June 2013

• Dorothy Gebert In the garden Page 6-7 • Sharon Lechner Decluttering Page 25 • Jamie Quai Stand-alone wines Page 26 Special Features: Starting A Small Business

June, 2013

Page 18-22

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation Ten years and just getting started Cover story: Page 3

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June, 2013

Community Foundation celebrates 10th anniversary “Lasting legacies for the community you call home”

by Terry Carroll

From the beginning nearly ten years ago, volunteers with the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation (ESTCF) have wrestled with the challenge of conveying what the foundation is all about. In business, this challenge is often expressed as a question: “What’s your 30-second elevator pitch?”

So what’s the elevator pitch of the Community Foundation?

Junee Monteith was with the United Way Board when ESTCF was launched. She went on to be a founding ESTCF Board member, a founding donor, served on just about every committee and chaired the Board of Directors. She remembers an early attempt at the elevator pitch. “If United Way is the chequing account for the community, the Community Foundation is the savings account.”

Executive director Karen Laine fleshes out that idea in a little more detail: “We’re a local charity that is building endowment funds, and grants from interest income to support other local charities.”

The chequing account / savings account metaphor is particularly appropriate because the Community Foundation began as a division of Elgin-St. Thomas United Way and evolved into a separate organization, officially launched in December 2003.

While ESTCF celebrates its tenth anniversary throughout 2013, it is closing in the goal of a million dollars in endowed and managed funds.

As the old joke goes, the first million is the hardest. But a quick look at granting to date shows that Community Foundation contributions to the community are not small potatoes.

In 2012, ESTCF achieved a record $114,200 in total granting from its endowment funds, managed finds and flow-through donations.

Getting to that point has often required sheer determination above all else. As Junee Monteith says, the Elgin-

St. Thomas Community Foundation has always “worked where we wanted and needed to be, rather than where we could afford to be. Whatever was required, we figured out how to make that happen.” This attitude, fostered among dedicated Board members and nurtured by part-time executive director Karen Laine, has never been more evident that in the work of three dedicated women who were United Way Board members and went on to be instrumental in the ten-year history of the Community Foundation. Under the terms of ESTCF bylaws, Anne Kenny, Elaine McGregor-Morris and Junee Monteith left the Board after the April 15 Annual General Meeting this year, but are continuing to do committee work for the organization.

Another good summary of the work of the Foundation is contained in one of its slogans: “Creating lasting legacies for the community we call home.”

And it’s the human aspect that often makes the strongest impression on donors. The Ralph Counsel story is one example. When he attended an ESTCF annual meeting, Ralph heard first-hand the difference that the foundation was making to the community he loved. He began to be a donor, and when he died, he left a $100,000 legacy to the Community Foundation. The interest on his donation will benefit the Elgin-St. Thomas area in perpetuity.

At this year’s April Community Foundation annual meeting, heartwarming stories illustrated the support made possible to young people through the new Sweetgrass Fund: amputee hockey champions, an Olympic athlete contender and an outstanding student able to attend university. Two other new Funds were celebrated at that meeting: the Costello Music and Storytelling Scholarship Fund and the St. Thomas Elevated Park Managed Fund.

The Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation continues to gain critiElgin This Month General Manager Terry Carroll Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley

Community Foundation Board of Directors and staff at a recent strategic planning event. (Back left) Junee Monteith, Shawn Jackson, Amy Dale, Wayne Kentner, Hilary Vaughan, Karen Laine, Kimberley Parker. (Front left) Kelly Ruddock, Anne Kenny, Elaine McGregor-Morris. (Photo credit: April Laroche of Jersey Photography) cal knowledge and expertise through membership in Community Foundations of Canada. “We are starting to mentor other young community foundations,” Junee says. As well, ESTCF is a good neighbour to the Aylmer Community Foundation, now nearing its twentieth anniversary.

And Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation maintains a tradition of high-profile special events.

These serve two main purposes. First, they raise much-needed operational dollars to keep the office (currently located in the Talbot Teen Centre in St. Thomas) open and running smoothly.

Second, in a world with many charities and good causes, special events serve as an excellent way of raising awareness of the Community Foundation in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

ESTCF runs Expedition Elgin in September, a “family friendly event,” Karen says, involving teams in challenges at various levels and raising funds through pledges. This September’s event is the fourth, and will be in Advertising Sales Manager Nelson Parreira Graphic Design / Production Metroland Media Group Sales Representative Greg Minnema

West Lorne.

Extreme Elgin, slated for June 15 at Springwater Conservation Area, is a new, individual event that requires cooperation. It’s for the physically fit who love a challenge, and funds are raised through entry fees.

Junee and Karen emphasize that corporate sponsorships offer recognition “no matter what we do.” So a corporate sponsor’s logo is promoted on the escf.ca website, on signage at the office, at all events, at the annual meeting and so on.

Throughout its history, ESTCF has worked hard to make sure that anyone who supports “the community you call home” can leave a legacy. To find out more, call 519.637.8230 or visit escf.ca.

Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation cover photo (Left) Treasurer Wayne Kentner, Chair Shawn Jackson, Board Member Amy Dale.

Photo: Philip Bell, Shutter Studios.

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 June, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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INNES as I see IT

Building health in sports and life needs to become a part of the development of true champions. Losing, when effectively proOver the past weekend, my 11-year-old son cessed, can increase, or maintain, self esteem. lost more hockey games than he did all regular It can help someone establish a realistic sense season. His spring tournament teams got beat of self and their abilities (or lack of them). And every game. The sting of defeat was a bit of it challenges us, if we’re truly serious about an issue for him and he asked me to write an the sport, to practise, practise, and practise.

Losing tends to set off more losing. This article on “losing.

There are clichéed responses to losing like “it past weekend, after several losses in their doesn’t matter as long as you did your best” tournaments, my son and his teammates or “it’s okay as long as you had fun.” Well . began to show signs of weariness. Not . . that’s naught but horse pucks. We know from working hard but from losing hard.

You know the signs: banglosing matters because we feel ing the stick against the ice affected. We also know that and other such nonsense. winning feels a lot more fun This energy set in motion an then losing. Anything that says a resilient hockey in their flubs and the otherwise is a denial of reason player manages the increase goals against. and pushes the idea of losing burden of loss.

I believe the development of into some philosophical carresiliency is a key factor in endousel that can spin us crazy.

I find such clichéed sayings about losing as ing such spins. Resiliency is a measure of how soft and mushy as smashed peas on a baby we ‘suck up’ the loss. A resilient hockey player spoon. We feed this goop to our children be- manages the burden of loss without buckling. cause it’s what we were fed. Well . . . phooey, They have learned to self-assess their play and yuck and spit. I never liked it, so why should to be real with their expectations. They have my kid? When we force-feed this pulp, we come to learn that win or lose it all has podismiss their feelings. And it never really sits tential. And they have come to realize that in every season (every game) there is a time for right, let alone resolves anything.

Losing is inevitable. As a child I was terrible winning and a time for losing.

As I see it, when losing ‘well’ becomes a part at it. I hated losing. I cried like a brat and became so ill-humored my parents nearly locked of the coaching strategy, and is effectively supme in my room. I felt horrible and saw losing ported by parents, children flourish in their Be Losing much always more stings effective, healthy but then if it didn’t as a punishment. Of course, I saw winning as game. be in winning? a reward for doing good (a bigger delusion what good andwould happy all aspects then the false sentiments about losing). of your daily life.

My drama as a kid was not healthy. Some Successful counseling and therapy is of the drama I saw over the weekend was not a collaborative process that benefits from the healthy. Losing ‘well’ is a developed skill. We active participation of clients and therapist. need to be taught it. It begins with an acYou do have options knowledgement that losing is upsetting but Jim Jim Innes is Innes a clinically it is not indicating anything is wrong. And it Counselling trained therapist and continues with the development of realistic A clinically trained and a priest at St. John’s expectations and goal setting. A great book experienced Individual Anglican Church on this subject is Sport Psychology for Youth & Couples Therapist Offices in London and St. Thomas Coaches by Smith & Smoll.

519 858 0849 Many children have their identity tied into success; especially in sports; and in my experience, especially in minor hockey. Losing ‘well’

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June, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Technology

Control aspects of your life remotely Thousands of apps available

by Peter Atkinson

I recently read a study that somehow came to the conclusion that there are 6 million Facebook pages for . . . dogs. Which led to the question of how they manage their accounts when no one’s home.

By a roundabout way, it got me thinking about the many ways that technology is allowing us to control aspects of our lives remotely.

Sales of smartphones are about to explode again, as Sony, Apple, HTC and Samsung are all about to deliver their latest and greatest devices to the sweaty palms of their adoring fans. Add in the many tablets and e-reader hybrids like the Kobo Arc that can give the mighty iPad a run for its money, and more and more of us will be getting more and more done in more and more places.

There are literally thousands of apps for these devices – small software programs that can handle countless tasks. Some are silly, (like the apps that ‘detect’ everything from lies to zombies), and some are quite

clever, (like Weather Alarm Clock, that checks sation via chat or email with the Facebook and the weather and wakes you up a half hour early if GMail apps.

As always, this is a double-edged sword. Great it snowed overnight).

But the most versatile are those that include a news: you can do anything, anywhere! Bad news: web interface. This extra feature lets you access you can do anything, anywhere.

As usual, the choice is yours. Just because your files, photos and online tools from any deyou can do something, vice – even one that you don’t doesn’t mean you should. own – and, perhaps more Don’t lose sight of what’s importantly, from a laptop or computer with its larger X10 protocols... sounds important. I love that can always access any screen and more familiar like something out of Ipresentations or reports interface.

For example, Apple’s the Terminator movies. with nothing more than my phone, but I know I GarageBand is a redon’t need to post photos markable piece of music creation software. The of my restaurant meals to Facebook. Anymore.

But when it comes to remote control, the cooliPhone app is a very powerful, very impressive little est application has to be the devices that let you brother, but as the screen gets manage your home via any device that can conbigger, so do the capabilities. nect to the Internet.

Using the industry standard X10 protocols – The experience is even better which always sounds to me like something out on an iPad, of the Terminator movies – you can control small and both let appliances, lights, the thermostat, webcams and you move more. For the more cautious, you can even monifiles between tor your home for water leaks, anyone opening doors and windows and even smoke or CO2 devices.

Likewise, the app monitors.

Twine has been described as the gizmo that versions of Evernote, Dropbox, Face- holds the Internet’s future. It was a Kickstarter book, LinkedIn project that has graduated to the big time. It’s and GMail give completely customisable, and can let you know you access to that you’ve been sitting too long, be a light or these tools when moisture sensor and lots of other neat ideas.

I suppose if your dog used your computer to you’re on the go. You can save, share and email from update its Facebook account while you were out your portable device, and then it’d be able to tell that too. pick up right where you left off when you’re in front of your home or office computer.

Of course the reverse is true: Peter Atkinson was the St. Thomas documents that you’ve upLibrary’s E-Services Specialist for 4 loaded from home are com1/2 years. He now lives in Ottawa, pletely accessible from your and brings a wider perspective to portable device. And you can technology issues. easily continue that conver-

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LIFESTYLE In The Garden

Splish splash

by Dorothy Gebert

I love the soothing sound of falling water. There’s something about the repetitive swish and gurgle that is very relaxing. The splash of running water mingles cheerfully with the rustling of leaves, the warbling of birds, or the buzz of conversation.

But, at the same time, the sound is never the same, with the water falling at different rates, moved by the wind, or thrown about by a visiting bird. “It gurgles. It splashes. It goes plop, plop, plop. And spaatzz!” as landscape architect Lawrence Halprin once said.

You can achieve this auditory Eden in your garden, not with a pond where goldfish and water lilies reign silently (and who don’t like a lot of ruckus in their water anyway), but with a decorative fountain that throws water into the air or plunges over rocks.

The simplest fountain is a single jet rising into the air and falling The simplest fountain is a single plume back on itself into a basin. Formed of water. (Photo by Dorothy Gebert) nozzles are the quietest as they is-

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A sculpture fountain adds artistic flair to the garden. (Photo by Dorothy Gebert) sue a thin stream of water or spray that will be dancing about.

A formal garden (or even a more in a specific shape, which creates very little splash. Aerated nozzles eclectic one) will call for something more tradiare noisier because tional, such as a air is mixed with tiered fountain or the water to create it gurgles... it splash- sculpture. Tiered a frothy, whitewater effect. es... it goes plop, plop, fountains give you If you want a plop... and spaatzz!. the play of water in two ways: the more elaborate rise of water at the display, go with multiple nozzles, either singly or top and then the fall of water from in a spray ring. More nozzles mean basin to basin. No wonder this more splashiness and tonalities in type of fountain has stood the test the water sounds. You usually need of time. a pool for this arrangement in orcontinued on page 7 der to contain the amount of water

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June, 2013

LIFESTYLE In The Garden

Bring your garden to life with the sound of water continued from page 6 Using sculpture with water can add an artistic flair to the garden.

With water issuing from urns or duck’s beaks, they come in all shapes, sizes and motifs. Choose one that fits your garden’s style and avoid kitschy, ill-constructed pieces.

For a natural look, you can’t beat a waterfall. They are a bit more elaborate to construct and often include a pond, but they are the best for creating the big sound of rushing, falling water. The height of the fall and where the water lands will determine the type of sound it creates. The higher the drop and the shallower the landing, the higher pitched the sound will be; the lower the drop and the deeper the pool, the quieter it will be. For more sound variations, you can carefully place the rocks to create a system of multiple falls.

The visual is so predominant in the garden that the opportunity to indulge the hearing sense should not be left to chance. Whether it is “the soft tinkling of droplets supplied by the shifting curves of a fountain,” as water garden expert Philip Swindells wrote, or “the deep-toned music of a tumbling waterfall,” as per landscape designer Nan Fairbrother, the sound of water can be endlessly attractive and enchanting.

Just remember to place the fountain in an area of your garden where you can hear it and enjoy its tune.

A tiered fountain with multiple basins creates refreshing water sounds. (Photo

by Dorothy Gebert)

Waterfalls provide soothing, natural sounds in the garden. (Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Leadership

The system is the solution

by Bryan Vine

During the early phase of business development or re-engineering, your brainpower and sweat equity should go into the design and creation of your business model and business systems – not into micromanaging. Spend time developing systems and performance standards early on so that you can lead later on. Design an entire business template. Define and organize the work to be done rather than micromanaging the employees.

The more you systematize your business, the less everyone will rely on you for day-to-day questions and assistance. You will minimize those nagging “got-a-minute” interruptions from your employees. Also, the system you develop takes your place so that you can step out of the trenches and function as CEO. Replace yourself with the system!

Your mission is to plan and design the system and then let your employees work the system.

Develop the recipe and then let the employees do the cooking! Get out of the hot kitchen. Your employees should understand their roles and function within and according to the system. Once defined and documented, processes, policies, and practices should be followed carefully.

With help from employees and your business advisers, identify and document all the processes, procedures and policies necessary to achieve more effective and streamlined operations. You want to get frank feedback at this stage to ensure that you have an effective business model laid out first before you start documenting your business system. should have the discipline to follow the system Start with customers’ perceived needs and work and also have the freedom and authority to handle the exceptions that do not fit backwards re-designing your neatly into the system. business so that it consistently Because most potential proband predictably fulfills the promlems and crises have been properises made to a customer during define and ly anticipated and converted into the selling process. Be sure all organize the work routine processes, “fire drills” your back-office processes (acshould be greatly reduced. counting, finance, HR, technolto be done.

Once your system is fully docogy, administration, etc.) are in umented and your employees are alignment to effectively support the operations of the company. Design or repair running the system, you need to let go, trust the system, trust your team, and step away from the any processes that are missing or faulty.

Routine work should be fully systematized and day-to-day workflow. With this approach, twelveonly exceptions should be dealt with on an ad hoc hour days no longer need to be the norm. Once or improvised basis. A system should eliminate you allow the integrated system to run, the system arbitrary work and discretion. Your employees itself and your employees will do the necessary

work to fulfill promises made to your customers.

You will not have to work as hard or as long. With effective systems, ordinary employees (properly trained) can achieve consistently extraordinary results.

The system is your solution to more freedom, fulfillment, and profits. Again, plan and develop the system and let others operate the system.

Bryan Vine is the co-owner of The Growth Coach in St. Thomas.

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Spring winner Mark Wales shows off a beautiful bird house made by Bob Stollery, the first prize draw at the May Business After 5 hosted by the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, launching the Chair Affair fundraising promotion.

Business Beat Table of Contents China anyone?........... Page 10 Find good data........... Page 11 Businesses to school.. Page 12 Monty Fordham......... Page 13 Business interrupted?.Page 14 China, first hand........ Page 15 New Members............ Page 16

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Chamber agrees to position on College of Trades At the Ontario Chamber’s meetings in Chatham in early May, members of Chambers across Ontario agreed to a uniform stance on what should or shouldn’t be done with Ontario’s controversial College of Trades. Our recommendations, as detailed below, will be taken to Queen’s Park by the Ontario Chamber.

We agree that building a 21st century workforce through workplace training, utilizing newcomers’ skills, and apprenticeship reform are priorities recognized by businesses across Ontario, but we also agree that the recently established Ontario College of Trades (OCT) does not adequately reflect the immediate and wideranging challenges facing businesses, unions and educators concerned with the progression, development and adoption of skilled trades.

If we accept that the OCT is central to the renewal of Ontario’s overall economic health and necessary to any policy framework aimed at establishing a strong, growing and prosperous province, then how it regulates the trades is critical.

The government has consistently claimed that the OCT will be a self-regulating organization with a mandate to standardize, protect and promote the skilled trades for 150,000 people who work in the 22 trades which have compulsory certification.

However, it is increasingly apparent that the OCT is facing harsh criticism from both unions and businesses on the suitability of its

mandate.

The Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA) opposes the college’s approach to governing the trades and the membership fee required of tradespeople and employers. Likewise, business and trade organizations including the Canadian Association of Renovators and Home Services and Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors, the Ontario Trades Association and the Ontario Construction Employers Coalition h a ve also all voiced their disapproval with the OCT. In each case, they have all pointed to the additional financial burden an OCT membership would be for both tradespeople and employers.

For example, an electrician currently pays $120 a year to the Electrical Contractor Regulating Agency.

Under the OCT model, they would also pay $120 to the OCT – for the same oversight.

This amounts to a tax with no perceivable new benefits.

As we look to attract tradespeople into the industry, we must be certain that we are not adding new taxes and new bureaucracy to a sector that is in desperate need of people.

Ultimately, it is critical that decisions concerning the trades be evidence-based and analysis subject to review by business, educators and unions.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce urges the Government of Ontario to: 1. Ensure that the OCT Board clarify the process by which compulsory and noncompulsory trades are determined; if a trade goes from non-compulsory to compulsory, what precipitates this process and what is the transition process criterion?

2 .

Ensure that any employer representative on the Board must not have membership in a union, and immediately review the terms of reference of the Ontario College of Trades as it pertains to their independence from external influences.

3. Determine critical success factors to measure and report the effectiveness of the College of Trades and report on the abilities of trained apprentices to obtain jobs.

4. Ensure the role of the College of Trades does not place undue bureaucratic processes, additional fees or hardship on the development and attraction of tradespersons.

Come for the connections,

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To take advantage of excellent advertising opportunities give me a call at 519-633-1640 (ext. 22)

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Chamber China tour

– New block of seats added!

Our first block of seats has been sold, and we have been lucky to secure more.

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, in association with Elgin Travel & Cruises and the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce, will host an exclusive tour to China this fall. Our initial allocation of 50 seats has been sold, and we are pleased to announce we have secured a new block of 60 additional seats plus, thanks to strong local interest and support, an additional bonus of FREE shuttle transportation to and from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. That’s an additional savings of approx. $150 per person!

This opportunity is available only through the Chamber network and our affiliation with Citslinc International. Citslinc works exclusively with Chambers across Canada and the U.S. In 2012, over 20,000 people expe-

rienced this impressive Citslinc tour thanks to our connection and now the opportunity has come to our local communities.

Call the Chamber office for info at 519-631-1981.

Our adventure includes direct air from Toronto’s Pearson International and an incredible fourcity agenda over eleven days with visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. Our tour price includes all travel & transfers, taxes, 3 meals daily, and premium accommodation in 4 & 5-star hotels. Member Price: $2499 (US) per person; non-members $2699 (US). Confirm your booking with a non-refundable deposit of $400 per person. Balance due in full by July 20. For full details, contact Ineke Palmer at Elgin Travel & Cruises in Elgin Mall. Call 519631-6300. Book now to avoid disappointment and take advantage of this very special Chamber tour.

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Julie joins us

The Chamber is pleased to welcome back Julie Forrester to our office. Julie worked with us as our summer office assistant last year and has returned for 2013. She will complete a major project during her term; a complete update and review of all data in our Community & Social Services database. She will also provide assistance at summer events for us.

Julie is a student at Western University, working toward a degree in Business Administration.

Major new event coming July 6 The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce presents a unique and very special event Saturday July 6 called “The Untapped You.” The Untapped You is a seminar presented as a joint venture between Chris Esseltine and Ian Tyson. Both are natives of St. Thomas and, working with the Chamber, have chosen their hometown as the launch site for a program that will be delivered across Canada and the U.S. Ian Tyson is a motivational speaker with over 23 years experience speaking to audiences throughout Canada and the United States. Chris Esseltine is an attorney who has left the practice of law to become a success coach. He has developed a groundbreaking new

2013 Board of Directors

Published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., and delivered to businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin County 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

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system for changing personal behavior and has taught this program at seminars in Calgary, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C. The purpose of this seminar is two-fold. First, The Untapped You is specially designed to help people see what they’re missing in life, what has been holding them back, how to break free of these limiting beliefs, and how to create the things in their lives they truly want.

Look for more details on the Chamber’s website, in our weekly Green Mail newsletters, and via local media in the coming weeks. You can also explore details at Ian & Chris’s website: theuntappedyou.com

Bob Hammersley

Accounting Coordinator

Susan Munday

Member Services

Linda Crawford

Member Services

Jeff Sheridan

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Chair: John Regan Elgin Business Resource Centre 1st Vice-Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CA CA Kee, Perry & Lassam Chartered Accountants Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems Director: Beth Burns K & K Locksmiths Director: Renee Carpenter Jennings Furniture Director: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Director: Monty Fordham Fordham Brightling & Associates, Lawyers Director: Dan Kelly Dowler-Karn Fuels Ltd Director: Jeff Kohler Presstran Industries Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Rob Mise myFM 94.1 Director: Debra Mountenay Workforce Planning & Development Board Director: Darren Reith Reith and Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Allan Weatherall Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa

June, 2013

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Good data hard to find?

Attracting and retaining skilled workers in a tightening labour market is a major concern for many employers. Labour market information (LMI) can help address that concern. For businesses looking to expand or adjust to market changes, LMI is valuable to making business and location decisions.

Employers are especially interested in the labour market information for their community and want to understand the availability of workers, the current market conditions and where to find workers with specific skills. LMI can support all those needs and assist with human resource planning. Unfortunately, many employers have difficulties finding the LMI they need to support their decision-making.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce will

host an informative webinar from their offices in Ottawa on Wednesday June 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s free, but advance registration is requested. Just visit the national chamber website at www.chamber.ca and click on the event listings on the right side of the main page.

This webinar will address these challenges and needs and will help you access data that will allow you to find the skilled workers your business needs. Experts from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada will take you on a step-by-step tour of the LMI resources available onWorkingInCanada.gc.ca and JobBank.gc.ca. Presenters will give you an overview of what data exists and where it comes from, known gaps and work currently un-

derway to improve LMI and its dissemination.

They will also show you how to use the tools available online and answer any questions you may have.

We hope you will join us for this informative session.

Our presenters: Jean-François Bussières, Senior Policy Strategist Annie Champagne, Senior Project Analyst Working in Canada and Job Bank Division Skills and Employment Branch Human Resources and Skills Development Canada For any additional information contact Angela Roy in Ottawa: aroy@chamber.ca

Green Mail – getting yours?

Local CEO elected to CEO Board

The St. Thomas & District Chamber’s weekly email broadcast to Members continues to grow in popularity and now has a subscriber list of over 1,100!

If you’re not getting your own copy, or have been in the practice of sharing, please know that it’s simple and easy to receive our weekly transmission. Green Mail is sent 50 times per year, weekly on Tuesdays.

Bob Hammersley, President & CEO of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to the Board of Directors or an organization called CEO—The Chamber Executives of Ontario.

Bob joins a group of 14 other senior Chamber staff officers and will serve a 3-year term. It’s his second election to the provincial organization. Bob also served a term that started in 1991 and included a year as the CEO Chair in 1994.

CEO is a professional development group serving senior executives and marketing personnel in Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Ontario.

The easiest way to register for your own copy is to visit the Chamber website at stthomaschamber. on.ca.

Near the top left side of our main page you will find our Green Mail logo. One click, and it opens a registration box that asks for your email address and name.

That’s all we need. Quick, easy, and free!

Celebrating 24 Years of providing Dedicated, Caring Service to our Residents.

Small... and proud of It! If you’ve ever wondered about actual numbers of businesses in Canada, check the most recent census data: • At last count, there were 1,077,047 employer businesses (having a payroll of at least one person) in Canada. • Small Business accounts for 98% of all businesses in Canada. • Each year, approximately 139,000 new small businesses are created in Canada.

• On average, small businesses that have fewer than 100 employees contribute about 30% to Canada’s GDP. • Small businesses employ approximately 5 million individuals in Canada, or 48% of the total labour force in the private sector. • Approximately 15% of all employed workers in the Canadian economy are self-employed.

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Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Could we be neighbours?

Are you ready to start or grow your business? Do you need a professional environment surrounded by like-minded business owners? The Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs (ICE) is waiting for you!

ICE is located in the same building that houses the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce offices and the Elgin Business Resource Centre, and several space options are now available for existing and start-up businesses.

The Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs (ICE) is a not-for profit business incubator located in St. Thomas at 300 South Edgeware Road, at the intersection with Burwell Road.

Take your business to school!

Beyond meeting space needs, ICE Programs offer business support through counselling, training, coaching, mentoring and

networking. You will learn the critical business skills necessary to successfully manage your business: Finance, Management, Delivery, Sales, Marketing, Branding, and Leadership.

ICE offers clients the right mix of counselling, administrative support, and a professional location to help businesses succeed.

This includes: • Business assistance through an experienced and dedicated Business Counsellor • Professional Business Development, Coaching and Venture Assistance • Access to Training Programs and Workshops • Access to Financing • Professional Business and Investor Networking • Marketing and promotional opportunities • Upscale office, conference and meeting facilities • New facility with high visibility and public exposure with a professional

ness centre, plus onsite conference and meeting rooms. The facility has everything a small business needs to elevate its business to a professional level!

Through ICE’s programs, client businesses will be better poised to compete in the marketplace and will increase the likelihood of their businesses succeeding over the long term. With ICE’s help, client businesses will also operate more efficiently, reduce their risk, and experience accelerated times to market for commercialization.

If you would like a tour, please contact Ronda Stewart, Carol Groves or John Regan at: 519-6337597.

mailing address 5,500 square feet con• Administrative support sisting of manufacturing resources available (copier, suites, modular executive printer, fax, mail) office suites, light manu• Free local calls, wireless facturing facilities, a busiinternet, and fiber optic techCity of St. Thomas data to the end of April confirms a noticeable rise in the nology The ICE value of new local construction and the number of projects underway. facility is The total value of Building Permits issued by City Hall in the first four months of 2013 grew from $9.7 million last year to $11.0 million. The number of new homes (all types) built or under construction rose from 35 to 54, an increase of 54%.

Permits & values rise

Selling to the Federal Government?

www.chambers.ca 12

Selling products or services to the federal government can be complex, but it CAN be done! The competing needs of government and suppliers can make the maze seem even more complicated. Due to the large number of contracts awarded by the federal government organizations, procurement concerns will inevitably arise.

Launched in 2008, the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO, or the Office) was created to help those involved in federal procurement, in particular suppliers of small contracts. As a neutral and independent organization, the Office helps make sense of the procurement maze by helping all parties deal with issues informally and effectively.

OPO is dedicated to helping swiftly address contracting issues. They also review the practices of departments, make recommendations for improvements, investigate complaints where necessary, and provide inexpensive and timely alternative dispute resolution services.

Generally speaking, OPO works to: • stimulate positive dialogue, exchange ideas and find solutions; • de-escalate issues and attempt to avoid lengthy and costly contractual disputes; and • enhance fairness, openness and transparency by reviewing issues and reporting on the facts.

In addition to the services provided by OPO, the Government of Canada’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) helps businesses find information and tools required to sell to the federal government. You can find out more on OSME by visiting their website at buyandsell.gc.ca or by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-811-1148.

If you would like more information on the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman and its services, visit the OPO website at opo.gc.ca or call the tollfree number at 1-866-734-5169.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

June, 2013

Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

Failure to communicate

by Monty Fordham

“What we have here, is failure to communicate.” Strother Martin’s famous words from the movie “Cool Hand Luke” could probably have been uttered by Mr. Justice Lederman of the Ontario Superior Court, (although they were not), in the recent case of Thomas v. Carreno. The case highlights, among other things, the profound duty of real estate lawyers to effectively communicate with each another in difficult transactions and attempts an analysis (of sorts) of a mind-numbingly labyrinthine clause contained in the Ontario Real Estate Association’s standard agreement of purchase and sale. It also provides a neat segue from last month’s topic of the role of title insurance in real estate transactions.

First, the facts: Brenda entered into an agreement to purchase a home in Toronto from Sonia and Simon for $1,510,000. The deal was to close (and this becomes important) “no later than 6:00 p.m. on the 8th of July, 2011.” Brenda put down a deposit of $100,000 to be held pend-

ing completion or termination of the deal. (Remember, this is Toronto). Her lawyer embarked upon the usual “due diligence” searches and found that there was an “open” building permit in relation to alterations on the property. This is where I was tempted to set out, in full, clause 10 of the standard agreement, arguably the worst example of legal drafting you or I will ever encounter.

(Except, perhaps, the federal Income Tax Act). Instead, the following is a part of Justice Lederman’s highlighted version of the second sentence of the clause, and the portion which formed the basis for much of his decision.

“If within the specified times referred to in paragraph 8 any valid objection to title or to any outstanding work order or deficiency notice, or to the fact the said present use may not lawfully be continued, or that the principal building may not be insured against risk of fire is made in writing to Seller and which Seller is unable or unwilling to remove, remedy or satisfy or obtain insurance save and except against risk of fire (Title Insurance) in favour

of the Buyer and any mortgagee, (with all related costs at the expense of the Seller), and which Buyer will not waive, this Agreement notwithstanding any intermediate acts or ne- Monty Fordham gotiations in respect of such objections, shall be at an end and all monies paid shall be returned without interest or deduction...blah blah.”

Did you catch the part about Title Insurance? Brenda’s lawyer sent a letter to the Seller’s lawyer demanding closure of the open building permit.

While it is questionable whether the outstanding permit was a “work order” or “deficiency notice,” surely the issue would have to be addressed by the closing date in some fashion or the deal was dead. The matter remained largely unresolved until the day of closing. That day a number of faxes were exchanged by the lawyers.

Sonia and Simon’s lawyer took the position that title insurance would answer the problem and requested a

postponement of closing. The communication which followed between the lawyers turned out to be less than effective.

Brenda’s lawyer had already inquired of a major title insurance company whether it would insure over the problem and was advised it would not. However, the Seller’s lawyer was able to arrange insurance (of sorts) through another insurer.

This fact was communicated by a fax at 3:55 p.m. on closing day. Brenda’s lawyer didn’t see the fax and thought the deal had fallen through. She faxed a letter at 4:01 p.m. saying as much. The Ontario registration system shut down at 5:00 p.m., and by 6:00 p.m. the deal had not closed.

So Brenda gets her 100 large back, right?

The judge found that the arrangement of title insurance answered the purchaser’s problem and refused to order the return of Brenda’s deposit.

There are a number of problems with the decision, not the least of which was the condition attached to the title insurance the Seller was continued on page 18

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Pro Text Business Management News & Issues

Understanding business interruption insurance

by Joanne Fisher Business interruption insurance covers the loss of income that a business suffers after an insured claim which causes your facility to close or operations to cease for repair or restoration.

A property insurance policy only repairs or replaces the damaged physical property and does not respond to address loss of income, continuance of payroll or any means to meet ongoing recurring expenses a business faces whether operating or not.

Business interruption insurance is not a stand-alone policy, but can be added to the business property insurance. Given business interruption is a part of the property policy, a claim is only paid if the cause of the loss is covered by the property policy.

When considering income replacement insurance there are four different forms of cover, each having a different indemnity period and each providing for a different form of income replacement. The choice of which is up to the insured based on the extent to which they wish to transfer the risk exposure for income replacement to the insurer.

Extra Expense – This covers any expense, incurred by the policyholder, not normal to the operations of the business, arising as a result of the insured loss. Examples of such expenses would be the cost of temporary relocation; notification of customers and suppliers.

Gross Earnings – Commonly used by manufacturers, this coverage is straight forward – it insures for the earnings lost as a result of an insurable claim. Earnings are calculated as revenue minus expenses that cease while the business isn’t operating (like light, gas – items that do

not have contractual obligations. This form of business interruption insurance usually ceases when the company opens its doors. Manufacturers could use this coverage in conjunction with extra expense to sub-contract out assembly line product to a competitor while they rebuild their shop.

Profits Form – Provides indemnification for the loss of profits and ongoing fixed expenses. This form of business interruption continues for up to a year from the date of loss, including after the doors re-open, in order to assist the business in re-acquiring their clientele and profit levels. This type of coverage is commonly used by sales and highly competitive businesses where an extended downtime could cost market share and client loyalty. Actual Loss Sustained - As the name suggests, the coverage indemnifies the actual financial loss as defined in the policy wording.

For realty owners, there is a fifth option, referred to as Rents or Rental Income. This option replaces the loss rents as a result of the building being uninhabitable as the result of an insured loss, typically fire.

Other than with Gross Earnings, the indemnity period is a maximum of one (1) year. Where reconstruction of your facility and or replacement of equipment may result in a rebuilding period of longer than 12 months, it is recommended that the purchase of a longer indemnity period be considered.

There is also the matter of payroll. While an expense, income replacement cover typically only recognizes payroll obligations of key management personnel and not hourly workers. If it is your intent to continuing to meet

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payroll, to retain your team rather than risking the loss of workers to competitors, payroll coverage may also be an essential for you.

Where your business is reliant on a key supplier or key customer there may be an exposure and need to include cover for contributing and recipient properties. These extensions are not always standard in business interruption cover.

While other types of Business Interruption insurance are available, the ones indicated above are the most common. Determining your needs and limits for Business Interruption can seem like a complicated undertaking, but together with the help of your insurance broker and your accountant, proper limits and types of coverage can easily be put into place thereby ensuring the continuation of your business and lifestyle of your family. Sadly, Business Interruption is commonly overlooked and often something owners delete when trying to save money. If you have the personal or corporate resources to cover at least 12 months of operating expenses and payroll, that might work for you.

Fact: a business has less than a 1 chance in 10 of surviving after an insured loss without business interruption insurance.

This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Joanne Fisher, a Registered Insurance Broker and Commercial Account Manager with Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services, 426 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via email: info@reithandassociates.com

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www.fergusondimeolaw.com June, 2013

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members China . . . it’s complicated.

Observations by Chamber President & CEO Bob Hammersley On April 4, myself and a group of 33 other Chamber CEOs from across Canada returned from a busy 11-day tour of China. The tour we took is exactly the same one we’re offering locally in conjunction with the Strathroy & District Chamber this fall, October 23 to November 2. The Strathroy Chamber’s Shannon Churchill was on the tour, too, and we have returned with levels of “been there/done that” knowledge we will happily share with anyone considering travel with our Chamber group.

Despite the need to take some time and recover from the12-hour time difference and the longest plane rides of my life (13 hours, non-stop Toronto-Beijing), the adrenalin from the experience is still flowing.

We made all of the mandatory tourist stops at tombs, temples and palaces including a pilgrimage to the Great Wall and of course spent way too much money on kitschy souvenirs and gifts.

Like most Westerners, I mistakenly viewed China as a homogenous, monolithic society but the reality was quite different.

There were some unexpected parallels between China and Canada.

Both are vast countries, made up of diverse dialects, regions and cultures; cultures heavily influenced by history, geography, climate and neighbouring states.

Of course, there are the obvious differences: the size of the cities and the population density, the 2,500 year history, the form of government and its role in people’s lives, and the incredible pace of development.

While the climate in the north of China around Beijing is similar to what we would experience here in southern Ontario, the more southerly parts of China, such as Shanghai, enjoy a very moderate, almost tropical climate with palm trees.

China is very much a work in progress and a country of contrasts.

As visitors to other parts of the world can attest, we were not acclimatized to the local water so we could not drink from the tap in our opulent five-star hotels. That said, bottled water is plentiful and readily available. Beer, too. The Chinese learned brewing from the Germans over 400 years ago and produce some excellent ones.

TsingTao, a locally available import, is a great example.

What is most striking is that my hotel rooms were nearly the same size as a home or apartment that would be occupied by a typical family of three.

There is an enormous gap between the affluent and the average citizen.

Modern high rise development is abutting traditional single-storey housing that dates back more than 150 years.

Open air local markets are being replaced with western style supermarkets.

Generally, the people we met were happy and friendly, sophisticated and well educated.

However, when we were out and about we would sometimes meet people on the street who had never met a Caucasian in person. Some, June, 2013

Bob Hammersley of the St. Thomas & District Chamber, and Shannon Churchill of the Strathroy & District Chamber, pictured at the waterfront in Shanghai, China’s financial capital. Both local Chambers are offering trips to China for our Members and our community this fall. Full details on page 10 of this issue. from the rural areas, were almost childlike in their delight in meeting a foreigner and regularly broke any language barrier to solicit pictures with us.

The most enlightening parts of our visit were the many conversations with our hosts and tour guides. They were open and frank and no topic was off limits.

They were diplomatic and whenever a controversial issue came up they would pause, reflect, begin by saying “it is complicated” and then go on to share their views.

As one would expect in North America, those views were shaped by the individuals’ age, gender, education and life experience. Oddly, they perceive the West as a huge economic threat in much the same way that westerners are heard to resent the economic threat China means to us.

From my casual observation, China is doing some

things right. They clearly understand the need to invest in infrastructure and transportation. Still a Communist state, municipal and state plans for construction and development are not routinely derailed because of an election every 3 – 5 years and changes in personnel at the helm.

In the south, they are intensifying land use and making effective use of open space. I was pleasantly surprised at their awareness of the need to balance economic development with their impact on the environment. In the City of Suzhou, the SIP (Suzhou Industrial Park) is home to operations by 41 of the Fortune 500 firms and, simultaneously, the site of impressive architecture and water/recreation features.

They have a long way to go, but they are aware of the issues, and we discussed some positive steps they have made in this regard.

I was disappointed to learn that Canada was not high on the list of places to visit. European countries such as France and Italy followed by the U.S. were the destinations of choice for investment and tourism.

It can be a challenge to set aside our western sensibilities but I believe we in North America need to better understand China.

This trip was a great opportunity for me to see and experience firsthand a country in the midst of an historic transformation.

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Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members.

The staff and management of the organizations shown below were accepted as registered Members from April 16 to May 15, 2013.

Alexelle Slipcovers & Decor 147 Penhale Avenue St Thomas, ON N5R 0A4 Phone: 519-494-0787 Email: gminor@rogers.com Contact: Ginette Minor Buyer’s Guide Categories: Decorating Supplies & Services, Bed & Bath Accessories, Blinds, Design, Draperies, Fabrics, Knitting, Sewing, Yarns, Interior Design / Decorating, Promotional Products, Window Fashions Products & Services: Owner/operator Ginette Minor is a highly-skilled sewing specialist who creates her own custom soft products. She operates a one-stop shop offering everything from slipcovers, pillows, cushions, custom draperies and shades, to blinds, shutters and outdoor home decor products to homeowners, decorators, designers and businesses in Elgin and Middlesex counties and other Southwestern On-

tario communities.

Ginette has earned considerable industry recognition through her commitment to continuing education. She was designated as a Certified Slipcover Career Professional by the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in 2011, as well as a Certified Workroom Professional through the WCAA in 2012.

Her clients benefit from the project management, leadership, and customer service skills she obtained during her early career as a security supervisor for Labatt Breweries. She is also an active member of DraperyPro, an online forum dedicated to the success of home decor professionals.

ENNS Textile 69 Beech Street, East Aylmer, ON N5H 3J6 Phone: 519-773-8990 Email: fe@ennstex.com Website: www.sigmapac.com Contact: Francisco Enns Buyer’s Guide Categories: Manufacturing Products & Services: ENNS Textile offers a turnkey solution for returnable/reusable packaging for majority of the auto leaders throughout North America. They pride themselves on project execution. All projects are completed in time and with a

high level of quality. They achieve this with strong communication between project leads, designers, suppliers and clients. Through innovation, ENNS Textile constantly pushes the limits on pack density while being ergonomically conscious to the users.

IT Solution Guy 431 Highview Drive St. Thomas , ON N5R 6C5 Phone: 519-207-6661 Email: www.itsolutionguy.com Contact: Al Rajani Buyer’s Guide Categories: Computers – Networking & Custom Programming, Computers Sales, Supplies & Service Products & Services: As a Microsoft certified and experienced professional, providing support to businesses and individuals in South Western Ontario. IT Solution Guy can setup your computers, configure software, modem, router, network, file sharing, data backup and setup your website while you take care of the business. From the home office to small & medium size businesses, all clients can benefit from management of your entire network, server, desktops and other devices. Graphic design, Web design & Hosting and ongoing support and maintenance available.

Omnicom School of Languages Head Office: 5 Park Home Avenue, 6th Floor Toronto, ON M2N 6L4 Phone: 416-223-7855 Fax: 416-224-7647 (St. Thomas location information will be added soon) Email: omnicom@omnicomstudy.com Website: www.omnicomstudy.com Contact: Ivan Markiet Buyer’s Guide Categories: Education Products & Services: Omnicom will co-locate with the St. Thomas Campus of Algoma University at 50 Wellington Street this fall. For forty years, their institutions have been providing students from around the world high-quality academic studies, social activities, and a complete immersion experience. English as a Second Language, Focus on Communication, Business English and Internship, TOEFL iBT, Work & Study, Accent Modification, IELTS, and much more will now be delivered in association with Algoma University at the St Thomas Campus.

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June, 2013

HEALTHY LIVING Public Health

Share the road and cycling events in Elgin

by Erica Arnett

Share the Road is a new program being launched in Elgin St Thomas. The campaign reminds people that giving a little more space, a little more consideration and following some simple rules of the road will help ensure that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists make it home safely.

To mark the launch of the new program, the Healthy Communities Partnership is holding two exciting new events this month and releasing some new community resources.

The Bike Summit is on Friday June 14 at the St. Thomas Timken Centre. It will feature speakers from Canada and the USA that will share inspiring stories of creating more active communities and the key steps they took to get there. There will also be an opportunity for people to hear about some exciting local projects that are underway and how to become involved. The Summit begins with breakfast at 8:30am. Advanced registration is required and the cost is $30.

The Family Bike Festival, on Saturday June 15 at the St. Thomas Timken Centre, is an opportunity for riders of all ages and abilities to come out and receive some bicycle training and a free bike maintenance check-up. There will be a free light lunch, plus the first 100 at each session will receive a new bell and reflective tape. Bring your bike and helmet and come and join us for a fun morning. There is no registration required and the event is free. There are two sessions 9-11am and 11am-1pm. The event will proceed rain or shine.

In addition to the two community events, the Active Elgin website will be receiving a facelift and will host some new resources including: lots of great information about how to get active locally, Share the Road information and a great new section on Citizens 4 Active Transportation. Citizens 4 Active Transportation is a new committee that is dedicated to advocating for more cycle friendly and activity friendly community. They are always looking for more members. If you would like to hear more about activities locally or how to become involved with the new Citizens 4 Active Transportation Committee visit www.activeelgin.ca.

Share the Road resources will be sent to all homes in Elgin St Thomas and will be featured across the community throughout the cycling season. Share the Road reminds drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of the rules of the road and the roles that we all have as road users. Including: Drivers: • Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals • Be patient, slow down and give one metre clearance when passing bikes • Check for cyclists before opening your car door • Always look for pedestrians and cyclists before turning • Stay alert, slow down and be prepared to for the unexpected Cyclists: • Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals • Signal all turns • Ride one metre from the curb • Ride past parked cars as if all the car doors were open • Ride in a straight line on the right side of the June, 2013

road • Wear a helmet and bright clothing • Make sure you have a horn or bell, white light on the front and red reflectors on the back Pedestrians: • Where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic • Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights • Make sure drivers see you before you cross • Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop • Wear bright clothing with reflective strips when walking in dusk or darkness

• When walking on trails, keep right to allow others to pass.

The goal of all of this work is to make our community more bicycle friendly and activity friendly.

If you would like additional information please visit activeelgin.ca, or call Elgin St Thomas Public Health at 519 631-9900 ext 1247.

Erica Arnett is a Health Promoter with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health

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same road, same rules, same rights ST. THOMAS

ELGIN THIS MONTH

17

Proposed increases to CPP and QPP Report points to steep costs, far-off benefits Increasing Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits would hurt the Canadian economy and result in significant job losses, according to a report in May from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). In June, the nation’s finance ministers will discuss increasing CPP and QPP. One option being considered would cost employees up to $1,100 more per year, bring employment growth to a halt and force wages down 1.5%.

“There’s been lots of talk about increasing benefits, with very little mention of the cost,” said CFIB vice-president and chief economist Ted Mallett. “The short-term impacts are substantial, yet benefits could take decades to be fully implemented.”

CFIB’s Forced Savings report, based on a University of Toronto macro-econometric model, looks at the so-called 10-10-10 proposal that

would phase in CPP/QPP increases over ten years. Among the findings: • Employees would pay up to $1,100 more per year in CPP/QPP premiums.

• Employers would pay up to $1,100 more per year, per employee.

• The self-employed would pay up to $2,200 more per year.

• Higher labour costs would lead to 700,000 person years of lost work.

• Overall wages would be forced down by 1.5%.

• Federal and provincial governments’ debtto-GDP ratios would increase by 2 and 1.2% respectively.

To coincide with International Workers Day May 1, CFIB launched a campaign aimed at protecting working Canadians by stopping a CPP/QPP hike. The campaign is called “All

Online services for new businesses Service Ontario has an on-line service featuring forms, tools and information for new businesses. Here is a list of some of the services available by searching “Ontario one source” Search, register, renew your business and get a Master Business Licence Change your address and other business information ONT-TAXS online: File, pay and view Ontario business taxes Accessibility Compliance: File your accessibility compliance report Search or register a personal property lien WSIB: The law has changed - Mandatory coverage for construction Doing business with the Ontario Government

signs point to trouble,” and includes an online petition and premium calculator. CFIB invited all members of the general public to visit the site and sign the petition, if they share our concern.

“With a CPP and QPP increase, all signs really do point to trouble,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. “Wages go down while premiums go up. It kills jobs and increases government debt.

While many Canadians would like the idea of increased CPP benefits, very few have considered the impact of a decade of payroll tax hikes on the economy. CFIB is calling on all finance ministers to reject this troublesome idea at their June meeting.”

CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region.

Failure to communicate continued from page 13 able to arrange. The insurer required that the Seller’s lawyer hold back $100,000 pending the closure of the building permit which was to be done “in a reasonable time.” A bit like you buying life insurance on the condition you not die.

The case has “failure to communicate” stamped all over it, despite the valiant attempts of the lawyers in question to protect their clients’ interests. But, perhaps the worst failure to communicate is contained in paragraph 10 of the standard real estate agreement.

Instead of discouraging litigation through clarity, its endless blather would seem to foster it.

Lawyer Monty Fordham prepares this monthly column for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and our Members. Monty is also a volunteer serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Questions, comments and suggestions for future columns are welcomed by Monty at his office: Fordham & Brightling Associates - Lawyers, 4 Elgin Street, St. Thomas. Telephone 519-633-4000, FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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June, 2013

Make your start-up a success

Tips for female (and male) entrepreneurs Becoming a business owner is a goal for many women. Starting a business is seldom easy, but the process can be streamlined when a person knows the steps to take.

The U. S. Center for Women’s Business Research indicates that on average, women own over 10 million businesses in the United States and employ around 20 million workers. Female-owned businesses account for over $2 trillion in sales. Female entrepreneurs are collectively known as “Janes,” and they are a big part of the country’s financial landscape.

For women who want to become Janes, there are certain steps to take to develop and launch a business. There are many resources that can help women and men start a company. The Small Business Administration is one of them. Here is some of their guidance in doing so.

Find a mentor. There are organizations like SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and Elgin Business Resource Centre that provide free resources online and locally for the prospective small business owner. Individuals also can connect with current business owners in the neighborhood and pick their brains about the best way to begin.

Write a business plan. This may seem like an intimidating part of starting a business, but getting thoughts written out in black and white can be a good organizational step. However, there’s no specific formula for a business plan. Listing the type of business, marketing ideas, competition, and financial data is a good place to start. Also, having a business plan in place may make it easier to secure a loan.

Secure funding. Businesses require start-up capital. Some small business owners have their own savings they’ll be devoting to the business, while others solicit investors. The majority of business developers apply for a business loan. This is where a business plan can be an asset.

Also, grants may be an option for certain targeted businesses.

Contact your MP, MPP or Elgin Business Resource Centre.

Secure legal representation.

There are certain business laws and employee laws that an indiJune, 2013

vidual will need to know to avoid fines and other legal recourse. Securing legal representation ahead of time can help prospective business owners navigate the legal system.

Budget and plan for marketing and advertising. It’s important to get the word out about the new business. While this can start with family and friends, eventually the efforts will have to go beyond.

Think about community-based ac-

tivities that can advertise the new business. Work with schools and community organizations if yours is a niche business for children or seniors. A website and newspaper advertising, both in print and online, can be a good starting point.

Keep in mind that it can be a few years before small business owners start to realize a profit on their efforts. So don’t give up too easily and soon another successful “Jane” will be part of the economy.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

19

Your customers are expecting more

by Tara McCaulley Ahhhh, the age old term “customer service,” often defined as the “process of ensuring customer satisfaction with a product or service.” We are bombarded with marketing and advertising from businesses declaring “#1 in customer satisfaction” or “We do customer service right” or “Customers are our #1 priority.” Based on the following statistics from LeapZone Strategies, many businesses are far from meeting their customers’ needs, let alone ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Typically only 25-30% of a business’s customers are completely satisfied which means the other 70% would consider the competition.

• For every customer who bothers to complain, there are 26 others who remain silent.

• Each one of your customers has a circle of influence of 250 people.

• Almost 70% of the identifiable reasons why customers left a business had nothing to do with the product. The prevailing reason was poor quality of service.

The term customer service is outdated and your customers are looking for more. Let’s face it, to have profitable customers who stay with you a long time, your goal must be able to create an experience. What does that mean? Customer experience is defined as “the sum of all experiences a customer has with a supplier of goods and services, over the duration of their relationship.”

Every touch point with a customer can make an impact on their experience, whether it is walking into a store, calling for information or ordering something online. It is an opportunity to WOW your customers and create an experience that will make them shout it from their roof tops and social media channels. Good service isn’t an add-on to the product or service but becomes the product or service. Here are some simple and inexpensive changes that can help a business create a better experience for their customers: 1. Don’t think about your customers, think like them. Understand the process your customers go through from start to finish. What do they see when they walk in your store? How long does it take for them to get their call answered? Is your website user-friendly? Ask someone who doesn’t

3. Customers are busy people; they have stuff to do. Be fast and easy to do business with. They do not want to be waiting around for help or to be waited on. Understand your traffic flows and staff accordingly. If there is going to be a wait, apologize and set expectations. If it is a super long wait, offer them a beverage or a 10% discount.

Make them aware that you have noticed they are waiting. It’s simple, really.

4. You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken.

Ask your customers what you can be doing better!

There are many ways to survey customers whether it is through a paper-based survey, online surveys like Survey Monkey, which are free, or calling your customers. Ask them how you are doing; ask them for suggestions on how to be more effective.

There are many free templates available online that will help you to create an effective customer experience survey.

5. In many businesses, employees are advocates for the business. Train your staff to become advocates for the customer. Empower them to make decisions and encourage your employees to pass along feedback from customers. Be proactive with employment training needs. When it comes down to it you and your employees work for your customers. Without them there would be no business. know your business to walk through the sales process and get their feedback. All business owners should also walk through the process from start to finish and ask “How would I like this as a customer?” and change it accordingly.

2. How many times have you walked into a store and been greeted with a mumbled, half-hearted “Hello”? Have you ever called a business and can tell by the greeting that the employee really doesn’t want to be there? Being friendly, caring and enthusiastic goes a long way! Greet every customer with a smile and an energetic greeting. Busy with another customer? Acknowledge the new customer and if you are going to be a while with the customer you are with, let the new customer know.

Show customers they matter to you.

All of these tips may seem like common sense however the customer experience can be impacted when not done consistently. It will take time to create a customer-centric culture and the prize is worth the time. Do it well and customers will form an emotional bond and become intensely loyal, enthusiastically recommending your services on social networks, at parties, and in online forums.

Word will spread (more referrals) and more customers and revenues will grow. Remember, a great customer experience = happy customers who buy more and stay longer.

Tara McCaulley is a Business Counsellor with Elgin Business Resource Centre.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

June, 2013

People say, “It’s not personal. It’s business.”

But what could be more personal than starting your own business?

by Terry Carroll When a difficult decision is announced, managers often say, “It’s not personal. It’s business.” I understand what they are trying to convey (I’ve said it myself on occasion), but setting up a strict personal / business divide is a false dichotomy.

Anyone who starts a small business, manages one, or is an outstanding employee in one, will spend more time and energy on the business than on his or her personal life. It’s an enterprise that requires long stretches of time with complete concentration and dedication, loss of sleep, the giving up of holidays, and minimal income to make it work in the beginning. What could be more personal than that?

So if you are going to start a business, it’s important to make it fit your personality and your personal style.

Let’s say you are married or in a committed relationship. One very important personal / business decision, from the get-go, concerns the involvement of the two of you. Do you want to see each other every day at the office, even if that office is in your home? Or do you need to separate your work life from your home life?

It’s tempting to “save an extra salary” by both slaving away in the business every day. Some couples make this work admirably. Others find it tough for one main reason – having seen each other all day long, they may have little or nothing to say to each other when they get home. Different strokes for different strokes, and your happiness hinges on understanding your strokes.

Another great unknown, when you start a new business, is whether there is going to be enough cash flow to support one business owner, never mind two. In many cases, it’s important to have one member of the couple run the new business while the other continues to earn a living outside the business. Somebody has to bring home the bacon in the early years.

Another terrific personal / business question is how much you love it. With all the stresses and strains that go with launching any new business, there will be times when almost superhuman resourcefulness and resilience are required. Those moments reveal how much you love the business, in a manner not unlike certain key times in a marriage – in your darkest hour, it becomes not about emotion, but your decision to love, honour and cherish, in good times or in bad. If your commitment is not strong, you will never make it.

There are two fundamental approaches to a new business. You may be self-employed, essentially a person with a job, but no boss, and some of the tax advantages of running your own business. Or you may require employees right from the start, which means a whole other level of human resources, payroll deductions, meeting payroll and so on. Whether you go one way or the other is a personal as well as a business decision. Some people are simply happier being self-employed and do not want the other headaches. Others want to build a larger organization, one that can be sold or passed to the next generation at the appropriate time.

If it truly is a family business,

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perhaps with mom and pop at the helm, one or two from the next generation on staff, plus a small additional staff, the office can mimic the family structure and work well.

However, if it grows to be a larger or more diverse business, that may be the time to make the transition away from the family structure, before nepotism sets in.

Before you open the doors of a new business, try to understand yourself as well as you can, and you’ll be a whole lot happier, personally, in the new adventure you’ve created.

P.S. Two words of warning about the personal in business. First, there isn’t a human being alive that has not had personal feelings for someone he or she has met at work. If you are the owner of a small business, do not go there. And second, no matter how little time or money you have in the beginning years, take time for personal breaks away from work. We know what all work and no play did to Jack, and it will do the same to you.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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21

The 10 top traits of an entrepreneur Do you have what it takes?

With files from Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

Even if you have a great idea, starting a new business is challenging.

Certain characteristics and skills will maximize your chances of success.

If you’re thinking of starting your So before you even begin, ask yourown business, Canada is one of the self if you have the personality of an easiest places in the world to do it, entrepreneur. according to the World Bank. And Top 10 traits of an entrepreneur Ontario has more business establish• self-confident ments than any other province. • independent and self-motivated Starting a business is an appeal• ambitious ing idea, but do you have what it • self-disciplined and organized takes to be a suc• resourceful cessful entrepre• flexible neur? Here’s what • thorough it may seem like a Ben Hum of Xystar • hard-working Technologies Inc., and committed demanding list.

Toronto has to say • realistic about some of the • determined and challenges involved: “The biggest persistent misconception new entrepreneurs It may seem like a demanding list, have about running a business is that but successful entrepreneurs possess they think once you get to a certain all these characteristics – and, if you point, you’ve arrived. The thing is, don’t, your chances for success are the challenges never stop. You have diminished. If you can honestly say to be an innovator – and you have you’re the right personality type, the to like constant change.â€? next question you have to ask your-

Starting a Small Business can be Challenging.

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self is, “Am I fully prepared, at this point in my life, to do the following? • work long hours • sacrifice time with family and friends • receive little – or no – pay at first • live with ongoing pressures Finally, if you have a family, do family members understand what’s involved? Long hours and hectic schedules can take their toll on relationships. For your business to succeed, everybody has to be onside.

So, talk it over with your family and make sure they know what you – and they – are getting into.

The fact is people start businesses all the time. Unfortunately, a lot of them fail over the first five-years. To avoid becoming one of those statistics, remember why the others succeed: • they offer good value; • they have a solid business plan; and • the owners possess entrepreneurial qualities.

Defining success Give some thought to what success will look like to you. For some entrepreneurs, it is about making lots of money. For others, it can be broader, including such ideals as: • control/being your own boss • gaining flexibility • having more time • making a difference Understanding if any of these shape your definition of success before you embark on starting a business will help you with making decisions and setting priorities along the way.

What one expert says about entrepreneurial success John Regan, who manages Elgin Business Resource Centre, A Community Futures Development Corporation, home of the Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs, has the following observation about what it takes to start a successful small business: “The reality is that anyone can become self-employed but business ownership is a fine balance between personal interests, abilities and market knowledge.�

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

David Van Dinther, B.A. (Hons) David Van Dinther, B.A. (Hons) BrianBusiness Dempsey Small Advisor Advisor Small Business Small Business Advisor 378 Talbot St. & 417 Wellington 378 Talbot St. &Talbot 417St. Wellington St. 378 St. (Mondays) St.Thomas Thomas (Mondays) St. (519)631-7070 631-7070, (519) ext.ext.

231231 St. Thomas (Talbot St.) 268-1384 Cell: (226) (519) 633-4640 brian.dempsey@td.com (519) 631-7070 ext. 231 (Wellington St.) (Talbot St.) david.vandinther@td.com (519) 633-4640 (Wellington St.) david.vandinther@td.com June, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Managing Money

Men and women view debt differently

that 19 per cent of respondents cited ‘The ability of a family member to control spending’ as a facHow do you and your partner manage your tor making it more difficult to become debt-free. money? Does one person take care of the finances This perception alone increases the financial tenor do you share the responsibility? A recent survey sion within a family trying to tackle debt.

by Manulife Bank suggests that men and women Here is what I personally found to be one of the hold different views of debt and household finan- most interesting findings of this survey. What are cial management. men and women both least likely to give up to reAlthough men and women seem to place equal duce debt? It’s their phone, internet and cable serimportance on being debt-free at retirement, vices. Only 12 per cent of Canadians indicated a women appear to be slightly more concerned willingness to cut back on these technology items. about debt load and the ability The survey results tell us that to eliminate it by retirement. despite a desire to reduce debt, Women more readily acremaining “wired in” remains knowledged the factors making women chose dining very important to Canadians. it difficult to become debt-free I have recently encountered an out, and men chose and were more likely than men interruption in my normally charitable donations. seamless wireless internet serto be stressed out about the possibility of still having debt vices, and I was amazed by how at their planned retirement frustrating it was. Being ‘linked age. Sixty per cent of women rated the possibility in’ to our technology has risen as a higher priority of having debt in retirement as being extremely as we rely on it more and more to function efstressful compared to 42 per cent of men. Sixteen fectively. It was interesting to see this trend repreper cent of men rated this as ‘not at all stressful’ sented so strongly in the financial survey results. compared to seven per cent of women.

So what do you do when you and your spouse Both men’s and women’s top categories chosen don’t necessarily see eye to eye on this issue? Doug to ‘cut back on’ to become debt-free sooner were Conick, President and CEO of Manulife Bank household furnishings / appliances. After that, of Canada, stresses communication as the key. women chose dining out, and men chose chari- “In many households there’s a discrepancy in attable donations. It’s not surprising that men and titudes, perceptions and expectations between women might have different views on how and couples with regards to debt, likely because they where to find savings. It’s also interesting to note are either managing their own personal debt sepa

by Stephanie Farrow

rately or just aren’t talking enough to one another about finances.”

Although men and women see some things differently, there is definitely a common ground to be found. Conick said, “Overall, this survey tells us that Canadian homeowners want to be debtfree, but that they’re not necessarily talking with one another about how to get there.”

Couples who can communicate with each other about their finances, and get on the same page for a debt-management and financial plan, will be off to a great start.

Stephanie Farrow, B.A., C.F.P., is a Certified Financial Planner and co-owner of Farrow Financial Services Inc., in Belmont

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HOMESTYLE Decorating

Outdoor Décor

spaces, as well.

Bright colours and a weathered With warmer temperatures and patina welcome visitors to a cheery sunny skies finally here, it is enticing porch. An old stepladder, detailed to be outdoors. Take advantage of mirror, pair of directors’ chairs, etc the opportunity and spend that out- from a garage sale can give a porch door time in a space that you love an eclectic vibe. Keep a unified look and enjoy, whether is a deck, porch by choosing a consistent colour palor patio. The same indoor decorating ette and stick with it throughout the principles apply to outdoor living space. spaces to easily create an outdoor reEnsure bugs and other critters treat. Apply these aren’t an issue by ideas to modify installing window your indoor techscreens, and then niques to hold up allow the sounds spend that outdoor against outdoor of crickets and a time in a space that elements. cool breeze lull you love.

For a clean porch you to sleep on design, lay a variaa calm summer tion of tile sizes on the floor to add night on a sleeping porch. Extend interest and subtle hint of pattern- the comforts of the indoors with ining. Columns add architectural sup- door-outdoor light fixtures, fabrics port and a classical vibe. A beaded- and furniture. board ceiling adds texture. Ceiling A sunroom is the perfect way to fans circulating the air keep the enjoy the outdoors year-round in space cool and refreshing. a chilly winter climate. Sunrooms Consider adding skylights to bring add versatility throughout the year extra source of light to a dark porch. since windows can be replaced with For extra circulation, vent the sky- just screens in warm months. lights to increase air flow. Glass front A soothing palette of gray and ivodoors increase the amount of light ry creates a welcoming atmosphere passing from exterior to interior on a sunny porch. An interesting

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mix of seating makes an outdoor space feel more like an indoor living area. A spacious sofa not only accommodates multiple guests, but is also ideal for napping. An outdoor rug beneath the seating area adds texture underfoot.

Large outdoor porches provide the perfect summertime entertaining area. Split a grand space into two seating areas, one with a dining table and one with a sofa and chairs.

A palette of soft neutrals can unify both areas. Add outdoor drapes to be drawn to diffuse bright sunlight so that diners do not squint their way through a meal.

An outdoor fireplace adds interior comfort of an exterior living space.

Brick surround helps a space look grounded, but doesn’t have to obstruct all of the views of a potential garden beyond.

Dramatic cathedral ceilings and stone arches give a porch an oldworld feeling. Contemporary looking furnishings such as a glass coffee table, patterned geometric area rug, and slipcovered furniture help bal-

ELGIN THIS MONTH

ance a porch’s traditional styling.

A small café table and chairs make the most of limited space on a porch, offering the perfect spot to enjoy a good book on a summer afternoon without overwhelming the limited area. Potted plants scatted throughout the small porch can add colour.

Like any small space, a narrow porch needs thoughtful furniture choices and arrangements to ensure the best use of space. Simple, functional furniture pieces, such as straight-back bench and lightweight, portable chairs emphasize flexibility in a small space.

Bottom line . . . enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your porch. Explore various porch styles to find the perfect setup for your home.

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

June, 2013

HEALTHY LIVING Self Discovery

Get more from life Begin with decluttering

is the first reason I try my best to organize. The other and perhaps larger I believe I am really good at manag- reason I try to declutter as much as ing multiple projects at once. In my possible is that I believe if you deline of work, you have to be but I am clutter, you open up your life for not very organized when it comes to new things to come into your life. office space and organizing any of my This could be a new relationship, personal space. It is a real challenge, new opportunities or abundance. By but I know it is extremely important decluttering, you are sending out the to be able to organize your personal message to the Universe that you are space whether it’s your office space ready to “receive.” If you are seeking the love of your life, you may want or any space in your house.

A few weeks ago, I downloaded to free up space in your closet. In some YouTube videos on how to doing so, you are sending out the get organized. I even subscribed to message that you have “room” in your life for a rea seven-part selationship. Upon ries on getting doing some major organized which when you declutter, decluttering in my for the most part own life, I began was very helpyou increase your to notice some ful although the energy. immediate results. final parts of the For instance, my series actually got into the philosophy of organization phone began to ring with more and which I didn’t find as useful. Watch- more work opportunities. I was aling the videos did help me to orga- ready really busy with work, but nize the top of my desk using tiered more and more exciting things kept file folder holders and some other coming my way, and because I was desktop items. My desk can be par- more organized as a result of my ticularly challenging because I have recent organization, I was able to a huge desk with no drawers. After handle more work.

Spring is a great time for getting getting my desk as organized as I could, I moved on to the basement. organized. Have a garage sale or parI put items I wanted to keep in bins ticipate in one that your neighbours and moved everything I wanted to are organizing. Get rid of the clothes donate to garage sales, Goodwill, hanging in your closet that you never etc. , or the dump, into the middle wear. If you didn’t wear something once this winter, get rid of it. Get rid of the room.

As much as I am not as organized as of the stuff in your basement that is I aspire to be, I am a firm believer in taking up room that you never use. the power of decluttering for a couple Check out your garage. Do you have of reasons. First, I believe that when so much stuff in it that you can’t you declutter, you increase your en- even park your car in it?

Don’t overwhelm yourself in the ergy and energy is something I need a lot of in order to be effective. If you process. Tackle one area of your walk into a cluttered space, you feel space at a time. Perhaps you might overwhelmed and exhausted, so that spend some time thinking about

by Sharon Lechner

JEFF YUREK, MPP

changes in other areas of your life.

Sharon Lechner is a certified master life coach and owner of Reach for the Stars Empowerment in St. Thomas

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June, 2013

why you have all of this stuff in the first place. Do material things give you a false sense of security?

Decluttering takes time, but I firmly believe if you declutter, you will see changes in your health including your energy levels . . . and don’t be surprised if you experience positive

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Wine & Food

Stand-alone summer wines

by Jamie Quai

When it comes to getting the most out of wine experiences, context is everything. Wines change incredibly with various foods and social situations. The restaurants, party hosts, and wineries that truly understand their role have considered context and made the best choices available to their guests, not just the ‘safe’ or ‘cheap’ choices. When recommending wines to consumers I will always ask about context. Do you like to age wines or consume them young?

Social or celebratory wines? And most importantly . . . Do you drink the wine on its own or with food?

In the wine world there is an incredible amount of effort and literature about food and wine pairings. The emphasis is so skewed to the pairing side that we often ignore a very simple truth – there is a very large amount of wine that is consumed on its own.

With summer almost upon us, I want to use this article to highlight some suggestions for stand-alone wines for sipping in the sunshine.

For context, stand-alone wines should be interesting or dynamic.

The wine needs to show some type of evolution as it is consumed. A stand-alone wine has to taste good really cold and still be captivating as it warms up (a lot of lousy wines fall apart when the temperature gets too high). The wines need a vein of acidity or crispness. In winter, these wines would be perceived as watery,

but acidity creates a refreshing finish that is essential on a hot day. And the best stand-alone summer wines will have slightly lower alcohol contents.

My first white wine recommendation to seek out is a Portuguese wine referred to as Vinho Verde.

These wines are the quintessential beach house or cottage wines. They generally have a little petulance, vibrant acidity, and are around 10% alcohol. These wines are really affordable. My favourite examples are under $10 a bottle. The next white wine worth seeking out as a standalone sipper is Chablis. I need to be very clear on this point – it must be from France. The term Chablis has been co-opted by California and has by and large become a synonym for ‘leftovers from the bottom of a

tank.’ True French Chablis has a unique limestone soil that creates these amazingly mineral driven chardonnays. There is no oak in these wines, and while a lot of other places make unoaked Chardonnays, Chablis is genuinely superior as a stand-alone summer wine. My third white wine recommendation is from a little closer to home – Ontario Dry Rieslings. Ontario is making quite a name for itself with these steely dry wines. While the alcohol levels have crept up to a weary level for summer sippers (about 12%), the complex flavours and great prices make these wines an unbeatable value.

Rosés are thought of as summer sippers despite being terrific all-season wines. Stand-alone rosés for summer should be from lower tannin grapes, like Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, or

Grenache. These wines would ideally be dry to off-dry in sweetness, and have a plethora of interesting flavours. Watch the alcohol levels, and try to find rosé wines from regions of the world that had lousy red wine harvests last year (a bad year for red can be great for rosé).

My two final recommendations for stand-alone summer sipper styles are both red wines: Syrah, and Gamay Noir. Syrah is also commonly known as Shiraz, but for sunshine sipping, the lighter, floral, and crisper aforementioned style is preferred. The best examples to enjoy on their own are from the Rhône in France, Washington State in the USA and British Columbia.

Syrahs are misunderstood and often miscategorised. Consumers who expect a big bold and jammy red (Shiraz) are surprised to experience these delicate reds. This misconception is so widespread that it actually has depressed the prices of the best bottles of great Syrah. Gamay Noir is becoming a buzz wine in Ontario.

These lesser recognized red wines, originating from Burgundy, France, are too often associated with simple Beaujolais. They are refreshing, medium bodied, have lively flavours and are best enjoyed young and slightly chilled.

Cheers!

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

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June, 2013

Peter Robson Studios and Gallery

LIFESTYLE Elgin Arts Trail

International renown meets village charm

by Katherine Thompson

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the village of Sparta offers a quaint and relaxing experience.

The genuinely historic buildings, tea rooms and antique shops that line the main street stir up memories of a simpler time and provide the perfect atmosphere for artistic talent to thrive. Born in London England, Peter Robson moved to Canada in 1966 after a time working as an apprentice decorative stone carver at Canterbury Cathedral. He settled in Sparta in 1981 and opened his Studio and Gallery.

Robson does work in water colours and oils, and produces limited edition sculptures. He is best known for his gorgeous historic landscape scenes that illustrate life in rural Elgin County. His depictions of horse drawn carriages on snow covered paths, peaceful lakeside living and stately historic homes are well-loved

in southwestern Ontario.

The popularity of Robson’s original paintings has gained him recognition across Canada and internationally in both private and corporate collections. His art is displayed around the world in several locations including the Tower of London in England and the Borovsk Museum of Art near Moscow, Russia. Robson has done commissions for several companies including General Motors, Formet Industries, The Grand Theatre in London, the Girl Guides & Boy Scouts of Canada and the Port Stanley landmark, Mackie’s.

Passion for the studio and original art is a family affair that includes Robson’s wife Eleanor and son Steven, who take care of the gallery displaying original paintings, limited edition prints, and original sculptures. Steven custom frames all his father’s work on the premises and also offers a complete state of the art computerized framing service. The

The Peter Robson studio in Sparta. creative process happens just next door in the house known as the Abbey, which houses Robson’s working studio.

For more information on Peter Robson’s Studios and Gallery or the Elgin Arts Trail please visit elginartstrail.ca.

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

The Elgin Arts Trail is a program with a goal to promote and enhance arts tourism in Elgin County and St. Thomas. The trail is a route through Elgin County that visits some of the best galleries, studios and artisans in Elgin and St. Thomas. For full trail information visit www.elginartstrail. ca or find us on Facebook

Peter Robson, where he loves to be, at work on his art.

The Parade of Elephants is a travelling exhibition of one-of a-kind elephant sculptures created by artists on the Elgin Arts Trail in partnership with the St. ThomasElgin Public Art Centre. Every month the elephants will travel to a new location and at each location a new elephant will be added to the collection. The next exhibit will be on display at: Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio 8122 Rogers Rd S., Aylmer June 1 – June 27, 2013 For a complete list of exhibit locations visit www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants

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HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Understanding Extended Healthcare Benefits

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

Understanding extended healthcare benefits can be confusing and complicated. It is important to understand your own benefit package and be aware of what is covered and what is not covered.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the requirements of your plan. Healthcare offices endeavour to try to stay on top of the various plans and help patients to understand what is needed, but ultimately the best reference is either your benefit package booklet or perhaps a human resources administrator at your work place. Here is some information to help with some of the common features and issues.

Reimbursement and payment The most common form of coverage usually works in this way. The client/patient will pay the healthcare provider directly out of pocket.

The client/patient then receives a receipt from the healthcare provider and submits this receipt along with any other required documents to the insurance company. The insurance company next directly reimburses the client/patient for the fee.

The submission of the receipt can be done directly via mail by the patient, or it is becoming possible for this to be done electronically over the internet. Some insurers will allow the healthcare facility to submit on the patient’s behalf as well.

It is important to understand that not all insurance companies allow the healthcare facility to submit directly. In some rare cases, it is possible for healthcare facilities to bill insurance companies directly but it is important to note that this is not all that common.

At times patients will ask if they can be issued a paid receipt without having actually paid the healthcare provider. Their intention is to then come back and pay the provider once they receive payment from the insurance company. Although in the past this has been a practice at some facilities, it is important to understand that this constitutes insurance fraud and is highly illegal.

Caps A cap usually stipulates a maximum amount that will be paid out for any given benefit over a defined period of time. A common cap for chiropractic or physiotherapy is five hundred dollars

per year, the most that plan will pay over a oneyear period.

Deductibles A deductible is a flat dollar amount that you must pay before the insurer will begin to make benefit payments. Just as you might be required to pay the first portion of a claim for automobile insurance, this may be required before you will be eligible for any reimbursement for payments that you might make.

Co-pay or co-insurance This means that the patient is required to pay a specified amount toward the good or service that is being covered in the plan. In this case, the insurer will pay a percentage of the total cost. For example, a plan may pay 80%. In this case, if a given treatment cost is $40.00, the insurance would cover $32.00 and the patient would be responsible for the remaining $8.00.

Co-ordination of benefits In situations where couples may both have extended healthcare insurance, it is possible to use both policies. In this case what is not covered by the first policy may be covered by the second policy potentially meaning that all costs will be covered by the insurances and no out-of-pocket costs will be required. Again, there are specific rules and requirements as to how to do this so consult your policies.

Extended healthcare benefits and automobile insurance coverage The current legislation in Ontario requires those with extended healthcare benefits to use them first to pay for treatment that may be necessary for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Only after those benefits are exhausted is the automobile insurance company required to pay for treatment.

Extended healthcare policies can be complicated. The best way to avoid confusion, frustration and expense is to take responsibility for understanding your plans requirements completely.

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

June, 2013

LIFESTYLE That’s Life

A great fisherman

His daughters taught him everything he knows

by Elizabeth VanHooren

My dad knows that fishing is boring unless you actually catch something. Over the years, he has spent most of his vacations making sure my three sisters and I could yell enthusiastically, “Get the net!”

Growing up we got one full week of swimming, shore lunches and fishing at our family cottage on the Pickerel River. We packed an entire summer vacation into that one week because the rest of the summer was spent in the tobacco fields earning money for our education.

Every night after supper, he would load the three of us up in the boat and head out fishing. Not that I noticed at the time . . . but, he rarely took his own fishing pole. Instead, he captained the boat steering us along the shore line trolling for pike in the weeds.

Inevitably there were squabbles. We fought over who would cast out closest to shore. We blamed one sister or the other for hooking our line, spilling the worms, and hogging the best Daredevil lure. We were ... never squeamish about unhooking our own fish, but often the lure was too deep, and we depended on Dad’s expertise and trusty needle-nosed pliers to free our biggest game.

He perfected line retrieval, which required telling two of us to be patient while he helped the third gently pull the boat toward her line hooked on a deadhead or rock.

Reaching out with a paddle he was often successful, but sometimes he admitted defeat and cut his losses. I think some of his best lures were lost fishing with his girls.

Still he never complained. Dad un-

tangled lines, threaded our bobbers and “got the net!” to make sure that we returned to the cottage that night with a fresh catch to show mom.

If you look through our photo albums of those vacations, each one of us has had our fair share of photo ops proudly holding up a lunker on the dock for mom to see. And you can bet Dad is out of frame, or if you look closely you might seem him in the background unloading the gear out of the boat.

My sister says that she once asked, “Why don’t you fish, Dad?” His response was simple, “I will, . . . someday.”

Thirty years later, as a grandfather of nine, Dad or Poppa as he is known today, is a great fisherman. The cottage journal chronicles his excursions and mom has hung framed photo evidence of his accomplishments on the cottage walls.

Meanwhile, my pole is getting a little dusty.

But I’m looking forward to “getting the net” for my two boys this summer and many summers to come.

instead, he captained the boat...

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

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LIFESTYLE Time On My Hands

Why was the Boston Marathon bombed?

Perhaps we should ask a witch

by Duncan Watterworth

My recent visit to Boston was supposed to be a pleasant four days of exploring and enjoying the city. But violence intervened – violence very fresh, and violence very old.

I was left searching for explanations. Was there a common denominator between the two horrific events – one historic, one painfully current – that confronted me?

With the offer of a free place to stay, Barb and I had jumped at the opportunity to visit Boston. The apartment of my niece, a student in the city, would be vacant for a few days. But two days before we were to go, the bombs exploded among the spectators at the Marathon. My daughter emailed to ask if we would cancel our trip. “It’s the safest city in America right now,� I replied.

We arrived on the Thursday, but the manhunt was on for the local Tsarnaev brothers, and Boston was in lock-down. Our free apartment was outside the city, in the town of Salem, so we ended up spending two days exploring that historic port.

Salem’s claim to fame is the notorious “Witch Trials of 1692.�

Over the course of four months, 13 women and six men were found guilty, hanged, excommunicated from their churches, and buried in shallow graves. Another man was pressed to death, and five others died in prison.

The Puritan Christians of Salem believed Satan was very real, and very active in human affairs. It was a crime to make an unlawful covenant with Satan, or to afflict someone through witchcraft. The horrors of 1692 started when the nine-year-old

daughter of the Reverend Samuel Parris, and her cousin, began having fits, and accused three women of afflicting them. Soon the town was boiling with accusations of witchcraft. Arrests ensued, a court was convened, and the hangings began.

Giles Corey, an 80-year-old farmer, refused to plead either guilty or not guilty. For that, large stones were slowly piled on his body until, after

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two days, he finally died. His wife Boylston Street was still barricaded, and we saw the makeshift shrine, was hanged three days later.

George Burroughs’s last earthly the clusters of silent people starmoments were preserved by a con- ing down the empty street. Shock temporary account. From the gal- and grief hung in the air. And the lows, he made an eloquent claim of inescapable question: Why do these innocence, and recited the Lord’s things happen?

Does it take a monster Prayer, “as witches are to do a monstrous act? not supposed to be able Or does it take a fallato recite�. But his accus...does it faith-based dogers said the Devil was take a mon- cious ma, and some doubtdictating the prayer to ster to do a free foot soldiers? him, and he swung.

Is this the commonalToday the Town of Samonstrous ity between the witch lem embraces its violent act?... hangings and the Bospast, at least for tourton bombing? ism. There is a wax muWill three centuries seum, a witch walk, and shops offering witchcraft supplies, into the future be enough for us to spell kits, potions, and T-shirts. We look back at today’s absolutist, faithtoured Witch Village, guided by a based ideologies, and their results, real witch. She said Halloween week with amusement?

Or will we have been annihilated in Salem is crazy.

The faith-based absolutes of one by them? era had become the quaint tourist amusements of the next.

Duncan Watterworth On the Sunday and Monday, with is recently a retiree the alleged bombers dead or in cusand empty-nester tody, Boston was reopened to tourin St. Thomas ists. But the city was not the same.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

June, 2013

ACTIVITIES & CAMPS For All Ages, For All Summer Long!

REGISTER for: Swimming Lessons, Summer Day Camps and Summer Recreation Programs St. Thomas Timken Community Centre 2 Third Ave., Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm or call 519-633-7112

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LIFESTYLE That’s Life

June, 2013

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LIFESTYLE Time On My Hands

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HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

June, 2013

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