July 2013

• Peter Atkinson Pirates of privacy Page 5 • Janine Lunn Farm wake-up calls Page 8 • Sharon Lechner Hope replaces despair Page 27 July, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Ian Raven and Dan McNeil Project Ojibwa: Big risks with potentially bigger rewards Cover story: Page 3

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Project Ojibwa

Damn the torpedoes – Full speed ahead on $7million tourist attraction

by Terry Carroll

Transporting and installing the decommissioned Ojibwa submarine from Halifax to Port Burwell in Elgin County took $7 million, a tonne of work, many volunteer partners, and a lot of energy to answer detractors of the tourist attraction.

But by the time this issue of Elgin This Month is on the street, Project Ojibwa will be generating revenue from the ticket-buying public. How much revenue is both anyone’s guess and the subject of careful budget projections by the Elgin Military Museum (EMM). But both Ian Raven, EMM executive director, and Dan McNeil, Ojibwa coordinator, are convinced success is just around the corner. They point to other successes in Canada and around the world, as examples of what is likely to happen in Port Burwell.

Ian knows the stats from the submarine on display in Rimouski, Quebec. “The first year, they did 92,000 people, and in recent years, they’ve had 42,000 to 44,000 tourists a year. And you have to remember they have a shorter season than we do.”

Dan, a retired Rear-Admiral is impressed with the additional drawing power of Port Burwell, as compared with the Rimouski location. “There are 9 million people on the Greater Toronto Area, all within a three to four hour drive of Port Burwell,” he says.

Admission prices for Project Ojibwa are $18.50 including HST for adults and $11.00 for six to 12, making an average price of $14.75.

(Kids under six are not allowed in for safety reasons). In 2013, if the Port Burwell sub attracts 80,000 people (slightly less than what Rimouski saw in the first year), 2013 gross revenue in ticket sales alone will be over $1 million.

Dan McNeil also points to the number of decommissioned submarine tourist sites around the world – two in Australia, one in Great Britain with another in the wings, two in Germany – as another reason to be optimistic about Project Ojibwa.

When EMM went looking for financial backing, the Board of Directors and staff took to the bank a plan for repaying the loan over 15 years.

“But RBC said, ‘No, we think you can do it in eight years’,” Ian says.

With a little luck, and traffic comparable to Rimouski’s, that projection could be right on the money.

The Municipality of Bayham has provided a loan guarantee of $6 million (and another anonymous, private backer is in for a million). The concept of a loan guarantee is essentially the same as if a parent cosigns a car loan with a child, with a few extra zeroes added into the equation.

Some taxpayers have been vocal in their opposition to this commitment. But the potential upside for Bayham is enormous.

Port Burwell already has an outstanding provincial park, one that draws 100,000 people a year, and some of those campers are going to want to tour the Ojibwa. The yearly economic impact for the area is projected to be over $14 million, factoring in lodging, food, gasoline, shopping and so on. This has the potential to change the economy of Bayham.

From the municipality’s website, here’s part of what Bayham was looking at when it unveiled a strategic plan in 2008: “The Municipality of Bayham is a mostly rural municipality of 6,727 people in the eastern end of Elgin County . . . Bayham’s population is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.1%, for a projected population of 8,220 by the year 2021. Like the rest of Ontario, Elgin This Month General Manager Terry Carroll Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley

The massive submarine now on site in Port Burwell.

Bayham will see population shares by age shift, particularly through a sharp increase in the proportion of seniors, while the population under 15 will decline.”

With Project Ojibwa, those projections could prove to be radically conservative. If Ojibwa forecasts hold true, Bayham may face challenges similar to the ones Central Elgin faces in dealing with tourist traffic in Port Stanley.

Port Burwell is already experiencing the economic impact. Ian Raven and Dan McNeil say that, off-season, Schooner’s Restaurant would normally be open only on weekends and was operated mostly by the owners. This past winter, it was open Thursday through Sunday with full staff. The Lighthouse Restaurant has seen an increase in traffic since reopening this spring, and Simply Scoops has added hamburgers and hot dogs to its essentially ice cream menu. In addition, the village has two new restaurants and a new takeout place, a new produce shop and other activity.

After the 2013 opening exciteAdvertising Sales Manager Nelson Parreira Graphic Design / Production Metroland Media Group Sales Representative Greg Minnema

ment, Dan indicates that 2014 could be a banner year for Ojibwa and the area as well. “It’s the hundredth anniversary of submarine service in Canada,” he says.

Public fascination with touring a submarine is partly historical, partly one of scale (seeing 1,260 long tonnes out of water) and partly what Dan refers to as “the mystique of the submarine.” He says a typical tour for a submariner was two years and a typical trip was one to four months enclosed in a cramped underwater environment.

After seeing the sub, one cadet from the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps said his experience in Port Burwell had made history come alive. “I got to touch the real thing.”

Next up is major fundraising to build an interpretive centre and souvenir shop. For more details, including the official opening, visit projectojibwa.ca.

Project Ojibwa Cover photo: Ian Raven and Dan McNeil.

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 July, 2013

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3

INNES As I See It

Change is the only constant

by Jim Innes “Do you have any cheese croissants?”

“Sorry sir we don’t sell them anymore”.

I noticed the look of disappointment on the old fellow’s face; his routine was broken. He graciously asked for a plain one. The server was prompt and courteous.

I was reminded that two months ago I asked for a raisin bran muffin (from the same place). I had been ordering them regularly for a long time.

“Sorry sir we don’t sell them anymore.”

“You don’t sell them anymore … how so … they are a popular kind?”

“Would you like a lemon cranberry one? They are kinda similar.”

[An overloaded silence] Having no raisin bran muffins made about as much sense as suggesting that a lemon cranberry can replace it.

“No thanks … just the coffee”.

I felt the old fellow’s disappointment.

Some things just can’t be easily replaced. Like the quiet “to feel like we have a p l e a s u r e of a fresh cheese crois- hold on the craziness” sant, eaten routinely with familiar friends over a coffee. But when we can’t do it, we cope and move on.

The steady pace of a regular habit keeps us balanced. Interruptions in routine can be distressing. Change can be disconcerting. Most often they are about as welcome as the offer to replace my raisin bran muffin with a lemon cranberry.

Challenges to routine are always present. Some ask me why I continue to preside over our church’s earliest Sunday service. They complain of its antiquated theology. They call for change. But for a faithful few the service has

.

MP , N O O D T ESIDDLESEX-LO2N N PR E, UNIT GIN-M 5

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been rooted routinely for many, many years. They experience connection through the familiarity. For them the theology is secondary.

The smarter I get the more I accept folk within the context of their routine and habit. When I was a young priest I made hard-pressed change. I argued it was my job to guide and direct. I didn’t understand that the good shepherd doesn’t push from behind. He walks in front and the flock follows. Not an easy task for any of us who believe we know what’s best. Especially we stubborn ‘do- gooders’!

Routine will inevitably be broken. And, when the shift is not jammed down one’s throat, change is taken in stride.

I shared my muffin story with a couple folk at our church’s weekly over-50 euchre party. Carolyn Wallace shared her thought: “In life, we don’t always get what we want, sometimes a change is good.” Angela Done furthered that by saying she thinks that, “People should not expect everything to be the same in their life all the time.” I thought I might hear more resistance and their good-natured resiliency was humbling.

It’s been my experience, and I expect most everybody’s, that having healthy routines increases and maintains a sense of well being. It’s not really the cheese croissant or the raisin bran muffin that’s important. We all strive for just a little ‘of the same’ simply to feel like we have a hold on the craziness.

And when that is just possible, we effective, must trust in what Carolyn called the Benot much more healthy “greater power in life.” andas happy all aspects Despite all the logic, and I see it, Iin should have been given a vote on the of your daily life. of that routine. After demise of that raisin bran muffin and the breakdown all, I frequent that stopSuccessful plenty enough to own Perhaps though, as yn counseling and shares. therapy is a collaborative thatwhining!! benefits from the and Angela are hinting, I should process just stop

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active participation of clients and therapist.

You do have options

Jim Jim Innes is Innes a clinically trainedCounselling therapist and A clinically trained and a priest at St. John’s experienced Individual Anglican Church & Couples Therapist

Offices in London and St. Thomas

519 858 0849

July, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Technology

Privacy is important Don’t open the door, not even a crack

We learned in June Now think about things you’ve that the US’s Na- thought of doing, but didn’t. Techtional Security Agency nology-wise, that’s the angry email (NSA) has had a program for years that tracks you wrote but never sent, or the cononline activity. I’ve written about privacy before, troversial website you visited because and this news isn’t a surprise. But when the truth you were curious. That’s what’s being sounds like a conspiracy theorist’s PhD thesis, it watched by the NSA. Not criminal can be hard to accept. acts; just stuff.

As I write this, I have no idea what the conversaHuge companies like Google and Fation, if any, will be about when this is published. cebook have built their entire business But I want to weigh in; I’m a technology advo- around diminished levels of privacy, cate and it’s technology that’s being used – I’d say wrapped up in helpfulness. misused – to move criminal investigations from I remember an elderly lady who came focusing on things that have actually happened to into the library one day, quite upset bethe suspicion of things that might. cause she’d lost her address book, and If that doesn’t had no way to contact her family. sound terrifying The only idea I had was to help her to you, think create a Facebook account. Sure about when “that’s what’s being enough, within 10 minutes Faceyou’ve decided book had found her family, along with people watched by the to ignore a law, she hadn’t seen since her high school days. It NSA– not criminal acts, is our willingness to reveal information about like speeding or just stuff” drifting through ourselves, to waive our privacy, that made that a stop sign on a happy event possible. back road. Those might seem like minor crimes But that is at least a choice. And even though to you, but they are crimes and both can and do we’ve lowered our collective bar on privacy, I think lead to tragedy. the thing I find most confusing is that many of the same people who believe government can’t be trusted with our money, are the same people who will trust them with our information.

The mantra is “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear,” this from people who have curtains on their windows.

But it’s not about what you have to hide, it’s about what you choose to show; it’s about

by Peter Atkinson

choice.

Because it’s not you deciding what you have to fear. It’s not inconceivable to imagine a day where someone with a genetic predisposition to a disease, a member of a fringe religious group or a 70-year-old with a driver’s license is labelled potential risks to society’s well being. (Think that last one’s crazy? Seniors have slower reaction times and reduced vision which can lead to accidents.

Remember, this surveillance is about possibilities, not about actual outcomes).

Laws are made by people, people with opinions and ideas, sometimes an axe to grind, sometimes a perceived wrong to right. The government is just people, and it’s just people who have made Honey Boo-Boo a star, who don’t do the speed limit in the left lane, and who accidentally introduced the Emerald Ash Borer to Ontario.

And it’s hard to put the genie back in the bottle.

The number of laws that get repealed is insignificant compared to the number of new ones that get passed.

So for me, the biggest argument in favour of privacy is simple: Don’t set a precedent, don’t open the door even a crack. I know that freedom has a price. I know it can be painfully, disastrously high at an individual level. But there are prices that a society pays as well, and for the greater good, I believe the right to privacy is not one of them.

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LIFESTYLE IN THE GARDEN

The truth about hostas

the plants have the added bonus of flowers that

by Dorothy Gebert Think hostas are just green, leafy plants that love bloom in July and August. Many flowers are light shade? Then you haven’t visited Shades of Green, a purple and scentless, but some species are white hosta nursery and display garden located on John and extremely fragrant. “A customer bought eight Wise Line near Aylmer. Art and Lynn Bisschop of them to plant on either side of his patio,” Art grow and sell almost 1,200 different varieties of says. “He wanted to be able to smell them in the summertime when he and his wife sat outside.” hostas, plus over 300 varieties of daylilies.

Art also describes a variety called ‘Raspberry “A lot of people tell me that hosSorbet,’ which has a dark red tas are all the same, that there are stalk with purple, red and just five types of hostas,” laughs Lynn, who has been growing them “miniature hostas are white flowers. “It’s an unassuming little hosta until it starts Shades of Green near Aylmer grows a wide varifor over 20 years and describes to flower,” he says. “The hum- ety of hostas and daylilies. (DOROTHY GEBERT herself as having a serious hosta the hot, new trend” PHOTO) mingbirds absolutely love it.” addiction. She says it’s fun to see Myth #3: Hostas love shade. giant. There are a few monster-sized varieties such people walk into Shades of Green and watch their “The thing about hostas is that they are shade as ‘Empress Wu,’ which, according to Art, can jaws drop as they say, “Wow, I had no idea.” tolerant, but not a true shade plant,” says Art. grow four feet tall and seven feet wide with leaves Recently, she and Art spoke with me about the Hostas don’t do well in full shade. They need a the size of dinner trays. misconceptions people have about hostas. certain amount of sunlight to thrive and do best Myth #1: Hostas are always green.

Lynn says miniature hostas are the hot, new Hostas are known for their leaves, but they aren’t in a dappled, sun/shade mix. trend in the industry right now. They don’t grow Lynn says that all green. They range in shades of butter yellow to more than five inches a multiplicity of greens to mysterious dark blues. some hostas even tall and can be grown And then there are the variegated species that add need full sun. in planter bowls or pots. yellow or white edges, spots and streaks to the “Generally speakThe ‘Mouse Ear’ series ing, the hostas mix. is especially popular and One of Lynn’s favourite hostas, called ‘June,’ has from the ‘planthe various varieties are the unique characteristic of displaying a different taginea’ lineage, becoming collector’s colour in its centre from chartreuse to light yellow which are all the items. fragrant hostas, depending on where it’s planted.

Myth #5: Hostas are actually require Myth #2: Hostas are foliage plants. slug-prone.

Although people buy hostas for their leaves, sun in order to Yes, hostas do attract flower slugs (if you see pinholes properly.” in the leaves, you’ve got She says slugs), but a mix of s o m e household ammonia people and water sprayed unthink all Hostas, like this variety called ‘Climax,’ prefer dappled sun der the leaves at dusk y e l l o w and shade. (DOROTHY GEBERT PHOTO) is a good way to get rid hostas of them. (Art says beer grow well in the sun. “And that’s not true placed in a sunken container will work too, but either,” she says. But if you do grow hostas says he’s unwilling to sacrifice his beer for that in full sun, you’ve got to compensate by purpose.) However, if your leaves look like they’ve giving them extra water. been shredded, you may have cutworms instead.

Myth #4: Hostas grow big.

In that case, apply soap and water to deter them.

“Sometimes people come in and say “There’s no slug-proof hosta,” Lynn says, but if something’s wrong with their hosta be- you want to minimize their activity, Art recomcause it’s not growing big,” says Lynn. mends planting hostas with more substance to Art Bisschop’s favourite hosta is ‘Queen Josephine.’ “And I say, maybe it’s not supposed to.” them. “Slugs tend to go after thinner leaves, but Hostas grow in all sizes, from dwarf, min- they rarely bother with thicker ones.”

(DOROTHY GEBERT PHOTO) iature, and small, to medium, large, and

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Business & Community MANAGING MONEY

Financial issues that young women face

from Ellen Luft More young women today are seeking financial advice from investment advisors than in the past.

Unfortunately, there are issues that affect their financial success. With the help of an investment advisor, young women can alleviate these hurdles.

1. Too much debt. Statistics from CareOne Debt Relief Services reveals that 45% of women in the U.S. who are choosing debt relief owe more than $50,000 (an increase of 33% from two years previous). For those with numerous credit cards, this debt load can be reduced by taking one card at a time, cutting it up and paying it off. It is suggested to choose the lowest balance card first as it is easier money. It is the job of their advisor to keep both to pay off and will give more incentive and en- parties aware of their finances as a unit, as well as ensuring that each person has their own couragement to continue accounts and savings. Women must be with the bigger hurdles. able understand and control their own 2. Not saving for retirement. For many young “many young women finances.

5. Emergency fund. This is something people, retirement seems are branching out and that can benefit all. Many young people like a far off time and creating their own do not prepare for the unexpected and place. Statistics show that businesses� therefore have no money set aside. An women live longer than advisor can set up an account that can men, and that many women are choosing to remain single. They will need ensure peace of mind in the case of a financial to be aware that they may be the sole provider for emergency. retirement income. The changes the government Ellen Luft is an Investment Advisor has made to our pensions now means that Cawith DWM Securities Inc. in St. nadians will be working longer before retirement.

Thomas.

This does not mean that personal retirement savThe views expressed are her own. ing should be delayed.

3. Job availability and stability. Because of the scarcity of jobs and the lack of job stability, many young women are branching out and creating their own businesses. An investment advisor is there to keep Popular features are coming up . . . personal and business finances separate, as well as setting up proper financial vehicles to en t %BZUSJQQJOH sure success.

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7

Agriculture Farming

The ultimate farm stay

by Janine Lunn

ing lawn mower isn’t picky about who drives, as Spring and summer seems to be a few key long as they are in for a good two-hour session. stretches of planting and haying, with the down- We note that in our efforts to keep greening our time in between reserved for a lot of routine and landscape, there are a lot of obstacles! Trees in maintenance, neither of which are glamorous, but all shapes and sizes must be avoided, as well as they have to get done. It seems there are always the rhubarb patch, and any stray rubber boots two things to be done in the time of one, since or toys the children and dogs have left lying out. it all comes at once. Planting fields begins right It’s important to miss all the obstacles, but not when flower beds and vegetable gardens ought leave too much space around anything. Why is to be tended, closely followed by hay and grass this, you ask?

Because coming up next we have the whippergrowing at the same time. It seems that while a lush stand of hay is the envy of farm neighbors, snipper challenge. With so many buildings, nobody looks longingly at a shaggy lawn, admir- trees, fences and some play equipment, there is ing how tall and full it has become. Since time always at least 2 more hours of trimming availis always at a premium, my husband’s preferred able for anyone willing to wander the farm lookmethod of grass cutting would be to use our 10- ing for places to tidy up. Two things become obvious very quickly: 1. Farmers don’t worry very foot discbine. much about how to get their We’re told some people pay lawns to grow more because good money to vacation on farms, they already have plenty, and where they can be exposed to re“there is such a thing 2. There is such a thing as too ality of agricultural life. While we much lawn. as too much lawn” won’t be getting too far away this If the sea of green gets to be year, but it’s easy to dream about too much of the same, a sectasks to assign our imaginary vacationers. First on the list would be a short- ondary crop around here is rocks, which always course in farmstead lawn maintenance. Equipped need picking. Mostly ranging in size from softball with hearing protection and sunglasses, our rid- to football, it is almost like a sport! The more you

pick, the happier the farmer is. Our equipment will thank you when harvest time comes, and we avoid the dings and damage that extra rocks cause. The lucky helpers will be offered a parting gift: all-you-can-carry, all-natural, locally grown field stones.

For those seeking to connect with animals, there are always animals to bottle feed, and their pens to clean. Those calves and lambs start out cute, but some of them can be really stubborn when it comes to taking the bottle, including not-sogentle head butts, or refusing altogether. This is a job at which a visitor can excel, and is a welcome break for the farmer. And once that is done, our campers may find themselves at the end of a pitchfork, as there is always manure to pitch, and clean straw to replace it.

Sometime before dark we’ll try to offer our guests dinner and a break. We have the space for a campfire, and we don’t mind giving up a bit of lawn to make one. But before the day is done it’s worth leaving the property just for the chance to come back in the lane and admire the progress made with a few hours’ work.

It’s satisfying ... until the first dandelion rears its sturdy head, and then the vacation is over, and it starts to feel like work again.

Janine Lunn’s family operates a sheep farm, a source for local sheep’s milk cheeses.

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JEFF YUREK, MPP

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 10am-4:30pm 750 Talbot St., (CASO Station Suite 201) St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 519-631-0666 email: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org www.jeff yurekmpp.com July, 2013

VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION at 632 Talbot St. St. Thomas

• July 2013 •

The City of St. Thomas has been resurfacing some of the main thoroughfares in the Railway City, including the east part of Talbot Street. The Chamber salutes this road rehabilitation and the commitment to progress it represents.

Business Beat Table of Contents Where we spend........ Page 10 Great golf................... Page 11 SLAPP shot................. Page 12 SafeCom..................... Page 13 Reith & Assoc............. Page 14 From Washington...... Page 15 Gorman-Rupp 80th.... Page 16

Summer time is Port Stanley time!

Wednesday July 10

Construction begins

With completion targeted for next February, the firm’s 1012 Talbot Street location (a mid-city spot one local realtor aptly describes as “centre ice”) will take-on an entirely new look and have 6,500 square feet of space added. As shown in the photo, the site will expand on both the east and west sides. On the east, a new Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centre franchise will be added.

Quick Lane is a no-appointment-necessary service facility selling tires and performing vehicle maintenance basics like oil changes. On the west side, the Lincoln brand gets new and special prominence with dedicated space. Total new vehicle showroom space will grow, as will space for customer service and reception. To the rear, the complex will be seen to resemble a “T” shape with the addition of a new service & shop area. That part is also a local purchase, engineered and created by Steelway Building Systems. Beyond the structural changes to the sides and rear, additional parking is also feature of this major investment.

Waste changes?

The rules on waste diversion are changing, and could impact every business in our community. The Waste Reduction Act is a new proposed framework for the Province of Ontario’s plan to increase waste diversion and to re-vamp the current waste diversion system, which is broadly seen as ineffective and inefficient. The corresponding Waste Reduction Strategy is a blueprint for consultation, implementation, and next steps for reducing and harnessing the economic value of waste.

Key features of the new framework include: • Moving to an individual producer responsibility regime where indi-

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indoors and on the patio.

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• •

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vidual producers are responsible for end-of-life management of their products and packaging Transforming Waste Diversion Ontario into the Waste Reduction Authority, which would oversee compliance with the proposed producer responsibility regime Efforts to boost diversion in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) sector Eliminating “eco-fees” at the cash register by introducing all-in product pricing (retailers would not be allowed to attach eco-fees at the point of sale) Obliging producers to negotiate recovery/processing costs with

municipalities • Increasing the diversion of a wider range of wastes, including organics, and developing and implementing new standards for endof-life vehicles.

Waste diversion under the current Waste Diversion Act is stalled.

Ontario diverts 25 percent of total waste from landfill. Forty six percent of household waste is diverted, while the diversion rate for the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors is much lower.

The Chamber will post and share additional information on proposals, consultation options and implementation as it becomes know.

Take part in our August feature Running a Succesful Small Business

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Bruce Dumouchelle, co-President of St. Thomas Ford Lincoln, chose to let his business neighbours be the first to know when he took the mic at the Chamber’s June 12 Business After 5 event to announce a major expansion and investment. (Photo: Jesse Cnockaert, The Weekly News)

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

or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca August Edition Advertising Deadline is July 16th

Please join us!

July, 2013

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9

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

Where We Spend It Statistics Canada has released the latest numbers on spending patterns for Canadian households, and the figures may provide some insight into areas of opportunity for local trades, retailers and services – in addition to being some great comparison reading for everyone’s household.

The latest data is based on measurements to December 31, 2011. Comparison numbers benchmark the data to the previous year.

Canadian households spent an average of $55,151 per year on all goods and services, up 2.7% from 2010. This was slightly below the rate of inflation of 2.9% as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Spending on shelter accounted for 27.6% of this total; transportation, 20.4% and food, 14.1%.

Provincially, households in Alberta ($64,453) had the highest average spending on goods and services, followed by households in Ontario ($57,514). Households in Prince Edward Island ($45,190) reported the lowest average. Couples with children reported average spending on all goods and services of $75,543. One-person senior (aged 65 and over) households reported average spending at a level almost two-thirds less than that of the married-with-children households: just $26,047.

Households spent an average of $15,198 on shel-

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ter, up 1.3% from 2010. This category includes rent, mortgage payments, repairs and maintenance costs, property taxes and utilities. On average, homeowners spent $17,123 on shelter, accounting for 26.7% of their spending on goods and services. Renters spent an average of $11,320, or 30.4% of their goods and services budget.

These shares were similar to those in 2010.

Although Ontario (29.5%) households reported spending the highest share of their goods and services budget on shelter, households in Alberta had the highest average spending at $18,300, followed by Ontario at $16,960. Households in Newfoundland and Labrador reported the lowest average spending at $10,589.

Average spending on shelter was highest among households in population centres of one million or more at $17,285.

Households in rural areas had the lowest average, $12,213.

Transportation Households spent an average of $11,229 on transportation in 2011, up 1.5% from 2010.

This spending consisted of $10,152 on average for private transportation (including cars, trucks and vans as well as their operating costs). The remaining $1,077 was for public transportation, which covered spending on public transit, taxis, air fares, inter-city buses and trains. Average spending on gas and other fuels rose 23.7% to $2,606.

This was faster than the increase in gas prices of 20.0% as measured by the CPI. For private transportation, homeowners spent $12,415 on average,

ELGIN THIS MONTH

more than double the spending of $5,609 by renters.

Food On average, Canadian households reported spending $7,795 on food in 2011, down 0.4% from 2010. Spending on food purchased from stores fell 1.8% to $5,588 on average, while spending on food purchased from restaurants rose 3.6% to $2,207.

The largest declines between 2010 and 2011 occurred among fruit, fruit preparations and nuts (-6.2%), cereal grains and cereal products (-5.3%) as well as dairy products and eggs (-4.0%).

Senior-headed households reported the highest share of spending on food purchased from stores, at 12.5%. Households with a principal respondent under 30 years of age had the highest share of spending on food purchased from restaurants, at 4.6%.

Health care On average, households spent $2,211 on out-ofpocket health care expenses in 2011, down 0.1% from 2010. These include health insurance premiums and health care expenses not reimbursed by a public or private health care plan. Spending shares on health care increased with age. Seniorheaded households reported spending 6.8% of their goods and services budget on health care, compared with 2.6% for households with a principal respondent under 30.

Communications Average spending on communications increased 5.1% from 2010 to $1,825. In 2011, the average household spent $809 on cell phone expenses, $481 on expenses related to landline telephones and $416 on Internet access.

In 2011, 79.4% of households reported owning at least one cell phone, while 12.8% reported they had only a cell phone and no landline. As was the case in 2010, cell phone ownership was highest in Alberta (88.5%) and lowest in Quebec (70.4%).

About four out of five households reported having Internet access at home. Access was most common in Alberta (87.3%) and British Columbia (86.2%) and lowest in Newfoundland and Labrador (72.6%) and New Brunswick (72.6%). continued on page 12...

July, 2013

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Members Golf Day...Wow! The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is saying a big “THANKS� to our volunteers, players, sponsors and suppliers – everyone involved our 39th annual Members Golf Day at St. Thomas Golf & Country Club. A sold-out event on a spectacular course with fine food and hospitality, and perfect weather!

A $5 draw ticket earned Allan Weatherall and Wes Bailey special wheels for the day – a fully-loaded, high-performance Hummer-style golf cart!! Use of the cart for the day was a feature draw prize at our registration table this year.

Scam alert

Good weather seems to bring a new crop of frauds and scams and this year is proving to be no exception. The Chamber joins with St. Thomas Police in cautioning residents about a phoney “mystery shopper� program and some frustrations with door-to-door vendors.

St. Thomas Police report a barrage of calls regarding scam letters involving a very realistic looking cheque for just under $4000 that asks the receiver to be a secret shopper. As the saying goes, �If it’s too good to be true – it probably is.�

It’s not always easy spotting a scam, and new ones are invented every day. If you feel that you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone.

To report a fraud, contact the St. Thomas Police Service. To find out

more about frauds, you can contact PhoneBusters toll free 1-888-495-8501 or view their website at phonebusters. com . There is a direct link on the St. Thomas Police Service website as well.

The Chamber is also warning residents to be cautious of door-to-door vendors offering home repair and maintenance services such as driveway sealing. Poor workmanship, oversprays to buildings and vehicles, and questionable quality of products sprayed are on-going concerns.

In all cases, the Chamber urges homeowners to get and check references and to deal only with known and reputable local businesses. Calling the Chamber office or checking our website directory for local services is strongly recommended.

The Chamber’s Jeff Sheridan, left, is shown with Bill Brown, centre, of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation and Andy Lerikos, owner of Legends Tavern. Legends sponsored our Putting Contest in a 50/50 format this year that saw Legends donate 50% of the proceeds to a charity of their choice. $225 was raised for the Hospital and $225 went to champion putting ace Jim Herbert. (Photo courtesy of Photos by MG)

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Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

SLAPP shot

by Monty Fordham Just then they came in sight of thirty or forty windmills … “Do you see over yonder, friend Sancho, thirty or forty hulking giants? I intend to do battle with them and slay them.”

Miguel de Cervantes- Don Quixote Esther Wrightman: wife, mother, social activist, slayer of turbines. The diminutive resident of the quiet town of Kerwood, Ontario has caused quite a stir. And, thanks to Twitter, Facebook and countless other forms of social media, her story has circled the globe. And, whatever one might think of the relative merits of wind turbines, her saga, and others like it, will change the law of Ontario.

Ms. Wrightman is a very vocal opponent of wind turbines in general, and of the giant wind turbine company NextEra in particular. She was known to post colourful blogs on-line which included references to NextEra as “Nexterror” and “NextError” along with other unflattering comments concerning NextEra’s proposed placement of turbines on the landscape around her commu-

nity.

Now, we all know Ms. Wrightman is not the only knight tilting at the windmills sprouting up in rural Ontario. She may, however, become the most famous as a result of two very unrelated events.

A short while ago, one evening, after Ms. Wrightman had put the kids to bed and was settling in for the night, she heard a knock at the door. To her surprise, a gentleman presented her with a document entitled “The Ontario Superior Court.”

Such documents are usually not cordial greetings from Her Majesty.

She had just been served with a 35page Statement of Claim on behalf of NextEra. Apparently, NextEra was not amused by her colourful monikers and other content of her blogs, and was seeking an injuction and damages against her for defamation, etc.

As one might suppose, Ms. Wightman is a person of, shall we say, modest means. In fact, she claims not to be able to raise the $144 required to file a Statement of Defence to the action in the superior Court of

Ontario. She did, however, prepare and post online a lengthy defence.

Unfortunately, the case will not be decided in the Court of Public Opinion and ultimately, she Monty Fordham will have to defend or settle the action.

But, how on earth can one small person defend herself against such a formidable adversary? It sure looks grim for our heroine. But wait. Is that the Province of Ontario riding to her rescue?

In early June, the legislature introduced Bill 83, The Protection of Public Participation Act 2013, or, the “anti-SLAPP” law. SLAPP, by the way, stands for “strategic litigation against public participation,” and is defined by the government as “lawsuits started against one or more groups who speak out or take a position on an issue of public interest … the effect of SLAPP suits is to discourage public debate.”

The Bill provides that if a party is sued as the result of “expression” made concerning a matter of public interest, the defendant can move to

have the Acton dismissed, unless the plaintiff can show a) the proceeding has “substantial merit,” b) the defendant has no valid defence and c) the harm resulting from the “expression” is serious enough to outweigh the public interest in protecting the expression.

But will the legislation be enacted in time to save our heroine? What if it isn’t enacted until Fall? Not to worry! The bill provides that it applies to legal actions commenced before its enactment. Will the new act apply at all in the Wrightman case?

Will Esther be saved by the “bill”?

Or will she be hoisted aloft on the windmill arm like that famous knight of old?

Stay tuned.

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

Where We Spend It

www.chambers.ca 12

continued from page 10...

Cable connections were the preferred method to access the Internet in 2011. Overall, 35.4% of households used cable compared with 30.4% that reported a high speed telephone connection. Wireless connections were used by 8.1% of households.

Average total expenditures On average, households reported total expenditures of $73,457 in 2011, up 3.1% from 2010. This total includes the $55,151 in spending on goods and services, plus expenditures on income taxes, pension contributions, employment and life insurance premiums and gifts of money. The average spending on goods and services represented 75.1% of total spending.

Income taxes, pension contributions, employment and life insurance premiums and gifts of money accounted for the remaining 24.9%.

Income groups Analyzing spending by dividing the population into five equal income groups provides additional perspective: - The 20% of households with the lowest incomes spent an average of $29,129 in 2011. Of this total, 50.5% went to food, shelter and clothing and accessories. Income taxes represented 1.2% of their total expenditures.

- The 20% of households with the highest incomes reported average total expenditures of $143,519. They allocated 28.9% of their budget to food, shelter and clothing and accessories, while 27.8% went to income taxes. These proportions were similar to shares in 2010.

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July, 2013

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

One Week = 6,894 Viewers!!

The Chamber extends HUGE congratulations for a job well done to our volunteers, staff and donors involved in the production of a new 5-minute safety video called “The Disappearing.� In just the first 7 days following June 5 release, You Tube reported an amazing 6,874 views of the production.

The video was developed as a project of the St. Thomas – Elgin Safe Communities Coalition, a group that functions within the Chamber as one of our task force/special projects committees. SafeComm (our inhouse abbreviation) was launched within the Chamber in 2004, in co-operation with Elgin – St. Thomas Public Health. It is part of a national charitable network of more than 55 similar local community groups which work under an umbrella organization known as Parachute. It is focused on health, safety and preventable injuries and deaths, in key areas

that include: workplaces and farms, roads and highways, child safety & abuse, & seniors’ safety and abuse.

With an enormous amount of help from Bryan Bakker and BizBio TV Productions, local SafeComm volunteers crafted a presentation that reaches beyond typical health & safety public service announcements. Well beyond the standard 30-second or 60-second products, “The Disappearing� is a 5-minute message with a mission. It can be used as part of school, business or community presentations yet stands well alone for individual links to websites operated by our community partners such as St. Thomas Police Services.

See for yourself at SafeComm’s local website: gosafecomm.ca. The site also contains more information on our role & services, community partnerships, and volunteer service opportunities.

Be Seen Be Heard Belong

Outlook 2013 ‌ and beyond BMO Financial Group’s Chief Economist, Doug Porter, returned as our keynote speaker at the Chamber’s annual Outlook economic forecast luncheon June 4.

Doug’s presentation included a well-researched collection of slides, graphs and charts depicting local, provincial and national business, labour market and economic activity with global comparisons and benchmarks. Titled “The Bulls Are Back in Town�, the presentation focused on year-to-date performance for the first half of 2013 plus predictions and trends into 2014 and beyond. The complete series of slides from the luncheon can be downloaded from the Chamber’s website. Just click the link on our main page at stthomaschamber.on.ca

It’s the law!

Lawyer Sandra DiMeo chats with David Round, Director of Finance & Administration for Community Living Elgin, following Sandra’s presentation in the third event of our Legal Series breakfast/info meetings. The weekly breakfast series started May 28 and wrapped-up June 25. Sandra’s presentation was based the processes and procedures for businesses dealing with Small Claims Court.

Please LIKE us!

The St. Thomas & District Chamber launched another chapter in our social media book last month with the addition of a Facebook page, as a companion product to our existing Facebook group.

Unlike the pre-existing group, participation and viewing is not private, it’s completely public. The Chamber will use both the group and the page as a means to communicate information on community and Member-based events, and we also encourage Members to post business news, information, promotions and activities. It’s completely free and is proving to be a great forum or central exchange for all types of information that impacts our Members and our community.

We really appreciate all the “likes� we’ve been attracting in our first couple of weeks and will, of course, welcome more anytime.

July, 2013

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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Pro Text Business Management News & Issues

Investing in a second opinion

by Patrick Erb

long-term" explanation?

Does your portfolio provide you If you've considered getting a second opinion on your investments, and are wondering if it makes with the right level of liquidity?

If you ever encounter an unexsense for you, you should ask yourself the following questions. It is not uncommon to be uncer- pected event, whether it is an illness or an unexpected life event, do you tain on some or all of these answers.

Do you know what your Mutual Fund asset have the ability to generate sufficient cash from your portfolio withallocation is?

If you own several mutual funds, you will have out worrying about selling during a a difficult time determining the answer because market downturn?

Do you have investments held at most mutual funds have such a large number of holdings. Quite often, people own mutual funds several institutions?

Do you own investments through thinking that they are diversified, but after further analysis, the reality is that they suffer from mutual a bank, a financial planner and perfund overlap, where several funds own the same haps a broker? Are you confused underlying investments. This causes their port- by the sheer volume of paperwork, statements, and folio to be too highly correlated, the number of thereby limiting potential returns and not adequately protecting “buy and hold” should holdings? Are you unaware of your against risk. not mean “buy and bottom line?

When did you last review or forget” To make your rebalance your portfolio? portfolio more Asset allocation plans are typiefficient, you should also concally developed at the beginning of a relationship. "Buy and hold" should not sider amalgamating all your investments with one mean "buy and forget." Active monitoring and re- company. By doing this, you will consolidate your balancing is critical. Is your portfolio still aligned investments, reduce the amount of paperwork and to meet your goals? Are you tired of hearing the statements you receive, and also, simplify your "buy and hold" story and the "you're in it for the life. It may be important to establish a deeper relationship with a fully equipped team of financial professionals who work hard to understand circumstances that affect your life.

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Plans •Pensions, Locked-In Retirement Income Funds 2. Risk Management • Assurances that your loved ones will be looked after should you pass away prematurely, fall ill to a critical illness, or become disabled.

• Guaranteed Investment Funds • Assurance that your portfolio is structured so that you are not faced with the risk of outliving your investments 3. Tax-Advantaged Solutions • Tax laws frequently change - one needs ensure your investment portfolio is tax-efficient. By coordinating with your accountant your planner can make certain all tax-savings opportunities are addressed.

4. Protection • Over time, your wealth management needs and objectives will change as your life changes. A review and modification of a plan will be required as you move through different phases of your life.

Be certain to make the time to undertake a review of your plan at these milestones.

If you have not had a thorough review with your planner it is likely time to do so. Even if you fashion yourself knowledgeable and have developed your own plan, it is recommended that you seek the opinions of a professional to ensure your plan meets your goals and provides you with the tax benefits that may exist for you.

This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Patrick Erb, Controller with Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Services Limited, 426 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via email: info@reithandassociates.com July, 2013

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

Dispatches from Washington **Editor’s Note: This column is part of a continuing series on cross-border trade issues and is produced for the Chamber network and our Members through the offices of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Cabinet making in progress Within days of a Canadian national election, the Prime Minister selects the new Cabinet and the members are sworn in quickly. Almost six months into the second term of the Obama administration there are several Cabinet vacancies including Commerce, USTR (trade negotiations), Environment (EPA Administrator), Transportation, and Labour; nominations to a host of senior positions in federal departments and agencies languish. The U.S. Senate did not approve the head of the IRS (tax agency) in Obama’s first term and no candidate has been nominated for this one. In fact, the Acting IRS Commissioner recently resigned because of a serious political scandal. It was only in early June that the U.S. Senate finally confirmed President Obama’s new Energy Secretary. This is not government as Canadians know it.

In Washington, the common focus on government is very much on the White House and the Congress. But it is the lack of timely confirmation of nominees for Cabinet and other executive positions that creates serious gaps in governance and impedes the effective implementation of laws and regulations. The confirmation process itself has become increasingly hostile. Further, it is becoming more difficult to persuade the best people to accept a nomination because of the costly and seemingly endless vetting and confirmation process.

This harsh and unpleasant confirmation process reflects the nasty partisan battles waged today on Capitol Hill. A disagreeable aspect of this is that more frequently, bills are introduced not to achieve a higher goal, but as a political initiative intended to aggravate the other side and serve only to energize a party’s voter base. These actions don’t create good legislation and often – if passed – these bills would result in serious collateral damage. It is in this fashion that Canadian interests are often at great risk of being sideswiped. It is very important to be aware of these possibilities and to be ready to protect your interests.

The agenda Despite the gamesmanship on Capitol Hill and the tensions between Congress and the President, (let alone serious divisions within the Republican Party) there is an agenda … of sorts. The present backdrop to what may happen includes the continued economic malaise and anaemic growth, the debt ceiling, and the budget deficit. On the trade side are continuing negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership as well as aspirations for a U.S.-EU trade deal. The debt now looms surprisingly smaller than predicted; in fact, the U.S. Treasury is making a $35 billion payment on the national debt, the first such payment since 2007.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has indicated that for the first time in four years, the U.S. budget deficit will drop below $1 trillion to $642 billion. With projected economic improveJuly, 2013

ment, CBO estimates that a decision on increasing the U.S. borrowing limit (i.e., the debt ceiling) will not need to be addressed until October/ November.

Prior to the White House’s series of serious political setbacks in mid-May, tax reform was among Congress’ top legislative priorities alongside immigration and a (eventual) reconsideration of gun control legislation. The IRS scandal likely has foiled any residual goodwill between Congressional leaders to push ahead soon with a comprehen- ernments. Political attention has turned to how sive reform to the U.S. tax code. This, of course, quickly the U.S. can get its gas as LNG to Asia has significant implications for Canadian busi- and other global markets as well as how America nesses having U.S. corporate operations. can retain enough at home for the right price to On the energy and environmental front, energy further greater manufacturing and other indusexports, regulations, and project permitting will trial activity. continue as serious areas of interest in this ConIn Canada, where many have focused on the gressional session. But progress on any of these debate about the potential best pipeline routes issues (and others) requires a degree of bipartisan for Alberta oil, a national economic and politicollaboration and compromise, which is almost cal priority must also be to get Canadian LNG to non-existent. Increasingly, the build-up to mid- markets in a timeframe enabling Canada to take term elections in November 2014 will be a major advantage of its surplus supplies. The public perfactor that members of both parties will consider mitting process may not allow for that economic as they jockey for political advantage. For exam- case when other factors are considered. But there ple, Republicans will want to be on the right side is no doubt that Australia is well into the interof immigration reform and Democrats will want national LNG market and the U.S. is committed to be well positioned on any new budget efforts to moving faster on permitting export facilities affecting social program entitlements.

— signalled by the President’s recent comments.

Although we do not have a clear picture of what Continued on page 16 immigration reform will constitute, Canada is already feeling the pressure of expectations because some components of the anticipated legislation are intended to make the U.S. more globally competitive in attracting highly educated young entrepreneurs. U.S. success in revamping its immigration system will directly THE A/C SYSTEM impact Canada’s ability to SERVICE SPECIAL INCLUDES: do the same.

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Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members Honouring Dispatches from Washington Continued from page 15 The newly-minted U.S. Interior Secretary recently indicated that long-awaited regulations and applications related to natural gas mining and LNG export facilities would be issued and approved, respectively.

This may point to a rash of U.S. government approvals in the near-term. The race is one for Canada to enter as quickly as possible.

If we include the TPP and the expected American trade negotiations with the EU, then there is a long enough list of U.S. agenda items that can and will have a direct impact on Canadian interests.

Just a few weeks ago we witnessed once again how Members of Congress suddenly attempt to address local interests through opportunities in the legislative process. Two Washington State Senators tried to attach to a bill an amendment that would have favoured the Port of Seattle while putting into jeopardy west coast Canadian ports. Fortunately the effort failed for sheer political reasons unrelated to the issue at hand.

These kinds of protectionist impulses regardless of whether or not they are articulated in Buy America legislation must be fought constantly, not only when a particular case emerges.

The uncertain nature of the U.S. political process, serious animosity between political parties, and a White House beset by a host of second term political setbacks should remind us all that Canadian business must remain vigilant and actively look after its interests. The evolution of any of the above-noted agenda items could easily put at risk a particular Canadian business interest or set of interests.

As a company, you may conduct significant business in the U.S. It is wise to keep in mind that wherever you do business in the United States, the value of that business activity is at risk here each day. Are you thinking about effectively protecting and promoting your interests in Washington, DC?  This series is written by Paul Frazer, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Special Advisor on CanadaU.S. Relations and President of PD Frazer Consulting.

Mr. Frazer provides briefs on issues and events that have implications for Canadian businesses. Based in Washington, DC, he has almost 20 years of experience and is a well-known and influential player in Canada-U.S. issues. He welcomes comments and questions and can be contacted at 202.683.6085 or paul.frazer@pdfrazer. com.

80 years & excellence

At the invitation of The Gorman-Rupp company’s head office in Ohio, this group of St. Thomas representatives spent a day in Mansfield, Ohio to meet with senior management and mark the occasion of the firm’s 80th anniversary and over 55 years of operation in St. Thomas. Pictured prior to departing St. Thomas Municipal Airport on June 12, l to r, Al Hardy (Board Director, Gorman-Rupp Canada), John Sanders (Board Director & Secretary, Gorman-Rupp Canada / Solicitor, City of St. Thomas), Robert Furneaux  (General Manager, GormanRupp Canada), Roxanne Blackman (Director of Finance, Gorman-Rupp Canada), Mayor Heather Jackson (City of St. Thomas), Sean Dyke (Economic Development Corporation – City of St. Thomas), Gary Coutts (Commercial Financial Services Manager, Royal Bank of Canada, Bob Hammersley (President & CEO, St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce), and Anthony Amos, our Gorman-Rupp co-pilot. On arrival in Mansfield, Anne Cascadden  (Trade Commissioner, The Consulate General of Canada, Detroit) joined the group.

Everyone toured two Gorman-Rupp facilities in Mansfield, including their main 1-million square-foot manufacturing plant. The Gorman-Rupp Company designs, manufactures and sells pumps and pump systems for use in water, wastewater, construction, industrial, petroleum, aviation, agriculture, fire protection, HVAC, military and other liquid-handling applications. See their website at: gormanrupp.com for more.

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inancing A Small mall Business usiness Financing

Financing a small business is never easy

Look to several sources to help you through the cash flow crunches

by Carol Lorac

When getting a business going, an entrepreneur wears many hats – sales, marketing, human resources, customer relations, producing a product or following through on a service. It’s exciting and stressful, and in the middle of it all, hard to find time to get and keep the financial situation in order. And yet ample financing, or lack of it, can be more important than anything else to both the short-term and long-term survival rate of a new venture.

Entrepreneurs are optimists by nature, and are (all too often) overly optimistic about how long it will take to achieve sales targets, what the true expenses are going to be, and how to keep the ship afloat while these waters are navigated. It’s a rude awakening when payroll is due on Friday. Or a supplier says, “No more credit. I need a cheque tomorrow.� And there’s not enough in the bank to cover that cheque.

What’s a new business owner supposed to do?

How can you plan for everything?

If the business has not yet opened its doors, take

a deep breath and revise whatever projections sure you have a clear understanding in writing you’ve made to include the likelihood that every- of the terms and conditions, and that the lender thing is going to cost twice as much and take twice understands the risks. Otherwise, the family may never speak to you again, if this as long as you think it’s going goes bad. to. Be ruthless. Throw away the Be very careful with credit best-case scenario and bring out “be ruthless – throw cards. They are an easy source of the worst-case scenario. away the best-case credit, and can get you through Then go to your bank or credsome bad times, if, for example, it union, and talk to a financial scenario� seasonal cash flow really is the isadvisor as openly as you can. sue. But for some business ownAccording to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses survey, ers, credit cards become a house of cards – this credit unions are more likely to loan money to card used to pay the interest on that card, with small or start-up businesses than the established high monthly interest rates – and the house of banks. But several banks are open to equipment cards comes tumbling down a few short months, loans to small businesses, personal lines of credit taking the business owner with it.

It’s also terribly important to have excellent that are secured by your home or other property, and lines of credit on small business banking ac- monthly financial reporting, whether you keep counts. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, and finan- track yourself with programs like Quickbooks cial advisors at banks or credit unions can also be or Simply Accounting, or you hire a bookkeeper. very helpful in helping with the ins and outs of And annual reporting by a CA is worth the infinancing a small business. The current low-inter- vestment, and the peace of mind that comes from est environment has been a boon to entrepreneurs knowing Canada Revenue Agency is less likely to who need to keep their financing costs to a mini- come calling.

None of it is easy, but some of these tips can mum.

It’s also worthwhile to contact the Elgin Busi- make a small business feel less like a gamble and ness Resource Centre (EBRC) to see if you can more like the adventure it should be. make an appointment to discuss your new business and your financial situation. EBRC can be a “lender of last resortâ€? if you are turned down by at least two banks. That possibility aside, EBRC counsellors can be of great assistance with financial and business advice ‌ for free.

Family members may

also lend you money

when others will not, whether that’s at the be ginning, or later in the

development of your business. Because of your

personal relationship,

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Jeff Haldenby (Aylmer) Commercial Account Manager 519-765-1824 jeff.haldenby@bmo.com

Lisa Cole (St. Thomas) Cash Management Specialist 519-631-6598 lisa.cole@bmo.com

John Rozeluk (St. Thomas) Commercial Account Manager 519-631-6108 john.rozeluk@bmo.com

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Prosperity coach for Your Business and You XXX BDDPVOUJOHXJUIZPV DPN t HBJM!BDDPVOUJOHXJUIZPV DPN t 226-236-2321 July, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

17

inancing A Small mall Business usiness Financing

Fundamentals of business planning anguish in the long run.

A Business Plan is a communications tool In business planning, the journey is just as im- and a guide: portant as the destination. Starting a business or • As a communication tool, it articulates to purchasing a franchise operation is a major de- your business partners what your objectives cision. And like all major decisions, the more are and how you plan to achieve them. thought and planning you put into it the better • As a guiding tool, it provides you with a the results. means to track your progress and a starting Even successful businesspeople deride the term point to revise your strategy if necessary. There "business planning" because the process can some- are two major components to the process: the times feel overly "academic" – too much thinking business model and the financial plan. Focus and no execution. on Small Business However, good business planning should be Fundamentals of Business Planning short and to the point: what needs to be done, The business model how it is to be done, who will do it, and when it The business model identifies your value has to be completed in order to operate a success- proposition and must answer two questions: ful and profitable business.

1. What value can I provide to customers at By going through the planning process – think- a price they are willing to pay? ing about what you want to accomplish, the re2. How can I do it profitably? sources you have at your disposal, and analyzing The first step is formulation: deciding what the environment that you have to compete in – to do. The second step is implementation: you should come to a much better understanding how will you achieve results? of yourself, your capabilities and goals, and the Formulation. To formulate a business modindustry you want to enter. el, it is necessary to evaluate the business enviIf you seriously engage in the process, you will ronment and available resources. The SWOT significantly improve the probability of success. approach – Strengths Weaknesses OpportuniOr, equally important, you could discover that ties and Threats – looks at both internal and the business you were contemplating might not external factors: the strengths and weaknesses suit your needs or personality. This could save you of what you bring to the table, and the opportunities and threats in the to entry/exit? Capital intensity, specialized knowledge, regulatory restrictions, patent protection, business environment.

In identifying oppor- and customer switching costs. • Trends. Consumer's taste, demographics. tunities and threats, you By understanding your strengths and comparshould consider the foling them to what the market wants (and what lowing: your competition is doing), you will be in a good • Industry character- Your Trusted Small Business Advisor - istics. Size, maturity, sea- position to decide on the viability and attractiveness of the venture that you are considering. sonality, Implementation. Once you t 1FSTPOBM BOE $PSQPSBUF 4FSWJDFT cyclicality, what you have to do, t #PPLLFFQJOH BOE 'JOBODJBM 4UBUFNFOUT and obso- “cash is the lifeblood know you then need to decide how lescence to achieve the desired results. t 'JOBODJBM BOE 5BY 1MBOOJOH of a businessâ€? cycle.

You will have to make decisions • Mark A. WalesCPA, CA, LPA about: Competi• Organizational structure: who will do what, Jennifer Whalls Tammy Slota tive structure. Who are the major players, how do what information systems are required, etc. they compete and what is 190 Centre St, St. Thomas their share of the market?

519-637-0700 continued on page 19... • What are the barriers

Courtesy of David Van Dinther, Small Business Advisor

MARK A WALES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

www.markawales.ca

TD Canada Trust

TD Canada Trust

Running a small business isbusiness hard enough.

We can help.

Running a small is hard enough.

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We’d like to introduce David VanDinther aslike your Small Business Advisor. # " "

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18

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 July, 2013

INANCING A SMALL MALL BUSINESS USINESS FINANCING

Fundamentals of business planning Banking can be this comfortable for a copy of our business planner, or download continued from page 18...

The Financial Plan is an Evolving Document a copy from tdcanadatrust.com – look for small • Organizational processes: what standards, perTo make it work you should reference it on a business under the "Tools and Resources" section. formance evaluation and metrics, compensation/ incentive systems, control systems and human regular basis. This will help you track your actual You can also visit the Government of Canada resource policies you will need. By aligning your performance. It also means that corrective steps website for entrepreneurs at canadabusiness.ca.

Capital is a scarce resource and getting it can be business infrastructure to what you want to do, can be taken as needs arise.

The financial plan also allows you to ask "what diďŹƒcult. Having a well-thought-out and fundayou ensure a higher probability of success. if" questions. By testing various assumptions you mentally sound business model and financial plan The Financial Plan The financial plan is the quantitative side of the will get a better understanding of how your busi- will make your search for capital more successful. business model. It will help you assess the finan- ness will react to unforeseen changes, and this will And you will benefit from a firm foundation on which you can confidently launch your business. cial viability of your business model, and can pro- allow you to make better business decisions.

Remember: your financial plan is only as good The information contained herein is current as at vide answers to the following questions: as the assumptions you make. You should consult May 2012 and has been provided by The Toronto• What capital investment is required? your accountant when preparing your financial Dominion Bank for information purposes only. The • What is the expected revenue? • How much should I borrow, and can a loan plan. Or you can use an online tool, such as the Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and relatTD Canada Trust Business Planner for small busi- ed entities are not liable for any errors or omissions in be arranged? • What are the expenses, profit and future capi- nesses. Visit your local TD Canada Trust and ask the information or for any loss or damage suffered. tal expenditures? • Will the business earn a satisfactory return on my investment? • How will cash flow and credit needs change if sales and/or expenses change?

The basic financial plan consists of three elements: 1. The balance sheet is a snapshot of the financial state of the business at a point in time. For new businesses, it shows the initial source of capital and what it was used for.

The balance sheet will tell you how much equity you need to invest before you approach a bank for a loan.

2. The income statement details the revenues, expenses, and profit you hope to make over a period of time. This will require certain assumptions, and these should be driven by the insights you gained during the creation of the business Wednesday, July 16 from 6 to 8pm model. Avoid being overly optimistic about the business environment 300 South Edgeware Road, St Thomas and perform the necessary due diliCost: $10 gence into the financial aspects of your business and the product or 8QGHUVWDQGLQJ EXVLQHVV ´QDQFLDOV LV WKH EDVLFV RI EXVLQHVV VXFFHVV ,I service you are selling.

3. The cash flow statement deals \RX FDQ­W PHDVXUH LW \RX FDQ­W PDQDJH LW 'RQ­W EH EDI¾HG E\ SUR´W with the flow of real cash. Since cash DQG ORVV VWDWHPHQWV EDODQFH VKHHWV RU FDVK ¾RZ VWDWHPHQWV 0DNH is the lifeblood of a business, keepWKHP ZRUN IRU \RX ing a close eye on cash flow is criti5HJLVWHU RQOLQH DW ZZZ (OJLQ%XVLQHVV5HVRXUFH&HQWUH FRP cal. A company with strong profits on the income statement, but which is tardy in collecting its re%XLOGLQJ <RXU %XVLQHVV :RUNVKRSV ceivables, may go bankrupt because ZRUNVKRS RU IRU WKH SDUW VHULHV it may not have the cash to service its obligations. Cash flow manageEntrepreneur Club members enjoy a complimentary ment is especially crucial to a new \HDU URXQG SDVV WR WKHVH ZRUNVKRSV business since there is no built-up equity to fall back on. Having a )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO :HV DW H[W projected cash flow statement will assist you in identifying periods of tight liquidity and allow you to take proactive action to reduce this risk.

As in the case of the income statement, the key is to make reasonable assumptions about the average time it takes to sell inventory, to collect receivables and to pay payables.

Understanding Your Business Financials Without Pulling Your Hair Out

July, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

19

INANCING A SMALL MALL BUSINESS USINESS FINANCING

Who’s hiring and what are they looking for?

Survey results are in

by Debra Mountenay resumes might be faster for a person looking The common question from job seekers is al- for work to hand out, but if the employer ways “who is hiring?” and “what are they looking doesn’t see how you would be a great fit for for?” And one of the most important questions their company, you won’t get an interview. for entrepreneurs looking to finance a small busi- The sole purpose of a resume is to get a ness is where to find the best people for the job. face-to-face meeting with the employer so The Employer One Survey has answers to those that you have an opportunity to impress the questions. Although the exact answers will vary employer and explain what skills you bring from employer to employer, there are some com- to the job. Your cover letter should really exmon responses that came through when the sur- plain the skills you have that would benefit vey was conducted in January 2013. Here’s what the company.

154 employers had to say: Employers also were concerned about apThe top five recruitment methplicants not meeting work ods for employers are: experience requirements. You • Word of mouth / personal may not have had paid work, “sixty-three percent especially if you are young, but contacts / referrals / informal networks of employers expect to you may have gained experience • Online job boards/postings through volunteer activities. hire in 2013” – employers posted the jobs Make sure that you include the • Unsolicited resumes – people dropped them skills you have gained through volunteering. off or sent them in Some employers also said they did not have • Government employment centres or websites enough applicants. When looking for work, don’t • Company’s own website rule yourself out of the competition before you Employers said that some of their jobs were start. You may not have all of the qualifications “hard to fill.” They felt there were a variety of rea- listed in the job posting, but if you have most of sons for this. Employers said applicants did not the requirements, send in your resume. You may meet their skill requirements and / or they did have the requirements that the employer considnot meet the qualifications for the job. Generic ered vital.

Finally, applicants not meeting motivation, attitude or interpersonal abilities was also identified by employers as a reason some jobs were hard to fill. This could only have come across once the person looking for work was in direct contact with the employer. These candidates made it through the hurdle of getting to speak directly with the employer only to come • Retail Store across as not being very interested in the work.

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and requirements vary in companies. Give some thought to what conditions or industries you would be comfortable working in and then check out the companies where you are sending your applications. You should never be in an interview where the employer gets the impression that you might not show up for work. Now that you know that this is a major concern for employers, your resume and cover letter should talk about how you have shown motivation, good attitude and interpersonal abilities in your previous employment. Address the issues head on and you will make yourself a stronger candidate.

During the survey in January, we asked employers if they expected to hire in 2013. Sixty-three percent of the employers said yes! In fact, the 154 employers responding to the survey estimated that they would hire 1,007 people. The main reason for hiring more people was expansion and restructuring, not retirements.

Finding a job is hard work. It is not easy, and there is no set formula that is guaranteed to work.

As a person looking for work, you have to continually remind yourself that you have a lot to offer a company.

Debra Mountenay is the executive director of the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

July, 2013

INANCING A SMALL MALL BUSINESS USINESS FINANCING

The 5 Cs of Credit

by Glenn Thorel is your Credit worthiness. The lender will review What resources have you committed to the busiOne good business practice is to put yourself your credit score to determine your history of bor- ness is the next fundamental lenders review â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what in the shoes of the person you are dealing with, rowing and credit management. The amount of is your invested Capital. You cannot assume that whether that is a customer, a supplier of an em- debt, payment history, timeliness of payments, any lender will accept the downside risk if you ployee. This same approach is also true when ap- balances and number of credit facilities will all have not invested adequately in the business. proaching a lender for a business loan. The lender weigh on the lenders decision. The lenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deciThe final criteria is Capabilities. The lender will is about togrants hand over a sum of moneyto to astart virtualyour sionbusiness! is heavily influenced by prior credit history want to know that you are qualified to operate the $17,000 are available stranger, and this action will not come without so it is a very good idea to know and understand business both on a technical skill level but also an (OJLQ %XVLQHVV 5HVRXUFH &HQWUH <RX PXVW EH (, HOLJLEOH RU D UHFHQW UHFLSLHQW RI (, EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV the lender conducting some scrutiny and asking your credit history and to ensure that the credit understanding of the skills and responsibilities as SURYLGHV ORDQV XS WR IRU some hard questions. report is an accurate reflection of your informa- a business owner. One of the key documents that EXVLQHVVHV ORFDWHG LQ (OJLQ &RXQW\ 7KH 6HOI (PSOR\PHQW %HQHĂ&#x20AC;W 6(% SURJUDP SURYLGHV IXQGV Every lender is interested in minimizing risk and tion. assist the lender in this criteria is the business plan.

DQG 6W 7KRPDV fraud and they are most interested in ensuring WR TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQGLYLGXDOV ZKLOH WKH\ VWDUW WKHLU RZQ EXVLQHVVHV The second criteria is your Capacity, what in- The business plan will outline the qualifications of they get their money back. The initial review by come is available to repay the loan as it becomes the business owner, list their professional advisors )RU PRUH GHWDLOV RQ KRZ WR DFFHVV WKLV RSSRUWXQLW\ FDOO $VN KRZ ZH FDQ DVVLVW \RX WR Ă&#x20AC;QG ORDQ the lender will focus on some fundamentals that due. Is the business generating income in excess and more importantly describe the marketing, op.HYLQ -DFNVRQ DW are quite standard across the industry and often of expenses, are there other Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLQJ IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV H[SDQVLRQ sources of income. Is erational and financial activities planned. referred to as the 5 Cs of credit. the net income stable and RU LPSURYHPHQWV /RDQV DUH DOVR predictable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often a Understanding the 5 Cs of credit will help you The first factor that the lender is interested in problem for many small businesses.

Lenders will prepare to meet with potential lenders and underDYDLODEOH IRU SXUFKDVLQJ DQ H[LVWLQJ consider savings and investments as a fallback to stand the process from the other side of the table.

EXVLQHVV RU IRU QHZ EXVLQHVV VWDUW XSV cover short term income fluctuations. ,QIR 6HVVLRQ -XO\ # DP Even if there is adequate capacity lenders un 6RXWK (GJHZDUH 5G derstand that market conditions are continually Glenn Thorel is a Call for changing and so the next criteria seeksGlenn to address Business Advisor the risk if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make information the loan payments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on our with Elgin Business New SEB Business Start-ups for ElginCollateral. include:This is the security the lender will liqResource Centre. loans programs: uidate to recover the loan if the business fails to make payments. Â&#x2021; 6XVLH 6DZDW]N\ 6XVLH 6DZDW]N\ )DUPV

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For example a TD Canada Trust Business Mortgage offers: â&#x20AC;˘ Amounts up to 75% of your business property value â&#x20AC;˘ Potential to generate incremental income for rental purposes so long as 50% of the above-ground area of the mortgaged property is owner occupied (other options may be available for non-owner occupied premises). â&#x20AC;˘ Your choice of competitive fixed or floating interest rates â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to prepay 100% of the outstanding mortgage balance at any time with floating rate facilities â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to prepay up to 10% of the original mortgage balance per year with fixed rate facilities â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to optimize your cash flow with amortizations of up to 20 years â&#x20AC;˘ A Business Property Line of Credit also allows added flexibility in managing your day-to-day cash flow.

David Van Dinther is a Small Business Advisor with TD Canada Trust

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Barbara Barbara Beechey Beechey Barbara Beechey Senior Manager, Senior Account Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, Business and Personal Business and Personal Business and Personal RBC RBC Royal Royal Bank Bank RBC Bank Royal 1099 Talbot St. St Thomas 1099 Talbot St Thomas 1099 Talbot St. E., E.,St. StE., Thomas 519-631-7480 519-631-7480 519-631-7480 barbara.beechey@rbc.com barbara.beechey@rbc.com barbara.beechey@rbc.com

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21

HOMESTYLE DECORATING

Living room decorating

by Renée Carpenter

It doesn’t take a huge overhaul to completely transform your living room. A few simple strategies are all you need to begin the decorating process.

As in any space, a good layout and reliable, durable furniture are the foundation, while colour adds the spice. A sound furniture arrangement starts first with the largest piece of furniture in the room, usually the sofa. Place it in a position to allow the best traffic flow, facing the focal point of the room. That could be a beautiful window view, the fireplace, or television.

When choosing furniture for your living room, consider what functions you need it to perform.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Matchy-matchy is a no-no. Varying finishes is the key. Give yourself a little breathing room and focus on coordinating rather than precisely matching.

Invest in furniture you’ll love forever and incorporate less expensive accents that you love

right now. Styles and trends change, and a timeless sofa, chair, or dining room table can support almost any trend or accessory you wish to layer at anytime. A neutral-coloured sofa in a woven fabric supports a collection of colourful pillows splashed across it. Different pillows could replace them for a new look at a minimal cost. Mixing shapes and sizes also gives your pillow collection presence.

If you already own a piece you love, use it as a starting point for a room makeover. For instance, a pair of coloured armchairs could set the tone for the rest of the room’s style points, and ease the introduction of other colourful accents. When working with numerous colourful accents and accessories, consider whether you want to go all out and apply a bold colour to walls or you want the walls to be a secondary feature.

Pattern mixing adds visual texture and can capture a trend. No matter what type of patterns you mix, a few basic principles apply. Vary the scale of patterns throughout the room, whether they are drapes, artwork, rug, or pillows.

Mix large, medium, and small patterns so they don’t compete with one another. Look for patterns that will unify your colour scheme and can make a great starting point for a room makeover. It can help determine other patterns and colours to use within the room.

Using the same colour more than once is also a smart decorating principle that will help your room to flow. But don’t discount a piece just because it doesn’t perfectly match, especially if the pieces are not next to each other. The variations will hardly be noticeable.

Also keep in mind that matching colours that appear on different types of surfaces can be challenging. A solid, shiny surface reflects light differently than a linen fabric.

Rather than looking at objects side by side, look at them separately, and note what undertones you see within the colours.

A living room is, of course, for

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living, for gathering, relaxing, and conversing, and needs to accommodate certain necessities to make the room functional. Look for ways to turn function into form – and have fun doing it!

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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Lifestyles Elgin Arts Trail

Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio A little Muskoka serenity

by Katherine Thompson

The peaceful serenity of Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio carries you back to a less hurried time and provides the ideal setting for creative artists. The scent of the towering pines, the sounds of the birds and the calm of the waterfalls call to mind the heart of a Northern Muskoka Forest.

In the 1920s, Arthur Caverly planted 85,000 pine seedlings on the property and dredged the 2 1/2 acre lake with a team of horses. In 1948, Arthur’s daughter Selma Caverly and her husband Jimmie Clennell opened Pinecroft as a small pottery studio that wholesaled pottery to nearly 200 gift shops across Canada. Second generation studio potter Brenda (Caverly) Smith returned to Pinecroft in 1972 to continue the family business.

This thriving family-run establishment produces fine quality earthenware and stoneware pottery and is considered to be Canada’s oldest continuously operating pottery studio. This summer, Pinecroft will celebrate its 65th anniversary.

For more information on Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio or the Elgin Arts Trail visit www.elginartstrail.ca or call 519-631-1460 ext. 168.

Tony Clennell is also available for purchase. Clennell has taught pottery workshops in Canada, the United States, Japan, China and Italy.

For the full Pinecroft experience visit the Green Frog Tea Room for quality country fare that is fresh, locally sourced and is served on handmade pottery dishes.

KEITH HUNT

CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Visit the studio where the pottery is made, take a hands-on pottery workshop, or purchase a truly Canadian souvenir at the Gift Shop. The Pinecroft Gallery and Gift Shop occupy an original log cabin that was built in 1934 and offer a wide range of functional pieces including complete dinner sets. The work of associate potter

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 July, 2013

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

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: Little Red Mitten 86 Talbot St., St. Thomas Jul 1 – Jul 29, 2013 For a complete list of exhibit locations visit www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants

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23

Dining & Entertainment Wine & Food

Purchasing cues

Little things that make a big difference

by Jamie Quai

There is an old adage in the wine industry that “what’s on the bottle will get you the first sale, what’s in the bottle will get you the second.” Wineries arguably spend more time on getting packaging and labelling then the actual wine itself. After all, unlike the soda pop industry, the wine industry is not dominated by two big companies. There are tens of thousands of wine companies around the world, and a lot of these companies have multiple brands. How does a producer make a wine stand out? We are all aware that there are a lot of decisions that go into creating the best wine experience but many of us don’t realize how little details can mean the difference between a sale or not. Here are four things that we, in the wine industry, know affect your choices.

The winery name. This one isn’t about brand recognition, but rather the ease at which a consumer can pronounce the name. A recent study published by researchers at Brock University showed that winery names that are phonetically difficult to pronounce are rated higher in quality. An identical wine was poured from two bottles with different winery names (Titakis Winery and Tselepou Winery).

Consumers across all wine knowledge levels largely preferred the wine from Tselepou.

Heavier bottles. Over the years, it was discovered that the heavier the

wine bottle the higher the wine was valued by the consumer. By the turn of the millennium, wineries were going to real extremes to outdo each other. I heard a story years ago about an empty glass bottle that weighed over one kilo. There has been a movement away from heavy bottles. Not because consumers aren’t being fooled anymore, but because restaurant servers were complaining

about wrist pains (and not recommending the wine to their customers), making glass bottles accounts for a significant amount of the carbon footprint that goes into wine – and wine cases are shipped by weight and the added weight hurt a wineries bottom line.

Wine regions. Wine is one of the few food items that is sold based on geographic origin. Can you imagine how different your favourite grocery store would look if the food was sorted by the country it came from? There is a fine line on how much

geographic detail wineries should put on the label, and it all comes down to who the wine is targeting.

There is research that shows a consumer ‘halo effect’ when it comes to established regions and how they are perceived. A study several years ago found that when an identical wine poured from two different bottles, one labelled from an established quality region (California) and an emerging quality region (North Dakota), most consumers rated the wine from an established region as being of higher quality. There is research that shows adding additional geographic details when the region (or sub-region) is not established can actually hinder sales.

Organic or eco-labels. This one seems simple: if you are organic, label it. As it turns out, in the wine industry, the latest research on consumer preferences comes to the conclusion that making wine with green practices (like sustainable, organics, biodynamics) can boost the retail price of the wine by up to 20%. Higher quality fruit means higher willingness to pay. But adding seals/logos that identify the green practice can hurt the perceived value of your product by almost 13%. Most of the top wine producers in the world do employ green practices, but almost none of them indicate it. Making wine in an eco-friendly way is more expensive, and few sensible producers (who`ve incurred this cost) will add an indicator to their label that is likely to hurt their asking price.

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

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“Drinking Alone”

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ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO

24

ELGIN THIS MONTH

July, 2013

Elgin cooking together:

HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Collective kitchens in action!

by Cathy Macpherson

More and more collective kitchens are sprouting up around St. Thomas and the Elgin County area.

What is a collective kitchen? A collective kitchen, sometimes called a community kitchen, is when a group of people meet regularly in a common place to cook affordable meals, and then takes those meals home for themselves and their families to enjoy. Anyone who is interested and willing to spend some time planning, shopping and cooking meals together can join!

Usually the only fee is for the purchase of food that you and your family will eat. The only condition is that the food is prepared in an approved kitchen, often found in community churches and community centres.

The potential benefits of a collective kitchen are many. Participating can save you money through bulk buying, using seasonal foods and cost sharing. For busy families, collective kitchens can save time since food is prepared in large quantities and frozen for later use. They offer the chance to learn and share skills in budgeting, planning, shopping and preparing healthy food.

kitchens in Elgin County, call 519-631-9900 and ask to talk to a public health dietitian.

One woman’s story Peggy, a single mother of one from St. Thomas, finds that the local collective kitchen she attends allows her to build friendships and manage stress. At the end of the session she’s happy to take home nutrititious meals that she and her daughter might otherwise not have tried while having a lot of fun doing it.

tive kitchens to be of high quality, culturally acceptable, and acquired in a manner that maintains personal dignity.” Engler-Stringer, 2005

A study confirms the benefits “Participants report the food prepared in collec-

Cathy Macpherson is a Public Health Dietitian at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health.

“usually the only fee is for the purchase of food” But likely the richest benefit of a collective kitchen is how it can build a sense of community. It can lead to strong friendships and build helpful social supports. If needed, the collective kitchen leaders can connect collective kitchen participants to other resources in the community that can also be very life enriching.

If you are interested in getting more information about collective

July, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

25

HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Heat injuries

Be intelligent about getting active

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

The arrival of July usually brings with it the hot summer weather that most of us look forward to during the winter months. Now that the sun is out and the temperature is up, everyone is anxious to be involved in their outdoor pursuits.

That’s great, get out be active, but be intelligent about it. Protect yourself from the sun, and listen to your body when it is telling you that you have done enough. Some of the most serious difficulties during this time are heat-related injuries. No, I’m not talking about burning dinner on the barbeque. What I am talking about are the serious conditions of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps The early stages of heat injury may begin with something called heat cramps. This is when the body loses too much salt (electrolytes) during profuse sweating. The best treatment for this condition is rest and re-hydration.

Again, listen to your body.

Heat exhaustion Another term for exhaustion is prostration which is a term used to describe extreme exhaustion or powerlessness. Basically, the body is beginning to overheat and cannot dissipate the heat quickly enough. The

normal responses such as dilation of blood vessels, and sweating can’t keep up to the heat being generated.

Certain factors may increase your susceptibility to heat exhaustion including alcohol intake, limited intake of water, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea or other cause of dehydration including some medications.

The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, profuse sweating, decreased appetite, weak rapid pulse, shallow rapid respirations and pale, cool sweaty skin. If these signs are present the victim should be moved to a cool room or area. The application of cold wet compresses to the skin or the use of a fan is advised. Re-hydration is essential both with water in the immediate term then with electrolytes such as from a sports replacement beverage.

After a person has suffered an episode of heat exhaustion, he or she should rest for the next two to three days and be protected from any further heat exposure. It is important to note that, if the person vomits, they should be transported for medical attention as they may be in the early stages of heat stroke.

Heat stroke Heat stroke is a very serious condition.

There is a profound disturbance of the heat regulation system of the body which may lead to a high fever, collapse, convulsions, coma and even death. It may result from prolonged exposure to increased temperature, strenuous exercise, intense sun and areas with poor ventilation. The possibility increases after more than two days of exposure

“heat stroke is a very serious condition”

during a heat wave.

Factors which may predispose people to heat stroke include older age, lack of acclimatization, poor housing, dehydration, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease and decreased sweating mechanism.

The signs and symptoms of heat stoke include a high temperature, hot, dry and red skin, initially, a rapid and strong pulse of greater than 160 beats per minute becoming rapid and weak as the condition progresses, deep rapid respirations, mental confusion, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, and finally convulsions, muscular twitching, collapse and unconsciousness.

Treatment includes rapid and immediate cooling, however, this should be administered by a qualified practitioner. These people need to be transported for emergency care immediately. Remove them from the area of heat exposure, allow them to consume fluids if they are able, but, in small amounts and slowly. If the extremities are cooled too quickly, vasoconstriction (narrowing) of blood vessels will occur and the core body temperature will actually increase. These people need immediate medical attention.

Summer time is a great time to be active and involved in outdoor activities. The heat claims many victims every summer. Please be smart and you will avoid being one of them. Drink lots of water, wear a hat and sun screen, avoid prolonged exposure and above all listen to your body. It tells you when you are overdoing it. LISTEN TO IT! Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor and partner in Family Health Options Treatment & Resources Centre in St.Thomas

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HEALTHY LIVING Self Discovery

Inspiring stories

People moving on from hardship and tragedy

by Sharon Lechner

Some days are harder than others to get in- family were squatters in a deserted army barracks. spired. This spring was difficult, given the unsea- I was so inspired by her story that I found one of sonal weather we have been experiencing. One her books in the library. The topic of the book Sunday, I was driving my daughter home from a was past life regression, which I don’t personally dance competition and it started snowing. Three believe in, but I decided to read the book because days later, I attended an outdoor meeting at the I knew I would be inspired by her incredibly posibeach. tive attitude, and I was not disappointed. Near Inspiration is and has always been very impor- the beginning, Denise tells the story of riding a tant to me. In my line of work, I am continually bike down a country road when she was 17 years challenged to come up with fresh ideas and con- old. A car stopped on the road, and the driver got cepts. The good news is that inspiration can be out of his car and shot her. She survived after unfound in many places. Just this morning, I was dergoing a near-death experience, and today she is on my computer reading some Facebook posts, a very successful self-development teacher. and I came across a beautiful picture of the caFor many years, I have been a huge follower of nals in Venice, taken by a family friend. I made Wayne Dyer. Yesterday, I watched a video clip it the background picture for my of Wayne telling the story of “her family computer, and it has sparked an meeting a woman on one of were squatters in interest in my going to Venice his motivational cruises. This somewhere down the road. particular woman, whom he deserted army I have spent the last ten days lisreferred to as “Dana,” was barracks” tening to motivational audio casts brutally raped by a man apby some of the greatest speakers in proximately 22 years ago. The the world including Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer man threw her over a cliff to die, but she surand Marianne Williamson. Early in the morning vived. When she met Wayne Dyer, she was in a or later at night when I find a few spare moments, wheelchair, one she had been in for many years.

I have listened to familiar speakers, and some new Wayne gave her one of his signature berets and to me, including Denise Linn. In her presentation told her to return it to him when she could walk. on Abundance, she revealed that she grew up liv- The video clip showed Dana walking across the ing in a renovated chicken house. Later on, her room to speak to Wayne. She told him that the

man who threw her over the cliff recently died in prison. Following his death, Dana contacted his mother who did not know the details of her ordeal because her son had been in the Navy, which kept her story quiet. She told the mother that she had forgiven her son, and that she was sorry for her loss.

In my book, “How to Create Your Extraordinary Life,” there is a chapter on forgiveness. This still remains the most challenging thing, but if forgiveness is given, it can even create miracles, as was the case with Dana.

As I type at my desk, I can hear birds singing, and the beautiful vase of peonies on my coffee table remind me what a beautiful time of year this is. I hope you are continually inspired by everything that comes your way.

Have a wonderful summer.

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

27

LIFESTYLES Entertainment

St. Thomas and Elgin

Three generations of stage and film performers

by Ric Wellwood

While St. Thomas and Elgin are noted pany at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shaw Festival as Sarah Undershaft in Major for famous politicians and hockey playGrand Theatre. Barbara and Vernon in Guys and Dolls. Last ers, we often forget that the community From there, it season, she appeared in Ragtime and A Man has developed some of the best performwas a logi- and Some Woman. Previous ers for stage and film. For its small popcal jump to Shaw credits include Cat on ulation base, St. Thomas and Elgin have the Strat- a Hot Tin Roof, The Admisupplied some genuine talent to the creford Festi- rable Crichton, The Women, ative canon of Canada. val where Serious Money, Born YesterThree generations come both have day, Half an Hour and The to mind, beginning in the tackled and Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disciple.

After making the jump seventies with the gifted triumphed in Helen Shaver who left St. most of the Bardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to Toronto in May 2008, Thomas to study acting at major roles for nearly Ijeoma began the quest to the Banff Centre in Alberta. twenty seasons. I am on record as saying that enrich herself. She began It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before she was Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hamlet is the best I have seen, and with the help of b currents Ijeoma Helen Shaver starring in edgy films made I include Richard Burton, Kenneth Welsh, rAizâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n ensemble, then with Emesowum by independent producers. Nicholas Pennell, Brent Carver and Paul Gross Canadian Stage Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I seem to recall that she excelled in creating among them. Ouimette has done very well in GYM and by getting out in the big city, whose unfortunate women who were at the mercy of the U.S. in acting partnership with Brian Den- skyscrapers and huge crowds continue to amaze unscrupulous and evil people. nehy, and is a gifted comic actor who enriches this small town girl. Ijeoma has also been part The next generation brought forth one of every production that uses his talents. of the annual reading of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legendary actors. Stephen Ouimette In the same generation but a bit later, the Christmas Carol, hosted by the Shaw Festival. left St. Thomas for the Unibeautiful Rachel McAdams Ijeoma holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor, the Alma Mater versity of Windsor where he moved from Cenof Stratfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artistic Director Anand classmate Tom McCamus tral Elgin Secondâ&#x20AC;&#x153;his Hamlet is the best ary to York Unitoni Cimolino, as well as Ouimette set the campus on its ear beI have seenâ&#x20AC;? and McCamus. fore becoming members of versity and then to Among her castWilliam Huttâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Comfilms such as Mean mates is Ben Sanders Girls and The who returns for his Notebook to Rachel McAdams fourth season with become a bankable Hollywood the Shaw Festival, appearing as star. Her drama teacher, Lord Bleane in Our Betters and Linda Maskell Pereira Stephen Undershaft in Major and other teachers like Barbara. Previous Shaw credWITH THE PURCHASE Carrie Bishop Meloche its include Misalliance, French Ben Sanders have set the foundation without Tears, The Admirable OF SUNGLASSES! for a coming genera- Crichton, On the Rocks, Serious Money and tion of good perform- An Ideal Husband. He holds a BFA in Acters, many going into the ing from Ryerson Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; great Theatre Program. Since graduating, he has appeared classics.

INCLUDES The new generation in Takinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Â Pride with Native Earth Performing single vision, of St.Thomas actors Arts, Dry Streak and A Christmas Carol at The includes Ijeoma Eme- Grand Theatre, and twice in the Grandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anbifocals and sowum who returns for nual Playwright Cabaret, a showcase of new progressive lenses her fifth season at the writing.

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To sleep, perhaps to . . .

LIFESTYLE THAT’S LIFE

curl up with a tattered white blanket known as “B”

by Elizabeth VanHooren

object that takes the place of a Upon hearing that he was going mother-child bond. And that can on a sleepover to his grandparent’s hurt a mother as much as it may house, my youngest son got right help the child. Too often, when down to the business of packing my son is hurt, his first instinct is for the occasion. He stood in the to seek comfort with “B” rather middle of his room, hands on his than call out for mom. hips, surveying all of his most faIf he is tired I’ll find him curled vorite possessions – a red wooden up on the floor using “B” as a pilbarn filled with tractors, a heap of low. stuffed animals, and a pile of well“B” has become such a powerread picture books. ful source of comfort for my son fast as I can mend him another hole appears.

But when faced with leaving his I’ve looked but I can’t find a replacement for that we have tried limiting their home – even for a night – the first interaction to just at bed time, “B”. Substitutions have met with severe disapthing into this back pack was a which has meant tucking “B” proval. tattered white blanket he lovingly So “B” was packed for my son’s first sleep over. into a drawer shortly after breakknows as “B”. fast. At various times throughout And when my son paused at the door to clarify “B” has been a constant in my the day, especially if he has been whether a sleep over meant he would be gone for son’s life from the beginning. I purchased “B” for $40. A little extravagant for scolded, my son will seek solace in front of the the whole night, I could confidently say, “Yes, an infant’s first blanket, but I wanted something cupboard where “B” is kept. While he can’t touch for the whole night. But “B” will be there with you.” special to wrap him in when we brought him him, just knowing “B” is close by is soothing.

However, “B” has been known to make some home from the hospital.

Looking back I can’t even remember how “B” great escapes. Somehow he doesn’t make it into Elizabeth VanHooren is made the transition from inanimate object to, the cupboard in the morning, and my son will General Manager well, at least in my son’s eyes, a member of the drag him about the house – an active participant of Kettle Creek in all of his mischievousness. “B” has spilled family.

Conservation Authority My son was not the easiest baby to comfort. cranberry juice on himself, got into his brother’s He didn’t like to be cradled or cuddled. Be- markers and got wrapped around yond sucking his own thumb, the cat 7YL WSHUUPUN H M\ULYHS wrapping him tightly in “B” and the was the first thing that I knew bath time for “B” has dog. would lull my son to sleep. “ B ” TH` IL VUL VM [OL TVZ[ Therefore, “B” became the to be strategically timed d o e s n’t first thing that I packed in my like to JVUZPKLYH[L [OPUNZ `V\ diaper bag. So I guess it was my security blanket long before it became my get wet. So bath time for “B” has to be strategically JHU KV MVY `V\Y MHTPS` son’s.

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LIFESTYLE TIME ON MY HANDS

Not quite human

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Neanderthal in my genes

by Duncan Watterworth

Polite society frowns these days on inter-species sex. But it was not always so.

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay, because without inter-species sex, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the man I am today. Turns out Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a hybrid, an inter-species love child, 97.8 percent Homo sapiens, and 2.2 percent Neanderthal. Scientifically proven.

I sent $200 and a cheek swab to the National Geographic Genome 2.0 project for DNA analysis. The multi-year project has analyzed the DNA of over 500,000 people, checking for 150,000 different â&#x20AC;&#x153;markersâ&#x20AC;? to determine their â&#x20AC;&#x153;deep ancestryâ&#x20AC;?. According to the lab, my ancestry not only went deep, it went sideways. My DNA is 2.2 percent Neanderthal. Gurrump?

Hairy, dim-witted, knuckle-draggers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the traditional image we have of Neanderthals.

Scientists now give them more credit, though they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smart enough to avoid going extinct about 30,000 years ago.

I had never thought of myself as Neanderthalish, In fact, I figured my bald, non-shedding, non-hairiness attested to an elevated degree of evolution. On the other hand, when I confessed to my wife that I was a mixed breed Neanderthal, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem surprised at all. And she still keeps me around, though I have always wondered why.

A few million years ago, our earliest ancestors came out of the trees in East Africa and got good at walking when a drying climate turned the jungle into grasslands. About 500,000 years ago a group split from our lineage and migrated north out of Africa to populate Europe and western Asia. Those travelers, over the next 400,000 years, evolved into the Neanderthals.

The stay-behinds in east Africa evolved along a different path, got thinner and smarter, and became Homo sapiens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our direct ancestors.

Then, about 70,000 years ago, a small bunch of us Homo sapiens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by then anatomically modern humans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also migrated north out of Africa, and eventually covered the

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planet. But on the way, we encountered and shared habitat with the Neanderthals. Though by then we were different species (or close to it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is some scientific debate) we were able to interbreed with them.

While our Homo sapiens ancestors expanded in range and numbers, the Neanderthals dwindled and disappeared. Scientists debate whether we out-competed them, or killed them off. Was it â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make love not warâ&#x20AC;?, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make love and war?â&#x20AC;? Either way, Homo sapiens were the last hominids standing, and history is written by the victors. It is also written by those who can write.

The main goal of the National Geographic project is to use the 150,000 markers to trace the migration routes of our ancient ancestors from Africa to all corners of the earth.

My personal DNA reveals a typical northern European mix. 42 percent of me is from the earliest North European hunter-gatherers of 35,000 years ago. The rest is a combination of the Mediterranean and S.W. Asian groups that moved into Europe 8,000 years ago from the Fertile Crescent to the east, bringing their DNA and the earliest agriculture.

So on my Homo sapiens side Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m nothing exotic, no surprises â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just plain vanilla. But I do take pleasure in my newfound Neanderthal roots, knowing I swing from a couple branches of the family tree.

And another thing: scientific research often shines light in unexpected directions. My wife always keeps a dog around, and would never part with her Goldie-Poo. It seems she has a soft spot for mixed breeds that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shed.

Duncan Watterworth is recently a retiree and empty-nester in St. Thomas

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