November, 2015

Your Business. Your Community.

Volume 6, No. 3, November 2015

Inside:

• Remembrance Day Pages 17-19

• Aylmer & Area Chamber Of Commerce Pages 20 and 21

• Farm Business Report Pages 22-31

Jim Grey, IGPC CEO 21st Century Fuel Cover story: Page 3

IGPC Ethanol Inc. supports local farmers and promotes a clean environment through sustainable renewable fuel production

IGPC Ethanol Inc. IGPC Ethanol Inc.

November, 2015

89 Progress Drive, Aylmer, On. 519-765-2575 1-866-211-0435 Integrated Grain Processors Co-operative Inc. www.igpc.ca ELGIN THIS MONTH

2

Ethanol plant: fueling Aylmer and area economy

by Terry Carroll

On the one hand, it’s been a long road to etha- nology is computer-monitored and highly mecha- and puts IGPC in a position to produce cellunol production in Aylmer. On the other hand, nized, the principles behind ethanol production losic ethanol, a product that may have even lower are relatively simple. Field corn is largely starch. greenhouse gas emissions than ethanol produced things have come together remarkably quickly, The first share sale of Integrated Grain Proces- During processing, the starch turns to sugar, and from grain.

As another part of its strategic direcsors Co-operative happened in 2002. tion, IGPC has installed a steam turFuel production began in 2008. A mere bine generator. It uses existing steam to seven years later, the IGPC plant is proproduce approximately 1 megawatt of ducing some 170 million litres of ethapower for the ethanol plant. In addition, nol annually. (The billion-litre milestone IGPC has invested in a natural-gas-fired for total production was announced in internal combustion electric generaNovember, 2014). tor to produce roughly 3 megawatts of This is small potatoes, so to speak, power. In total, the plant now produces from the perspective of the world-wide enough power to make it self-sustainable oil and gas industry. But it’s pretty big in energy. business for the Town of Aylmer (popuWhen the FST™ and power generalation 7,500) and for farmers in southtion projects were announced, Jim Grey western Ontario. CEO Jim Grey calls said, “Our focus has been to target our IGPC “a fantastic success story, thanks investments to constantly improve plant to a handful of farmers that started this efficiencies in areas that have the greatest thing.” impact and generate greater revenues.”

Educated as an engineer, Grey has Federal and provincial government spent his career in corn processing. He programs assisted with original start-up became president of the Canadian dicosts and repayable loans. In February, vision of CASCO, now Ingredion and 2015, the federal government (Agriculworked in Chicago for a few years. Grey Process operator Kerry Squires runs a test inside the IGPC Ethanol ture and AgriFoods Canada) announced was working in Europe when he was replant in Aylmer. an additional repayable contribution of cruited to run the new IGPC facility. In $3.7 million through the AgriInnovation addition to his CEO duties, Grey currently serves as president of the Canadian Renewable fermentation transforms it into 200-proof pure program to help IGPC install FST™.

It’s no secret that the world price of oil has been ethanol. The science is not unlike that of a still in Fuels Association.

IGPC Ethanol Inc. has some 750 shareholders the backwoods of Kentucky. The big differences volatile this year, in a situation of oversupply. and $55 million in equity at the high-tech ethanol are legality, of course, and the end product: dena- While it might appear that a drop in the world facility on Progress Drive in Aylmer. It employs tured fuel-grade ethanol, rather than moonshine. price of oil would affect ethanol volumes and IGPC relies on Thompsons Grain Inc. to buy all prices, Grey says that’s not the case. The price of almost 60 people, up from 35 employees when the plant opened. The IGPC team ranges from of its corn, mostly from Canada’s largest corn pro- corn, largely driven by the U.S. corn price, can workers unloading trucks to managers and office ducing area, southwestern Ontario. Eco-Energy be more of a concern for ethanol competitiveness markets the ethanol for IGPC. In addition to eth- than the price of oil. The reason? Domestic volstaff to business and technical professionals.

IGPC Ethanol Inc. operates very much like a anol, the two main byproducts from the process umes of ethanol should remain relatively stable. publicly traded company, with Caldwell Securi- are dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) The Canadian government has mandated that ties Inc. handling all share transfers. Jim Grey and which are sold back to farmers as high protein gasoline at the pumps include at least 5 percent the IGPC Directors are clear about their duty to feed for livestock. Furst McNess has been market- ethanol, with certain municipalities going as high as 10 percent. the co-operative / shareholders. “Our first obliga- ing the DDGS since the plant opened.

Other positive signs include the fact that “the IGPC has taken several other steps using innotion is to turn a profit,” Grey says, with one of his main objectives being a year-end distribution to vative technology to make sure nothing goes to U.S. economy has been on a tear,” as Grey says.

Gasoline consumption is up and the Canadian shareholders. Grey is careful to point out that the waste.

Fiber Separation Technology™ (FST™) sepa- dollar has been low, which never hurts the export company is under no obligation to purchase corn rates the fiber, the skin of the corn. IGPC is the side of the business. from shareholders who are also corn producers.

The technology behind the ethanol production first global adopter of this technology. The main in Aylmer was developed by the ICM research product is corn oil sold to the bio-diesel market.

Cover photo by Mark Spowart. centre in the Kansas corn belt. While that tech- The FST™ process also increases plant efficiency

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 November, 2015

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3

INNES AS I SEE IT

The storm before the calm was replaced. The game was close with several penalties, and he sat most of the third period.

Over the last few months, we have been talking His ego was bruised. He felt angry and unfairly about healing, particularly the healing of deep treated, despite his being put on the first line. It wounds so that our lives are released from their was difficult to understand everything about the effects on our choices. In this article, I would like coach’s decision. to address the issue that this healing process can My son couldn’t see the big picture. And talking lead to an increased sense of havoc. It may seem him down from his funk was difficult. He must like things are getting worse and not better. trust that he is becoming the better hockey player When we pray to God, or address the universe he is asking to be. And the coach’s decisions were for circumstances to change in our lives, we open made with the best of intention. If nothing else, ourselves to a process that invites chaos. my son is learning to be a team player, a big deal New life often comes from a messy explosion of in that sport. the old ways. As the bits fly The same happens when we about to settle, you will, at asked God, or the universe, for the very least, feel scattered, help to change. We are going “you’re not falling confused, and scared. to go through a whole stage of apart … you’re falling Have faith. You’re not being broken down so that we together” falling apart … you’re fallmay be built back up. We must ing together! trust the process. And this trust The problem with change is that it really is a is not easy when circumstances become disorchange. Meaning it’s not the same as it was. And dered and we can’t see the bigger picture. getting to the change we want means passing A philosopher once said, “in order to properly through that place where change is in the mak- understand the big picture, everyone should fear ing. becoming mentally clouded and obsessed with This transitional place, this passing through the one small section of truth.” In my experience, stages to new life, can be quite disconcerting. this cloudiness arises from our expectations.

Change requires a breakdown of the old so that We want healing and change but too often there is place for the new. This can create a seem- presume we know what that looks like. Truth ingly chaotic dance between our internal expe- is, change is on the other side of what we know. rience and our external Otherwise we’d already be there. Assuming, we circumstance. are a people who want the best for ourselves (and This dance (of heal- those about us). ing/change) can be As I see it, in the process of healing deep wounds distressing. And this is (or for that matter, simply asking God for small mostly because we don’t changes) there is usually a storm before the calm: see the bigger picture. an intentional, unsettling, release of our old obWhich is amplified structive ways. by our expectations of The question is not so much, “Can I find healwhat things ought to ing and relief?” You most assuredly can! The queslook like. tion is this, “Do I have the courage to let go of My son has been ask- the things I know?” ing his hockey coach to improve his play. In Jim Innes is a clinically a recent game he was trained therapist and a priest shifted to first line. at St. Johns’ Anglican Church However when it came in St. Thomas. Learn more at time for power plays, he jiminnes.ca.

by Jim Innes

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4

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY

Seeking to bridge the rural-urban divide

by Serge Lavoie nomic activity.

Advocates for urbanization point out that all In the aftermath of last month’s federal election, the notion of the rural-urban divide was front and public infrastructure is cheaper and more cost effective in urban settings. One kilometer of any centre again in southwestern Ontario.

The voting results, which had the Conservatives public service – water, sewer, electrical, broadkeep a strong hold on rural ridings while the so- band, bus route – delivers far more bang for the called progressive parties won in urban centres, buck in a dense urban setting than it does in a added more fuel to the fire of this ongoing raging small town or rural setting.

It’s hard to take issue with that argument. For debate.

Personally, I’ve always had concerns about the hundreds and thousands of years, people have amount of energy spent on the rural-urban de- clustered together into ever larger communities in bate. I accept that it exists. I just don’t much like order to feel secure and to access better services the negative perceptions it creates about our re- and greater economic opportunity.

Too often, those promotgion and its 2.5 million residents. ing the rural-urban divide Case in point: One political anblame governments for alyst, commenting on the issues “all public that likely caused the Conservainfrastructure is cheaper starving rural communities and giving unfair advantive losses, suggested that the and more cost effective tage to urban centres. Yet divisive issue of the niqab only in urban settings” it can be argued that govplayed out positively in Queernments are doing exactly bec and rural parts of Ontario. what we ask them to do all Ouch. That fuels the perception (wrong, I hope) that rural southwestern Ontario the time – make better, more effective use of the is intolerant and unwelcoming of different cul- tax dollars we give them.

We all understand the logic of this. When relitures and their practices.

While there is no evidence that this is the case, gious congregations find it impossible to maintain there certainly is clear evidence that southwestern a church structure due to higher costs or dwindling Ontario gets a far smaller proportion of immi- attendance, they do the logical thing. They close grants and newcomers than other parts of On- the doors and merge with another congregation tario. It’s far more likely that immigrants gravitate to achieve economies of scale. Understandably, to urban areas because that’s where the greatest they don’t like it, but they understand the logic of concentration of support services are located. it. Yet, when one of our Settlement agencies, government offices, access governments proposes to places of worship and special foodways clearly to consolidate schools play a major role in any newcomer’s decision of or health facilities, we where to settle, not to mention access to jobs and ignore the logic, cry foul and fight it tooth economic opportunity.

Perceptions of tolerance or intolerance towards and nail.

Southwestern OntarNew Canadians is only part of the rural-urban debate, however. More important is the distribution io is facing these chalof resources and infrastructure. Rural communi- lenges with one arm ties quite rightly argue that they are woefully un- tied behind its back. derserved by public infrastructure such as health Rather than working care, education, roads, public transportation and collectively to build opportunities, its combroadband.

With four out of five Canadians now choosing munities are mired in arguments to live in urban areas, rural dwellers argue that fruitless their communities are being starved of resources about rural-urban diand are slowly declining in population and eco- vides and bickering

about access to resources.

Without strong, meaningful regional thinking and coordination, southwestern Ontario and its fiercely independently-minded 15 counties and 100 plus municipalities may never achieve the success it deserves.

At the very least, we need to guard against growing negative perceptions that we are somehow intrinsically intolerant, rooted in the past and unprepared for a globalized, urbanized future.

Serge Lavoie has a 35 year career managing associations. He is currently president of On Track St. Thomas and Secretary-Treasurer of the United Way of Elgin-St. Thomas. He lives in St. Thomas.

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5

Dining & Entertainment TOURISM

Bit of Brit – A taste of Jolly Old England

by Katherine Thompson

A Bit of Brit is a little taste of jolly old England right here in the heart of Elgin County. Located in the Village of Sparta, A Bit of Brit has been offering authentic food and collectible items imported directly from the United Kingdom since it opened in June of 2015.

Owner Steve Railton left his hometown just northwest of London England at the age of 18 and settled in Canada where he began a career in construction. He eventually became the Safety Manager for a large construction company in Newmarket, ON until a double hip replacement forced him into early retirement. Looking for a change of pace, Steve and his wife Val left Newmarket for Elgin County. He had always been fascinated with British stores and over the years would seek out the local British store whenever he was travelling for work to stock up on his favourite childhood treats. Steve, a true people-person, was intrigued by the idea of owning a retail operation, and thought that opening up a British store would be a great way to meet and connect with lots of new people.

A Bit of Brit provides an opportunity for British transplants and Canadians alike to enjoy traditional British candies, desserts, salty snacks, and more without having to step on to an airplane.

British chocolate is a particularly popular item.

According to Steve and Val, anyone who has ever

sampled chocolate from across the pond can instantly tell the difference between the North American and UK varieties. Slightly different ingredients in the UK chocolate result in a creamier texture and a sweeter taste that have even Canadians coming back for more. The store sells a variety of Cadbury chocolates including the iconic “Flake Bar” as well as the Galaxy brand of chocolate. In addition to chocolates, A Bit of Brit offers a selection of British candies including Jelly Babies and Horehound’s to sooth a sore throat.

If you are looking to host your own authentic British High Tea, A Bit of Brit is the perfect place to stock up on biscuits, teas of all types, jams, and marmalades.

Spotted Dick, a sponge cake with raisins and currants, is the store’s best seller according to Steve. “It is a 200 year old recipe,” and Thank you to our “Detainees”! said Steve. “People • Deputy Chief Driedger - St Thomas Police from the UK buy it be• Chief Andre Reymer - Aylmer Police cause they have always • MPP Jeff Yurek eaten it and people • Mike MacKinnon - Graham Scott and Enns from Canada buy it as a • Paul Corriveau - Railway City Brewery joke for a family mem• Jim Hamilton retired AVSS teacher - linked to Bowsher & Bowsher • Father Graham Keep - St. Annes & Holy Angels Catholic churches (&CWL) ber or a friend.”

If savoury flavours are • Ryan Dzoic - Town and Country Reality more your style, A Bit • Melissa Schnieder - United Way

Thank You to all of our Sponsors and Donators who supported our Bail or Jail Event on October 23, 24 at Geerlinks Home Hardware

• • • • • •

of Brit has a wide selection of crisps (chips) in traditional British flavours such as Prawn Cocktail, Roast Chicken, and Smokey Bacon as well as British condiments, Pickled Onions, and Branson Pickles.

In addition to imported goods, the store also carries a selection of freshly baked meat pies, tarts, and short bread cookies from Scottish bakery Grandpa Jimmy’s in Grand Bend. Selections include Steak and Kidney Pie, Chicken Pie, and Cornish Pasties – a hearty meal of potatoes, meat and vegetables wrapped in pastry and traditionally eaten by miners in the UK. Over the next couple of months A Bit of Brit will begin to stock Mince Pies, Christmas cake, and various gift baskets perfect for all of your holiday gift giving needs. Other available gift items include t-shirts, mugs, and a variety of Dr. Who, Coronation Street, and Downton Abbey collectibles.

Steve and Val have found the business community in Sparta to be tight-knit and friendly. The Village Collective Gallery and the Sparta House Tearoom among other neighbouring businesses have been exceptionally helpful and welcoming to the new business. The location is also ideal as it is a great fit to have an authentic British tea room in such close proximity to a British store.

One of the greatest joys that Steve has experienced since opening A Bit of Brit is the ability to reconnect British expats with the comfort foods of their childhoods.

“The best part is when people come in and recognize a product that they haven’t seen in years and then the stories that they have to tell are absolutely remarkable,” said Steve.

A Bit of Brit is open Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the business visit Facebook or call (519) 775-1114.

Katherine Thompson is Marketing & Communications Coordinator with The County of Elgin

Brian Cooper - Salvation Army Correctional & Justice services Chad Ghattas - Lynhurst Esso MP Karen Vecchio Fred Sinclair - NDP Matt Moyes - St. Thomas Stars & Port Stanley Hockey Jodi Pozzobon - Park n Bowl owner

Thank You to our judge:

“Honourable” Director Marg Goulding

Large selection of Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Come in and choose one today or visit our website

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1207 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-633-0240 6

Business & Community Leadership

The perfectionist can have too many ‘shoulds’

by Doug Lester

Jacob came to coaching because his business was struggling, and this was creating personal and relational stress. As the owner of his own business Jake knew that his leadership style was not working in the marketplace or at home, and he was ready to explore

made. My intuition said there was something keeping him from fully engaging as a Self-leader.

A personality assessment showed that Jacob was a values-based introvert who preferred to keep his options open. He was an idealist seeking to discover some redeeming feature in every person or situation he faced. Although his heart was open, Jacob’s mind was cluttered with inner voices, external expectations, and high judgement of himself and others.

Leveraging his caring attitude, I taught him the basics of ego states – the ‘parent’ ego state that contains the ‘shoulds,’ ‘musts,’ and ‘should-nots’ accumulated during his early years; the ‘child’ ego new approaches. state, the inner boy filled with memories of deIn our intake interview, it became light and hurt, pictures and bodily clear that Jake was bright, capable memories from every stage of his and passionate about his career as a early life; and then, his ‘adult’ ego builder. He was a man of principle state that non-anxious thinking “the boy inside state that allows him to calmly take with a desire to make the world a better place. He was knowledge- needed time to play” in information and coordinate his able and skilled as a builder with responses in every situation. no shortage of work; however, his With this information, Jacob was perfectionism caused him to work slowly and able to see that there were at least three aspects push his clients to use more expensive materials of his Self that were often looking at life from than their budget should have dictated. very different perspectives. The strong ‘parental’ He had a fierce shyness that created a power- voices from his father and the cabinet maker he ful sense of, “yes, but” around every important had apprenticed with demanded perfection. His issue. In almost every aspect, we discussed there ‘adult’ business voice knew that his perfectionism were strong ‘shoulds’ guiding each decision Jacob was compromising his profit and his customer

November, 2015

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relationships. His inner ‘child,’ little Jake, wasn’t having any fun. Life had become a chore.

With coaching, Jacob accepted the challenge of not just being the CEO of his business, but also CEO of Self, Inc. As an introvert Jacob needed quiet times to relax, reflect, and renew. The boy inside Jacob needed time to play. By dusting off his motorcycle and going for weekend rides Jacob began to relax and laugh for the first time in months. Jacob identified the judgmental voices of parents and mentors and banished them from the worksite. He soon noticed he was listening much more effectively to the needs of his clients. As his Self-leadership developed and he became more playful, his family relationships shifted and life became much more fulfilling.

Cheryl Lester and Doug Lester—individually and together—making a difference through leadership coaching and development, writing, and speaking. Co-authors of 12 Steps of SelfLeadership. eagletreeleadership.ca.

7

Healthy Living Self DiScovery

Recruiting and retaining fabulous employees

by Anouschka Van den Bosch

Since I started writing this column two years ago, I have never had a problem coming up with new topics to chat about. Today however I am stuck and decided to get inspiration by cruising the web. I obviously got lost and sidetracked in many other directions and finally landed on an article that listed the top three challenges for small businesses in 2015.

Although we are in our last quarter I thought it would still be interesting to look at the second challenge listed on the site: the “requirement to improve attraction and engagement of skilled talent.”

providing the company and health and safety orientation? Who will be part of the recruiting process such as selecting the candidate, setting up the interviews, conducting the interviews and follow up after the interview?

Often a recruiting process is done when the

to change, could it be done differently? Is there still a need for the position? It sucks when a valued employee leaves the business and after taking a deep breath and wishing the employee well in their future career aspirations, you have that opportunity to respond to this opening in your team and not a knee-jerk reaction of, “How am going to get things done now?”

And so where should you advertise for this great opportunity in your organization? That is a good question, and I think you need to take a good look at the nature of

need to fill the position was yesterday and little time is available to ensure the candidate is hired for the right reasons, for the right fit for the job and organizational culture which then can result in a candidate leaving the organization within the first three months of hire.

And that is a cost most small businesses cannot afford. So if at all possible look ahead to your recruitment needs over the next six months to a year, thus allowing time to have job descriptions, job postings and the recruitment process in place before panic sets in.

Of course there are times that an employee leaves the business when you least expect it for various reasons.

Then my suggestion to you is not to hire the first warm body that enters your shop. This becomes a perfect opportunity to evaluate if the position needs

your business and the position, your location and how quickly you need to have the position filled.

The local newspaper might be a good option if you think your candidates will be looking there; however I find that more and more candidates are using the internet for their job searches.

I would suggest posting it on your Facebook page if you have one, obviously posting it on your website and Tweet it out if you have an active Tweet account for your business. Don’t forget your associations and your networking groups.

And for the out-of-the-box ideas, make sure you let your clients, customers, friends and family know you have an opening. Offer a referral gift if they recommend a great candidate that you hire and retain for more than three months.

Go on LinkedIn and post it there. I have heard some companies having luck with Kijiji. Again, think of your candidates, would they be looking there? Don’t forgot your local college job boards if you are looking for someone to take right out of school.

And there you have it. My page is full and I still want to talk about retaining this awesome new employee. Guess I have my topic for next month … stay tuned for part II of “Recruiting and retaining fabulous employees.”

...not to hire the first warm body that enters your shop...

Here are a few of my thoughts on attracting skilled talent.

When you have identified the need for a new team member, it is important to set out some guidelines or objectives. How soon is this person to start, is there a job description, who will be

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Anouschka Van den Bosch is a Human Resources Professional and Certified Life and Career Coach.

8

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• November 2015 •

2016 St. Thomas Uncorked A BIG night with BIG wines!

Ross Fair, right, Chair of Fanshawe College’s St. Thomas Elgin Regional Campus, congratulates Chris Patriquin of Simply Pure Water – My Water Guy, with one of a dozen door prizes awarded at our September Business After 5 event.

Please note the date: THURSDAY November 12 St. Thomas Municipal Airport Main Hangar 44989 Talbot Line, St. Thomas Sponsored by: Railway City Brewing Company Great Lakes International Air Show Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Prize draws and sponsor comments at 6:15 p.m.

Business Beat Table of Contents Chamber policy ......... Page 10 Sample Show shots ... Page 11 Children’s future ....... Page 12 Soc. Media Top 10 .... Page 13 Title insurance ........... Page 14 Job postings .............. Page 15 Not your friend.......... Page 16 November, 2015

It’s a guided wine tour around the world and it’s called St. Thomas Uncorked. The 2016 edition will be Saturday January 23, 2016 at the St. Thomas - Elgin Public Art Centre, downtown at 301 Talbot Street, from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tickets are $45 (plus HST) each which includes admission, wine

samples, and food samples.

Only 140 tickets are available.

We’re very grateful that TD Canada Trust returns as our main sponsor of this event. Their support assures an excellent evening.

St. Thomas Uncorked has been a sell-out every year since we launched this wine tasting and art appreciation event in 2012, plus a large Silent Auction and door prizes. Quai du Vin’s resident sommelier, Jamie Quai, returns as a member of our Member Services Committee’s organizing group. Jamie specializes in wine and food pairings using the 16 different wines to be featured this year. Our wines will all be products available locally through the LCBO and we will proudly feature a selection of reds and whites from local, national and international wineries.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship support of the Real Canadian Superstore, our guests will Patrick Erb of Reith and Associates Insurance & enjoy a wide variety of Financial watches as Chris Patriquin of Simply fruits, cheeses and hors Pure Water – My Water Guy.ca prepares to drain a d’oeuvres prepared to putt in stiff competition at the Chamber’s Business complement the wines Sample Show. For more pictures from the show, see we offer. page 11.

Call us soon for tickets. We expect a sell-out by Christmas (Hint: Good Gift Idea!). The St. Thomas & District Chamber office is the place to connect. Advance sale only to Members via phone or email or in-person.

Reach us at 519-631-1981 and speak with any staff member, visit our office at 300 South Edgeware Road, or email warren@stthomaschamber. on.ca.

Send Best Wishes to your Business friends in our annual Holiday edition To take advantage of these excellent advertising opportunities (ext. 222)

December Edition Advertising Deadline is November 17th

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9

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

The business community has spoken:

Assembled Chambers of Commerce adopt new policy agenda our days in Ottawa. The St. Thomadvocacy agenda to be as & District Chamber was an active addressed to the new participant in two adjacent events government.

Thursday October 15 through Sun“Our new policy day October 19. The first two days agenda is bold, forwardwere focused on staff and Chamber thinking and focused operations and co-ordinated by the on competitiveness. The national Chamber staff association, resolutions were submitCCEC (Chamber of Commerce ted and debated by the Executives of Canada). The second members until we arrived two days grew to include over 350 to positions we could all voting delegates and an audience of rally around. With these over 700 people representing Chamnew resolutions that covbers of Commerce across Canada. er a wide array of topics, The principal focus of our work was we’re ready to present the to develop and agree positions on ispriorities of the business sues impacting our Members and to community to the new frame action plans to work with the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and government that will get new federal government as the voice CEO of the Canadian Chamber of elected tomorrow. We of our Members. expect the new governCommerce Delegates at the Canadian Chamment to put Canada’s ber of Commerce’s annual general competitiveness at the meeting adopted resolutions calling for a reduc- top of its list of priorities,” said Canadian Chamtion in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050, for ber President and CEO the Hon. Perrin Beatty. the ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Delegates debated 55 resolutions and adopted agreement and addressing pension reform, posi- 49. These resolutions will be incorporated into tions that will serve as the basis for an ambitious the Canadian Chamber’s policy resolution book and advocacy strategy.

Highlights include: • A resolution to make significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which seeks to simplify the processing of applications Credit Card and exempt some comProcessing to Help panies from providing Drive Business burdensome transition documents for high-deSuccess mand roles; • A resolution on pension reform, which aims Full Suite of Products Preferred Chamber Pricing to alter the Canada Pen• Ecommerce sion Plan by allowing • Wired & Wireless employees to contribute Terminals

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The annual general meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce was also an opportunity for the member chambers and partners to attend panels on the federal election, exchange information on projects with their colleagues and elect a new Board and Board Chair, Mr. David Paterson.

“The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting is the occasion for the whole of the chamber network to regroup, discuss, exchange ideas and, in the case of this year, prepare for what the election will bring. Our chamber network is energized and motivated to work with government to put in place the measures that will make each region more competitive. Building a Canada that wins starts with our strong chamber network,” concluded Mr. Beatty.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions.

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

For complete details, contact the Chamber

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

November, 2015

higher amounts; • A resolution aiming at a substantial reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by using Economic Instruments, where the federal government is asked to work with the provinces to adopt a national carbon tax or cap and trade system to achieve a reduction in GHG by 2050. Over 98% of delegates voted in favor of this resolution; • Support for TransCanada’s Energy East Project: a Nation-Building Opportunity, a resolution asking the federal government to put in place favourable conditions to move this pipeline infrastructure project forward, as it will have significant economic benefits for the whole country; • Next steps for trade relationship with the Asia Pacific, which will have the Chamber working to ensure Canada concludes an ambitions TransPacific Partnership.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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: Ray Bosveld HollisWealth

10

CHAMBER NEWS Events and News of Interest to our Members

Sample Show shots!

If you had half the fun attending as we did organizing it and working with our Members, then we can jointly declare success!

The Chamber’s 15th Annual Business Sample Show was a key feature for us during National Small Business Week. Special congrats to St. Thomas Energy for winning Most Interactive display and to the Elgin Business Women’s Network for winning Most Creative display. The winner of $500 cash in our Passport Program was Gillian Weatherall of St. Thomas and dozens of other attendees claimed door prizes.

St. thomaS auto GuyS win Caa FaCility oF the year award At the CAA Awards banquet on Sept 26th in Niagara Falls, St. Thomas Auto Guys took home the Facility of the Year Silver Award for Southwestern Ontario (out of 55 facilities including the Greater Toronto area).

“Our team is responsible for this award win,” said Bob Ward, owner of St. Thomas Auto Guys. “Without the excellent team we have here, this award would not be possible.”

The St. Thomas Auto Guys continue to maintain strong ties to the community, having previously won the 2013 CAA and OTS Recycle Drive to rebuild an unused courtyard at the Elgin Court Public School in St. Thomas. They also applied and won a $25,000 Community Builder Grant for the Elgin Court School from Libro Financial.

Congratulations to St. Thomas Auto Guys!! Keep up the good work!

135 South Edgeware Rd, St Thomas 519-631-7117 www.stthomasautoguys.com November, 2015

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11

Pro Text Events and News of Interest to our Members

RESPs: Saving for your child’s future

by David daCamara

When finding ways to save for your children’s education, it’s important to understand the true costs involved. Not only are there tuition and books to consider, but there will also be living and transportation expenses should a child choose to attend a college or university in another city.

Maybe it’s too soon for you to know whether or not you’ll incur all or some of these expenses – perhaps your son or daughter is still years away from starting his or her post-secondary education.

But by beginning to save now, you’ll be better prepared when the time comes.

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can help you pay for the growing tuition fees and the added education costs. When you contribute to a plan you receive Canadian Education Savings Grants starting at 20% of the contributed amount to a maximum of $2,500 yearly contribution and $7,200 lifetime in grants. There are also opportunities to receive Additional Canadian Education Savings Grants from 10-20% based on your net family income. Contributions can be started for a little as $50 per month with a deadline of December 31 of each year until the child turns 17.

All growth within the RESP is tax sheltered which means you will not receive a tax slip at income tax time. An RESP can allow for numerous years of tax-free compounding the earlier the plan is

started. Money withdrawn from an RESP once a child starts post-secondary studies is taxed in the child’s hands. This usually means little or no tax is paid on it.

There are two types of RESPs: 1. Individual: One person is the beneficiary and he/she does not have to be related to the subscriber 2. Family: There can be more than one beneficiary as long as they are all under 21 and related to the subscriber by blood or adoption.

RESPs are offered by many financial institutions that manage the contributions and later make assistance payments to the child in the plan. If your child does not attend post-secondary education you are able to transfer the savings to your personal RRSP account minus the Canadian Education Savings Grants.

RESPs are an excellent choice when saving for your child’s education. After age 18, there are other options available, including giving money to your child so they can establish a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) or contributing to one of your own as a means of extra saving for your child’s education.

You know that post-secondary education costs are continuing to increase. You also know how valuable a post-secondary education can be in the

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This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by David daCamara, Financial Advisor, with Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited, 462 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments on this column are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via e-mail: info@reithandassociates.com

Commitment to Excellence

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life and success of your child. Start the conversation today and talk to your professional advisor about how to achieve financial stability and possibly a debt-free education for your children and grandchildren. It is never too early to begin saving for the future.

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Business Plans • Management Consulting Small Business Services • Bookkeeping Services Estate and Trust Returns Business Succession Planning Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff have the experience and training to help you with all your accounting and taxation needs

We can help!

The first 25 people to book an appointment with an Employment Counsellor will receive a free memory stick!

Call or drop in to one of our locations: 400 Talbot St., St. Thomas | (519) 631-5470 160 Main St., West Lorne | (519) 768-0020

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

www.employmentserviceselgin.ca November, 2015

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12

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

10 social media actions to stop doing immediately Social media is about building relationships and allowing your customers, and potential customers, to get to know you better as you get to know them (and their preferences) better as well. But if you’re doing these 10 things, chances are you’re not only chipping away at any relationship-building potential but you’re also hurting your own efficiency.

Spreading yourself thin - Like Napoleon in Russia or the team behind new restaurant openings for Planet Hollywood, even a successful campaign can fail if you spread yourself too thin. Pick a few social media profiles, ones you’re satisfied your ideal customer is on, and participate regularly. It is better to choose a select few that you monitor and maintain consistently, than be “present” on every platform only to publish once in a blood moon.

Publishing all you, all the time - No one wants to read constantly just about your comings and goings. There are things much more interesting to people than your business. You are limiting your shares if you use social media as your own personal cable access channel.

Sounding like a machine - Your personality should shine through in most of your posts, unless you’re a really mean, angry person, then forget about it. Be someone else.

Not having a goal - While it sounds inauthentic to have a sales goal attached to developing relationships, this is not a personal account. You’re doing this for business. Create some goals, assign them a timeline, track your progress towards them.

Being afraid to ask for referrals - Most businesses help people, even if it’s just helping them find attractive things for their homes or closets. If you believe this about your business, you should let go of the fear of asking satisfied customers to refer you on social media. It’s how business gets done now.

Making interaction formulaic - This is not algebra, I can’t give you a magic formula to grow your relationships and make people like you. If you have an “if then” type social media handbook that you make every employee adhere to, you’re missing out on some genuine conversations.

Publish anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see - Personality is important in posts but don’t go overboard with anything your mom or grandmother would question. Don’t publish anything that places you, your competition, or your community in a bad light. Above all, if you’re sharing a difference of opinion or think you have a better idea, NEVER EVER make it November, 2015

worth it.

Tagging someone in an unflattering photo Tagging is a great way to get attention, but tagging someone in a photo where they look awful or are doing something embarrassing is not a wise move. Also, be proactive. If you’re having an event and you plan on posting pictures, ask attendees to sign media releases wherever possible. It is much safer than someone reading you the riot act later.

Use social media to build relationships with your customers and prospective customers. You should never use it to belittle or bully someone, spread untruths, or complain. Your social media posts are your brand and reflect on your business even when your place is closed. Always keep that in mind before hitting the enter key.

This article has been shared with the Chamber thanks to Christina R. Green. Christina teaches small businesses, chambers and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.

She’s a bookish writer on a quest to bring great storytelling to organizations everywhere.

personal. Saying things like “The Mayor is an idiot” or “(insert name) should be fired immediately” will get you nowhere fast. Possibly into a lawsuit, too. Social media posts have a way of coming back to you. Stay positive and you’ll never have anything to apologize about. Tackle issues, never people.

Putting only one person in charge - Ideally, your business will th become important to a lot of people through “Candlelight Preview” the information you share. Customers will Friday, November 13th feel like they know you.

6pm-9pm Don’t place all of your social media posts, perSaturday & Sunday sonality, and passwords November 14th & November 15th in one person’s basket.

10:00 am - 4:00 pm If they leave, so do your social skills. Instead get everyone involved for additional coverage and fresh perspectives.

Ignoring copyrights For tickets or information call - Finders keepers, losers weepers, does not work 519-633-0838 in a copyright lawsuit, nor does claiming a lack of understanding of copyright law. Don’t assume because you found it on the Interwebs, it’s yours to use any way you choose. If you can’t get permission from the creator, either don’t post it, or if in the case of an image quote from a famous person, recreate it with your Thanks for all our sponsors & donors own image. Don’t take www.rotarystthomas.org chances on this. It’s not

Christmas In St.Thomas

20 Annual “Tour of Homes”

Tickets: $17.00 advance, $20.00 at the door

Tour “5” lovely different homes offering the utmost in beautiful Christmas decor.....

Participate in Door Prizes & Draws and Buy Christmas Tree Balls

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13

Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

The role of title insurance in your home purchase

by Monty Fordham In the purchase of a home, one of the questions routinely asked of the real estate lawyer by his/her client is whether to purchase title insurance as part of the transaction. In order to Monty Fordham intelligently answer this question in the context of any particular real estate purchase, it is necessary to first understand what title insurance is, and, perhaps more importantly, what it is not.

Traditionally, in Ontario, the lawyer’s role in the purchase of real estate, whether it be residential or commercial, was critical. He/she conducted a number of “searches” including a full historic investigation of the chain of title of the property in an effort to determine the quality of the “title” which the purchaser would obtain upon the closing of the transaction. Other searches included municipal tax status, land use zoning, municipal property standards and building standards and utilities. Based on the information obtained, the lawyer would form an “opinion” of the title which the purchaser would receive. This opinion, and

any exceptions placed on the opinion, in turn, produced a qualified “guarantee” of title.

With the increasing popularity of title insurance, the role of the lawyer has changed somewhat, but is just as important. The title insurer, rather than a guarantee, provides an indemnity to the purchaser. To illustrate the difference, imagine someone offers to sell you a dog. The dog is said to be a two-year-old purebred Jack Russell. If I guarantee the foregoing, you are entitled to just that. If, however, you later find out that the dog is a twelve-year-old pit bull, enforcing the guarantee might prove difficult, and certainly would involve replacing the dog. An indemnity, however, would provide you with compensation for the difference between what you received and what you thought you were receiving. No dog, just dollars.

As I have often said to my clients, your home purchase is likely to be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Your enjoyment of your home reflects your enjoyment of life in general. It is important, therefore, that there be few, if any, surprises down the road. It would seem prudent to conduct any and all investigations of the property and, as well, to obtain any indemnities which are available in the form of Title Insurance.

Title insurance is often discussed in the context of the presence or absence of a recent survey.

Indeed, most mortgage lenders accept title insurance in lieu of a survey as part of the mortgage transaction. However, title insurance is not the same as a survey. To illustrate, suppose you have placed an offer to purchase with respect to a property and have, based on your careful inspection of the apparent boundaries, assumed

it comprises a full acre. Should you later, after closing, discover that the property is less than an acre, and if the legal description is correct, title insurance probably will not help. The title insurer’s indemnity only applies to the property you have actually bought.

The foregoing problem can be addressed by obtaining a current survey of the property. This document describes the boundaries and extent of the property. Your lawyer will examine the survey, and should he/she have questions address them to the Ontario Land Surveyor, who will provide a narrative explanation if needed.

We begin to see that the purchase of a home is a complex process, involving many investigations.

The purchaser should, in my view, seek to protect his/her investment as much as possible. And this brings me to my final point about title insurance.

The increasing incidence of real estate fraud, including the actual theft of the owner’s property has created a special need for title insurance, especially after the closing of the transaction.

In fact, title insurers have taken the issue one step farther: currently, title insurers offer a product which indemnifies against actual identity theft, and the “real estate” and “non-real estate” losses one might encounter as a result.

I bet only a few years ago you didn’t think you would ever need to insure your identity. It now seems you do.

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 519633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

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Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

A look at local job postings Not that long ago, one of the simplest economic barometers was a quick look at job ads placed in local and regional newspapers. With a giant shift that sees employers and staffing professionals move to online postings, that quick look isn’t quite as easy.

Thanks to research completed by the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board, we now have a detailed look and summary of local online job postings over the past 24 months to the end of the 3rd quarter at September 30, 2015.

The information in the charts shown here is extracted from a detailed report published on worktrends.ca. Visit the Chamber’s website at stthomaschamber.on.ca and you will find direct links to the WorkTrends website as well as local, regional and national job postings.

They’re all in the column on the left side of our main page.

DON FERGUSON • Real Estate • Corporate Law • Commercial Law • Wills and Estates

Now! Local community news every day.

Plus much more!

SANDRA DIMEO • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Slip and Falls • Wrongful Dismissal • Contract Disputes

Canada Southern Railway Station 750 Talbot Street, Suite 211 St. Thomas, Ontario

t 519-633-8838 • f 519-633-9361

www.theweeklynews.ca November, 2015

www.fergusondimeolaw.com ELGIN THIS MONTH

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Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

Your customer is not your friend!

The following article is an excerpt from an online newsletter published by Roy Williams.

your best employee on that employee’s best day?

Of course not. They meet your average employee on an average day. Or worse, they meet a belowYou own a business. average employee on a below-average day.

You believe in your company.

And then you are confused by those negative reYou believe you deliver a better experience than views. Sad, isn’t it? your competitors.

Your intentions and motivations and personal Is this confidence based on your intentions, commitments never quite made it to the party. your goals, your beliefs, your values and your per- Wouldn’t it be great if your employees were consonal commitment to your customer’s happiness? sistently delivering the experience you’ve always It is? Uh-oh. believed in?

Judging yourself by your inI want to help you make that tentions isn’t a danger among ...they meet your happen. The process is called friends, because a friend integration.” average employee “message knows your heart even when The key is to take what’s in your actions are inappropriyour heart – your highest and on an average ate. brightest and best intentions – day...

But it is a real and present and bury those intentions deep danger in business. in the hearts of your employees.

We judge ourselves by our Frances Frei, that most beloved intentions but others judge us by our actions. of Harvard Business School professors, says, What happens when prospective customers “You can’t change a person’s performance until makes contact with your company? Do they meet you first change their beliefs.”

Jennifer Boone EXT 225 or Crystal Underhill EXT 234

Rob Blaxall: President

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Residential • Commercial • Industrial November, 2015

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Simon Sinek, in the most popular of all TED talks, says, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe. In fact, people will do things that they believe.”

Simon Sinek agrees with Frances Frei and I agree with both of them. I’ll bet you do, too. Yet most of the people I’ve met who adored that Simon Sinek TED talk did exactly the wrong thing at the end of those magical 18 minutes.

They drew concentric circles, pointed to the middle one and said, “We’ve got to start with Why.” And each of these fine people walked away from that exercise with something that felt like a fuzzy and ambiguous “unique selling proposition” or worse, a high-tone mission statement filled with words like “honesty,” “integrity,” and “value.”

Editor’s Note: If you aren’t one of the 24 million people who have seen the 18-minute Simon Sinek TED talk, search it at ted.com.

Roy H. Williams is a best-selling author and marketing consultant, recognized for his Wizard of Ads trilogy.

He is the founder of a marketing and communications school known as the Wizard Academy. Wikipedia says his specialty is marketing and advertising for small businesses with 100 employees or less.

Williams attended Oklahoma State University before dropping out after day two and is known for saying “I didn’t really pay that close attention on the second day.” He produces and publishes a free weekly column and podcast titled the Monday Morning Memo. We’re subscribers and fans at the St. Thomas & District Chamber office, and thought our Business Beat readers might enjoy, and benefit from, the above excerpt from one of his recent articles.

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

Mark Lassam, CPA, CA 115 Curtis St., St.Thomas, ON N5P 1J4 p: 519-631-1631 | f: 519-631-2929 mark@lassam.ca 16

Remembrance Day Remembrance Day ceremonies across Elgin SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8

Southwold Keystone Complex 35921 Talbot Line Shedden On Sunday, November 8 Refreshments, Displays Keynote Speaker: Ted Barris Theme: “Western Steam Navigation” Time: 9:30 a.m.

Port Burwell Parade from Port Burwell-Bayham Royal Canadian Legion westerly on Wellington St. turning left on Robinson St., left on Pitt St. to Cenotaph for service.

Time: 1:30pm Service: 2 pm Vienna - Service only 11am For details contact the Port Burwell-

Bayham Royal Canadian Legion at 519-874-4308

St. Thomas St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Time: 11:00 a.m.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10 Dutton Dutton Community Centre Time: 7:00pm WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 Aylmer Cenotaph, Talbot St., Aylmer Time: 10:30am

West Lorne West Lorne Cenotaph, Arena 171 Graham St. Time: 10:45am

Port Stanley March across The Bridge Time: 10:45am Ceremony at The Legion: 11:00am Rodney Rodney Library

On November 11th, take the time to Thank a Veteran

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17

Remembrance Day In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

Anthem forWilfred Doomed Youth Owen

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells, Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

On

Remembrance rance DAY Honour the bravery of our men and women in uniform

Lweestforget

What candles may be held to speed them all?

Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.

The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

1914

Wilfred Owen

War broke: and now the Winter of the world With perishing great darkness closes in.

The foul tornado, centred at Berlin, Is over all the width of Europe whirled, Rending the sails of progress. Rent or furled Are all Art's ensigns. Verse wails. Now begin Famines of thought and feeling. Love's wine's thin.

The grain of human Autumn rots, down-hurled.

For after Spring had bloomed in early Greece, And Summer blazed her glory out with Rome, An Autumn softly fell, a harvest home, A slow grand age, and rich with all increase.

But now, for us, wild Winter, and the need Of sowings for new Spring, and blood for seed.

Join us for our

Remembrance Day Celebration Wednesday, November 11th at 11am in front of the St. Thomas/Elgin General Hospital to Honour our Veterans

KARen

Vecchio,MP

545 Talbot St., St. Thomas

elgin-MiDDlesex-lonDon

750 Talbot st., (cAso station suite 203) st. Thomas, on n5P 1e2 519-633-3333 • www.karenvecchio.ca

November, 2015

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519-631-1680 www.stthomas.ca 18

Remembrance Day The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier Excerpted from legion.ca The Royal Canadian Legion adopted as a Millennium Project the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial. The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS) and the National Council of Veterans Associations in Canada (NCVA) endorsed the idea and the Legion approached a number of federal government departments, seeking their participation in the project. With the enthusiastic contributions of Veterans Affairs Canada, Department of National Defence, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Department of Canadian Heritage, and with the financial support of the Millennium Bureau of Canada, the Tomb became a reality.

At the meeting on March 12, 1998, MGen Dallaire committed the full support of the Canadian Armed Forces to the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a millennium project of The Royal Canadian Legion. After discussion, Vimy Ridge was chosen as the source of the remains.

In the spring of 1998, the Dominion President of the Legion invited a number of government departments and other organizations to participate in a Working Group to bring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier project to fruition. Those invited to be members of the Working Group were: ANAVETS NCVA Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Department of National Defence (DND) Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Public Works and Government services Canada (PWGCS) Canadian War Museum (CWM) Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), (Canadian Agency) National Capital Commission (NCC) The Working Group was the coordinating committee for the project with chairmanship held

by The Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion was also responsible for the design and coordination

of the funeral / interment ceremonies with ANA- hearse followed by the bearer party and the delVETS and NCVA participating as equal partners. egation proceeded by motorcade, escorted by the Responsibility for developing the ceremonies in police, to the Cartier Drill Hall. The coffin was laid on a motorized gun carriage and transported Vimy evolved to VAC. PWGSC took responsibility for the design and to the Peace Tower. The bearer party then lifted construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Sol- the coffin and carried it into the Centre Block dier and for carrying the modifications to the Na- where it was lowered on a catafalque in the Hall of Honour. tional War Memorial to accept the Tomb.

After the official party signed the Book of ConDND was responsible for escorting and transporting the remains from the Vimy battlefield dolence, hundreds of veterans assembled in the with CWGC being responsible for the selection Hall of Honour took their turns in approaching of the particular remains of an Unknown Soldier the catafalque to pay their respects. They were followed by the cadets who were present to attend and recovery of those remains.

VAC requested and CWGC obliged to find the the arrival of the Unknown Soldier.

The remains of the Unknown Soldier continremains of an Unknown Soldier from a strip of land approximately 25 km. in length running ued to lie-in-state until Sunday afternoon May from Loos-en-Gohelle in the north to Neuville- 28 when approximately 1,000 Veterans that took Vitasse in the south, an area of concentrated mili- part in a procession before some 15,000 spectatary successes by Canadians in the First World tors.

At approximately 5pm that day a large crane War. VAC would be responsible for communications/ was moved into place on Elgin Street to place the public relations aspect of the project, including cover for the sarcophagus on top of it. The Tomb the production of a communications plan, with of the Unknown Soldier was now complete.

Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is an the involvement of all parties.

Early on May 25, 2000, the remains of the Un- integral part of any ceremony held at the National known Soldier were taken by hearse from the War Memorial.

CWG offices at Beaurains to Canadian Cemetery No 2 at Vimy and placed in front of the Cross of Sacrifice. Following a ceremony, the coffin was taken to the Please remember those who gave their Lille airport where it was placed onboard a lives and those who continue Canadian Armed Forcto serve our Country. es aircraft CC-150 and

ON NOVEMBER 11th

departed, along with all members of the pilgrimage, for Canada.

The pilgrimage delegation was met in Ottawa on May 25 by the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Art Eggleton. Following his remarks, the

On November 11th

REMEMBER We We honour honour those those who who have have given given their their lives lives to to defend defend our our freedom. freedom.

LEST WE FORGET

Royal Royal Canadian Canadian Legion, Legion, Branch Branch 41 41 24 24 John John St. St. St.Thomas St.Thomas 519-631-9840 519-631-9840

November, 2015

JEFF YUREK, MPP

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 10am-4:30pm 750 Talbot St., (CASO Station Suite 201) St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 519-631-0666 email: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org www.jeffyurekmpp.com

Thank you to our service men and women who fearlessly defend freedom around the world.

AYLMER ST.THOMAS PORT STANLEY TILLSONBURG STRAFFORDVILLE 75 Talbot Street East 991 Talbot Street 289 Bridge Street 128 Broadway 9254 Plank Road 519-773-8471 519-637-1230 519-782-3327 519-842-8999 519-866-3796 www.hwcinsurance.ca

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info@hwcinsurance.ca

19

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Keep your finances on track: digging out of the red

ter what your bank balance looks like.”

A trusted financial advisor can coach you on With recent statistics suggesting that more Ca- ways to get out of debt sooner and minimize the nadians are in debt and taking longer to pay it off, amount of interest you’re paying on your current saving for the future might seem next impossible debt. And very importantly, they can help you for many. But personal finance experts say digging create a realistic budget to ensure you’re living yourself out of the red and saving for the future well within your means. They can also help you might not be as difficult as you think if you have put a plan in place to save for big ticket items like a first home or renovations, as well as save for the the right support and resources. future.

“There is a huge misconception Meridian offers tips to out there that working with a fihelp you tackle your debt nancial advisor is only for those “start getting organized and save for your finanwho have a lot of money,” says Wade Stayzer, Vice President of for the New Year now” cial future.

Create a personalized Sales and Service at Meridian, Onfinancial plan: Work tario’s largest credit union. “But with a trusted financial the reality is that working with a advisor to create a pertrusted financial advisor is the first step to getting your finances on track — no mat- sonalized financial plan. Be honest with your advisor and give them the full picture, making sure to include everything, such as daycare and commuting costs. It’s important to meet with them at least once a year to reevaluate your plan and make any adjustments necessary to keep you on track to reaching your financial goals.

Be strategic: Pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying the minimum on the rest of your debts. Once By: Karyn Silliker

Executive: Past President - Karyn Silliker, Meridian President - Heidi Weninger, H. Broer Equipment Sales & Service Vice President - Jamie Chapman, First Impressions Hair Designing Treasurer - Roxanne Husser, Mutual Financial Services

From October 5 to December 15, 2015 mail-in rebate

70

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Karyn Silliker is Meridian’s Aylmer Branch Manager.

The 2015-2016 Board of Directors for the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

®

$

that first debt is paid off, concentrate your efforts and funds in paying the next debt with the highest interest rate.

Invest automatically: Saving for the future today isn’t difficult if you put your savings on auto pilot. Many financial institutions provide pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plans, which automatically transfer funds from your chequing account into your savings investments on regular intervals. PACs are a great tool for contributing to RSPs and if you coordinate the withdrawals to align with your payday, the money won’t even be missed.

Make financial resolutions: Be more proactive about your personal finances and start getting organized for the New Year now. Determine what your financial goals are and work with your trusted financial advisor now to build a plan that will set you up for financial success next year.

Take advantage of other resources: You can get some great budgeting advice from a variety of sources including software programs that help you track your day-to-day spending. Many financial institutions like Meridian also offer online household budget calculators that you can use to keep track of your expenses.

To learn more about financial planning visit www.meridiancu.ca or come and visit us at Meridian’s Aylmer branch located at 36 Talbot Street West.

“Migrating Geese” is one of the Quilt Trail displays in downtown Aylmer.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Directors: Rudy Gheysen, Asymmetric Consulting Tony Holcombe, Aylmer Glass & Mirror Francisco Enns, Enns Textiles Angie Scott, Zest Idea Agency Pete Peters, Mennonite Savings & Credit Union Erica Unger, Oxford Mutual Insurance Co. Sharen Symondson, Elgin Business Resource Centre Brenda Lawson, Sweet Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast 20

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Goodwill’s Used Cars earns 2015 Community Spirit Award Back in September 1974 George Hooghiem, the founder of Goodwill's Used Cars, purchased a gas station with two repair bays in Aylmer. The current owners Al and Red Hooghiem, joined the business a few years later. It was not long before the family business began to grow. A 75 vehicle inventory turned into over 250 Used Cars, Vans, Trucks and SUVs. Their entrepreneurial spirit has catapulted them into being one of southwestern Ontario’s leading used car dealerships. They are a family owned and operated business with staff that are extended family. Customers travel from all over for sales, service and a joke or two.

Just as their entrepreneurial spirit has elevated their business, their community spirit is evident in their business as well. Between Al and Red and their families, they have been a past director of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the East Elgin Community Complex Campaign committee, supporters of Aylmer Performing Arts Council, supporters of numerous local programs, charities, organizations and minor sports. They support Sanctuary Homes in St. Thomas, and Al and Randee were part of a new church plant in St. Thomas, “Destination” where they provide social and meal programs.

Most impressive though is they support a number of social and religious programs without any praise or public fanfare. It’s about giving back for the betterment of the community, not for the recognition.

No participant in the Aylmer Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade has more fun than Goodwill’s!

Their hot tub float and stretch limousine float

are fan favourites. As well, everyone loves their ‘service department’ ads in the Aylmer Express.

The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce's Community Spirit award is about recognizing local organizations and business members that show true community spirit. It is my honour and privilege on behalf of the Chamber and Meridian to award Goodwill’s the 2015 Community Spirit Award.

Karyn Silliker, Manager at Meridian, presents the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit award to Al Hooghiem from Goodwill's Used Cars. The award, sponsored by Meridian, is to publicly recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals that demonstrate their passion for the business community.

How to Care for Your Feet Diabetes Expo Sherry Green, RN, from Creative Orthotic Solutions will provide information on daily foot care management for people with diabetes and prediabetes.

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Thursday, November 19, 2015 6:30 to 9:00 pm Exhibits start at 6:30 pm Speaker starts at 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus Hall 58 Beech St. W. Aylmer ON To register or for more information: Chelsey Passmore P: 519-673-1630 x.223 E: chelsey.passmore@diabetes.ca Or register at Hills Clinic Pharmachoice 420 Talbot St. W. Aylmer ON P: 519-765-2880

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Farm Business Report

Helping farmers minimize environmental impact on Great Lakes

Province supporting educational programs that promote nutrient stewardship Ontario is working to improve and maintain water quality in the Great Lakes by supporting the development and implementation of a nutrient stewardship program for farmers.

As part of a recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation, Ontario will provide $50,000 to Fertilizer Canada and the Ontario Agri Business Association to develop educational programs for farmers about nutrient management based on the internationally-recognized 4R Nutrient Stewardship system, which promotes efficient fertilizer application to improve profitability while reducing nutrient losses. ”Ontario's investment in the protection of our agricultural lands and vital waterways continues to be a priority, and one shared by our partners in the agri-food sector. Our government sees this funding as yet another step on the path to more sustainable use of our agricultural lands, as well as the improvement and preservation of the Great Lakes,” said Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agri-

November, 2015

culture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Ontario's farmers have already made significant contributions as stewards of the land, completing more than 23,500 on-farm environmental improvement projects since 2005, including grass buffer strips, wind breaks, cover crops, nutrient storage and structures to prevent soil erosion. The Memorandum of Cooperation will further support the province's farmers as well as protect watershed areas and prevent algae blooms.

Garth Whyte, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada, said, “Canada's fertilizer industry is encouraged by the Government of Ontario's endorsement for 4R Nutrient Stewardship as an important tool to meet the province's environmental stewardship goals. We look forward to working with the Ontario government and agri-retailers to improve practices that will ensure the sustainability of the agriculture industry while enriching the health of the Great Lakes.”

Helping Ontario's agri-food sector continue its strong environmental stewardship is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, in-

ELGIN THIS MONTH

novative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan. “Agriretailers are well positioned to work with Ontario farmers to implement the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program as a practical tool for enhanced environmental sustainability,” said Dave Buttenham, CEO, Ontario Agri Business Association.

QUICK FACTS • The 4R Nutrient Stewardship system uses four key pillars for fertilizer application: Right Source, @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®.

• On December 19, 2014, Ontario approved the new Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality. In that agreement, both Canada and Ontario commit to creating action plans to reduce the impact of excess nutrients on the water quality of Lake Erie.

22

Farm Business Report

Farming: A way of life that runs deep Essay by Terry Carroll

The term “corporate farming” looms over any discussion of the future of agriculture. The reality is that while farms are, generally speaking, getting larger and larger, the percentage of non-family corporate farms is still quite small. According to the 2011 census, 17.4 percent of farms were owned by family corporations at that time, and 2.4 percent by non-family corporations.

And every farmer on a family farm, large or small, can tell you a story about what a mess some corporation made of trying to make money farming.

Right there is the main reason that most farms are still family-owned, regardless of size. Farming is a business, but it is much more than that. It’s a way of life that runs deep.

Farm kids who no longer live on farms are a testimonial to this. We are like a diaspora, what Wikipedia calls “a scattered population whose origin lies within a smaller geographic locale.” We constantly return, some of us to help out in season, some of us to visit, all of us in dreams, to a place and time when the farm was everything.

When we were young, we farm kids would say we were from the farm, but in reality the farm was in us, in our blood like a virus that will never go away.

It represented the giving of life, endless struggle, beautiful vistas, dark days of despair and the ultimate end of life.

Continued on page 24

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23

Farm Business Report Continued from page 23 The goal of any farmer worth his salt was to die on his feet. One of my uncles reached this pinnacle. He parked the tractor at noon and died that evening. Not all farmers are so lucky.

In Crinan in western Elgin, where I was born and raised, it went without saying that the farm life was superior to all others. You could be proud of a relative who made it as a stock trader or a software developer, an elected official or a government official, but these were all lesser occupations.

These were the daily activities of city slickers, and city slickers no matter how slick, regardless of how

wealthy or cultured or well-mannered, were understood to be second-class citizens.

Farm people in western Elgin are descended from the settlers who arrived in mid-nineteenth century, cleared land, built their homes and barns, and built their churches. Largely of

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people are sons and daughters of the pioneers, children of a greater God than those who abandoned the farm for so-called life in the city.

Continued on page 25

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www.wmic.ca 24

Farm Business Report

Continued from page 24 God and the farm were closely linked. They had to be. Back in the day, on Sunday, you did the chores if you had livestock, you went to church, you may have caught a nap during the sermon, you prepared a meal, you socialized but you did not play

competitive games, dance or work land on the Sabbath. That would be breaking the fourth commandment. Only a fool would risk bringing the wrath of the Old Testament God down on the farm. And, what would the neighbours say?

The basic unit was the hundred-acre farm, the

technology was horse-based, and everyone was a mixed farmer (livestock, grain, corn) until the advent of the tractor in the 1950s and 1960s. Many farm wives brought in outside income, as teachers, nurses, in retail or working in tobacco. While tobacco was, and still can be, a lucrative crop, the sons and daughters of the pioneers tended to work in tobacco, rather than own tobacco farms.

What were then called New Canadians, mostly European and largely Catholic, owned tobacco farms, and began to change the ethnic mix of the area and its religious complexion.

Some women were active in farming. I think of Annie Isobel Tait (McCallum), who farmed with her husband Dunc while he was alive (and after he passed away), taught piano and has been the Argyle Presbyterian Crinan Church organist and choir director for over 60 years. For the hundredth anniversary of the church in 1961, she led, cajoled and inspired the church choir to perform the Hallelujah Chorus.

But farming, outside the farmhouse, was largely a male domain. It could be a bit much for farm wives tied to a cycle of cooking, cleaning, washing and raising children. Organizations such as the Ladies Aid, Women’s Institute and Women’s Missionary Society were important for women. They were hardly bastions of radical feminism, but they offered occasions for female bonding in areas that males dared not tread.

Continued on Page 26

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Farm Business Report

Conttinued from page 25 Young people had their own bonding to the church through Sunday School in the elementary years. During the teen years, Young People’s Society within the church and 4-H and Junior Farmers groups outside it had a similar secular function. As important as these organizations were to the lives of farm children and teens, it would be a mistake to view them with excessive nostalgia.

Teens being teens, a certain amount of rebellion or discontent or out-right rejection came into play. Inspired by the movie Easy Rider, three Crinan grandsons of the pioneers hit the blacktop for western Canada on motorcycles about 1970. Interestingly enough, they came back, two of them to farm in western Elgin.

When I was a West Elgin District High School student, a youngish male teacher said he’d moved to London, and that culture was one of the ad-

vantages of the move. I asked him what he meant by culture. Were the rural dances and school Christmas concerts and church pageants not culture?

Musical performances and pageants were often held in church basements and were not necessarily religious in nature. Dances in one-room schools were an extension of the dances people held in homes during The Great Depression. People did the waltz, polka, a version of the two-step, military schottische, and periodically, it was “time for a square dance.” The

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fiddle was the main instrument with guitar, piano and sometimes banjo for back-up. In Crinan, Stuart McIntyre, a small farmer who delivered the RR # 1, Crinan mail (a family tradition for 108 years) was our fiddler. He was also famous on a local level for kissing his wife through the screen door when he was first married to Edna, and for playing The Twist on his fiddle at a community dance in 1961.

When the province asked for a vote on closing one-room schools, farm families voted no. These schools, together with the churches, formed the backbone of local culture. But farmers’ voices weren’t listened to.

The schools were closed in 1964, and farmers asked, “So why did they hold a vote?”

As business people now like to say ad nauseam, the only constant is constant change. The farm population was diminishing and the oneroom schools were doomed to close some day.

Agriculture was also evolving rapidly.

During the 1960s, my father hired a crew to build a 40-foot concrete silo, and when neighbours saw it going up, they said he would never fill it. Of course, the opposite proved to be true.

Farm yields were about to rise.

Mechanization and, later, computerization would change everything.

In 1971, Ontario had 24,040 farms. By 2011, this had dropped to 16,184 farms, but yields were generally continuing to rise. In 1981, the average yield for grain corn in Ontario was 94.0 bushels per acre. In 2014, it had risen to 160.9 bushels per acre, and early reports for 2015 indicate this level may be repeated or exceeded.

Continued on page 27

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Farm Business Report

Continued from page 26 The trend is not all in one direction. In a world where most farms get ever larger and there continue to be fewer farmers, there are all kinds of other directions—including small farms of ten acres and up, whether hobby farms, vegetable farms, organic farms or urban farms of less than ten acres. There’s also an ongoing concern that in Ontario the best land for agriculture is also the best (read easiest) for suburban developments.

My uncle Dunc McPherson was a smaller farmer until he sold his farm in early middle age. He died at age 91 in January 2015, and before he passed away, he liked to tell the story of the first combine he and his neighbour, George Jamieson, purchased together. It was an Allis Chalmers with a 40-inch head that was manufactured until the 1960s. Dunc liked to point out that he’d lived to see combines with 40-foot heads (and sophisticated computers and GPS).

In large-scale agriculture in western Elgin, some of the traditional family names like the McCallums and the McLeods are big in farming. In the central area of Elgin, the Ferguson name dominates and in the east it’s the Walkers. Of course in the east, Old Order Mennonite families still work the land with horses, and throughout the county, farms of all sizes exist. But with the exception of the Mennonite communities, many of the old church-centred farming communities are evolving or slowly disappearing.

Regardless, farming communities were, and are, closely knit, with farmers helping each other out in times of trouble. Dark clouds do sometimes obscure the sunshine: a child lost to a farm accident; a farmer with nerve trouble as it was once called (my father’s challenge); financial disaster; the occasional suicide. When I was in elementary school, a local farmer took off his clothes on the beach of Lake Erie, walked into the water and drowned himself. Kids wonder the darndest things. Why did he take off his clothes? I asked myself. I asked my parents why he killed himself, and the answer I heard was that he had been married three times and all three wives had died.

Elgin farmers tend to have great faith in hard work, the science of agriculture and their own ingenuity. But it’s a sin to boast. “Not too bad” or “We did alright” are about as close as a farmer wants to get to admitting the family has had a good year.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is the commitment to the farm. When it’s 10 below and the combine breaks down, or you’ve been planting for twelve hours, and you’re not done yet, or prices plunge and there’ll be no money this year in corn or cattle, or the weather looks like it will never cooperate, there’s one thing that keeps you going. That one thing is the farm. The farm is greater than you. Quitting is for city slickers.

November, 2015

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Farm Business Report

Most field crop acreages up in 2015 Courtesy of Statistics Canada In the principal field crops survey conducted in June of this year, farmers had either planted or intended to plant more wheat, corn for grain, barley and oats compared with 2014, while acreages seeded to soybeans and canola were down.

Seeding conditions were generally favourable in the spring, with drier

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Ontario farmers sowed 2.9 million acres of soybeans, down 4.6% from 2014. In Quebec, the area planted to soybeans was reported at 778,400 acres, down 9.5%.

On the Prairies, however, soybean acreages increased in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan in 2015. Manitoba farmers reported a 4.7% increase to 1.3 million acres, while in Saskatchewan, they reported planting 300,000 acres (+11.1% from 2014).

Wheat Canadian farmers reported increasing their 2015 plantings of wheat by 1.3% from 2014 to 24.1 million acres. This gain was driven by a 21.1% rise in planted acres of durum wheat to 5.8 million acres, while spring wheat fell by 1.5% to 17.1 million acres.

Provincially, Alberta farmers reported that area seeded to all varieties of wheat edged up 0.7% in 2015 to 6.8 million acres, with durum area rising 45.5% to 800,000 acres, while area seeded to spring wheat declined 2.7%.

Saskatchewan farmers reported that wheat seedings fell by less than 1.0% in 2015 to 13.0 million acres. Spring wheat accounted for this decline, down 7.4% to 7.9 million acres.

Meanwhile, durum wheat increased ...farmers in 17.9% to 5.0 million acres in 2015.

Ontario boosted Manitoba farmers reported seeding 3.0 million acres of spring wheat, up their area seeded 17.3% from 2014. to corn for grain Canola Canadian farmers reported seeding by 9.6%...

19.8 million acres of canola in 2015, down 2.4% from 2014.

In Saskatchewan, canola acreage fell 1.9% to 10.5 million acres. Farmers in Alberta Soybeans Nationally, area seed- seeded 6.1 million acres of canola, down 6.2% ed to soybeans was 5.4 compared with 2014. However, Manitoba farmmillion acres in 2015, ers reported a 4.7% increase in canola acreage to 2.5% below the record 3.1 million acres.

Barley and oats high of 2014. This deAt the national level, the overall area seeded to cline was driven by decreases in Quebec and barley rose 10.7% from 2014 to 6.5 million acres Ontario, which typi- in 2015.

Meanwhile, the total acreage planted to oats incally account for around 70% of total acreage creased 21.6% from 2014 to 3.4 million acres. sown in Canada. conditions allowing farmers to wrap up seeding a few weeks earlier compared with 2014. However, May frost on parts of the Prairies required some farmers to reseed.

Corn for grain Canadian farmers reported planting 3.3 million acres of corn for grain in 2015, up 5.7% from 2014.

Farmers in Ontario boosted their area seeded to corn for grain by 9.6% in 2015 to 2.1 million acres, matching their five-year average. In Quebec, the area seeded to corn for grain was up 2.8% to 901,900 acres.

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28

Farm Business Report

The date we affectionately call Chicken Run

by Janine Lunn

I came home late the other night, after dark, and was surprised to find the lights on in the shed instead of the house. When I turned off the van, I heard three generations of voices floating across the barn yard and remembered … the date had been on our calendar for weeks. This is the date we affectionately call Chicken Run. There are a few theories on why we’ve come to name it that; likely it’s a combination of a movie several years back, and the fact that it’s usually a bit of a sprint to the finish as we catch and carry the birds, load the truck and the appointed ‘dad’ does the run to our butcher, an hour or so west. The next day, after the birds have been processed, there is another run back, followed by a freezer full of homegrown family dinners for the winter ahead.

We have a decades-old family tradition of rais- on those chicken bee days.

While we are thrilled to have the freedom to ing chickens through the spring and summer. A friend asked me once where they go in the winter. produce our own meat, it is reassuring to have a My rather blunt answer sums it up: the freezer. trusted butcher to handle some of the final deWe love our animals, but being omnivores, we tails. But the team work aspect is still thriving, also know they have a part in feeding our family, at least on selected days, around here. It takes a so it is just a part of the cycle of life around here. short person to watch over counting, and operatSpring is by far the sweetest stage. The order ing the lids, in order to keep the caught birds in is placed at the farm supply store, and we bring their crates. The more active work is in the pen, home a warm cardboard box lined with wood rounding up the birds in a way that is both swift shavings, and full of warm, peeping, yellow fluff and also as gentle as possible to prevent undue balls. It is by far the best time to have friends over, stress. One big brother told me proudly that his to watch the magic as a child of any age holds a little sister can carry two birds at once – no small baby chick for the first time. They huddle around feat for a bird-catcher in training, and no small a warming light for the first few days, traveling praise from a brother who is not always so comin seemingly random patterns around the pen, plimentary.

It may not be the most magical childhood testing out tiny sips of water and pecking away memory, but I hope our three will remember the at their feed.

But as is the case with so many creatures, the tang of chicken manure, the sound of clucking, baby stage is short-lived, and soon they sprout the tickle of wood shavings and floating feathers, white wing-tips and within weeks begin looking working alongside their dad and grandpa, and (and smelling) considerably less sweet. Chicken what it means to do a chicken run. chores are now a shared responsibility with the children learning how to fill the feeders and waterers, and share the vegetable compost which the Janine Lunn lives on the chickens greedily gobble up. family farm near The chicken-catching scene took me back a few Belmont, Ontario. years to the farmyard of my childhood, when it was more common to do on-farm butchering.

I recall my dad and great-uncle on duty with knives in the apple orchard, and watching the bizarre final dance of a headless chicken. My mom and great-aunt were re519-269-3364 • r.r. #1, springfield • 519-269-3995 sponsible for scalding, and I learned to pluck • domestic • commercial • industrial • farm feathers at my station in the barn. Time constraints and health regulations eventually put that practice to an end, but there was a strong sense of family and accomplishment

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Farm Business Report

Tips on hosting an exciting wine tasting

by Jamie Quai

The holidays are coming up fast. The season ize your shopping cart. Wine retail stores, with a always involves quite a bit of entertaining and more focused selection, are filled with staff with a socializing. Planning an event can be stressful, narrower range of products and should be able to so this month I’m going to share some tips and answer most questions.

Where this system often falls apart is in the tricks to hosting a wine tasting party that both communication between the host and the retailer. highlights your hosting skills and your creativity.

The first tip to hosting a great wine tasting social Asking for help because you are “hosting a party is to identify the core nature of the party. Is the and don’t know what to buy,” will not lead to great night about discovering new things? Is the night selections. You aren’t giving the retailer parameters to help them, help you. Tell the retailer about that about matching foods to your core nature of the party we dissafety net wines (safety net cussed earlier. wines are those bottles you alFor example, if the retailer most always purchase “because “set up some creative knows the night is about disit’s what you drink”)? Are the challenges to make covering new and exciting hosts supplying all the selecchoosing the wines wines he or she can make a tions, or is it more of a combetter recommendation. Here’s interesting” munal purchasing endeavour? a tip to know if you are giving My experience is that a truly sufficient information to the great event doesn’t just happen. It requires an understanding of what the retailer – If the retailer’s choice is prefaced with party is about. And remember that half of defin- the words, “This one is popular,” you’re too vague. ing what the event is … means defining what the In our business (if you didn’t ask), the statement ‘this one is popular’ is a retailers’ way of getting event isn’t.

In a lot of ways the wine business is set up to out of the situation. If you are giving enough demake decisions as stress-free as possible. Liquor tail about the event, the answer will be some variastores have experts on staff who are passionate tion of “this is good.” In “wine sales speak,” there about the product and can help you personal- is often a huge divide between popular and good.

If you’ve decided to host a wine tasting event that leans towards new discoveries, there are a lot of tips to get the most of the experience, regardless of who picks the wines. Decide on a theme. The theme can be subtle or overt, We know that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of but all the selections life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by support the theme. The providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the theme should be a top business of farming. We’ll take the time necessary to understand down decision. As a your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and host it’s your call. Some anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. of my favourite wine themes are: off-vintage AnnMarie Kemmerling wines, heritage grapes, Account Manager artisanal wines, or clas-

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Elgin, Middlesex and SW Oxford Counties 519-631-7070, ext. 305 annmarie.kemmerling@td.com

sic styles. Those mean (in order): 1. wines from less than perfect years, 2. avoiding chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz, malbec, sauvignon blanc, etc., 3. producers making less than 10,000cs a year, or 4. buying just Bordeaux, Burgundy, Mosel, Borolo, Chianti, Napa, Rioja etc.

Once a theme is decided, set up some creative challenges to make choosing the wines interesting. This is where the fun really starts. Here are some of my favourite challenges: 1. Wine must be between $20-25 a bottle. 2. The name of the grape cannot appear on the front label. 3. The bottle must not showcase an award sticker. 4. The brand name must start with the letter G. 5. The label must contain a quality comment, such as: reserve, select(ion), grand, old vines. Any parameter you can think of works. Obviously, you can’t choose every parameter for one party or it will be too difficult to pick.

My experience says choose two challenges, and go from there. If guests are bringing a bottle, make sure they know the rules and enjoy the wines that eventually make it to the party. You may discover a new favourite!

Jamie Quai is head winemaker at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in Elgin County

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Farm Business Report

Six by Sixteen launched during Ontario Agriculture Week A new initiative to help young people make healthy food choices was launched as part of Ontario Agriculture Week in October.

Six by Sixteen is a new food literacy program developed by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to teach young people how to plan and prepare six nutritious (and locally sourced) meals by the time they are 16 years old. OFA has created an online hub of resources for parents, health professionals and young teens to promote local food and healthy food choices.

“We’ve partnered with commodity groups to use the tremendous amount of materials already available to help Ontario’s younger generation learn how to make healthy choices,” says Don McCabe, OFA President. “When we teach our children to make good food choices, we prepare them for a lifetime of health.”

OFA, along with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) identified the importance of food literacy in the National Food Strategy, a vision for food and agriculture in Canada that is meant to guide policy development in the food system. OFA’s launch of Six by Sixteen is part of the organization’s efforts to strengthen food literacy. OFA strongly believes food literacy contrib-

utes to lifelong wellbeing, a sustainable health care system and supports the agri-food sector.

“Having knowledge of local food and supporting the industry that grows local food helps strengthen our communities, supports a sustainable environment, creates jobs and boosts our local economies. Industry initiatives, such as the Six by Sixteen campaign, are positive ways to create awareness of both healthy eating and the good things that grow, right here, in Ontario,” says Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario,

representing 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

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LIFESTYLE ThaT’s Life

Lawnmower with attachment: 1. Rake: 0

by Elizabeth VanHooren

There is a rake hanging in our garage that no longer resembles a rake. In fact it doesn’t have a handle; just the tines hang on the wall – bent, warped and rusty. You might mistake it for some new-age piece of artwork and wonder why it’s hanging in the garage and not in a gallery.

My husband will eagerly tell anyone interested that it is in fact a safety warning.

Here’s the story behind that rake.

I love trees. Trees topped my short list of qualifications when I went house hunting with my husband. My forever home had to be in the country with a long driveway graced with trees.

Today, our laneway is lined with grand maples.

Their branches are cool and inviting in the summer. In the fall the archway of colour they present in the autumn lifts my spirits every evening when I return home from work. It’s like driving through a natural gateway to everything good in my life, home.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Except … as every homeowner knows trees create leaves – especially maple trees. Their fall

beauty flutters to the ground and accumulates.

These cast offs must be raked, piled and moved off of your lawn to preserve the carpet of grass underneath.

Fall raking is a chore. But, I’ve tried to make it as enjoyable as possible. The boys and I spend time raking huge piles into which they gleefully bound. I have pictures of them with just their faces poking out of a sea of orange, yellow and red. But, still, in the end, the leaves need to be raked and removed.

To help in this yearly chore, my husband invested in a vacuum that attaches to our lawnmower.

It’s cut down our raking time considerably, which brings me back to the mangled rake in our garage.

One fine November morning, over two years ago, I headed outside to attack the last of autumn’s offerings. By the bite in the air I knew that this was my last chance before autumn gave way to winter – and night was closing in.

And, I’m a busy mom who may have forgotten that she used a rake the day before. Who can’t help it if she neglected to return said rake to the garage where it … yes … all things considered should have

been hung back up where it belonged.

Did I mention it was getting dark? And, I’m a working mom who was just trying to help her husband out with some of the yard work.

I drove our lawn tractor, mower engaged, right over top a steel rake hidden under a thin layer of leaves. There may have been sparks … the rake did a complete 360 … the handle broke off, whipping across the yard. The lawnmower came to an abrupt, full-stop.

“The good news is,” I explained to my husband that evening. “The tractor started right back up and I got all the leaves vacuumed up. So, really you should thank me.”

That’s the story behind the mangled rake in our garage. My husband says it’s like a safety sign that reads: “Please check that all rakes are hanging in their proper spots before engaging the lawnmower.”

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY financiaL PLanning

Plan for family members with special needs

by Ellen Luft, Certified Financial Planner®

Individuals with disabled family members need to plan for the future. There are several criteria that should be considered when creating a plan: age and guardianship, type and extent of the disability, capacity to make decisions about property and personal care, employability and financial self-sufficiency, and reliance on government support like the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

There are two main ways to provide for family members.

Registered Disability Savings Plans or RDSPs first became available in December 2008. They offer Canadians with severe and prolonged disabilities who are eligible for the disability tax credit (or those who support them) with a way

to set aside up to a lifetime $200,000. The great benefit here is that the plan holder may also receive generous grants and bonds from the federal government.

The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) provides matching grants of up to 300 %, depending on the amount contributed and the beneficiary’s family income. The maximum is $3,500 per year, with a lifetime limit of $70,000. The Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) is for low and modest-income Canadians. If a person qualifies for the bond, he/she can receive up to $1,000/year from the federal government, with a lifetime limit of $200,000. Contributions do not have to be made into the RDSP to receive the bond.

A new measure, called the Specified Disability Savings Plan (SDSP), has recently been created to provide beneficiaries who have a shortened life expectancy (not more than 5 years) with greater flexibility to access their savings from a RDSP. A Henson Trust is the second major form of savings. It is considered among the most tax-efficient ways to provide peace of mind for a parent of a disabled child. The Henson Trust cannot be counted when the asset test is made to decide if the special needs person can receive benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program. This extends to virtually all other provincial disability plans, making the Henson Trust a very desirable form of savings.

Continued on page 34

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Homestyle Decorating

Designing to please the nose (Part 2)

by Renée Carpenter

Do a regular smell check throughout your house, in the closets, basement, etc, or better yet, have someone that is not accustomed to your home’s smells (someone who will be honest with you) walk through it and sniff it out.

Odours can be from a pile of shoes, clothes that are worn and hung back up rather than washed, mould in various areas of the home, composts that are not emptied regularly, trash that needs to be gathered from around the house, teen-age kids who do not thoroughly clean their rooms and hoard food, dirty clothes, etc. or a home that is not regularly aired out with the windows open, allowing dust to settle and smell confined.

Some people say it is impossible to keep a home absolutely pet-scent free. I tend to disagree, since the mere thought of my house stinking is totally repulsive! The actual process involved a combination of things. In addition to covering, bathing and cleaning, just to make sure, I would burn de-scenting oils in a decanter to remove and neutralize all odour. There are various brands of oils, sprays, candles, hand soaps, etc. The best I found is the Lampe Berger, a bit of an investment up front when first purchasing the Lampe, and you

have to keep up with the oils, but it works. Bath and Body Works has a great collection of Home Fragrance to infuse your home with more olfactory charm after neutralizing the odour. I’m not a fan of air freshener products. They are designed to cover odours and that’s what they smell like.

I’m a fan of one scent for the home but some prefer a different scent for different rooms and/or different floors of the same home. This should be something that mixes well as scents drift through the house and will eventually meet up. Some smells do not mix well in food prep areas whereas other scents are cleaner for a bath or laundry room area. Even the hand soap can have an inviting aroma. Bedrooms tend to dictate yet another aroma for relaxing, such as lavender. You get the idea.

Sometimes I prefer natural scents, those that do not smell too perfume-y but rather more of nature and brightness, like lemons, lavender, apple, pine, etc. Or go for floral in any area other than the kitchen. Or, de-neutralize and have no fragrance at all. I like nothing better than the smell of good ol’ cleaning supplies. A house that is clean and kept clean always smells clean by just using what it takes to get it that way.

The key is not in an overwhelming fragrance, but rather in the subtle hints of such. If any one odour is too strong throughout the house it can smell like you really are trying to cover something up. A multifaceted fragrance level is harder to pinpoint and blends together throughout the home naturally. You notice that the home smells pleasant.

What I DO know is that once an actual odour has been defined, the source of that odour cannot be masked over. A home smells worse with two competing odours.

It would be nice if there were one simple remedy, but sorry, there isn’t. The solution is awareness and work.

If you want your home to be remembered in a positive manner, make it smell nice. You will always be connected with that odour when someone smells it again. The nose has a memory!

Renée Carpenter owns Jennings Furniture & Design & Stage It With Jennings in St. Thomas.

Straighten up Elgin: It’s good for you

by Dr. Greg Johnston B.H.K., B.Ed., D.C.

The theme of this year’s World Spine Day October 16 was “Your Back at Work.” The aim was both to raise awareness of occupational factors that put stress on our spines and to examine ways to reduce the impact these stressors can have.

Prolonged sitting is now being recognized as a significant factor in the development of spinal disorders along with other commonly recognized factors such as heavy and repetitive lifting. Lower back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions account for one-third of employee absenteeism in Canada.

In correlation with World Spine Day the Canadian Chiropractic Association released an updated version of their “Straighten Up Canada” smartphone app.

“Straighten Up Canada” is a free, easy to perform postural exercise program designed to take only a few minutes per day. The app is downloadable on Google Play, the Apple App Store and on Blackberry World. It can also be found at chiropractic.ca/straighten-up.

“Straighten Up Canada” features 12 unique postural exercises with adult and youth exercise options and easy-to-follow pictures and videos. It’s up to you to decide how many exercises you do each day but with regular practice the designers claim that you will eventually need only about three minutes per day to complete all the exercises.

A tracking function allows you to set personal reminders and track your progress. You can share the app with your friends through social media. A blog helps you learn about common back problems, and another tool assists you in quickly finding chiropractors in your local area.

This app focuses on posture because posture can have significant impact on your spinal and your overall health. Poor postural habits cause us to slouch, and slouching decreases the lumbar lordosis increasing the risk of injury. The increased forward head posture contributes to neck strain. Slouching actually reduces shoulder joint range of motion and significantly alters the mechanics of the shoulder when raising the arm. Slouching actually impairs reflex activation of back muscles, again leaving the individual more vulnerable to injury.

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.

All insurance plans are accepted (financing available).

Come visit us today and let’s get started on the road to a fantastic smile.

Continued on Page 34 November, 2015

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LIFESTYLE Time On my Hands

Some memories can’t be booted to the curb

By Duncan Watterworth

I was out at the curb one recent morning, rummaging deep in my own garbage, looking for a pair of thirty-five-year-old mountaineering boots that, in a hard-nosed moment days earlier, I had pitched out.

The boots – Austrian-made Koflachs, state-ofthe-art in their day – still trigger powerful memories of an incident near the top of Mount Athabasca, in the Canadian Rockies.

For many years I was an armchair mountain climber. Legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner was my favourite. I remember the details of the first Canadian expedition to Everest. For a taste of the real thing, I signed up for a oneweek mountain climbing course in the Rockies, out of Canmore. I had to supply my own boots, so I found the Koflachs in Toronto.

Our climbing instructor

was Ottmar, who had a German accent. The high Sure enough, after summiting the mountain, point of the course was the ascent of Mount Atha- the five of us were descending a steep snow slope basca, snow-covered and glacier-draped. Tour- when someone slipped. We were roped together, ists driving from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields and instantly were all sliding down the mounHighway all stop at Sunwapta Pass, where they tain, just like real mountaineers. I knew that if can walk up on the melting toe of the Athabasca we began to tumble together, wearing crampons, Glacier. And towering it would be like rolling in a barrel above the glacier, to full of porcupines, each holding ... instantly, we were the south, is Mount a spear.

Athabasca.

And just like a real mountainall sliding down the The day before the eer, I positioned my axe handle mountain, just like ascent, we four clients diagonally across my torso with plus Ottmar hiked the pick above my shoulder, real mountaineers... onto the glacier for rolled onto my stomach, and lessons on crevice used my shoulder to push the rescue, and “self arpoint down into the snow. I’m rest.” We were decked out with harnesses, ropes, sure Ottmar did the same; I don’t know about the ice axes, and sharp crampons on the bottom of others. Anyway, we got stopped in proper style. our boots. We must have looked like real mounSo I got my money’s worth from that course – taineers, because we were trailed on the glacier by an exhilarating experience for my collection. And tourists snapping our photos.

I relive it, with a shiver, each time I see those boots An ice axe is used as a walking stick, but one in the cupboard. Don’t want that to slip away. side of its head is a long, sharp pick. If you find yourself in an uncontrolled slide down a steep snow slope, self-arrest is the technique of using Duncan Watterworth is a lifethe pick of the axe to stop yourself. The maneuver long resident of Elgin County can be seen in the recently released movie “Everand a retired lawyer. He can est.” Mistakes to avoid during self-arrest include be reached at getting stabbed, and having the axe pulled from duncanetm@gmail.com. your grip.

Straighten up Elgin: It’s good for you Continued from Page 33 Along with downloading and using the “Straighten Up Canada” app the Canadian Chiropractic Association also recommends the following considerations at work: 1. Take frequent breaks. This is especially important if your job involves sitting at a desk. Get up and take a short walk whenever possible.

2. Posture perfect. Pay attention to posture.

Slouching puts increased strain on your lower back and neck. Practise active sitting. Place your feet on

the floor in front of you, keep your back straight, your shoulders square and your chin parallel to the floor. Strong core muscles are important. Ask a qualified health practitioner for advice on core muscle exercises.

3. Choose a good office chair. It should be easily adjustable with many adjustment options, adaptable to support you in various working positions.

Have a good backrest as well as adjustable armrests.

Practising good postural habits enhances our overall health by taking excess strain off of our spine and joints. Poor posture is a leading cause of

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those mysterious aches and pains that individuals develop but aren’t sure why they are happening. It is also a leading contributor to the development of osteoarthritis. Look up the “Straighten Up Canada” app and take advantage of all that this free app from the Canadian Chiropractic Association has to offer.

Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor and partner in Family Health Options Treatment & Resources Centre in St.Thomas

Plan for family members...

Continued from page 32

Advisors use a combination of tools to help those with special needs. RDSPs and Henson Trusts can – and should – be used with other investment vehicles, such as insurance and segregated funds, to help build a solid financial plan.

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

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