim’s case, it happens to be right on the little tough love, and Jim is not afraid to show the off at St. Thomas Golf & Country Club money. His resume encompasses Nawith the understanding that he could golf tional Coach and Team Leader for 22 every day (and wouldn’t need to get anCanadian world curling teams (1993 other summer job) as long as he worked to 2015) as well as National and on the course as well. Without realizing Olympic curling coach for Canada, it at the time, Jim began his 10,000-hour including the following winners: apprenticeship by golfing 36 holes a day. Gold Medalists, Kevin Martin He applied the same dedication to curlTeam, Vancouver Olympics, 2010 ing, and went to the Brier with the St. Gold Medalists, Brad Gushue Team Thomas team in 1968. “In the sixties and Team, Turin, Italy, 2006 the seventies, St. Thomas consistently Silver Medalists, Kevin Martin had one of the top teams in Canada,” he Team, Salt Lake City, 2002 says. Silver Medalists, Mike Harris Team, In addition to his father, Jim gives full Nagano, Japan, 1998 credit to other strong coaches and inIn addition, Jim is the Head Coach fluencers in his life. Tom Pullen at St. of the University of Western OnThomas Golf & Country Club was a tario (UWO) golf team. His UWO very demanding coach when Jim started golf teams were OUA champions in to golf, and Tom coached 18 to 20 kids 2001, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Last (including Jim) who shot par back in the year, UWO was ranked the secondday. In addition to Tom, Jim cites Don best university golf program in Anderson, Don Gilbert, Bill Oliver and Canada. In June of this year, Jim was honoured with the UWO Jack Fairs National and Olympic Curling Coach for Canada, and Head Coach of Gerry Peckham as all influential in his personal and work life. the UWO Golf Team, Jim Waite Coaching Award of Merit at the PresiA strong personal and family life is very dent's Coaches Appreciation Dinner. important to Jim. He makes sure he sets He’s a motivational speaker, owner of Performax Coaching Inc., and a five-handicap golfer tough part of caring if that will bring out a per- aside time for his wife, Sue, his sons Chris and and five-time club champion at St. Thomas Golf sonal best. But the range of approaches is wide, David and his four grandchildren. Sue applied the principles espoused by both Jim and Country Club where he chaired the Ontario and some athletes need very little guidance. Jim is and Jack Waite when she opened Waite’s PrintWomen’s Amateur Golf Championship during its just as prepared to back away as needed. He’s a great admirer of Malcolm Gladwell’s ing. “She never let anything go out the door that 100th anniversary in July of this year. This list is a long way from the end of his accom- book, “Outliers: The Story of Success.” In the wasn’t perfect, and if there was a mistake, she alplishments, and there’s a lot of winning involved. book, Gladwell is famous for finding examples of ways made it right. Like my father, she treated the But one of the first things Jim has to say about so-called “overnight successes” who, before they customers really well, and they both developed a coaching is that his focus is never on winning. It’s reached their personal bests, put in over 10,000 loyal following out of that,” Jim says. In addition to his professional coaching, team on encouraging athletes to perform to their per- hours of practice. Jim Waite began putting in those kinds of hours leading and motivational speaking, Jim has always sonal best. “Any coach can learn the science of coaching. well before he became an “overnight success” done as much volunteering as he has time for in With the great coaches, the art is how to apply the himself as a principal and a coach. He grew up the St. Thomas area, including annual summer science to each individual, how to get the personal as a self-described “skinny little kid,” and while curling camps for kids. And when you see him at the Union golf course, best out of each player. If you’re an artist in that he gave basketball and football a shot, and played volleyball, he discovered early on that curling and you don’t see him putting on the airs you might respect, you will have winners.” associate with a world-class coach. He’s Jim Waite, He summarizes this art of motivating athletes in golf were his sports. He had several mentors, but reserves the greatest kidding around, having a good time with people a simple but powerful affirmation: “Your athletes praise for his father, Jack Waite, who started his he enjoys on a course that he’s always loved. Elgin This Month Manager Linda Axelson Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley Freelance Editor Terry Carroll
Regional Sales Manager Nelson Parreira 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 August, 2015
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INNES As I see It
The place of wounds (Part 1) by Jim Innes
Our wounded self shapes our lives in big ways. By wounded I mean bruised and hurt by circumstances (often out of our control). And going as far back as the womb and encompassing everything from genetic predisposition to abuse and hardship. Wounds are inevitable, though perhaps the more tragic ones are preventable. Wounds burrow deep into our marrow and deep into our sense of self. Every hurt leaves a scar … every hurt leaves a memory. Every hurt moulds our thoughts and attitudes and expectations. And consequently many choices we make and lifestyles we create arise from the pain of our wounds. In an attempt to satiate this pain, or foolishly attempt to cover it up, we might choose certain jobs and careers, or a particular life-partner or friend or community. Even our choices in clothing and vehicles and homes can be the result, in some way, of the wound(s) we carry inside. I must mention that some wounds are traumatic and lead to despondency and misfortune. We find those survivors on our streets, or filling our prisons, or separated in a hospital ward or managing life using some manner of medication. Saying that, and not wishing to deny such deep wounding, there is hope for each of us. We can make different choices that move beyond the effects of our wounds.
If you don’t like where you are in life, or if you want more from where you are in life or are in any way feeling empty, sad, angry, or confused (which most of are to some degree and at various points in our life), the only way out is through connecting to the wound and changing the thoughts, attitudes and expectations created by it. As a pastor I must add that, when we pray for healing, we do not pray for changed circumstance but pray to enter the wound that gives reason for the circumstance. It is only in healing from the inside that circumstance externally changes. And it is only entering this scary place of hurt that there is any hope for change. Any other renewal process fails. I will say more about this in part 2 (next month). Unfortunately wounds left unattended will continue to mould our lives … and not for the better. When wounds mould us we can become self-absorbed, seeing most everything and, quite possibly, most everyone, as a means to an end. This ‘end’ being the alleviation of our pain. It’s not that we consciously act in this egocentric manner, but our wounds are just that, wounds. And all wounds need a balm. Getting this balm can feel like the point of our lives and we seek it in the subtlest of ways. Sometimes this process is hidden even to us. We can become entwined in a complex set of circumstances that took years to build only to find that, though initially satisfying, it later turns
to a miserable and complicated mess. Ask anyone who has been married a few times, or has found his or her career less than expected (and needed), or the person who can’t stop crying or getting angry no matter how comforting and affirming their support system is. As I see it, we are all on a journey towards greater wholeness and health. Some choices enhance this. Some choices don’t. We do our best with what we know and the resources available to us. Wounds are not bad. They just are. And our wounds have their place in who we are and who we will become. Rumi tells us that wounds are “the place the light shines in.” However, apart from the good graces of God at work through our woundedness, leading us, we hope, to greater compassion and wisdom, unredeemed wounds can limit our potential. And In part 2 of this article I would like to share some ideas on how we might move beyond our wounds and to start living into choices that are more authentically ours, free of the trappings from our past. Jim Innes is a clinically trained therapist and a priest at St. Johns’ Anglican Church in St. Thomas. Learn more at jiminnes.ca.
Business This Month
Breaking down the financial barriers to legal assistance Every day somewhere in your circle of friends and colleagues, someone is dealing with a contract for a new job, people are having issues with landlords, or they've just had an accident. The one thing they all have in common – they need a lawyer. Basic math: Problem + lawyer = $$$$$ MONEY LegalShield provides an affordable monthly so-
lution to remove the financial barriers between you and the legal advice you need. LegalShield offers a low monthly membership fee which gives you the privilege of having 24/7 access to a team of lawyers in your home province to assist you with a wide variety of legal questions and issues. For more info please visit lisa.jibson.legalshieldassociate.com
Moving? Adding a new product line? Opening a new location? Local businesses are invited to submit up to 100 words about what’s new to terry@carrollgroup.ca by mid-month for consideration in the next month’s Business This Month feature in Elgin This Month.
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T: 519.644.2641 • F: 519.644.2640 www.farrowfinancial.ca • admin@farrowfinancial.ca 14107 Belmont Rd., Belmont, Ontario N0L 1B0
4
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Municipalities need to stop sending mixed messages by Serge Lavoie
How a community manages the perennial debate about taxes and community investment says a lot about how it will be perceived by its residents, its neighbours, its visitors and its potential investors. Actions are louder than words, so for every slogan or tag line – St. Thomas Proud or Progressive by Nature – people need to see with their own eyes and experience in their own lives the promises made by their community. Otherwise, it doesn’t feel real. Just like people, communities often send mixed signals. I got to thinking about that recently during the widespread reporting of an abandoned and derelict house on Kains Street in St. Thomas and the apparent inability of the city to hold the owner responsible for proper maintenance. Even though there are several properties around the city disintegrating before our eyes, none seem to have galvanized public frustration as much as this little heritage Ontario cottage. Citizens find it hard to accept that the municipality is powerless to act, as city officials and the mayor have been suggesting. How can a city promoting pride in itself also be helpless in the face of a handful of absentee property owners? The debate now is less about the scourge of absentee owners and more about the city’s perceived lack of action. People wonder whether the city is really using all the tools at its disposal, whether it really has the fortitude to challenge the rights of property owners when those property rights harm the city’s brand image and potential for community development. This seems like a classic case of mixed signals. A community truly interested in building its image would be expected to be a lot more assertive in protecting that image as well as the property values of the majority of its ratepayers. Property rights are negotiable and subject to restrictions based on the public good. That’s why we have official plans and by-laws. That’s why many people willingly sign restrictive covenants when moving into condos or gated communities. I think city officials would be surprised at how much public support there would be for a zero tolerance approach to derelict properties and their arguably deadbeat owners. Meanwhile, in West Elgin, there is a different kind of municipal mixed messaging developing. Elected officials recently decided that needed repairs to the Rodney Town Hall were too expensive and chose to remove current tenants and essentialAugust, 2015
ly abandon the heritage property. From a purely dollars and cents approach, this may make sense. The estimated $500,000 accumulated repair bill is a lot of money. Newer, more modern options exist for the tenants. The apparent contradiction comes from West Elgin’s adoption of a Community Improvement Plan to protect the heritage aspects of both Rodney and West Lorne town centres. It’s a solid plan, which recently won recognition from the St. Thomas Elgin Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario at its recent awards night. As the municipal plan rightly states, heritage preservation is “a key ingredient in the successful revitalization of historic downtown cores. Through heritage preservation, the unique or at least distinctive character of a downtown core becomes more apparent and the downtown core as a whole becomes of greater interest, particularly to visitors and tourists.” The plan identifies investments which could be made to main street properties and even proposes a program of municipal grants to encourage those investments. Yet when faced with the need to reinvest in one of its own heritage properties, the municipality argues that it’s not worth the effort. Given that mixed message, what is the likelihood of future heritage investments, public or private? It’s not all bad news however. In the east of the county, the Town of Aylmer has the slogan “Proud Heritage, Bright Future.” Talbot
Street in that community exhibits residential and commercial properties that are in good repair. A stroll down the main street is pleasant. You can clearly see where private property owners and the municipality have tacitly agreed that community investments pay off. I think the general public agrees. When people talk to me about their frustrations with fading downtowns and tired infrastructure, they almost always point to Aylmer as an example of how it should be. No doubt those investments came only after a lot of debate, cajoling, disagreements and bruised egos. Yet the casual observer sees only the outcome: a pleasant community, nice to visit, enticing to invest in. In community building, perceptions clearly matter. When partners work together, magic happens. Sometimes that magic is created with a carrot; other times with a stick.
Serge Lavoie has a 35-year career managing associations, most recently the Southwest Economic Alliance. He lives in St. Thomas.
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ELGIN THIS MONTH
5
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY FINANCIAL PLANNING
Choices and financial lessons Letter to 20-year-old me. by Stephanie Farrow
What if I hadn’t learned some critical financial lessons young as a result of my career in the financial industry? What if I had to make my way through this world not being educated in financial matters the way the vast majority of young adults do today? Here is the letter I would write to 20 year old me: Dear 20-year-old me, I know you want to live life, travel and spend like there is no tomorrow, but slow down a minute and listen to what I have to say. It’s boring I know, but you need to think about money now. Don’t throw it down the toilet. You will regret it later. Treat money as a tool to live life on your terms. It’s what buys you the chances to make the choices that YOU want to make. Pick a career you love and be smart with the money you make no matter how big or small your pay cheque is. Always, always, always save something. No excuses. Pay yourself first. Start now. As much as you can. Do not wait to save until one day when you have more money, because it won’t happen. You won’t ever feel like you do. You can’t see it but it IS easier to save more now. There will be years when saving is harder, much harder, if not nearly impossible. Save while you can, as much as you can. You have more money and freedom
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right now than you will have again for many years. Once you start having a family, things will change big time. Right now all you need to take care of is yourself, but in the future you will have little mouths to feed and your dollars won’t stretch the way you might imagine they will. Your income may not increase the way you imagine it will. You need to be prepared for the unexpected. Money makes money. So save and let it grow. Forget about it and live on a reduced pay cheque. Always live below your means when you have the choice. Now is the best time to start. It is a safeguard to your long term security. Working means trading your time for dollars. It is best to trade time for dollars as much as you can right now when you are young. There will come a time when that trade off won’t make sense to you anymore and you will want to work less. Work hard and save to buy yourself the freedom to make choices later on. You will open the door to options you can’t see right now. The choice to work less; the choice to continue to work but on your own terms; the choice to take time off to help your friends and family when needed; the choice to volunElgin County! teer more and donate more of your time and money for causes you are passionate about. You will thank yourself later when you have a mortgage, vehicles, home repairs, childcare expenses and little bodies that continue to outgrow shoes and clothes and toys among many other things. You will thank yourself later when you can trade
l e s s hours for dollars to spend time with them. To your children, time equals love, and you will want to spend it with them doing things you love to do together as much as possible. Beware of debt! It has a place but use it wisely. It can be a shadow lurking in the dark if you aren’t careful. Save for your indulgences. Save first, buy second. To take on debt means to pay far more for that item after interest. Save for your down payments. Make your down payments as big as possible and don’t bite off more than you can chew. You do not want to be a slave to your bills in future years. They rob you of your choices. You will want the freedom to choose. Financial stress is ranked high for couples and young families. You do not need that. Life will be harder if your choices are limited. So please, make the smart choice. Live on less than you can afford now. Do it. Save as much as you can, for as long as possible right now. It will improve your life in the future in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Love, Me in my 40s P.S. Share this with a young adult who could use it. Stephanie Farrow, B.A., C.F.P., is a Certified Financial Planner and co-owner of Farrow Financial Services Inc., in Belmont
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• SAFETY CHECKS • • ENGINE & TRANSMISSION • • AIR CONDITIONING • • BRAKE REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION •
ELGIN THIS MONTH
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Dining & Entertainment FOOD & WINE
Being green in the wine world: terminology by Jamie Quai
Hello wine lovers! After last month’s article on water use in the wine industry, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what wineries are doing to be better stewards of the environment. This month and next, we will talk about a few obvious and a few less obvious things about making ‘green’ wine. The ‘green’ terminology is important to the discussion. There are fundamentally five methods of farming grapes: Organics, Biodynamics, Sustainable, Conventional, or Industrial (also called Unsustainable). These terms do have several overlapping philosophies, but are distinct enough to be considered separately. Biodynamics, the original organic method, is based on a series of lectures by a philosopher named Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. The idea distills to treating a farm as a whole living organism. Proponents use soil, plant and compost preparations to harness the natural life energies of the system. Several of the practices may seem a little unusual to the neophyte, but there are some very profound rationales to the techniques. I use a Biodynamic calendar in my life to schedule tastings, and farming tasks. The main certifying body for Biodynamic farming is called Demeter. Any wine that is accredited will have that seal on the bottle. Organic farming is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts in consumers’ minds. Fundamentally, organic farmers have eschewed
synthetic products in the production of their produce crops with larger, more consistent yields. goods. An organic farmer will not use any man- Conventional farming is a huge part of the reamade chemicals to fight disease, or correct nutri- son that food is readily available for a growing tion balances. Organic farmers, like biodynamic global population. The relatively low cost of a farmers, will plant several different crops in rota- bottle of wine is the result of conventional techtion on the farm to diversify and to avoid mono- niques. Conventional farmers have the full arsenal cultures that are more susceptible to injury from of scientific and technological advances to make one pest. Organic farmers need to work, both their product more efficiently. I would also argue harder and more creatively, than their conven- that since the majority of farming involves retional counterparts. In the grape business, organ- ally tight financial margins, only the most foolish ics operate somewhat differently. Since grapes are farmer is treating grapes excessively. The rules and perennial plants, organics involve planting cover laws around treating grapes are also pretty comcrops to promote diversity and overall within the prehensive – no room to be reckless. Industrial farm. The core misunderstanding around organics grape growing is the fringe, or extreme, end of is that an organic bottle of wine means it hasn’t conventional farming. I labelled it as unsustainbeen sprayed at all. My professional experience able because it involves maximizing yield and is that because organic fungicides do not readily return using as many inputs as possible year in, stick to the plant – after a good rainfall (when the year out. Jug wines are cropped with the lowest chance for disease is prime) the chemical must be cost in mind. Irrigate for yields, fertilize to maxire-applied. Organic grape growers tend to actu- mize plants. Farmers are very aware of what their ally spray more chemical than their conventional vineyards are capable of, they just push it to their counterparts. The distinction is that what they biological limits using whatever is available. spray comes from a mine, not a laboratory. Organic wine is certified by several different regulatory bodies. Jamie Quai is head Sustainable farming takes concepts from orwinemaker at Quai ganic, biodymanic and conventional farming du Vin Estate Winery manuals. At the core of sustainability is the idea in Elgin County of balance between economics, environment and production. The production is sufficient to pay all the bills, and the process does no long-term harm to the farm. Do nothing deemed unnecessary. The biggest strike against sustainability is that there are no widely accepted bodies that define or certify sustainable. It’s a term ripe for misuse and abuse. Conventional or Industrial farming uses the science and technology advances of the September 13th, 10 am – 2 pm last two centuries to
2nd Annual Car “Show and Shine” (rain date September 20th)
“Gurr Auto Palooza is our way of giving back to our community, while having alot of fun too.” The first 50 cars get a commemorative dash plaque.
Large selection of Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Come in and choose one today or visit our website
www.bridgeviewstthomas.ca
1207 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-633-0240 August, 2015
Free face painting and temporary tattoos Live Music - John Milles Band BBQ and Door Prizes
The Entrance fee is a donation to the St. Thomas Caring Cupboard. Please help us reach this year’s goal of 500 lbs of food items!
John Gurr Owner
HOURS: 8 Duckworth Ave., St. Thomas Mon.– Fri. 7:30 am – 6 pm Sat. 8 am – noon 519-637-9861 Like us on Facebook | Visit www.gurrauto.com ELGIN THIS MONTH
7
Dining & Entertainment Tourism
The Savour Elgin passport – A culinary journey by Katherine Thompson
Summer is truly a time when Elgin County’s agricultural bounty is evident. From tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet corn to raspberries, peaches and cherries, the variety of fresh produce available is astounding. It is the perfect time of year to browse farmers’ markets in search of the ripest, most delicious fruits and vegetables, learn the secrets of winemaking at one of Elgin’s wineries, and finish off the day with a relaxing and hearty meal at one of the area’s fine dining establishments. In celebration of local food, Elgin County is pleased to announce the first annual Savour Elgin Passport Tour, a culinary adventure for tourists and locals alike. The passport encourages people to hit the road with friends and family to passport stops across the County. At each location, participants will get their passports stamped for a chance to win a weekend getaway in Elgin County. Participants must visit at least four locations to be entered into the draw. Elgin County encourages participants to take photos along the way and use the hashtag #savourpassport to record their journey. “The passport encourages people to get out and enjoy Elgin County’s quality culinary attractions while offering them the chance to win a great Elgin County getaway,” said Tourism Services Coordinator Lindsey Duncan. “Whether you are a visitor to the area or a local, a getaway to one of Elgin’s tranquil inns or B&Bs is a relaxing and welcome escape from the pressures of daily life.” Passports can be picked up and dropped off at any Savour Elgin location or at the Elgin County Tourism office at 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas until February of 2016. For more information visit www.savourelgin.ca and click on events. Katherine Thompson is Marketing & Communications Coordinator with The County of Elgin
www.teleticom.com
1-888-537-5335
33 rd Annual St. Thomas Fire Muster Days September 5 th & 6 th at Pinafore Park
MOBILE FRIENDLY WEB DESIGN
LOOK OOK AS
NDOR VE tuNItIE R s pO Op VAIL ABLE A
GOOD
HERE
F ir e F ig hter Compet it io n s
GAMES • ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD New This Year...
Enter a team Movie in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 5 . of 5 into the Bring the kids for the day and stay after Fire Muster Competitions dark for a Family Movie! th
ADMISSION IS FREE! For more information call 519-631-0210 or email stthomasfiremuster@gmail.com www.facebook.com/FireMusterDays
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• August 2015 •
July’s Business After 5 included a Spin-To-Win game staffed by Petrusia Hontar of the St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership. The wheel rotated through questions about local immigration. Good answers earned good prizes.
Business After 5 Wed. Aug. 26 Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m., Prize draws and remarks start at 6:15 Sponsor: St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation Site: Rooftop patio area, adjacent to The Atrium at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, 189 Elm Street. Follow the signs on arrival. Together with our sponsor, we are extending a special invitation to Members of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce to attend this event. Please join us for your favourite refreshments, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and an exceptional opportunity to see and learn more about OUR hospital and the multi-million renovation & expansion project underway now.
Business Beat Table of Contents Succeed in biz ........... Page 10 Enterprise Elgin ......... Page 11 Electric RC ................. Page 12 Sample Show............. Page 13 Camping tips............. Page 14 First Data .................. Page 15 New Members........... Page 16 August, 2015
Ontario PC Leader to address Chamber The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce will host Patrick Brown, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, in a breakfast meeting on Tuesday August 25. Our event will be held at St. Thomas Elgin Regional Campus of Fanshawe College, and includes New Ontario PC Leader a hot breakfast bufPatrick Brown fet. An open question-and-answer session will follow remarks by our keynote speaker. The event will begin with doors open at 7:30 a.m., breakfast service at 7:50 a.m., and remarks from the podium beginning at 8:15 a.m. The program will be completed by 9:00 a.m. Patrick Brown was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario on May 9 this year. Our event on August 25 will mark the first time he has addressed Members of the St. Thomas & District Chamber. His remarks will focus on his key platforms for business in Ontario. About Patrick Brown Patrick was first elected to City Council in Barrie in 2000 and re-elected in 2003. In 2006 he challenged an incumbent Liberal cabinet minister in the federal election and became the Member of Parliament for Barrie. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011, each time increasing his share of the vote. In 2011, Patrick was named Chair of the GTA and Central Ontario Caucus. This role allowed him to grow strong relationships with business and community leaders across Ontario. He was also Chairman of the Canada-India Parliamentary As-
sociation and has made 15 trips to India, building relations with one “our event … includes a of the world’s fastesthot buffet breakfast” growing economies. As a marathon runner and an avid hockey and tennis player, Patrick has combined his passion for sports and public service to make Canada and Ontario a better place to live and work. Patrick’s dedication to enhancing health care access has seen him raise nearly $2 million for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and a number of other causes. Tickets for our event with Patrick Brown are by advance sale only from the St. Thomas & District Chamber office. General admission is $25 plus HST, Chamber Members price is $20 plus HST. To order, call the Chamber at 519-631-1981, visit our office in the EBRC at 300 South Edgeware Road, or connect via email at: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca
CCHC Executive Director Judith Wiley and the Chamber’s Kylie Lechner applaud a prize draw winner at July’s Business After 5. Central Community Health Centre was our main event sponsor last month.
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Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members
Ten things a modern entrepreneur needs to build an empire(or at least make a decent living) The Chamber of Commerce network – locally, provincially and nationally – gives us incredibly strong opportunities to connect and share. This article is a perfect example of sharing excellence, and comes to us from Microsoft Canada, a proud Member of the Chamber of Commerce network through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to build a new career or a veteran employee intent on changing one, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a lot more than you might think. Informed by our experience with start-ups, here’s a fun list of “must-haves” to make the entrepreneurial way of life a little easier to predict—and embrace. 1. A love of learning With few (if any) other human resources to rely on, today’s successful entrepreneur must wear all kinds of hats. Get ready to take on everything from business administration and taxes to marketing and tech. You’re going to spend a lot of time doing stuff that’s outside of your core set of skills, talents and interests. Your best bet? Find great business mentors and ask them to coach you! 2. A Zen-like attitude Deals fizzle out. Suppliers mess up. Clients demand too much. The modern entrepreneur must contend with a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows,
sometimes in the same day! Try to maintain a calm, patient and hopeful mindset focused on what you can do in the moment and accepting what (and who) you cannot control. You may even want to try meditation. 3. A ferocious work ethic A great work ethic is the one thing all successful business people share in common. Talent and a brilliant vision will take you places, but only if you’re prepared to put in the hours. Start your days early (before the emails and phone calls start to come in) and you’ll see a boost in productivity and open up more time for networking, marketing and other strategic activities. 4. A modern tech mix At Microsoft, we firmly believe that technology should work for you (not the other way around), and that it can make or break a business. A modern tech mix — such as a Microsoft phone, Surface tablet and Office 365 — allows you to create, communicate and collaborate from almost anywhere, securely. And the best part is that new software and hardware have never been more affordable! 5. A network of allies No matter how multitalented or smart, you’re going to need help with some areas of your business. To help you stay efficient and avoid problems, ask your mentors (see #1) to refer great service-providers. A faithful bookkeeper, for example, will keep your finances in order. A business lawyer will help you vet contracts. Don’t do it alone: Build a network of useful allies who you can count on. 6. A schmoozing capacity Business is all about building and maintaining relationships with people. Attending industry events, joining the Chamber and doing lunches and dinners may not come to you naturally, but they’re hugely valuable opportunities to make contacts and strengthen bonds. Fortune
favours the bold – so get out there, talk to people, promote your business and have some fun in the process! 7. A belief in marketing Does the best product or service win? Not without the help of marketing! Consistently spreading the word about your business through marketing and PR will help you win new clients, make current clients more loyal and attract great people and partnerships. A communications consultant or a small agency will be able to help you advertise your company, even on a shoestring budget. Shop around! 8. A polished look Appearances matter a lot in business, so making sure that you dress the part and have polished materials — such as a website, business cards, a credentials presentation and email signatures — will help you look more credible. You can create your own or take advantage of pre-existing templates, such as the ones available with Office 365, to help you achieve professional-looking results. 9. An appetite for news Successful entrepreneurs stay on top of trends, developments and announcements in their industry — and those of their clients. Read magazines and blogs. Follow groups and people in social networks. Subscribe to e-newsletters. Use the news as a good excuse to reach out to people and make new contacts. Being in the know helps you make better decisions and looks impressive, too. 10. A positive mindset Come what may, a successful entrepreneur must find the determination to stay inspired and believe in a positive outcome. So feed your soul with whatever inspires you — things like music, films, books, quotations, sports or games — and try to manage stress by making time for fun. Above all, feel good and embrace the experience: You’re pursuing your dream and that’s what life is about! This information has been provided courtesy of Microsoft Canada, a proud CCC member.Microsoft – helping businesses sharpen their competitive edge. For more resources, visit https://www.microsoft. com/en-ca/business/
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 Warren Allen
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St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2015 Board of Directors Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Vice-Chair: Dan Kelly, CPA, CGA Dowler-Karn Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Director: Sean Dyke St. Thomas Economic Development Corp. Director: Robert Furneaux Gorman-Rupp of Canada Ltd. Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Kevin Jackson Elgin Business Resource Centre Director: Jeff Kohler City of St. Thomas Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Rob Mise myFM Radio 94.1
10
Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members
Pitching in for business growth The County of Elgin and the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) are proud to announce the launch of “Enterprise Elgin”. Enterprise Elgin is a new business plan competition designed to foster business development in the County of Elgin through new business initiatives as well as business expansions. Contestants may submit business ideas in any field, including services, manufacturing, distribution, health care, Internet, consumer products, retail, technology, and other fields of commercial endeavor. Every submission will be reviewed by their selection committee and the top 5 With June 30 marking the half-way point for 2015 on the map of city submissions asked to presBuilding Permits, a first glance look suggests activity in St. Thomas is ent in the final round of taking a giant leap forward. the competition in a speThe city issued permits for construction valued at $85.1 million in cial event during National the first half, compared with $17.1 million in the first half of last year. Small Business Week on That’s an incredible leap of $68 million, or roughly 500%. Thursday, October 22. Numbers don’t lie, but it’s important to know the latest report includes The winning contestant an entry that doesn’t happen regularly; the $62 million Building Permit will be awarded a prize for “The Great Expansion” at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. package worth thousands Special multi-million permit aside, the year-over-year numbers are still of dollars! It includes cash nicely improved over 2014. Permits for construction of 84 new singleand in-kind business serfamily houses are on the books, up from 60 in the same time period last vices designed to take the year. Construction of other types of dwellings is also on the rise boostwinning entry to the next ing the total count of new homes to 96 compared with 68 in 2014. The level. total number of Building Permits issued by City Hall to June 30 was The Enterprise Elgin 239 compared with 227 in 2014. Competition is directed at for-profit businesses including start-ups as well as expansions of existing companies. Contestants in this competition must agree Big Chamber THANKS to Workplace Safety & Prevention Services to locate the company’s Consultant Steve Zronik for sharing a superb online resource about principal place of business workplace health and safety. They call it a “Roadmap for Small Business” in Elgin County (outside city limits) at the time of and it’s filled with links and downloads. For any business or employer looking to improve workplace health & the award. Business Plans and/or safety, or ensure compliance with ever-changing laws and regulations, this website is the best one-stop site we have seen: http://wsps.ca/Small- Expansion Plans will be accepted by the organizBusiness-Centre/Roadmap-for-Small-Business.aspx
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ers from now to September 30, 2015. The top 5 entries will be invited to make a 15-minute presentation in the final round of the competition at the New Sarum Diner reception hall. A panel of judges from the Elgin County business & Economic Development community will evaluate the finalists’ presentations with the winner being announced at the conclusion of the event on Thursday October 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Submissions can be made through any local EBRC office in Aylmer, Dutton or St. Thomas. Staff at the Elgin Business Resource Centre are also willing to provide free assistance to any individual or business considering an entry in Enterprise Elgin. They can offer assistance in creating a business plan or provide a business plan template. For complete details, please contact the Elgin Business Resource Centre at 519-633-7597 or visit elginbusinessresourcecentre.com. Enterprise Elgin has been created by The County of Elgin and The Elgin Business Resource Centre. This initiative is made possible through sponsorship and support from these businesses are organizations: Elgin Innovation Centre Redding Designs Inc. Meridian Credit Union St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce
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Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members
Real estate goes electric numbers.” The paperwork no A short time ago, when I began longer provided to practise law, I was intrigued by for a witness the apparent formality of the pasignature, not perwork in the normal residential to mention a real estate transaction. An agreewitness affidament of purchase and sale was Monty Fordham vit. In reality, prepared by, and signed in the however, the presence of a licenced real estate agent. The sign- conduct of a real ing of all transfers and mortgages of property was estate transacdone in the presence of a lawyer or a law clerk in tion remained the lawyer’s office. All signatures were witnessed much the same, and the witness executed an affidavit verifying at least as far as the signatures and the identity of the parties. the review and Throughout the process was a recognition that all signing of docureal estate transactions were unique, and, as far as ments by the the client was concerned, none was merely rou- client was contine. cerned. It was critical that the identity of the client be con“aren’t we losing sight firmed and documents thoroughly reviewed with of something far more the lawyer. important?” With the introduction of electronic registration of real estate documents at the turn of the century, A number of years ago, the Land Registry Re- clients were required only to sign an “acknowlform Act introduced more streamlined documents edgement and direction” with respect to the acfor the transfer and mortgaging of real property, tual electronic transfer or charge, but, once again, including the concept of “property identifier this was done in the presence of a lawyer, licenced to register documents electronically. As well, the agreement of purchase and sale was prepared and signed as before. In 2000, the Electronic Commerce Act authorized the For a Small oFFice To a large FacTory signing of commercial contracts electroniSaFeTy meeTingS,lunch meeTingS or To cally. However, the rewardyour STaFF For a Job well done! Act specifically did not apply to contracts or documents in relation to real estate. On July 1, 2015, the Electronic Commerce Try our personal 2 slice,made fresh to order Act was amended (call ahead and we will have your slices ready to go) to allow real estate documents, including agreements of purchase and sale, transfer open at 11am and mortgage docueveryday ments to be signed electronically. The r live de we amendment has been welcomed by many in all day and night real estate sales, parwww.dominos.ca ticularly where offers and counter-offers go back and forth prior to reaching a binding agreement. Parties may opt for the oldfashioned pen and ink S a m o ST.Th T e e r T signature method if S T o 965 Talb they so choose. Some by Monty Fordham
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real estate lawyers have expressed concern over the potential for fraudulent transactions where parties may not be “signing” in the actual presence of a realtor or lawyer. Their point is well taken, but aren’t we losing sight of something far more important? At my firm, our clients don’t normally retain our services merely to watch them sign their names. A real estate purchase or sale, be it a home, farm or commercial property, is a major transaction. Each is unique in its level of complexity and sound legal advice and interpretation must not be sacrificed to expediency. The Electronic Commerce Act states that, “the legal requirement is satisfied only if in light of all the circumstances, including any relevant agreement, the purpose for which the document is created and the time the electronic signature is made, a) the electronic signature is reliable for the purpose of identifying the person; and b) the association of the electronic signature with the relevant electronic document is reliable.” At the time of writing there is no clear standard as to what is required to ensure reliability, and, for that matter, who is responsible to provide it. But what about corporations signing by authorized signatories? What about persons signing by power of attorney. Does the person have capacity? Is he or she of legal age? Are spousal consents required? And most importantly, do people understand what they are signing? My guess is that, until specific protocols are put into place, unless distance or other extenuating circumstances exist, lawyers will be sticking with pen, ink and paper, with the client directly in front of us, asking us the tough questions and, hopefully, receiving the sound advice for which they are paying. Lawyer Monty Fordham prepares this monthly column for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and our Members. 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
Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members
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 21 at St. Anne’s Centre. 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 2015 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. Here’s what the Chamber provides to all Exhibitors: • The Business Sample Show is open, and free of charge to attendees, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., plus our Exhibitor Power Hour from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Direct contact with our target market of over 400 – 600 attendees from B2B and B2C markets. • An 8 foot table (if required) in a 10’ x 10’ display space, either on the main floor of the hall or on the raised outer perimeter section of the building. Floor spaces $175. Upper perimeter $150. • Hydro hook ups for interactive displays are free but outlets must be requested prior to the
Show. There is a limited number available. • 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 $500 cash prize draw. • 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. The earlier you register as an exhibitor, the sooner we can promote your presence via our website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and here in Elgin This Month magazine. • Vendor Awards – $250 prizes for each: Most Creative Display and Most Interactive Display. • Exhibitor “Power Hour”. We feed and refresh all exhibitors with complimentary refreshments and pizza in the hour before the show opens to the public, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s also your chance to walk the floor and see the other displays. • Food for attendees. The Chamber will place four food exhibitors in the show; one in each corner of the hall to stimulate floor traffic. Each food exhibit provides free sample-size portions while the show is open.
Here’s what we need from Exhibitors: • Choose your space. $150 for perimeter or $175 for lower main floor. First come, first served. Members can visit the Chamber office to pick, or we can send a floor plan by email. • If you wish to be a PASSPORT location, let us know at time of booking. Add $25 to exhibitor fee. • Samples. As the name of the show implies, this event is focused on luring attendees with samples. Each exhibitor must agree to provide a minimum of 300 samples of a product or a promo giveaway. For exhibitors that are not offering samples, a cash contribution or door prize draw item valued at a minimum of $150 is required. All cash contributions by exhibitors will be used by the Chamber to purchase door prize draw items. • Confirm your sample item, or door prize contribution, no later than 3 weeks before the show to enable us to print lists and promote prizes in pre-show advertising. Now is the time to plan and act to be a part of the Chamber’s 2015 Business 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@stthomaschamber.on.ca
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Pro Text Events and News of Interest to our Members
Keep calm and go camping! avoid disappointment. Also, arriving early enough to set up at Ditch the devices and hit the road this summer. your site before it gets dark will Committing to a savings plan, a budget, an help get your set-up completed investment strategy and planning for retirement faster and the way you want it. doesn’t mean you have to give up this year’s fam2. Make a list ily vacation. In last month’s column, my colleague To ensure nothing is forgotten, and co-worker Jennifer Boone provided some in- it’s best to make lists of all the sight into safety and security around your home items you want to bring. Make and belongings when you get away from it all. note of important items like This month, I’m writing to suggest how you can games for the kids to play, fishmake that escape very affordable. ing rods (if fishing is allowed) Camping is one of the most fun and lowest- and, of course, corkscrews. Suncost ways to get away, relax and reconnect with screen and bug spray are also key. the family. Canada has an abundance of national By bringing everything you need, parks and campsites with a cost, on average, of you can avoid having to pay preabout $50 a night: much less than the cost of a mium prices for these items after hotel room. Here in Ontario, you can check fees you have left the city. and features in provincial parks very easily with 3. Check your gear a look at this website: www.ontarioparks.com. Before you hit the road, check all your gear and Camping also allows for a quiet, serene and Wi-Fi make sure it is in good condition and you have free zone to ensure you and your family can relax all the necessary parts. If you need to replace any without the need for electronic devices that fill equipment, see if you can borrow from friends or our everyday lives. look for used items to keep your costs down. Be Here are a few tips to ensure everyone is a happy sure to pack gear (in case it were to rain) such as camper when you hit the road this summer: umbrellas, tent rain cover, extra towels, ponchos 1. Plan ahead etc. Campgrounds require reservations and fill up 4. Safety First very quickly – booking your spot early helps to Be prepared for any emergency with a first aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, antihistamines and painkillers. Don’t forget to pack any personal medications too. It is also important to bring extra toiletries including toilet paper, toothpaste Credit Card (which is also good on Processing to Help bug bites) and aloe vera Drive Business in case of sunburns. Success 5. Keep the kids busy Cheap entertainment abounds in national Full Suite of Products Preferred Chamber Pricing parks and campsites. Go • Ecommerce for a hike or swim. Or • Wired & Wireless hold a scavenger hunt by Nikki Johnson
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for items like pine cones and shells, and then use these items for an arts and crafts activity. 6. The campsite rule Leave your site in better condition than you found it. Be sure to use existing trails and campsites, and dispose of all waste appropriately. Where fires are permitted, keep them small and ensure they are extinguished completely before you leave. With a little planning, your camping trip is sure to be a hit with the whole family. If you do find yourself without a campsite late in the year, the second-best option is to pitch a tent in the backyard and create your own campsite. Spending time and reconnecting with the family is a great way to become present, aware and able to better understand what your family will do should you or your spouse no longer be around. With this renewed sense of self and family, invest in the time after the camp-out to update your will, plus revise your investment strategy and financial plan, to ensure that when you are gone living in a tent isn’t the new norm for your family.
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August, 2015
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Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members
Limited time offer From now until September 30, the Chamber’s signed to drive business success. First Data is a Merchant Services program with First Data is of- leader in the electronic payment processing infering a guaranteed way to save some money, and dustry an opportunity to save an additional $1,000 or The first part of our good news is new, lower more. Chamber rates on processing. For example, VISA The offer we’re making exand MasterCard at 1.49% and tends to any business or orInterac debit at just 5 cents per ganization that is a Member transaction. Those rates apply to “new, lower Chamber all businesses and organizations of the St. Thomas & District Chamber. Together with the rates on processing” that are registered as Chamber Canadian Chamber of ComMembers. merce and First Data, we’re proud to offer credit The second part of our good news is a special, card processing services that are exclusive across limited time offer extended to all Members makthe entire Canadian Chamber network and de- ing a switch to the Chamber’s offer. Get a free
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The price of power On July 8, the St. Thomas & District Chamber joined with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, dozens of community Chambers across Ontario, a lengthy list of employers and a large group of provincial agencies and associations to release a major report on the cost of electricity in our province and the impact it has on businesses and jobs. The full report can be viewed and/or downloaded from the main page of the Chamber website at www.stthomaschamber.on.ca Some of the findings in our report, along with the recommendations we have tabled to the province and energy regulators, stem from work we have completed over the past year and input from our Members. We sincerely thank local businesses and organizations that acted on our requests through surveys and consultation. Never before in the history of the provincial Chamber network have we undertaken such an extensive project. We’re also thankful for the support and engagement of local media to share our work. Local coverage via the St. Thomas Times-Journal and myFM 94.1 was extensive, and got the attention of our colleagues in Toronto at the Ontario Chamber. Across the province, we saw several examples of support and agreement in dozens of other communities. One of the most notable for us
was in a National Post/Canadian Press newspaper article quoting the Mayor of the City of Windsor and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. He took the concerns we have on power, along with the extensive and growing list of issues made some good points.” originating with the Ontario government, diWindsor and Essex County recently lost two rectly to the Premier. bids for multibillion-dollar auto sector inThe Post article quotes Marchionne as telling vestments after Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover Premier Wynne, “I think you need to create the chose to build assembly plants in lower-cost conditions to be competitive,” as he sat with U.S. jurisdictions. her during a Windsor conference luncheon. He was also reported to state, “We’re fully aware of the fact that this proposal on pensions and cap and trade and all Wh be? this stuff … these are o ca nIu ume s e r se a a all things that add cost d l sar hou s efer g n to the running of operao ence l ow ? H tions, they don’t come What questions are typical in an inter view? for free.” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens joined MarWh at g chionne in expressing oes ngs? i t s in a o p and echoing Chamber b cove o j d r l et I fin concern on hydro costs ter? n a c e r e h and said “Marchionne W
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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 July 15, 2015. 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. Asphalt Graphix 10213 Iona Road Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0 Phone: 519-933-7970 Email: peggydesjardins@gmail.com Web: www.asphaltgrafix.com Contact: Peggy Desjardins, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Asphalt & Pavement Services, Property Maintenance Products & Services: Family owned and operated, Asphalt Graphix offers parking lot and driveway sealing, crack filling, plus they specialize in line painting and stencils. Asphalt Graphix
believes sealing your parking lot is one of the most important aspects of your pavement management plan. A properly sealed lot is protected from water, ice, oil, gas, ultraviolet rays and other corrosive elements that may leak from vehicles that are parked. Pavement cracks happen and can't be avoided. Asphalt Graphix can help you avoid costly repairs and premature pavement deterioration by fixing cracks and other minor problems as they occur. Many business and property owners underestimate the importance of a well-planned and marked parking lot beyond beautification while there are many benefits including brand and property enhancement, proper vehicle traffic flow, proper pedestrian traffic flow, clearly designated parking stalls, and safety & security. CIBC 440 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T7 Phone: 519-631-1280 Email: Krystal.Yorke@cibc.com Web: www.cibc.com Contacts: Krystal Yorke, Branch Manager; Cindy Baker, Financial Services; Don Beattie, Manager - Commercial Banking Buyers Guide Categories: Banks and Financial
Events by Sharon 523 Highview Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 6G3 Phone: 519-633-6202 Email: sharonlechner@rogers.com Website: www.eventsbysharon.com Contact: S haron Lec hner, O wner Buyers Guide Categories: Event Planning, Fundraising Products & Services: Sharon Lechner is founder and CEO of Events by Sharon. Events by Sharon services include creating, planning and promoting corporate events, grand openings, business launches, conferences, and a wide array of fundraising events. Sharon's goal is to provide a stress free and flawless event with the creative and unique features that you have requested. Events by Sharon believes each and every event should be a signature event, and Sharon proudly offers unique ideas to every event. Let Events by Sharon create an exciting event that your clients will be talking about long after it takes place. MVP Site Design 10213 Iona Road Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0 Phone: 519- 933-7970 Email: peggydesjardins@gmail.com Web: www.mvpsitedesign.com Contact: Peggy Desjardins, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Web Design Services Products & Services: Locally owned and operated, MVP Site Design provides everything you need for that all important website. MVP Site Design specializes in website and graphic design, marketing strategy, small business solution consulting, small business solution integration, and solution training.
Jennifer Boone EXT 225 or Crystal Underhill EXT 234
Dependable Cleaning from the Professionals you can Trust! Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate:
www.mollymaid.ca
(519) 637-3542 st.thomas@mollymaid.ca
August, 2015
Institutions, Financial Services, Investment Services, Mortgages Products & Services: CIBC or, more formally, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, has served Canadian clients coast-to-coast for over 130 years. CIBC offers an extensive list of services to business and personal clients and is a full-service financial institution. The Chamber is happy to welcome Krystal Yorke to our community as CIBC’s new Branch Manager.
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Service to All MAkeS Natural Gas and Dishwasher Hookups
4th Generation Business Since 1962 7 Hydro Road, St. Thomas ON www.mudgesappliances.com
519-633-0107
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Job Searching? Visit Employment Services Elgin!
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EmploymEnt
A detailed list of our programs, services and job postEmployment Services Elgin has a number of free re- ers program provides employment assistance services sources and support for people in their job search. This and employability improvement activities such as skills ing are available on our website, at www.employmentnot-for-profit agency funded through the provincial upgrading and work experience to unemployed work- serviceselgin.ca. Additionally, our Facebook page www. Employment Ontario Program assists people in finding ers 55 and older. The next session of this program starts facebook.com/EmploymentServicesElgin will keep you work through resources and information, employment in September so contact Employment Services Elgin informed of current job postings, workshops and job fairs. counselling, employment workshops and job place- for more information. Canada Ontario Job Grant Employment Services Elgin has two office locations. ments. A variety of programs at Employment Services The Canada Ontario Job Grant provides an opportu- The St. Thomas office (519-631-5470) at 400 Talbot Elgin assist both job seekers and the businesses looking nity for employers to invest in their workforce through Street is open Monday and Friday 8:30 am - 4:00pm for staff. government funding, to deliver short-term training to and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30am Employment Supports Employment counselling is a cornerstone service of new and existing employees. The Job Grant will provide – 6:00pm. The West Lorne office (519-768-0020) at the organization. If you are not employed or underem- direct financial support to individual employers who West Elgin Support Services is open Monday to Friday ployed, an employment counsellor can assist you. An wish to purchase training for their employees. Contact from 9:00am – 5:00pm. Call or visit one of our offices so we can help you with your employment needs. employment counsellor will begin with an assessment a job developer to find out more about this program. of your skills and experiences, work with you to build your resume and determine your next step. An employment counsellor can also provide information about different careers and occupations, local labour market data, job search strategies, employment and training opportunities, as well as information on other government Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, in programs such as Second Career or compartnership with the Elgin Business Resource munity services. Centre, congratulates these progressive We host a number of free workshops. organizations for their ongoing commitment • Foundations to Success (2 Day Workshop) to creating healthy work environments for the • Writing a Winning Resume (2 Day benefit of their employees, their community Workshop) and their bottom line. • Job Search Techniques that Work (2 Day Workshop) The Healthy Workplace Awards are • Cover Letters to Impress (3 Hour Workshop) presented annually to deserving • Ace the Interview (1 Day Workshop) organizations who have an active workplace • Re-Launch Program (Bi-weekly Suphealth, wellness and safety program. port and Networking for Job Seekers) St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital • Job Safety in the Workplace (Online) • Work Start Career Assessment (Length of Workshop Varies) Our Resource and Information areas at the St. Thomas and West Lorne offices offer a variety of resources for people looking for jobs. Computers with internet access, printers, photocopiers and fax machines are available at no cost. Staff are also available to provide on-the-spot advice and support. Our job postings are available in the offices and electronically, on-line. Employers may post to our job boards free of West Elgin Community GKN Sinter Metals – St.Thomas Ltd. Health Centre charge. For those clients successful in their job search, the employers may be eligible for photos supplied by Blackcat Concepts training incentives to help offset the cost of training new employees. Job developers To submit your company for the can determine eligibility for these incen2015 Healthy Workplace Awards tives. Call Health at Work 4 All! Summer Job Services Through our Summer Jobs Service proat 519-631-9900 or e-mail gram, we subsidize student’s wages. We healthyworkplaces@elginhealth.on.ca currently have close to 960 students registered and 84 companies receiving subELGIN 1230 Talbot Street, sidy. Students can also receive information BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE A Community Futures Development Corporation St. Thomas, ON about resumes, cover letters and job search 300 South Edgeware Road, St. Thomas, ON strategies. 519-631-9900 519-633-7597 Targeted Initiative for Older Workers www.elginhealth.on.ca www.elginbusinessresourcecentre.com The Targeted Initiative for Older Work-
2014 Healthy Workplace Awards Gold Award Winner
Silver Award Winners
August, 2015
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Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce
Save on your business energy bill by Tim Collins & Jennifer Start Erie Thames Powerlines
Every time you open your utility bill it feels like the number on the bottom gets larger by the month. Sometimes the feeling is there is nothing you can do about it but grit your teeth and write the cheque to the utility company. However, there is good news! There are solutions to help elevate that pain when you are writing that cheque. Many solutions are inexpensive to implement and others have utility incentives that will help make that decision easy to make. Heating and Cooling A significant portion of your energy consumption comes from heating and cooling. Some minor changes could save your hard earned dollars. Programmable Thermostat Cost = $ (relatively inexpensive) Is your business closed on the weekend? Do you have employees in the building in the evening? Do you need to start cooling at 10am? Could it be pushed back to 11am? Think about how your business operates and program your system accordingly. Energy efficient roof top unit Cost = $$ (Capital Investment with utility incentive) Take advantage of your utilities Save on Energy program and replace your old inefficient rooftop AC unit with a high efficient unit. This option does come with an initial capital investment, but you will be happy you did when you see your utility bill decrease. Lighting Lighting your business will also have an impact on your utility bill. If you haven’t thought about changing out those old lights, why not? Lighting is one of the easiest measures to control when it comes to energy consumption. Occupancy Sensors
Cost = $ (relatively inexpensive) When you are not in a room does the light need to be on? Occupancy sensors are a great way of ensuring someone doesn’t forget to turn the light off. Lighting Retrofit Cost = 0 to $ or $$ Do you have incandescent or T12 florescent lights in your business? You have no idea what you have installed? Don’t worry your local utility can help point you in the right direction. You may be eligible for $1500 of free lighting upgrades through the small business lighting program. The Save on Energy program also offers great incentives to retrofit to new CFL or LED lighting. Put lighting into perspective A standard T12 fixture uses approx. 170W (including ballast and 4 lamps) of electricity. Converting to a T8 lamp uses approx. 112W. Assume you have 10 fixtures and you operate those lights 12hrs a day 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Using mid peak rates of $0.121 kwh the T12 will cost you $650/year to operate. The T8 lamps will cost you $422/year to operate, providing the business with a 35% savings. Whether you are an Erie Thames Powerlines, Hydro One, or Saint Thomas Energy customer, your local utility is available to help you with your energy needs. Each utility has dedicated staff for energy conservation and would be happy to discuss what solutions will work best for you and your business. To learn more about what programs exist and the available incentives please visit saveonenergy.ca or call your local utility and ask for the conservation department.
Beautiful flowers in downtown Aylmer
Now! Local community news every day. Plus much more!
Integrated Grain Processors Co-operative Inc.
IGPC Ethanol Inc.
IGPC Ethanol Inc. 89 Progress Drive, Aylmer, On. 519-765-2575 1-866-211-0435 www.igpc.ca
August, 2015
www.theweeklynews.ca ELGIN THIS MONTH
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Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce
The garden walkway behind the Old Town Hall
We are looking for your nomination!
The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for your nomination for the Community Spirit Award presented by the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Meridian Credit Union. We would like to publicly recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals that demonstrate their passion for the business community. Here is your opportunity to recognize 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 our area a better place to live, work and play. How to nominate – it’s simple! 1. Check out our membership directory to ensure they are a member. 2. Simply email the Chamber office before August 28 with the nominated business / organization / individual's name along with a few short sentences about why you believe they should receive the award. Big or small, everyone gives back! Here is the opportunity to recognize them for their contribution! Thank you for your continued support.
Call for Board Members
Are you or someone on your team looking to raise their profile in the business community or become more active? The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for passionately driven and community-focused Board Members. Please speak with Tony Holcombe at Aylmer Glass & Mirror or Nicole at the Chamber office. The time commitment is small, but the value is rewarding!
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August, 2015
The retro look of one of Aylmer’s classic signs
Serving the Needs of the Community since 1946. Julie Hill LeClair is a 3rd generation pharmacist practicing at Hills, granddaughter of Godfrey and daughter of Tom.A recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy. She also has a Masters of Science from University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa. She lives with her husband Derek and daughter Celia in Aylmer.
Julie Hill LeClair
Two Great Locations to Serve You!
HILLS DOWNTOWN
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Port Stanley Roll out those lazy, crazy, hazy days of Port Port Stanley has a reputation for its fishing boats, its sailing and pleasure crafts and the joys the downtown, the harbour and the beach offer. It’s a change of pace including theatre, art galleries and artists, music, dining, accommodations, cottages, homes and, of course, Main Beach and Little Beach. The village has the only beach on Lake Erie with a Blue Flag Beach designation, an exclusive eco-label given to only qualifying beaches and marinas meeting certain environmental criteria across Europe, South Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. For outstanding theatre, check out Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Its performance of The Drawer Boy runs August 5 to August 22. Complete summer theatre schedule is at portstanleytheatre.ca. D u r i n g 2015 Har-
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222 Colborne Street, Port Stanley 519-782-3324 August, 2015
bourfest, book a Tall Ship Cruise Saturday, August 8 - 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6:30pm, and Sunday, August 9 - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6:30pm. Tickets are only available online at portstanleyharbourfest.ca or in-person at the Dominion of Canada (DOC) building during the weekend. Great Lake Swimmers are the musical headliners with opening act singer and songwriter Katy Carswell Friday, August 7 at The Port Stanley Legion. Doors open at 7:30pm. Show starts at 8:00pm. Great Lake Swimmers is a Canadian indie folk band which formed in 2003 and has had extensive play on CBC Radio 2, among others. Singer, songwriter Katy Carswell was born and raised in London. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, she performs music of many genres, melding poetic verse with poignant vocals. Continued on Page 21...
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Port Stanley Continued from Page 20... Enjoy additional live music on any one of the awesome patios in Port Stanley. Or watch street performers include Billions Cobra, Bella Magic, Stiltcore, Bex In Motion and Pirate Captain Tom Bedlam. Look for family activities like Pirate Crafts and Face Painting Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm at the D.O.C. Antique train rides
are also offered Harbourfest weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Port Stanley Terminal Rail. Departure times: 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Spectacular fireworks are in the works for Saturday at dusk. For Harbourfest updates, visit portstanleyharbourfest.ca and for the latest on everything Port Stanley, visit portstanley.net.
Burgers • Hot Dogs
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August, 2015
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www.poshintheport.com 21
Running A Successful Small Business
What makes a small business successful? YOU DO! is endless. However one surefire reason for small business failure, all on its own, is the The very best thing about running a small busi- sole proprietor himself or herself. If you are not naturally suited to be an enness is flexibility and being your own boss. The very worst thing about running a small trepreneur, and you’ve not fully examined what self-employment means, you may be business is flexibility and being your own boss. The success or failure of any small business is setting yourself up for failure before you the cumulative result of many different factors. start. Self-employment is like no other job Poor planning, bad management, insufficient financing, lack of market research, etc. … the list you’ve ever had. Are you prepared to wear ALL the hats? You may for example be an excellent photographer. So why not turn this into a business? Well, the passion you feel for photography may not be similarly felt being the marketing manager, accounting manager, collections officer, bookkeeper, and so on. Business Plans • Management Consulting What many new enSmall Business Services • Bookkeeping Services trepreneurs fail to realize is that the passion Financial Reports • Payroll • Budgets that led them to create Business Succession Planning this exciting new venture often has to take a back Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff seat to the reality of the have the experience and training to help you with multi-faceted day-to-day all your accounting and taxation needs operations of running a successful small business. In the initial stages of a business, you will be the staff. A staff of one, and soon you will fully appreciate the phrase “The buck stops here.” So, how do you prepare for small business ownerMark Lassam, CPA, CA ship? Take a really good, 115 Curtis Street, St. Thomas hard look at yourself, 519-631-1631 do a full self-evaluation. mark@lassam.ca Take a course, read articles, speak with mentor by Kevin Jackson
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entrepreneurs to get the best understanding of your suitability for this endeavor. Most importantly be honest with yourself. Don’t try to fool yourself in order to feed your idea. Self-employment can look and feel very glamorous from the outside, but the reality of incredibly hard work, long hours and self-sacrifice is not so glamorous. Please don’t misinterpret my comments: Selfemployment / creating a successful small business is one of the most rewarding and gratifying things a person can do. Your community relies on the drive and entrepreneurial spirit that is the very backbone of business. I would never dissuade someone with a real passion for business from trying to be a creative, new sole proprietor. I would however strongly suggest that you embark on a real journey of self-evaluation and introspection before you start. Take the time to really look inside yourself. Prepare yourself for what’s ahead before embarking on the venture. I assure you, it will be time well spent.
Small business is hard enough. We
TD Canada Trust understands the unique challenges of running a small business or farm in the St. Thomas area and is committed to helping you by providing services, products and advice tailored specifically to your needs. Drop by the branch to talk to an Advisor and discover how we can make your business banking easier. We look forward to seeing you soon. August, 2015
ELGIN THIS MONTH
Kevin Jackson is General Manager of the Elgin Business Resource Centre.
can help.
TD Canada Trust 378 Talbot St. St. Thomas (519) 631-7070 417 Wellington St. St. Thomas (519) 633-4640 22
Running A Successful Small Business
Small business – build your support system by Tara McCaulley
Being a business owner can be an exciting adventure. From controlling your own destiny, ability to have flexibility with your schedule, choosing the people you work with and pride of ownership, some business owners will tell you it is the best decision they ever made. What many business owners don’t talk about is the downside to having their own business. The reality is many small business owners face a demanding work schedule, blurred lines between home and family life, difficulties of wearing multiple hats, financial stress and many times feelings of isolation and loneliness. Business owners without a support system are more vulnerable to isolation and predisposing them to depression. A support system is defined as a “network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support.” Google is a wonderful tool but often times we rely too heavily on the internet to answer our questions, and we miss the opportunity for a conversation and a human connection. Having a support system in place gives business owners many benefits. There is the human connection element, somewhere to turn to
ask questions, share ideas or challenges, referral opportunities and a number of other benefits that can help a business thrive and grow. There are many ways to build a support system: • Collaborate with other business owners – Find other business owners in your industry and create a dialogue to learn how to support each other. For example, a photographer that specializes in baby photos could team up with a business owner that specializes in children’s clothing. Although different businesses, they complement each other. Having collaboration with other business owners can also help you to further understand what is happening in the industry. • Mentorship – As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Whether you are trying to set up your new business or developing a growth strategy, it is valuable to get insight from a men-
...we miss the opportunity for a conversation and a human connection...
tor that has ‘been there, done that.” Mentors can give advice based on experience that includes successes and failures. Mentors get as much out of the relationship as the mentees. • Join a business association – Whether it is your local chamber of commerce, a women’s business group or an association specific to your industry, there are many benefits to joining a business association. Associations offer
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networking opportunities, sharing of resources, uniting on important issues in the industry and other benefits. A business association can make it easier for its members to share concerns and reduce isolation. • Networking Events – Small business is all about networking, building relationships and taking action. Attending networking events is another opportunity for sharing ideas and knowledge. By regularly attending business and social events, people will begin to recognise you. This can help to build your reputation and you will likely get more leads and referrals as you will be the one that is top of mind when they need what you offer. Connect with your Small Business Enterprise Centre – You may have just started and don’t have many connections, or you are looking at expansion and need additional connections. The Small Business Enterprise Centre can connect you to other business owners and people in the industry. Staff and mentors can also provide advice, guidance, resource and tools to help you alleviate the stress of small business ownership. Tara McCaulley is a Business Advisor with the Small Business Enterprise Centre located in St. Thomas.
KnowingYou, To Know what works best forYou When you’re an accounting and business service firm who prefers to see clients “getting ahead” rather than just “getting by”, really getting to know the people you serve is the most important thing you do. And while we know the numbers count, at Graham Scott Enns, we also know the life those numbers belong to is what matters most. Get to know us better by visiting our new website at grahamscottenns.com Then consider letting us get to know your business — by getting to know you.
Insurance packages Coming Soon! tailored to your Our St. Thomas office is Small Business re-locating to Needs 581 Talbot Street
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25 John Street S., AYLMER 519-773-9265 23
Running A Successful Small Business
Do not disturb by Anouschka Van den Bosch
fice Team did a survey in which 16 perOnly seven more sleeps and I am off to Costa cent regretted checking in so much while Rica! It will be my fourth time visiting the same away. area, and I am looking forward to the jungle sights “Automatic reply” is a great computer and sounds, good healthy food, plenty of yoga, feature that lets everyone know you will horseback riding and just chillin’ by the ocean. not be looking at your emails while you One thing is very different this time. I just start- are away and gives a date you will be reed a new job, a newly created position that is un- sponding. Allow yourself a few days’ grace folding and developing as I work through my first so that you are not responding to 100few months. I love every minute of it so the guilt 300 emails on your first day back. And has kicked in about being on vacation so soon. stick to it! Don’t start searching for WiFi The organization has provided me with a laptop, in the resort lobby to just check a few emails. If and it crossed my mind to bring it with me. It you do, you are setting a dangerous precedent. crossed my mind and that was it. No laptop on People who read your automatic reply will now my vacation. As an HR professional, it is impor- expect you to respond to emails anyway. tant for me to walk my talk. Your automatic reply can sugWhy would I suggest that gest alternative email addresses or co-workers really disconnect “don’t start searching phone numbers to contact while from work while on vacation are away. Make sure these alfor WiFi in the resort you when I am not even doing it ternative contacts are up to speed lobby” myself? with whatever you are working on I read an interesting article so they feel comfortable holding that said 40 percent of Canadown the fort while you are gone. dians do not take all their vacation time. They feel This week before I go away, I will have a checkthey have too much work to be able to take the list of things I need to do before I go and also a time off. And so I am thinking that many of those list of things that will need my attention the first who do take the time off will carry laptops and week I am back. Knowing what I must get done phones with them. In 2014, the Robert Half ’s Of- that first week back will help me stay focused on
important tasks and give me breathing room for any other fires that may have come up while I was away. And I will do my best to not go into overload mode that first week back. Putting in hours of overtime kind of takes away all the relaxation you felt while being away. More than anything I will remind myself: when are we really ever caught up with our work anyway? So what is a week away really in the grand scheme of things? With that, I am off to the jungle. As they say in Costa Rica: “Pura vida!” Anouschka Van den Bosch is a Human Resources Professional and Certified Life and Career Coach.
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Running A Successful Small Business
Do your homework and never look back by Mark McIntosh
Many people dream of owning a small business, and statistics show that in recent years, more and more are making this dream come true. Small business has been on the rise and is quickly becoming a dominant feature in the business landscape. With the number of large companies downsizing and laying off, people are choosing to map out their own employment. Sounds great doesn’t it? Being your own boss, setting your own hours, no one else telling you what to do or how to do it. Yes, starting a business is exciting and full of hopes and possibilities. However … it can also produce nightmares if not started and set up properly. Venturing out seems like an easy task, but that task can become momentous, requiring a lot of thought and planning to ensure success. First, you have your concept. Usually, the concept is born from something you like doing or always wanted to do. For example, turning a hobby into a business. Then you need to determine if there is a market for your concept. If you can’t sell it, the outlook will be disappointing. There are other things to consider and steps to follow, such as how to produce the product or service, how to finance the business and especially how to cover your start-up costs: advertising, insurance, etc. The list continues.
August, 2015
If you’re like me, likely you’re not a “natural-born If you’re hesitant to dip your toe in the water business” person. Recognizing this is a huge step because someone said it’s cold then you may never because it leads you to seek the proper direction jump in. Basically, once you’re sure of your direcand advice from those who can help you succeed. tion and foundation, what is holding you back? A visit to a small business centre is a great first step. My best advice is to never look back … always The professionals there can help you with every- look forward. You can’t change history, but you thing from formulating a successful business plan can change the future. to putting you in contact with the right people to help get your business off the ground. It seems Mark McIntosh owns like a lot of prep work … and it is … but laying markIT Technology Solutions the right foundation ensures that what is built will Group in St. Thomas. withstand the hurricanes of the business world. A successful small business may be a lot of work to start and operate, but the rewards can be great CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT if done right the first time. - Your Trusted Small Business Advisor As a small business entrepreneur, I have to say • Small Business,Corporate and Personal that going into business for myself was the best Tax Services decision and career move • Bookkeeping, Sales Tax, WSIB and Payroll I could have made. I have never looked back. I was • Estate and Tax Planning sure of what I wanted to do, did the research, utilized professional busiwww.markawales.ca ness people to help, and 190 Centre St, St. Thomas did it! 519-637-0700
MARK A WALES
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Running A Successful Small Business
Workplace gossip – friend or foe? And this culture reveals the truth about how an organization operates. It’s the sum of all the val“Can you believe how Jim talked to Stacey in the ues, beliefs, assumptions, attitudes, behaviours meeting? What was he thinking?” and perceptions that are both formally written “You won’t believe what I heard about John.” or spoken and for many others, unspoken. Gossiping in the workplace can seem harmless If organizations continue to turn a blind eye and fun, perhaps even helpful in breaking up the to this type of behaviour, whether it be seemmonotony of the day or spicing things up. But ingly harmless gossip or more serious forms of what’s the overall effect of gossiping and what unacceptable conversations such as sexual hadoes it really say about an organization? rassment, the impact on the bottom line can be Here’s the thing about gossip … it’s usually unrecoverable. just casual ‘chitter chatter’ about other people Organizations cannot afford to enable these that includes, for the most part, details that types of behaviours or risk creating informal aren’t confirmed. When people don’t know the acceptable practices that cause good employees full story, they tend to make up the information to leave, performance to decline and legal comin between, making assumptions and injecting plaints to be filed, includtheir own beliefs, values and pering human rights appliceptions to complete the story. cations and constructive Have you ever been the subject dismissal lawsuits. Ulti“it can be hurtful, of gossip and when the story gets mately, this leads to a disback to you, you can’t believe disrespectful and can create engaged workforce and how it’s been twisted and fabridamage to your reputaa toxic environment” cated to include things that were tion and brand. never said or ever happened? It Here’s what you need to can be very hurtful, disrespectful do to mitigate the potential risks. and can create a toxic environment where perFirst, understand what your workplace culture formance suffers. Spreading rumours and label- is by conducting both formal surveys and inling people and situations without the full truth formal walkabouts. It’s not just about whether being known can be more damaging than other employees follow your formal policies and promore obvious unacceptable workplace practices. cedures, but also about the other accepted beGossip shows up as part of workplace culture. haviours that are showing up regularly. by Laura Pavilonis and Nancy Annett
Starter Company Training, Mentorship & Money
Second, remember that what you permit, you promote. Everyone needs to be walking the talk, from the top down. If even one employee is getting away with unacceptable behaviour or one leader is not dealing with the behaviour, it’s all for naught. Workplace culture is a learned behaviour and it can only be changed if you consistently address it. Last, recognize that establishing and maintaining a workplace culture requires an ongoing effort that is not a one-time fix. If you need support, use trained Human Resource professionals from either within or outside the organization to make sure you create the right systems to maximize your bottom line.
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.
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Running A Successful Small Business
Keys to success in the small business environment by Jeff Sheridan
Your mother was right: You do need a plan! All small business owners need a written plan that clearly states what they want to achieve and how they intend to achieve it. Business plans do not need to be long and complicated; in some cases they may simply outline your goals, actionable steps and the systems used to measure success. Be prepared to review and evaluate your business on an ongoing basis. The business environment in which your business operates is always changing and your business will need to evolve with it. Prepare for a rainy day Ensuring your business is properly funded can be the difference between success and failure. Many businesses owners fail to plan for the financial constraints imposed on a business during periods of economic downturn, business interruption or rapid business expansion. It is easier for entrepreneurs to obtain access to a financial safety net prior to the financial hardship. Holding back reserve funds for emergency operating capital will get your business through short-term periods of financial instability.
“don’t be married to any of your products or ideas” Think like a customer See your business through your customers’ eyes. Although each of your customers is unique, they all have one thing in common: they have problems that need solutions. They want you to help them identify what their problems are, explore options about how to solve them, respect their choices and then help them achieve them. Putting a premium on customer service can be a very profitable decision. It is not only cheaper to retain current customers than it is to buy new ones but also raving fans are the best form of advertisement. The marketing machine Marketing is not only the ability to create a buzz
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around your products and services but it also includes the entire customer interaction cycle: from the way you speak with your customers to how quickly you reply to messages, the quality of your product, the thank you emails and the way you handle customer complaints. Trust and confidence in your ability to deliver will improve their own businesses. Having a passion for your your bottom line and ensure your business enjoys work will not only get you through hard times but continued growth. Embracing technology can can inspire those around you. Customers are far make scarce marketing resources count and im- more likely to do business with professionals who prove communications with both your customers seem truly engaged in their work. and suppliers. Focus on the bottom line Don’t be married to any of your products or Jeff Sheridan is a Business Counsellor for ideas. If your financial review indicates a product the Elgin Business Resource Centre workis not profitable, be prepared to let it go. You do ing out of the Dutton Office. not need to be an analyst or accountant, but every small business owner should be able to understand his or her financial position. Growth in the market place is the goal of virtually all businesses owners but it must be profitable growth. Remember it is not your gross profit but your net Small Business profit that counts. It is not what you earn but Specialists what you keep. Do what you love! Kee, Perry & DeVrieze offers a Business owners often full range of public accounting work long hours and services for your Small Business. make significant sacrifices to create and maintain • Audits & Reviews • Tax Planning & Preparation • Consulting & Estate Planning • Buying / Selling a Business • Bookkeeping (monthly/quarterly/annually) We can help you set up the Accounting system for your Small Business
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Healthy Living EVERYDAY HEALTH
Inflammation and bioelectric medicine by Dr. Greg Johnston B.H.K., B.Ed., D.C.
New advances in an area called bioelectric medicine are confirming what chiropractic has been teaching for years. The nervous system is the master system of the body and controls all processes happening including the immune system’s inflammatory response. A recent article in Scientific American by Kevin J. Tracey explains how the inflammatory response can be controlled through stimulation of specific areas of the nervous system. The inflammatory response is involved in almost all injuries and disease processes in the human body. Whether it is in the more recognizable swelling that we see with a sprained ankle or more insidiously as part of the process that leads to cardiovascular disease, the inflammatory response is present. The inflamma-
tory response is actually a response by the im- vere disease processes that lead to autoimmune mune system to control and neutralize a perceived diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Bioelectric medicine uses electrical stimulation threat. It is important to understand that it is actually the nervous system that perceives the threat technologies to treat a variety of diseases. The and signals the immune (inflammatory) response. premise is that the electrical stimulation creates New advances in bioelectric medicine are finding a reflex loop such as we discussed earlier. This acways to help modulate and control the inflamma- tivation of the nervous system causes the release tory response so that it does not ultimately rage of chemical neurotransmitters that not only carry out of control creating potentially serious health the electrical signal through the nervous system but also have implications on the immune sysrelated consequences. Heat, touch, pressure, light and the presence tem to modulate and control inflammation. This of specific chemicals generate electrical signals in technology holds the promise of helping to treat nerve cells (sensory neurons) that send this infor- diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and other mation to the spinal cord. When these sensations autoimmune diseases. This is extremely exciting are such that they signal a potentially harmful as it is thought that this type of treatment will be stimulus, a reflex arch is triggered that sends a more effective than many of the current pharmastimulus from the spinal cord down a motor neu- cological treatments being used with fewer seriron to create an action to diminish the threat. A ous side effects. What I found fascinating as good example is touching a a chiropractor are the implicahot stove. The heat triggers tions for advances in chiropracthe heat (sensory) neurons tic science. The chiropractic to send a signal to the spi“the problem adjustment (spinal manipulative nal cord which then sends is that often this therapy) is, of course, a nervous a signal back down a motor inflammatory response system stimulator much like the neuron to pull our hand back is overblown” electric probes used in bioelecfrom the potentially harmful tric medicine. We have known stove. for years, and the research is very In the above example, if the stimulus has actually caused tissue damage, this clear, that chiropractic treatment is extremely information is relayed effective for treating back pain, neck pain and to the brain which then headaches but we have also seen that there are will return signals to the other far-reaching positive responses for condiaffected tissues to release tions not traditionally associated with chiropracinflammatory molecules tic treatment. Dr. Tracey asserts that the goal of bioelectric called cytokines into the tissues and the blood medicine is to control the inflammatory reflex stream to create an in- through manipulation of the nervous system to flammatory response. maintain immunological homeostasis (balance). The problem is that of- What is interesting is that one could easily subten this inflammatory re- stitute the word “chiropractic” for “bioelectric sponse is overblown and medicine” above and the statement would be ends up exacerbating the equally correct. original injury. This is often the case when an Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor individual gets locked and partner in Family Health into a case of acute back Options Treatment & Resources pain or in even more seCentre in St.Thomas
A NEW SMILE STARTS WITH US! Call for your Free Consultation with Brandi Pisek, DD or Mike V. Pisek, DD! Walk in patients and new patients are always welcome and all insurance plans are accepted (financing available). Come visit us today and let’s get started on the road to a fantastic smile.
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Homestyle Decorating
Pretty & practical backyards by Renée Carpenter
I know – summer is half over and we are still talking about outdoor spaces! But summer is just too short to squeeze it all in – so we are still going at it. Did you know that upgrading your landscape doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming? I will share some tips and ideas to help with your backyard – whether for this year or in preplanning for next spring. Most people have a table if they have any size of a back yard. Simple touches, like a tablecloth, can make an outdoor eating area that much more welcoming to guests. A crisp white tablecloth softens the look of dark metal patio furniture and offers nice contrast to nature. An above-ground fire pit is perfect for a small group to gather around to roast marshmallows or have a conversation. Soft patio outdoor furniture and a matching patio umbrella make the space even more inviting. If you are fortunate enough to have a large shade tree in your backyard, consider setting your patio under its canopy. You can enjoy the cool, shady retreat in the heat of summer when you need a quick break from your gardening charges. Plant your favourite shade plants, such as hostas and caladiums, around your patio.
Who said a shed is only for storage? Repurpose a shed to make it a great outdoor eating area completely protected from the elements. A fresh coat of paint, colourful accessories and lights strung across the ceiling keep the space light, bright, and welcoming. Create a water feature focal point and add some height to your backyard décor by creating a simple structure using a pair of columns and wood beams. A classic fountain underneath completes the look and adds the relaxing sound of trickling water near the seating area so it can be enjoyed. Potted plants compete the look. When you have a beautiful home, there’s no need to go overboard with colour. But a pop of colour in small doses can do wonders in adding a nice touch. Extend your indoor living space outside by outfitting a covered porch with creature comforts. Outdoor furniture featuring soft cushions and colourful accent pillows give the space a living roomlike feel. A ceiling fan adds to the comfort. Create a simple, winding path through your own back yard using gravel lined by larger rocks. Better yet, have the path lead to a secluded sitting area. Lush plantings create the feeling of a nature hike. Create a cozy corner protected from breezes for a place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or after-
noon tea. Add shade with a pergola overhead and durable furniture that withstands the elements. You can keep using your backyard even after the days start cooling off and getting shorter with the addition of an outdoor fireplace. A commanding fireplace can make it the focal point of the backyard. Comfy furniture offers the perfect spot to entertain or cozy-up with a warm drink. Use rock walls to delineate a patio space. Straight and curved walls not only define an interesting shape for the patio, they also separate the space from a wooded area of the backyard. Black metal patio furniture kept simple keeps the focus on the backyard’s natural beauty. A circular shaped patio not only adds character, but also functions well for entertaining and encouraging conversations. Curves are typically more relaxing than straight lines. A short wall around the perimeter of the patio offers plentiful seating when hosting large groups. Renée Carpenter owns Jennings Furniture & Design & Stage It With Jennings in St. Thomas.
Songs and Stories to support Fanshawe student success
The Fanshawe College Alumni Association presents Songs and Stories, featuring retired Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield and folk trio Trent Severn, at the Grand Theatre in London Wednesday, October 7. In 2013, Col. Hadfield captivated the world from the International Space Station with a number of memorable musical performances, including a cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." Hadfield's debut album is set for launch this fall, with guitar and vocal tracks recorded while in space. Joining Col. Hadfield on stage will be Fanshawe alumna and Juno-nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner and her folk, roots and old country trio Trent Severn. Gryner, a Fanshawe College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, founded the group in 2011 alongside Dayna Manning and Laura C. Bates. Tickets are available through the Grand Theatre box office. Proceeds from the concert will support student success at Fanshawe College, including students at the St. Thomas campus.
JEFF YUREK, MPP
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August, 2015
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LIFESTYLE Time On my Hands
Spiders, snakes, bats, mice – what’s not to like? in the flight path. And milk snakes eat mice. I picked the little guy up with my Again and again, the bat flew straight at my face. leather gloves, showed my wife, and then I kept raising my hand; its wing brushed my arm. released it in the bushes beside the shed. The large, gloomy shed at my cottage is perhaps These critters were less dangerous than a 100 years old – dusty cobwebs, bark on the beams, kitten. It was chippy that concerned me. dirt floor. I was high on a stepladder, getting some- I feared he might run up my leg. Spiders, snakes and bats are almost thing from atop the rafters, when I scared up the bat. It kept flying back and forth, returning toward universally feared and detested in our society. (Let’s add mice too. I saw a nest my head. After several passes, it disappeared. Only minutes later, I was picking up a wide board in the shed.) They, and we, are victims of that had lain on the floor for decades. I reached a phobia - an overblown and irrational across it and lifted the far side first. Underneath fear – so time-honoured and widespread was an eastern milk snake, perhaps half a metre that it is socially acceptable. I blame horlong. As I leaned in for a look, it made three lunges ror movies, the serpent in the Garden of Eden, Halloween, the Bubonic plague, and the older at me, short but very spirited. generation’s shameful conAnd just a few minutes after ... it made three tamination of the younger. that, still in the shed, a chipChipmunks have stripes munk walked right up beside me, lunges at me, like garter snakes, and fur and stood on its hind legs. Then short but very like mice, but get a free pass it walked across the top of both because my generation was my shoes, and stood on my other spirited... raised on Alvin and the Chipside. munks songs. Where is the Spiders and snakes and bats, oh logic? Not only are spiders, my! Was this the trifecta of phobias, some vortex of evil, a House of Horrors with chipmunk ring- snakes, bats, and mice virtually harmless, but they are partners with us in the web of life, and have a master? No, not really. I like bats. They eat insects. I knew job to do. A few days after my shed adventure, I heard a it wasn’t thirsting for my jugular. It was just flying end to end, looking for an out, and my head was story from my Bruce Peninsula friend, Doug. He by Duncan Watterworth
owns a cottage that he rents out, and recently a tenant saw a mouse in it. She freaked, fled with her family back to the city, and demanded a refund of two weeks rent. These phobias both expose and exacerbate our estrangement from the natural world. At the same time, we are becoming more citified and sissified. Scientists have recently identified Nature Deficit Disorder as a growing social malady. I am a victim of the same cultural indoctrination. But over time, with conscious effort, I have managed to overcome it. (Mostly. Spiders still creep me out a little.) It’s time to quit being hostage to these unseemly and archaic fears. Life is better without phobias. We need to exterminate the phobia instead of the animal. Three days after writing this column, I’ll be camping among the bears and rattlers of northern Georgian Bay. I’ll be working on some phobias there. Duncan Watterworth is a lifelong resident of Elgin County and a retired lawyer. He can be reached at duncanetm@gmail.com.
LIFESTYLE THaT’s Life
Family language: thrusters, bites and do-do
cause it made me realise just how our household vocabulary is changing as the boys grow up. “I’m gonna have a do-do,” my husband declared Words like do-do crept into our lives when they as he headed for the coach. To which I declared boys were babies, became common place, and that the term do-do was much more endearing then just as quickly are now disappearing. when used by our sons. In our house if you are For instance, gone are the days when my eldest going to have a “do-do” you are having an after- son got excited about going to Wendy’s for his noon nap. favorite “hanga burg”. I protested this adult do-do, both for the inconMy youngest son called money “tickets” unvenience it presented to my “to do list”, which til he was corrected sometime during his first included tasks assigned to my husband, and be- year of school. Nonetheless, I don’t think he has quite figured out that money or the once mysterious tickets hold value. If they are disappointed that I haven’t bought them their latThe most affordable detailing est “want,” both boys emphatically suggest that when they get their debit card they’ll buy everything. As if a debit card is something you just grow as you get older. In the winter we have “bites” for breakfast. That’s right. I have absolutely no recollection 160 Burwell Road, St. Thomas as to how, when or why 519-631-5502 oatmeal in our house by Elizabeth VanHooren
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became “bites.” When given medicine my boys ask for their “chaser.” I guess they are using the word in the proper sense, but in a whole new context. After their medicine, my boys get a shot of water – their chaser. I told my husband that secretly I hoped the boys would use this jargon for as long as possible – our own family language. That’s when my husband reminded me that when we got married he couldn’t believe I referred to the garage as a ‘‘grage” and the turn signals in the car as blinkers. “Doesn’t everyone?” I said. “NO!” he said. “And for that matter every mechanical object does not have thrusters.” The thrusters comment really hurt, because it is common knowledge in my family that anything that is broken probably has faulty thrusters. I don’t know why, that’s just what my dad always told us so it must be true. My husband started to string off a number of other peculiarities unique to my family until I had enough and told him to, “Just go have a do-do.” Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority 30
Business & Community Leadership
One thing my retreats have taught me by Cheryl Lester
By the time you read this, I will have completed sameness of the setting, or the predictability of my routines. And I’ve come to recognize that this my fourth annual ‘Me, Myself, and I’ retreat. One of the reasons my annual retreat has be- isn’t just something that happens on retreat. Typically, when I start to get bored, I start new come so important is that it gives me time for solitude, inner reflection, reading, rest, relax- projects, call friends or family, waste hours in ation, and renewal — things that are often more front of my laptop, or give into the temptation difficult to achieve when you’re in the midst of to eat or go shopping. However, I know that by allowing boredom to the everyday opportunities and challenges of life, decide my agenda, I’m abdiwork, and relationships. cating my rights and responsiI’ve intentionally returned to bilities as a Self leader. I’m althe same place each year. The “typically, when I start lowing a part of me that has a familiarity has been both comforting and challenging. The to get bored, I start new dysfunctional need to avoid the here and now, and a habitual familiarity of my retreat venue projects …” tendency to avoid some of the gives me joy as I both anticideeper and more meaningful pate and experience my favourite spots in the cottage like the unobstructed things of life, work, and relationships, to be the view of the bay as seen through a large picture CEO of Self, Inc. I know I’m not the only one to give into borewindow in the dining room. I like holding a cup of coffee as I sit on the dock ready to marvel at dom. In accepting quick fixes (i.e. distractions) yet another spectacular sunrise. I enjoy walking like shopping, food, sex, drugs, alcohol, or any on safe and familiar routes where I can check on number of other vices or addictions, we allow our inner ‘bored self ’ to keep us from doing changes and developments since my last walk. But every once in a while I have felt a bit bored some of the inner work that is important to our by the same old same old of the scenery, the effectiveness in leading both Self and others.
So what is one of the many things my annual retreats have taught me? The importance of noticing when my desires or actions are primarily driven by boredom — boredom that is really a superficial mask and quick fix distraction related to my own laziness or fear of spending time getting below the surface of my exterior. Instead of giving into the easy distractions, I’ve learned that taking steps to go deeper through reflection, inner work, meditation, rest, reading, journaling, or creativity has paid significant dividends related to my own inner awareness and outer effectiveness. Cheryl Lester, Eagle Tree Leadership, is an international leadership coach known for her ability to help people improve their performance and effectiveness. Reach her at clester@eagletree.ca.
New satellite location for Ontario Works in Aylmer Enjoy the Rush at Rush Creek Wines Under new ownership ...something OLD is NEW again! • Come and enjoy old favourites as well as new blends • Try our new Smoothies on our patio or inside cafe Employment and Income Support Workers: Maggie Klassen, Tanya Collins and Deb Hodgkinson St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works Acting Director, Elizabeth Sebestyen says a new satellite location in Aylmer for St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works launched in September 2014 has been a great success. The Ontario Works office shares space at the Aylmer Community Services office at 25 Centre Street in Aylmer with outreach offices for Service Ontario, Fanshawe College employment services, Mennonite Community Services, and YWCA St. Thomas Elgin. Depending on service delivery success and statistics, a model could be replicated at West Elgin Support Services facility in West Lorne in the future. With the lack of transportation presenting a major barrier for low income individuals, it makes sense to provide service provision closer to where people live, particularly in as large a service area as Elgin County, Sebestyen says. Currently, approximately 250 Ontario Works recipients live in the east Elgin area serviced by the Aylmer satellite office. About 180 recipients are residents of the Town of Aylmer. East Elgin caseloads were distributed to two designated Ontario Works caseworkers who attend the Aylmer office twice weekly but due to increasing numbers a third caseworker has been assigned to assist with the east Elgin caseload. The third caseworker is fluent in Low German. August, 2015
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