July 2014

Volume 4, No. 11 July 2014

• Janine Lunn Daddy’s little helpers Page 5 • Duncan Watterworth The measures of a young man • Nancy & Laura Self discovery Page 31

Page 30

Also Inside: Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Pages 18 and 19 Financing A Small Business Pages 20-25

Kathy Cook Automotive Entrepreneur Cover story: Page 3

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July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

2

Entrepreneur reveals secrets of success

Kathy Cook discusses her first love: business

by Terry Carroll

“I love business,” Kathy Cook said with a big smile as she was accepting her 2014 Free Enterprise Award of Merit from St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce May 7.

The love affair with business began early for this third-generation member of the Lyle Cook Automotive family. When she was thirteen, she stopped reading fiction and started reading business books because she found true-life business stories more exciting. (Favourite authors over the years include Jack Welch, Kevin O’Leary, Donald Trump and Marcus Lemonis). She went on to parlay this interest into a Bachelor of Commerce and then Masters degrees in three disciplines: Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), and Science (MSc). For two of these, she chose a university with a schedule that allowed her to work in the family business while earning her degree.

Some of her passion for business originated organically within her family, starting when she was very young.

A long-time staple of the Lyle Cook Automotive business has been the car wash, and she remembers clearly counting quarters and putting them in piles of four, when she was four years old. When she was five, she was folding towels for the business.

Her Award of Merit from the Chamber was based on her own enterprises at the Lyle Cook Automotive location on Wellington Street in St. Thomas. The Chamber recognized her for opening two businesses in the last three years, and thereby employing people in difficult time, as well as for her commitment to community values and concerns. In March 2012, she opened NAPA Autopro, offering complete automotive repair and in November 2013, she added the Uniglass Plus/ Ziebart and Lifetime Warranty franchises. The businesses now employ seven people in addition to Kathy.

Not a lot of women own automotive repair shops in Canada, and Kathy was committed from the beginning to making her NAPA Autopro lo-

cation a female-friendly environment. The shop is clean and bright and open. “And we power wash it every night,” Kathy says. If a woman enters the shop in heels and a business suit, Kathy wants her to be comfortable. The client washroom is kept in immaculate condition. Waiting room reading materials include women’s magazines “and we make sure they’re no more than three months old.”

Women (as well as men), with friendly attitudes, work behind the counter. They print out estimates upon request and let customers take them home for the evening if they need to think about their options. The shop offers tea in addition to coffee. Many of these innovations came about when

Kathy and her sister, Karen, brainstormed about what they personally like to see in an automotive repair business.

Although she’s too busy to teach right now, Kathy has taught several classes at Fanshawe College – in business, of course. The experience allowed her to intersperse her real-world experience with textbook learning.

Some of that real-world experience can be tough to live through. Although she had a good plan for the introduction of the Ziebart and auto glass lines last year, the opening was delayed until No-

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

vember – not a great time to launch that particular business. “Although it was not a good time for cash flow, we treated it as a good time for training and practice,” Kathy says. “By spring, we were ready to roll.”

Kathy is a big believer in a written business plan, then reviewing the plan regularly and making adjustments as needed.

“I’m an obsessively organized person,” she says.

“I write everything down and stay organized with my calendar. But I’m also a big believer in ‘Let’s do it now’.” That dual approach to her work allows her to get a lot done without feeling overwhelmed … and to be active in the community while running businesses. At one stage, she was on the Kiwanis Board, the Performing Arts Board, the Family & Children’s Services Board and the Chamber of Commerce Board, all at the same time. “Every night of the week, I went to different meetings.”

She currently sits as a Trustee on the Ontario Motor Vehicles Industry Council (OMVIC) Compensation Fund as a Trustee, a commitment that takes her to Toronto about every eight weeks. She served as Secretary/Treasurer in 2012 and Chairperson in 2013.

Another key to success is to hire great people and to let them do their jobs. “I don’t micro-manage,” she says. “I trust people to do their jobs, and if they need help, they can come to me. They’re never going to get yelling or grief from me if they need help. I like to make their jobs as easy as I can.”

She meets regularly with the staff to make sure they’re all on the same page. She keeps everybody well informed about how they are doing and the direction of the business.

Of course, there’s an additional bonus for Kathy.

She knows the work at the shop will get done professionally when she’s away … perhaps developing another business. There’s nothing in the works at the moment, but she’s always on the lookout for the next adventure.

Cover photo by Philip Bell, Shutter Studios.

Graphic Design / Production Metroland Media Group Sales Representative Greg Minnema

Elgin This Month is a monthly magazine focusing on business and lifestyle issues and includes Business Beat, the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

The publication is available for pickup at no charge at news stands and other locations around Elgin County, as well as distribution to businesses and selected households.

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

ELGIN THIS MONTH

3

INNES AS I SEE IT

Time to evaluate, part 2

by Jim Innes

Voltaire (French, 1694-1778) was a rebellious soul whose witty literary attacks on the established Catholic Church garnered him favour with those who preferred freedom of religion and freedom of expression. It was said that on his deathbed when an RC priest came to give him the last rites, and in that act asked him to denounce Satan, Voltaire responded, “Now is not the time for making new enemies.”

Voltaire knew himself well, and through selfreflection, critical thinking, and a burning desire for truth, helped usher in the period of Enlightenment. I mention Voltaire in an article on evaluation because such processing, as he exemplified, is vital for the ongoing creative development of oneself and the community or organization within which one is called to leadership. Without critical open-minded evaluation a goal or directive can go askew (often not noticed till it’s too late).

I am reminded of a true story told me by a pa-

rishioner. Many years ago there was a Sexton who was very possessive of the church bell. He argued that the yoke on which the bell hung was old and needed to be rung in a certain way (that only he himself could do) lest the bell be flipped over and jammed. One night, the Sexton’s house caught on fire. The church bell was usually used to warn the village of such occurrences, and as the Sexton was too occupied to ring it, his house was greatly damaged.

...this suppression eats away at healthy communication...

Now and then, our chosen goal or directive, made with all good intention (usually), and which worked well for a period of time, can outlast its viability. This is not just an important principle in corporate life but in our private lives too.

As a counsellor, I find this principle comes into play when couples attempt to keep the peace by sidestepping any conflict/stress laden issues. This suppression eats away at healthy communication and creates root fires that can spring up and destroy a marriage later on. What further comes to mind are folk who choose to take medications to resolve short-term or traumatic stress (without ongoing psychotherapeutic support) but then later realize that they are dependent on the medication. It’s arguable whether the dependency is a problem far out weighing the original.

Theory warns us that a solution can become the problem. The same theory suggests that when this happens, an appropriate response is to make a 180° shift in direction. If, for example, had the Sexton risked making bell ringing a community task, perhaps the church officials would’ve been moved to repair the yoke and consequently his home would still be intact. However, this is far too simplistic an example. Truth is it is difficult to determine what a 180-degree shift in direction looks like. And this is because acknowledging that the solution has now become a problem is not

only counterintuitive but a problem is often not seen as a problem until it’s a crisis.

Nonetheless, the point is this: critical openminded evaluation may challenge assumed direction. And in so doing completely disassemble old patterns of thinking and the choices made because of that thinking. For example, the couple who attempted to keep the peace buy avoiding conflict may need to learn how to fight. So too, people who relied upon medication to settle themselves emotionally may need to learn (if still physiologically possible) to enter the dark fray and trust their own God-given resilience.

As I see it, Voltaire’s gift was not just his wit and wisdom but his open-minded, courageous drive to examine what is most significant.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

4

Agriculture On The Farm

All in a day’s work (and play)

by Janine Lunn It’s that time of year again, when the children’s Immediately his more experienced sister said well-worn school bags are put away and an end- wryly, “you know there are a lot of years of input less summer of fun and play stretches ahead of before you get any output, right?” The reality is them … until I hear someone utter the forbid- generations ago a large farm family also meant a den ‘B’ word. “I’m bored, mom.” I should qualify work crew, but no matter the era, the busy baby that; my middle child already knows better, so his stage makes for a long wait till they become dadphrase is “I don’t know what to do but I don’t dy’s little helpers. With advances in technology, want you to give me a job.” it takes a bit more creative thinking to find safe For the adults on a farm, the proband appropriate jobs for lem is not usually boredom but dechildren to do around the ciding when to stop, since the list farm. “straw is strewn out of It’s always a trick to inof chores is inevitably longer than the day, not to mention the season. place, calves escape” troduce the right job at the When we first had our little helpers right stage. It’s important around the farm, it was for more of a to keep a sense of excitevisit. They always enjoyed seeing the animals and ment about the task before anyone catches on that tramping around in rubber boots, or attempting this “treat” of being allowed to help is a thinly to lift daddy’s tools to pretend they were getting veiled introduction to a new stage of responsibilsome work done. I am happy to report that slowly ity for our apprentices. but surely, some of this work-as-play is starting I’m not going to sugarcoat this; having kids to look like pitch in around the farm is every bit as messy progress! and time consuming (possibly more) than having A younger them help in the house. Straw is strewn out of farmer com- place, calves escape, eggs are collected and then mented re- broken, and tools are notoriously out of sight cently that when Grandpa has to fix something critical on the he can’t tractor. Countless mower-blades are dulled, and wait for tree-roots damaged while young apprentices prachis future tice their riding lawnmower driving techniques. children to Of course, some of the farm jobs have a bit more become the allure, especially if there m i n i a t u r e is a motor in the mix. work force Our crew doesn’t mind on the farm. doing a few rounds of

rock-picking after school as long as the ‘Gator’ is involved. But our youngest is still our best rockpicker due to the fact that she isn’t old enough to be distracted by counting down the minutes until her turn to drive down the field.

It may not seem like much at the time but some of these early accomplishments are formative experiences. My husband remembers many sweltering summer days spent with friends and family stacking bales in the old hay mow, and the sense of relief when the last wagon was emptied. There’s a lot of pride for a young person in completing an adult job, not to mention the lesson learned: every future job looks like a breeze compared to stacking bales! It’s a priceless opportunity for children to take on a task, and muddle through it, to see a job through to give a sense of helping out.

P.S. If anyone around here uses the ‘B’ word this summer, they will soon find themselves weeding, watering, feeding or shoveling. The work here isn’t always glamorous but there’s plenty to go around.

And many hands (of any size) make light work.

Janine Lunn lives on the family farm near Belmont, Ontario.

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LIFESTYLE OUR HERITAGE

The Backus- Page House Museum

Experience life in the early Talbot Settlement

by Katherine Thompson

Located in the heart of the historic Talbot Settlement, the Backus-Page House Museum gives insight into life during the formative years of Elgin County.

The museum is housed in an 1850 Georgian style home located on the grounds of the John E. Pearce Provincial Park. One of the first brick houses in the area, the home was commissioned

by Andrew and Mary Jane Backus. Andrew Backus was given the land by his grandmother Mary Storey who had obtained the original land grant from Colonel Thomas Talbot in 1809.

land who lived there for a few years before returning to his home country. The property and house were obtained by Jonas Page in 1925. The Page family had settled in the area in 1865 and had additional property on Lake Line. The Pages farmed the land for over 40 years before Morley and Grace Page sold the property to the Ministry of

...the Pages farmed the land for over 40 years...

When Andrew passed away in 1865, the estate and what remained of the original land grant passed to his son Andrew Storey Backus who sold the northern portion of the land, where the house is located, to Robert Kennedy of Ire-

There is so much to see and do in

St. Thomas!!

The Elgin County Railway Museum Come for a tour and see some amazing trains.

Visit the Tourist Information Centre to learn all there is to do in St. Thomas & area this summer.

Natural Resources in 1968.

The Ministry retains ownership to this day; however, the museum is run by the Tyrconnell Heritage Society, an organization incorporated in 1994 with the purpose of restoring the historic home and property to its original condition and educating the public on the property and the Talbot Settlement.

Today the home is set up as it was in the mid 1800s allowing visitors to the museum to experience what daily life was life for the area’s early residents. In addition to occasional rotating exhibits, the museum is home to several popular annual events including: Sunday Teas every Sunday in July and August, Heritage Camps for Kids throughout July and August and the Annual Heritage Farm Show in early September.

The museum is also part of the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail (barnquilttrails.ca/) proudly displaying the Irish Star – a tribute to the first settlers of the Talbot Settlement. Each of the Star's points represents one of the area’s four founding families – Backus, Patterson, Pearce and Storey.

For more information about The Backus-Page House Museum, its hours of operation and events visit backuspagehouse. ca, follow @BackusPageHouse on Twitter or visit elgintourist.com/heritage.

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

6

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Leadership performance What hinders! What helps?

by Cheryl Lester

Part 4 of a 4-part series

So far we’ve looked at eight factors impacting leadership effectiveness and performance, i.e.

Preparation, Practice, Presence, Passion, Priority, Perspective, Purpose, and Process. This month we’re looking at the final three, i.e. Perseverance, Progress, and Principles.

9. Perseverance: The quality that allows someone to continue doing something even though it is difficult … Part of a musician’s challenge is sticking with a difficult composition long enough to develop the level of technique, dexterity, creative understanding, and finesse required to perform the piece well. Effective leaders also know that the best successes are often achieved by pushing through difficult situations, taking on ‘impossible’ challenges, and moving toward what they believe is possible. a. Interference? In our fast-paced world, exciting new opportunities make escaping attractive and easy. Running away from challenging people or circumstances often just postpones an important life lesson that is presenting itself to you. Additionally, the joy of having ‘climbed the mountain’ of a challenging situation is forfeited. b. Helpful? Having the discipline or accountability structures in place to help you see a challenge or opportunity through to its best solution or potential. Building a resumé that documents your tenacity.

10. Progress: Movement forward; the process of improving or developing something over a period of time … Part of the joy of studying music is the recognition that your skills, abilities, knowledge, and creative expression have actually improved.

Leadership awareness and skills can also be improved over time, increasing leadership capacity to facilitate and transform people, processes, products and services. a. Interference? The absence of well defined markers of progress can be discouraging, de-

energizing, and debilitating to you and to those you lead. It also can result in the same mistakes being made over and over again because valuable learning has not been effectively documented. b. Helpful? A list of realistic and meaningful key performance indicators can be very beneficial in identifying what’s working, what’s not, and the steps you can take to improve performance.

These measurable objectives form an important part of an accountability process focused on actions that generate the greatest amount of positive change.

11. Principles: A moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions … Music Festival audience members and performers alike understand the right and wrong ways to be a performer or observer. Effective leaders know right from wrong in the workplace, and make their decisions accordingly. a. Interference? Lack of personal grounding beliefs or practices. Absence of clearly defined (or respected) core values upon which organizational or business activities and relationships are conducted.

An organizational climate that lacks accountability to get you back on track if you get distracted, or begin to rationalize questionable behaviour or decisions. b. Helpful? Define, re-design, and regularly review the principles and core values that drive your perTFSAs* • Long sonal and professional activities and relation-

ships. Print them out. Post them on the wall.

Use them as a screen saver. Keep them in front of you to ensure that decisions, relationships, and activities are aligned with the principles that you have defined as being the most important. Find an objective, wise, and reliable accountability partner who you respect who you can bounce ideas off, and who will confront you if you start to deviate from what is right.

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

brighter under the sun 7

HealtHy living EvEryday HEaltH

HIV Point of Care testing done locally

by Jaime Fletcher

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the viral Therapy) has helped reduce the total burden well known virus that was first diagnosed in the of HIV on the person’s immune system allowing United States over 30 years ago. Transmitted from people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. person to person via contact with infected blood Getting tested for HIV can be a difficult and or bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, stressful step to take. Elgin St. Thomas Public anal secretions and breast milk, HIV today re- Health encourages any member of our commumains a global epidemic but is also a local issue nity who has had risks in the past ( for example, with new cases of HIV being diagnosed yearly in blood transfusions before 1985, unprotected Elgin County. sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use or drug HIV attacks and breaks down the immune sys- use with shared equipment like snorting straws) tem of persons living with HIV to have an HIV test. and may make them more susElgin St. Thomas Public ceptible to certain infections than Health is pleased to offer those persons not living with “the testing is done by a service called rapid HIV HIV. testing. This is pricking your finger” Point-of-Care Once believed to be a fatal inan anonymous, highly sensifection, vast progress has been tive and highly specific HIV made in the world of HIV treattest that is done on site. You ment. While no cure has been developed for HIV, will be asked to provide the nurse only with your the advent of HAART (Highly Active Antiretro- year of birth and a code name that you will re-

member. The rapid Point-of-Care test and preand post test counselling takes about 20 minutes.

The testing is done by pricking your finger and drawing a small amount of blood.

Two upcoming anonymous, rapid HIV Pointof-Care testing will be offered by Elgin St. Thomas Public Health in partnership with the Central Community Health Centre. Testing will be available by drop-in only at 668 Talbot Street in St. Thomas on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 and Wednesday, July 30, 2014 from 2:00 pm – 5: 00 pm.

Further questions about HIV or HIV testing services can be directed to the Sexual Health Team at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health by calling 519631-9900 ext. 1278.

Jaime Fletcher is a Public Health Nurse who provides sexual health services at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health.

Business & Community BusinEss

Ontario Liberals asked to comment on the business climate Edited from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce website. Question was asked before the recent provincial election

What will you do to create a more favourable climate for businesses and investment in the province?

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to balance the budget by 2017–18 in a fair and responsible way, and agrees with the OCC that across-the board cuts would hurt Ontarians and restrict our ability to balance the budget.

Corporate tax rates in Maintenance and Repairs Ontario are the fourthlowest in Canada and to All Makes and Models! almost 15 percentage points lower than any Quality Used of our Great Lakes comVehicles For Sale petitors. We will create a dynamic and innova6728 Springfield Road tive business climate by taking the following key in Mt. Salem actions: Energy: Working with

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the OPA, an Ontario Liberal government would expand and renew the Industrial Electricity Incentive. We will also continue to help businesses save by conserving electricity through our Industrial Conservation Initiative. We’ll expand eligibility to more consumers (3MW and up). Our aim is to continue the 15 to 20 percent energy savings that businesses are currently achieving through this program.

Red tape: This March the Ontario Liberal government introduced The Better Business Climate Act which, if passed, would have helped to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. This new legislation and renewal of the associated “Open for Business” initiative will save business over $100 million and countless hours by 2016-17.

Taxes: The Ontario Liberal government has reduced the general corporate income tax to 11.5 percent (down from 14 percent) and small business rate to 4.5 percent (down from 5 percent), with corporate income tax cuts delivering $2.3 billion of tax relief per year.

Further tax cuts would recklessly endanger Ontario’s plans to balance the budget by 2017-18.

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July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

8

China Trip 2014

• July 2014 •

Register by July 21

The Chamber staff thank everyone who attended and visited our booth at the annual Southwest Business Expo.

Business After 5 Celebrating 130 years – 1884 to 2014 Date: Wednesday July 16 Site & Sponsor: St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street Great door prizes including a new iPad, Kobo e-readers, Iron Horse event tickets and much more!

Doors open at 5. Prize Draws and Sponsor remarks at 6:15.

Free admission to all personnel from any business or organization that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.

The deadline to travel with our Chamber group on our fall trip to China is just a couple of weeks away. The booking deadline to confirm your place is Monday July 21 at Elgin Travel, our exclusive agent for our 2014 adventure.

Our travel dates see us depart Toronto on Wednesday October 22 and travel non-stop direct to Beijing.

We return on Saturday November 1.

Our itinerary includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, all for just $2599 (US). Our price includes all taxes, air fare, 4 & 5-star hotels, admission to sites, deluxe highway coach travel on the ground, fluent English-speaking guides, and attractions and all meals.

It’s a price that can’t be matched, and available exclusively from the Chamber.

Complete info kits on our package are available from Elgin Travel in Elgin Mall or from the Chamber of-

Promises, Promises

The election surprises and pollster errors behind us, Ontario voters have spoken.

Before the election, we asked businesses all across the provincial Chamber network about what the top business priorities should be. We also asked Premier Wynne about her, and her government’s, plans for business.

12 to 24 months from now, we should all look back and see how we’re doing. Here’s a reference point to work from: Business Priority 1 – Tackle the Debt and Deficit Business Priority 2 – Create a Better Business Climate Business Priority 3 – Invest on Critical Infrastructure Business Priority 4 – Build a 21st Century Workforce Business Priority 5 – Address the Pension Problem The Chamber of Commerce network across the prov-

Business Beat Table of Contents All stressed ............... Page 10 Meet Breah ............... Page 11 Um … Like ................ Page 12 Hospitality plus ......... Page 13 Reith & Assoc............ Page 14 SafeComm meets ...... Page 15 New Members........... Page 16 July, 2014

fice. Chamber staff members Bob Hammersley and Jeff Sheridan have taken the same tour last year and will also welcome calls, questions and any opportunity to provide details. Jeff and Bob can be reached at the Chamber office by calling 519-631-1981.

ince, and working through our staff and resources at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in Toronto, have pledged to keep the issues you gave us in clear focus.

Locally, we’re also pledging to do everything possible to help local MPP Jeff Yurek see success in adopting “Ryan’s Law” – his private bill about ensuring students can carry and use prescribed medications such as asthma inhalers. The logic behind NDP blockage on that in the last session still puzzles us.

One more issue to watch. Having elected Ontario’s first female Premier, another potentially historic potential is one our horizon. Assuming NDP leader Andrea Horwath stays, it’s entirely possible the PC’s could soon choose a female leader. That would be another first if the leaders of all 3 main parties are women.

Take part in our August feature Running a Succesful Small Business 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

ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

All stressed out

by Monty Fordham employers across the province.

The case involved a claim for WSIB benefits by a nurse who had worked in a hospital for some 28 years. She alleged that during 12 years of that time she was badly treated by a doctor for whom she worked. The hospital employer, apparently, was aware of her treatment by the doctor, but took no steps to deal with the problem. It is important to emphasize that the nurse did not allege any physical assault or threats of violence.

The doctor’s conduct seems to have consisted of persistently yelling at her and making demeaning comments to her.

Rather than addressing the obvious bullying behaviour of the doctor, the hospital’s solution seems to have been to effectively demote the nurse, by reducing her hours. She was subsequently diagnosed with adjustment disorder, anxiety and depression. She became unable to work and applied for WSIB benefits. She was turned down since the Board did not consider that her condition arose in circumstances which would qualify under section 13 of the Act. She appealed the Board’s decision to the Appeals Tribunal.

Generally, decisions of statutory tribunals stand on their own specific facts and do not bind future cases coming before them. Each case is considered on its unique merits. Accordingly, the Tribunal decided that, in the particular facts of this case, the worker would have been entitled to benefits but for the provisions of sections 13(4) and 13(5) of the Act which effectively precluded her claim. (i.e. Not a sudden and unexpected exclusively for members of the traumatic event.) End Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce of story, right? Not quite.

The worker challenged the constitutionality of the sections of the Act under section 15 of the Canadian Charter of

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (1997) of Ontario provides in section 13 subsection 4 “Except as provided in subsection (5), a worker is not entitled to benefits under Monty Fordham the insurance plan for mental stress.” Subsection 5 goes on to limit this seemingly absolute prohibition, “A worker is entitled to benefits for mental stress that is an acute reaction to a sudden and unexpected traumatic event arising out of and in the course of his or her employment.” The subsection further limits such claims where they arise from the employer’s decisions or actions relating to the worker’s employment.

So, what does “acute reaction” mean, and what would constitute “a sudden and unexpected traumatic event?” The dictionary meaning of the word “acute,” in this context, is “coming sharply to a crisis.” A traumatic event is somewhat more difficult to define. In psychiatry, a “trauma” is defined as “a severe emotional shock, having a deep, often lasting, effect on the personality.” And what does “sudden and unexpected” mean?

In April of this year, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal was called upon to grapple with these questions in a case which could have far-reaching implications for

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on Mastercard® credit receipts with electronic deposits

Helping to Drive Business Success

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 519-6331371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

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

For complete details, contact the Chamber

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

July, 2014

Rights and Freedoms, which prohibits discrimination based on a number of things including mental or physical disability. After hearing considerable argument, in particular by the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Tribunal decided that the sections did violate the worker’s rights under the Charter and approved her claim.

It’s anticipated that the Ministry of the Attorney General will appeal the Tribunal’s ruling, since, although the decision is not binding on other cases, it could be considered to be persuasive and open the door to a deluge of mental stress claims, which previously would not have made it to the front porch. This, of course, would cause considerable stress to both the WSIB and employers in general, since, as we all know, WSIB is an insurance plan. It is largely funded by premiums paid by employers, and like all insurance plans, the greater the claims the higher the premiums.

Employers, especially those with particularly stressful workplaces, will be watching this case closely as it lumbers through the appeal process.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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

St. Thomas Economic Development Corp.

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

10

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Major events

Looking for community activities this summer?

The local calendar is populated with dozens of sports functions and special events, all of which have potential to impact the business community, especially retail and service operations that touch the hospitality industry.

The Chamber has assembled the following list of major functions through the balance of July and August. Those listed here are expected to attract crowds of 500 to 25,000 people, and are only the events known to us that take place within the City of St. Thomas. Other activities and events across the rest of our service area in Port Stanley, Southwold and across Central Elgin suggest our district can be a very busy place this summer.

Seniors Picnic In the Park - Pinafore Park July 9 Railroad City Rib Fest - Pinafore Park - July 10 - 14 Nostalgia Nights Car Show / Art Show - Talbot Street, downtown - Saturday July 12 Thomas The Tank Engine "Day Out With Thomas" - Memorial Arena, Wilson Avenue, two weekends: July 18, 19, 20 plus July 25, 26, & 27 Iron Horse Festival - on the grounds adjacent to the south side of the CASO Railway Station and west of the Elgin County Railway Museum - Thursday August 21 to Sunday August 24 Iron Horse opening day concert - April Wine -

Thursday August 21 Fire Muster Days - Pinafore Park - Friday August 29 to Sunday August 31 If you see an opportunity in any of these events, the Chamber will gladly work to help any Member make a connection to organizers. If you're involved with any major event as an organizer or volunteer, and the event could impact Members across our service area, please let the Chamber know so we can share the news well in advance and help business prepare to be busy!

Thomas The Tank Engine “Day Out With Thomas” is just one of the major events in St. Thomas this summer.

Photo courtesy of St. Thomas Elgin Weekly News

198 9

4 201

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July, 2014

We’re happy to welcome Breah Talan to the Chamber staff this summer in the position of Office Assistant, thanks to support through the federal Canada Summer Jobs program.

Breah is a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in St. Thomas and has completed 2 years of study in the Life Sciences program at Queen’s University. She hopes to complete studies as an MD along with a Masters in Business Administration. Her long-term goals are focused on the business end of the health care system.

Now through the end of August, Breah will work with us to support and assist us in day-today operation of the Chamber office and with projects and events.

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11

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

Uh… Um… Like… Yuck!

A couple of weeks ago we found a great article in one of the on-line newsletters we see, a publication & blog called PR Daily. It was all about “filler” words and how lots of people get trapped into using them as crutches when, heaven forbid, they are challenged to speak to a group, speak on the phone, talk to the media, or be placed in any kind of pressure situation. In some cases (blame the schools?) they even become part of regular speech patterns.

If there were "Survivor" for words, the Chamber staff agree we would vote off "like." Not the “like” on Facebook, and certainly not the “like” indicating appreciation or support. But definitely the “like” that can annoy, turn-off or simply make a speaker look stupid.

It's inserted into sentences for no real reason.

Consider: I am, like, going downtown so I can, like, you know, see what’s happening.

This cell phone is, like, the slowest thing, like, I’ve ever seen.

Honestly, officer, I, like, never, um, text and drive.

Sound familiar? Filler words, needlessly tossed into spoken sentences can be fatal flaws that lose sales, turn off clients and kill credibility.

After all, isn’t it true that you are what you say and you are what you write?

With thanks to the original online post by a

gentleman named Ben Decker, provided to us by our connections in the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, we’re sharing some of his thoughts and solution ideas with the idea of better business communication in mind. We hope you’ll agree some of his suggestions are good and practical for anyone and everyone.

Other filler words that hit our garbage can include: Just …

Literally…

Actually…

So… Honestly… (as if you've been lying up until now??)

What's your filler word? You probably have one and you just don't know it.

Decker writes “A couple of years ago, a client flew me to Australia. I wanted to powerfully raise awareness, and I started using the word "truly" to heighten emotion. Truly, truly, truly. I was inserting it everywhere. Once it was brought to my attention, I focused on it, and I was able to get rid of it that very day.”

Become aware of your habits, and learn what your filler words are. We often pick them up from other people. Sometimes we turn to them when we are in a particular situation such as when we are presenting in front of a room, when we are excited or nervous, or when we have to deliver bad news.

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Filler words can be classified into a few different categories: Conjunctive fillers We insert filler words in between the clauses, filling the spaces that need pauses.

Instead of saying: "My name is Ben, and I have three athletic boys. During the spring, I spend a lot of time at baseball games. Last weekend, I went to six different games," it sounds like this: "My name is Ben,

David Gifford Licensed Funeral Director

and uh, I have three athletic boys. During the spring, I spend, uh, a lot of time at baseball games.

Like last weekend, I went to, um, like, six different games."

It's hard to read this example here, and it's also hard to listen to it live. We've all heard someone else do this. Chances are you might have done it, too.

Dramatic fillers Filler words can also be used for dramatization and emphasis. "There were, like, a million mosquitoes" or, "They literally asked me how to do a search on LinkedIn." We all love dramatization when we are telling stories, but as a listener, those repetitious "likes" and "literallys" are annoying and can destroy the credibility of the person speaking.

Runway fillers Filler words sneak in at the beginning of our sentences, kind of like a long runway as we are getting into an idea, before it takes flight. It's much stronger if we eliminate these repetitious fillers.

The usual culprits of runway fillers are: "So…" "Like…" "Honestly…" "In theory…"

Check-back fillers It happens when you are asking for permission, repeatedly ending sentences with "right?" or "OK?" or "you know?" They are ways for us to faux check back with our audience. I say "faux" because they are usually posed as questions.

Using these words on occasion isn't the problem; it's a problem when these words become repetitive that it's hard to concentrate on the rest of your content. Something you might not know: Eliminating filler words is one of the easiest things to do.

Tips for cutting out ums, uhs, and literallys Not sure if you have a filler word (or two)? Take a tip from sports trainers. Watch yourself on video.

There's no better tool and the camera doesn't lie.

1. Leave yourself a voicemail. When replaying it, note the words you default to when you're not focused. Alternatively, you can even use your smartphone in "voice memo" function.

2. Try to overdo a pause. The power of the pause has amazing impact. Just pause. Challenge yourself to only resume when the next thing out of your mouth is not a filler word, but it is your next idea. It might feel like you are waiting for an eternity, but it won't seem long to your listeners.

Over time, your pause length will shorten.

Continued on page 13...

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www.McGregorAutoParts.ca 12

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Hospitality plus many smiles!

On the afternoon of Friday May 30, just before 1:00 p.m., Chamber CEO Bob Hammersley reports getting a unique phone call from Chicago.

Susan Herzog-Schueler, one of the drivers behind a Chicago charity called the Henry Schueler Foundation, has a major problem and she’s looking to the Chamber for help.

The story explained to the Chamber was a tale of 20 Chicago firefighters on a unique fundraising trip: a 12-day, 1,000-mile journey on bicycles from Chicago’s Wrigley field to Fenway Park in Boston. They left Chicago May 26 and had made it into Canada via Windsor’s Ambassador Bridge.

Now on Highway 3 after an overnight stay in Leamington, they would arrive in St. Thomas around 5 p.m. The problem? Something has fallen through with a hotel booking for the riders and their support team. What could the Chamber do to find a couple of dozen hotel rooms on short notice?

Thanks to the support of the staff at the Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn, we were able to keep the bike crew almost perfectly on their route. And it gets better. Special thanks to Nick and Trudy and the staff at the Wayside Dining Lounge for greeting the riders with platters of fresh-cooked

Lake Erie perch as they arrived at the Talbotville intersection. Thanks, as well, to our local firefighting friends and the O.P.P. in St. Thomas & Southwold for meeting, greeting and offering escort support on arrival and departure.

Nicole Klicsarits, left, and Natalie Zima of the Best Western Plus StonerWe have kept track of idge Inn & Conference Centre are shown at their display booth during our the tour and happily re- Southwest Business Expo at the Progress Building, Western Fair District, on port they met goals and June 11. Natalie, Nicole and their crew recently gave the Chamber a big kept on schedule, ar- helping hand with a mission that turned panic to big smiles for a group of riving in Boston June 6 Chicago firefighters. as planned. Each rider ers. Since the completion of the journey we have logged 1,077 miles and burned over 57,000 calories! The tour goal was heard from Susan, saying “You can see pictures, to raise $100,000 for the Henry (Hank) Schueler etc. at facebook.com/Henry41and9. Thank you Foundation and its work to fight pediatric leuke- for all your help at the spur of the moment that mia. The Foundation is a special cause supported day! Matt (my husband) said the folks in your

by Chicago firefighters and is named in honour town and at the hotel were brimming with hosof the unfinished life of a boy in grade 8 who suf- pitality”.

Thanks, Susan! And thanks to our Members … fered the disease. We mentioned Hank’s Mom, Susan, in the start of this article. His Dad, Matt, it’s your collective support that makes this all posis a Chicago firefighter and was one of the rid- sible!

Uh… Um… Like… Yuck!

Continued from page 12...

3. If you project your voice, it's really hard to say "um…" That energy, pitch, and projection eliminate the tendency to add an "uh," and it makes it more engaging for other people who are listening.

4. Don't get down on yourself. If you focus on the negative (saying too many "ums," "likes," and "honestlys"), it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy of filler word overload. Instead, focus on the positive. Say the phrase, "I am a person that perfectly pauses" out loud. Not only do you have to slow down and enunciate that phrase (so much alliteration), but it also shifts your focus to what you do well.

Eliminating filler words won't take extra time, it will just take extra effort.

Slow down and pause. This is the golden ticket. The payoff for this is tremendous: heightened credibility, a better delivery and, best of all, a clearer message without the distraction.

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160 Main Street, West Lorne | (519) 768-0020

www.theweeklynews.ca July, 2014

“Building Prosperity for St. Thomas & Elgin County Residents & Employers.”

ELGIN THIS MONTH

13

Pro Text Events and News of Interest to our Members

Don’t Travel Without Insurance

by Jennifer Hillier

If you’re planning on travelling out of the province or out of the country this summer – or anytime - Travel Insurance is an important purchase prior to your departure.

Purchasing travel insurance will help you avoid large expenses if an illness or injury were to occur such as the cost of hospitalization or medical treatment outside Canada.

Your provincial health plan only covers a fraction of healthcare expenses incurred outside Canada and limits coverage when travelling to other provinces. Yet illness and accidents are just a few of the all-too-common incidents that could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket expenses when travelling. Foreign hospitals and clinics have been known to refuse treatment to patients who lack adequate insurance or the financial resources to pay their bills. A single accident could result in

years of debt for anyone who is not prepared.

Insurance policies vary, so be sure to read all the fine print carefully to see exactly what is covered.

Certain pre-existing medical conditions that increase the likelihood of a claim may be excluded.

If you have a heart condition or terminal illness, you may need to provide additional information before you can be offered a policy. Sporty people, off-piste skiers and bungee jumpers should check if their activities are covered.

You can purchase travel insurance through your travel agent, insurance broker or your employer’s insurance provider. For all personnel from businesses or organizations that are registered as Members of the Chamber and enrolled in the national Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, travel coverage is already included for you at no extra charge but we always advise checking with your agent or calling the national service/help number to confirm details before you depart from Ontario. Credit card companies may also offer their clients travel and health insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically provided or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.

Carefully research your needs and verify the conditions, limitations and requirements of your insurance policy before you leave Canada. When assessing a travel health insurance plan, ask if it: • Provides continuous coverage before you leave Canada and after you return • Has an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour/7day emergency contact number in English and/or translation services for health care providers in your destination country • Pays for foreign hospitalization for illness or injury and related medical costs and, if so, whether it pays up front or expects you to

pay and be reimbursed later • Provides coverage for doctor’s visits and prescription medicines • Covers pre-existing medical conditions. Get an agreement in writing that you are covered, or you could find your claim “null and void” under a pre-existing condition clause • Provides for medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest location with appropriate medical care • Clearly explains deductible costs. Plans with 100-percent coverage are more expensive but may save money in the long run, and are worth every penny.

• Covers the preparation and return of your remains to Canada if you die abroad. In most cases, these costs will exceed the plan coverage • Covers emergency dental care • Covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services It is crucial to ask all the right questions, seek professional advice and do your research to ensure you fully understand your coverage when travelling. Taking the time to learn about your coverage and protection options now will save you time, money and peace of mind if an injury or illness is to occur.

This column appears monthly in Business Beat and has been prepared by Jennifer Hillier, CIP, RIB (Ont), Broker/Advisor at Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited, 462 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via e-mail: info@reithandassociates.com

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

14

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

St. Thomas-Elgin SafeComm session Biggest to-date in Canada!

SafeComm plans priorities We asked our community, and you told us. Of all the reasons that produce preventable injuries, visits to the ER and hospitalizations, our Top 5 to work on are: 1. Motor Vehicle Collisions 2. Falls 3. Self-Harm/Suicide 4. Assault & Abuse 5. Sports & Recreation The St. Thomas – Elgin Safe Communities Coalition (SafeComm) is part of a national initiative to reduce and prevent injuries in the workplace, on roads & highways, and in all aspects of life in St. Thomas & Elgin. Check us out and ‘like’ us on Facebook for more.

Former MPP & St. Thomas Mayor Steve Peters (left) donated time and energy to lead participants in our SafeComm Priority Planning Session.

Stacy Wraight (right) of the Alzheimer Society co-chairs our 2014 SafeComm steering committee. Kelly Farrell of the Canadian Red Cross is our other co-chair this year.

Look forward to carefree summer driving!

With 92 registered participants, our local Safe Communities Priority Planning session held June 4 is now recognized as the largest and best-attended in Canada this year!

Business Law, Real Estate, Wills and Estates K. Stewart Bowsher B.A., LL.B. Alice J. (Bowsher) Burgess B.A.(Hon.), LL.B. Lane E. (Bowsher) Walker B.Sc.(Hon.), LL.B.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

15

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

New Members

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. Those listed below were accepted as registered Members May 16 to June 15, 2014. Once an organization registers with the Chamber, all personnel (owners/managers/staff) within the organization have full access to all Chamber programs, projects, events and services.

Pita Pit 877 Talbot Street St Thomas, ON N5P1E5 Phone: 519-633-5569 Email: shannon.helmer@franchise.pitapit.com Website: www.pitapit.com Contact: Shannon Helmer, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Restaurants, Catering Products & Services: Welcome to fresh thinking and healthy eating! At the Pita Pit, they are proud of what they put into their pitas, and equally proud of what they don't. Nothing's deep-fried, battered or grilled in fat. They don't add salt unless you tell them you want it and they don't stuff their good-for-you, great-tasting fillings in big wads of bread as thick as a mattress. Shannon Helmer & the gang at the NEW

St. Thomas location invite you to stop in and taste the difference. Pita Pit expects to open their newest location here later this month!

Yellow Pages Group 16 Place du Commerce Verdun, QC H3E 2A5 Phone: 514-934-2933 Email: carlos.carpio@ygp.com Web: www.ygp.com Contact: Carlos Carpio, Senior Manager Communications Buyers Guide Category: Media, Advertising & Promotion Products & Services: Yellow Pages Group is a leading media and marketing solutions company offering services to small and medium enterprises across Canada. The Corporation contributes to the success of these businesses by connecting them with local consumers in their communities. Their team of digital advertising consultants specialize in providing SMEs with the knowledge and expertise needed to transition their businesses from traditional advertising solutions into full multi-media digital marketing campaigns; including Websites, mobile, video, search, display and social media. The Yellow Pages Group looks forward to assisting businesses in St Thomas &

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

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

ELGIN THIS MONTH

surrounding areas measure the effectiveness of their digital marketing strategies.

TechAlliance 101- 999 Collip Circle London, ON N6G 0J3 Phone: 519-858-5101 Email: info@techalliance.ca Web: www.techallinace.ca Contact: Sarah Currie, Coordinator of Programs & Member Services Buyers Guide Categories: Custom Computer Programming, Computer Training, Education Products & Services: TechAlliance has been helping tech-based companies grow since 2010. They offer advisory services, programs and resources to a robust community of start-up and established companies across southern Ontario. With other affiliated locations across Ontario, TechAlliance draws on an incredibly strong network of skills and expertise to assist businesses and organizations at all levels.

First Data 2630 Skymark Avenue Mississauga, ON, L4W 5A4 Phone: 1-888-265-4117 Email: chambermember@firstdata.com Web: www.firstdatacanada.ca Contact: Matt Landry, Strategic Partnerships Buyers Guide Category: Business Equipment & Supplies Products & Services: Across Canada, First Data is now offering exclusive and preferred pricing on electronic payment processing to all businesses and organizations that are Members of the Chamber of Commerce. First Data is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment processing services to financial institutions, governments and merchants in more than 50 markets around the world.

First Data offers a broad range of payment solutions tailored to local market requirements, including: • Issuing and consumer finance processing • License software solutions for payment processing - VisionPLUS • Acquiring processing and switching • Merchant acquiring • ATM and POS management • Value-added services such as risk and fraud management • Contact centre, back office and output services

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Residential • Commercial • Industrial 16

Healthy Living Self DiScovery

Questions to ask summer students

by Anouschka Van den Bosch

only a few of the questions you could ask your student. They don’t need to be asked all in one sitting, I would actually suggest asking these questions over several conversations with your student depending on your work environment of course.

While you are having these conversations also indicate your expectations so they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them in com-

pleting their work. It is always my hope that one or two of our summer students come back after their schooling and apply for a permanent position. It is always good to see when some of them actually do.

As for my flag lady, she has turned her STOP sign to SLOW and we crawl at a slow pace through the construction zone. I make eye contact with her, and for a moment I can just imagine her in a few years as the Director of Public Works. Not sure if she can imagine that but then again I see high potential in everyone.

The warm sun is shining through my truck window. The radio is playing my favourite tune, and I quietly sing along. The dust from the road is blowing through my open window and I actually really don’t care. I take in the farm fields and allow my mind to just chill while waiting for the flag lady to let us all through the construction zone. I watch her standing there with the STOP sign in her hands. She is avoiding eye contact with any of the drivers; she knows she is being watched.

She reminds me of the students in my employee orientation sessions. I wonder how they are doAnouschka Van den ing. Did they retain any of the information we Bosch is a Human provided for them that day?

Resources Professional Most summer students are now half way through and Certified Life and their summer contracts. Hopefully their work Career Coach. experience has been positive so far and they are learning skills that they can transfer into other jobs or their future career.

I have always believed that summer students are important for any organization even if they are only there for a short period of time. During that time we have an opportunity to provide them with valuable career guidance and give them a chance to apply their education into their summer job.

Most organizations don’t provide a probation review with their summer students; however I think it is Features tures important we check in with our students to ensure their work experience • True rue Charcoal Taste • Limited Lifetime Warranty is positive and that they meet our Ready to Grill in 15 Minutes • Comes Fully Assembled • Read expectations. If you don’t provide an official probation review, maybe you • Bake, Grill and Smoke can consider some of my suggestions to at least facilitate a discussion with the student. One topic we cover during orientation, and I would imagine most organizations would, is Workplace Violence and Harassment. Ask Features your student if he or she feels comfortable coming to you or their super• Same as ClassicJoe • Plus Ash Tool visor/manager with any concerns if • Plus Split Fire Box • Plus 180% More they feel threatened or harassed. During my orientation sessions, I have • Plus Ash Screen Cooking Area heard stories of students who kept certain situations to themselves out of fear of retaliation or being terminated.

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Ready to Cook in 15 Minutes Superior Taste Only Pennies per Use Built to Last a Lifetime Ask your student what personal protection equipment they need to wear Keeps the natural oils and Our 100% natural Lump Our bbq’s are built for years of Same as the average time it moisture in food for incredible Charcoal costs only use and beauty which includes and do they know where to find retakes to preheat a gas grill juiciness & tenderness pennies per use a lifetime limited warranty placement PPE? Do they know safe working practices such as not texting while flagging? Do they know their rights when they don’t feel the equipment they are asked to use is in proper 1244 Talbot Str. St.Thomas working condition? Do they underHours: Monday - Friday 9am-5:30pm stand the importance of lifting heavy material correctly so as not to injure Saturday 9am-4pm • Sunday Closed themselves? Do they know how to www.countrypoolsandspa.com safely handle chemicals? These are

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17

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Early Learning Centre expands to Aylmer

by Sheila Nesbitt

The St. Thomas Early Learning Centre is celebrating the upcoming expansion of its longstanding child care services in the St. ThomasElgin community. We are committed to investing in the future of our community by providing strong early childhood care for the children of Elgin County.

The St. Thomas Early Learning Centre has been part of the St. Thomas community since October 1988. We currently operate two child care centres in St. Thomas and a child care centre in Port Burwell. We also provide care for school age children on P.D. Days, March Break and Summer which are licensed for children ages 4-12 years.

In addition, the Early Learning Centre operates Elgin Home Child Care.

Building on previous successes, the Early Learning Centre is expanding services to include two new locations opening later this year. The expansions include an additional centre in St. Thomas which will be built in the fast growing community of Orchard Park. In partnership with Aylmer Full Gospel Church, the Early Learning Centre will be operating a much-needed licensed child care centre in the community of Aylmer. Once both of these centres are operating, the Early Learning Centre will be offering high quality child care

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to over 300 children in Elgin County and over 50 home childcare spaces through Elgin Home Childcare.

The Early Learning Centre prides itself on creating environments that meet the needs of individual families and their children. Recognizing that traditional child care hours do not fit many family’s needs, the Early Learning Centre offers 24 hour, 7 day a week care.

In addition to providing quality child care, with the expansions, the Early Learning Centre will employ approximately 100 staff in a variety of positions.

For more information about the programs offered, please call 519631-7018.

See Aylmer in a way that you never thought possible with our new book.

• Beautiful Photos • Interesting Stories

Sheila Nesbitt, RECE, is Director at the Early Learning Centre, 519-631-7018.

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July, 2014

Toys Bright’s Cheese

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Come explore our newly Transformed Country Store

26 Beech Street, Aylmer • 519.773.8481 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-5pm • Sun Closed

Like us on Facebook

ELGIN THIS MONTH

www.elginfeeds.com 18

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Tourism office promotes local festivals and events

The Aylmer Tourism office is open year round Monday to Friday 10am-2pm at 24 John Street North downtown Aylmer. The office is operated through Community Living Elgin, MainStreet Aylmer and the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce. For the summer months, a Summer Student is hired to help promote visitors to our area.

Visitors will find local resources to local businesses, throughout Elgin County. Additionally, information about local festivals, fairs, events & attractions are available as well. Brochures for residents travelling outside of our area can also be picked up. A wide variety of tourism information is right around the corner. Stop in to browse the displays and see what all we have to offer!

Thanks to the team at Community Living Elgin who greet visitors daily and do a great job to help promote our community.

Photo courtesy of Elgin County Tourism.

Advantages of joining the Aylmer Chamber The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Member Advantage program showcases businesses that offer a discount or service benefit to other chamber members – whether it’s privileged pricing, an exclusive discount or other value-added benefits. This is a program where everyone benefits: you extend special benefits or discounts to other Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce members for your business, and in return you receive advertising, recognition, discounts and benefits at many other businesses.

By choosing to offer a Member Advantage discount, you not only increase your organization’s business by elevating awareness of the goods and services you provide, but you can also help to raise your profile in our community and your reputation as a strong supporter of the Aylmer & Area business community.

Show your card before you make your purchase. A list of goods, services and discounts available to members of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce is available on the Chamber’s website.

We Work to help you protect What you can’t afford to lose

Be Part of the 168th

August 8 to 10 at the Aylmer Fairgrounds A Great Opportunity to Showcase Your Business Sponsorship Opportunities With Signage Company Booths Advertising opportunities also available on our website For more information call (519) 773-3445 Or email:aylmerfairboard@amtelecom.net www.aylmerfair.ca

ray Jenken – agent 150 John St. N., Aylmer

(519) 773-5555

rjenken@westelgin.com Proud to be a new aylmer Chamber member July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

19

~F ~FINANCING INANCING A AS SMALL MALL B BUSINESS USINESS ~ ~

The path to business success is paved with money character and the drive of the individual. And One fundamental decision in starting a small banks are not likely to business is whether you are a self-employed per- finance a small business son with a skill to offer or whether you are cre- until it’s in the black … ating a business, with staff, one that can ideally so don’t come to a bank expecting bridge fioperate without you in the long run.

If you are a self-employed person, then financ- nancing to better days, ing is an issue (when is it not?), but it’s not usually unless you own a bridge as great an issue as if you are creating a business to back up the loan.

However, banks will with staff. If the self-employed person decides it’s not working out, he or she can usually wind it loan money to small down fairly quickly and seek employment with businesses that do someone else. For a business owner, it’s consider- own their version of ably more complicated than that. The stakes are a bridge. Loans may high, and not working out can have dire conse- be available for equipment, for example. The quences for the future.

With everything else that has to be looked after bank can use the equip– research, a business plan, staffing, production, ment as collateral and marketing – sometimes financing can take a back seize it if loan payments aren’t made. You may seat. But it should always be front and centre.

Banks are usually the first stop for financing, but also be able to use your home or other property it’s important to realize what they will and won’t you own to create a personal line of credit, and do. Long gone are the days when a bank man- then personally loan that money to your busiager could look at an entrepreneur sitting across ness. Of course, if the business itself owns land or the desk and decide to make a loan based on the buildings, you may be able to borrow against that equity.

One of the larger problems for small business owners is their own optimism. Better times CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT are always just around the corner. This natural - Your Trusted Small Business Advisor - tendency, which sustains them through dif• Personal and Corporate Services ficult times, can also be • Bookkeeping and Financial Statements their worst enemy when it comes to financing.

• Estate and Tax Planning Most business plans are too optimistic about CPA, CA, LPA Mark A. Wales when financial stability Jennifer Whalls Tammy Slota will be achieved. Even if the business is profitable, www.markawales.ca poor cash flow can be 190 Centre St, St. Thomas your undoing. The busiby Terry Carroll

MARK A WALES

519-637-0700

TD Canada Trust

ness may need extra financing to get from Point A (the sale) to Point B (when the invoice is paid).

Bearing this in mind, a small business owner is wise to not only line up loans or lines of credit where possible but also to have some additional financing or cash available. This might come through a loan from an organization like Elgin Business Resource Centre. It might also come through an angel investor (approach with caution because of ownership stake or terms involved).

But it might also come from family or friends willing to invest in your business. If you do borrow from family or friends, try to do this with people who will not be in dire straits if the loan goes south, make sure the terms of interest and repayment are in writing, and work hard to meet your interest payments, if you want to keep them as family or friends.

Two final notes. Try to control your optimism – it’s a safe assumption that you will need twice as much money as you originally budgeted, on the path to success. And a good bank manager and a good accountant are two of your most important partners in financing and running a small business.

Running a small business is hard enough. We

TD Canada Trust understands the unique challenges of owning and operating a small business or farm in St. Thomas and is committed to helping you by providing services, products and advice tailored specifically to your needs.

Drop by the branch to talk to your Small Business Advisor and discover how we can make your business banking easier.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

can help.

TD Canada Trust 378 Talbot St. St. Thomas (519) 631-7070 417 Wellington St. St. Thomas (519) 633-4640 20

~F ~Financing inancing a aS Small mall B BuSineSS uSineSS ~ ~

You have a choice

Your financial well being is at stake

by Ellen Luft

Recently I have had several discussions with individuals about dealing with an Investment Advisor. I have also fielded many questions about what to expect from an Investment Advisor and how to choose one. Some questions center on the

difference between Investment Advisors at various institutions.

Twenty years ago, as a Personal Financial Manager at a large Financial Institution, I counselled individuals that it really didn’t matter which financial institution they dealt with – the person they dealt with was the key. If they were dealing with someone they trusted to do the very best for them, the institution didn’t matter.

Today there are many more financial institutions all focused on creating wealth. They are all licensed under the same government rules and must all follow specific guidelines in how they serve you. So if they are all similar institutions, the key to your decision in who to do business with rests with the individual you choose as your Investment Advisor.

It can be confusing; there are different licenses, different titles, different service standards and different individuals.

The key is to choose someone you feel confident has your best interests as a top priority. If their initial focus is only on your investments, how to make you more money or transferring your account and changing all your investments, you have not met the right Advisor. The most im-

it’s time to start your

OWN BUSINESS

$17,000 grants are available to start your business!

You must be EI eligible or a recent recipient of EI benefits.

The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) program provides funds to qualified individuals while they start their own businesses!

For more details on how to access this opportunity call Kevin Jackson at:

519-633-7597 ext. 337 Info Sessions - July 15 and August 12 @ 9 am 300 South Edgeware Rd. New SEB Business Start-ups for Elgin include:

• Bill Wilkinson - Wilkinson Mediation Services • Mike Korvemaker - Mike Korvemaker’s Delivery • Fred Olar - Cliff’s Overhead Doors

July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

portant part of your relationship with your Advisor is a mutual understanding of your life goals and the action necessary to help you reach those goals. Key to the relationship is how your financial goals support your life goals.

It is important to remember that you have a choice. If your current Investment Advisor relationship is not the right fit, change it. It’s not always easy to do but you are the important person in the relationship. Confidence in your Advisor that the financial choices you make fit with your goals and life choices is key. You may have to interview a number of Advisors before you make the best connection, changing Advisors is never easy but the end result is well worth it.

You are in charge of your financial future; key to your success is working with the right person. You have a choice; take the time to make a good one.

This article was prepared by Ellen Luft who is an Investment Advisor with Scotia Capital Inc. a HollisWealth Inc. Company. This is not an official publication of Scotia Capital Inc. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, Scotia Capital Inc.

NEED A BUSINESS LOAN? Elgin Business Resource Centre provides loans up to $250,000 for businesses located in Elgin County and St.Thomas.

Ask how we can assist you to find loan financing for your business expansion or improvements. Loans are also available for purchasing an existing business or for new business start-ups.

Call Glenn Thorel for information on our loans programs:

519-633-7597 ext. 333

21

Keeping good records can help you

Edited from the Canada Revenue Agency website Good record-keeping is essential for the modern business owner. For those doing it on their own, computer programs such as QuickBooks or Sage 50 Accounting (formerly Simply Accounting) are an excellent way to handle the day-to-day and be ready for HST and statutory deduction filing.

Complete and organized records can: 1. Help you identify the sources of your income and decide whether you should charge GST/HST. You may receive cash or property from many different places. If you do not have records showing your income sources, you may not be able to prove that some sources are non-business or

non-taxable for income tax purposes.

You also need to have complete and organized records to show that your supplies are zero-rated or not subject to GST. 2. Mean tax savings.

Good records serve as a reminder of deductible expenses and input tax credits (ITC). If you do not record your transactions, you may forget some of your expenses or ITCs when you prepare your income tax or GST/ HST returns.

3. Prevent most of the problems you might have if CRA audits your income tax or GST/HST returns.

If auditors cannot determine your income or taxable revenues because your records are incomplete, they will have to use other methods to establish your income and GST/HST net tax. This will cost you time. In addition, if your records do not support your claims, they could be disallowed.

4. Keep you better informed about the financial position of your business.

You need good records to establish your profit or loss, as well as the value of your business. Information from good records can also tell you what is happening in your business and why. The successful use of records can show you trends in

your business, let you compare performance in different years, and help you prepare budgets and forecasts.

5. Help you get loans from banks and other creditors.

Creditors need accurate information about your financial position before they give you a loan. To give them this information, you need keep organized records. Also, good records show potential creditors that you know what is going on with your business.

What records should you keep?

Make sure you keep orderly records of all income and all receipts, invoices, vouchers, and cancelled cheques indicating outlays of money.

Such outlays include salaries and wages; operating expenses such as rent, advertising, and capital expenditures; and miscellaneous items such as charitable donations.

You must keep records that let you determine how much tax you owe, or the tax, duties, or other amounts to be collected, withheld, or deducted, or any refund or rebate you may claim; and are supported by vouchers or other necessary source documents.

Retaining and destroying records You have to keep records (other than certain documents for which there are special rules) for six years from the end of the last tax year to which they relate for income tax, GST/HST or duty purposes.

Small Business Accounting Solutions for Sole Proprietors, Partnerships and Small Corporations Business Plans • Management Consulting Small Business Services • Bookkeeping Services Financial Reports • Payroll • Budgets Business Succession Planning Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff have the experience and training to help you with all your accounting and taxation needs

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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22

~F ~FINANCING INANCING A AS SMALL MALL B BUSINESS USINESS ~ ~

Elgin Business Resource Centre business loans Courtesy of EBRC Elgin Business Resource Centre is a developmental lender providing entrepreneurs, established businesses and co-operatives with business loans up to $250,000 to qualified clients, for start-up, expansion or preservation of an existing business within the region with an emphasis on economic diversification and job maintenance or creation.

A Lending Committee comprised of communi-

ty volunteers provides added expertise to the loan review process. The majority of the members have successful business management or entrepreneurial experience and sufficient familiarity with local conditions and needs that enables them to make informed and effective decisions.

Following the review of a comprehensive business plan and cash flow information, applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

financial information. The loan review process, preparation of loan agreements and other legal documentation, security registration, as well as time for representatives of the firm to sign the documents are all considerations. EBRC suggests applicants plan on 6-8 weeks from providing the information above to receiving the money (assuming the loan is approved, of course).

For more information, contact Glenn Thorel, Senior Business Counsellor / Loans Officer, 519633-7597 x 333, gthorel@elgincfdc.ca.

• Businesses must be located in Elgin County • Anticipated financial viability • Responsible management • Personal financial or equity investment We are happy to provide Insurance • Available security • Applicant’s credit Solutions tailored to your needs. history

Insurance Solutions for Home Based Businesses

Note: Lending money takes time, and often depends on the applicant’s state of readiness in preparing and presenting a viable business plan and

There are many benefits to joining the

Home Based Business association • 3 Annual Showcases • Monthly Network Meetings • Guest Speakers and Business Spotlights We assist new and existing HBB’s to achieve healthy sustainable growth through education, business networking and mentoring

519-207-1115

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Home Repair Lawn Care & much more Get R Done Handyman Services Your Small Job Specialist Call 226 448 0843

AYLMER 75 Talbot Street East 519-773-8471

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PORT STANLEY 289 Bridge Street 519-782-3327

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ACTIVE BUSINESS CENTER Now open at

10 Princess Ave., St. Thomas (Lower Level)

Communal business partnership to assist in affordable business space to transition from the home based business location to small business.

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Guitar, Piano, Voice, Drums, Flute and Tykes & Tots programs.

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‘Nutrition Based Wellness’

Family Fitness Class every Monday 6:00-7:30pm Come join us to see what it’s all about!

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Birthday Parties, small group meetings, classes/workshops etc.

Visit HBBACanada.com for info and prices or contact HBBA@rogers.com 519-207-1115

ELGIN THIS MONTH

23

~F ~FINANCING INANCING A AS SMALL MALL B BUSINESS USINESS ~ ~

What you need to know about your credit score and credit report

by Glenn Thorel

Last year we reviewed the 5 Cs of lending to get a better understanding of the criteria commercial lenders use to evaluate debt financing requests.

This article will expand on the first of these criteria to get a better understanding of Credit.

It always surprises me to learn the number of people who approach a lender but lack an understanding of credit reporting and credit scores.

Many people don’t understand what credit reports are, or how to build a positive credit score. A credit review is one of the first steps a lender takes when discussing a loan and the credit reports and credit scores are a key evaluation criteria used to evaluate loans.

When a lender or creditor reviews a credit report they often refer to the credit score. The credit score is a 3-digit measure of the risk that grades a consumer’s financial reliability. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900 points, with 900 being the best score. Credit scores are also referred by different brand names, such as Beacon, Empirica and FICO. The credit score is calculated using a mathematical formula based on the information contained in the credit report.

Credit reports are issued in Canada by one of two credit reporting agencies, Equifax or Tran-

sunion. These agencies collect their data from several different sources including credit card companies, mortgage and other commercial lenders, financial institutions, landlords, utility accounts, cell phone companies and collection agencies. These agencies are governed by regulations and access to the information is controlled and cannot be released without your consent. However your credit report may be purchased by a number of different users including banks, credit unions, financial institutions, credit card companies, auto lessors, auto retailers, and landlords. Usually, when you sign an application for credit, you permit the lender to access your credit report, both at the time you apply and anytime afterward while your account is open. Some provincial laws permit government representatives, including judges and police, to see parts of your credit report without your consent.

The two factors that most affect your credit report are your payment history and your use of available credit. Credit reports track your payment history and credit utilization measures the amount of your available credit that you actually use.

Your credit score is damaged if you • Make late payments – the longer you take to make your payment, the worse the impact on your credit score • Have accounts that are sent to collections agencies • Declare bankruptcy or default on a loan • Withhold payments due to a dispute with a creditor • Bounce cheques • Hold a large or excessive amount of debt

• Incur a high number of credit inquiries • Carry too many credit cards • Have a public record of a bankruptcy • Hold an unreasonable amount of unused credit • Have credit cards with balances that exceed the credit limit A consumer can request their own credit disclosures, for free, once a year from each of the main credit bureaus. These reports do not include a credit score but contain the details of your credit history. Free credit reports can only be obtained through mail or telephone requests. You may choose to obtain a report through the internet, however there is a fee for this service. Ordering your own credit report does not impact your credit score. The contacts for the two credit bureaus in Canada are as follows: Equifax Canada Consumer Relations Department P.O. Box 190 Stn Jean-Talon Montreal, QC H1S 2Z2 Tel: 1-800-465-7166 www.equifax.ca TransUnion Canada Consumer Relations Department P.O. Box 338, LCD #1 Hamilton, ON L8L 7W2 Tel: 1-800-663-9980 www.transunion.ca Glenn Thorel is Senior Loans Officer with Elgin Business Resource Centre.

RBC works with more Small Business Owners than any other financial institution in Canada.

Take advantage of our knowledge and experience.

Call Barbara Beechey today! y!

Barbara Beechey Senior Account Manager, Business and Personal RBC Royal Bank 1099 Talbot St. E., St Thomas 519-631-7480 barbara.beechey@rbc.com ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2011 Royal Bank of Canada.

July, 2014

ELGIN THIS MONTH

24

~F ~Financing inancing a aS Small mall B BuSineSS uSineSS ~ ~

To start or buy a business?

Some basic considerations

Courtesy of canadabusiness.ca Starting a business from scratch can be overwhelming for first-time entrepreneurs. If you have a great business idea and are ready to work hard to build it from the ground up, then you may wish to start your own business. But if you want to hit the ground running and avoid some of the common start-up pitfalls, then buying an existing business or a successful franchise may be a better option for you.

Starting your own business Benefits • Complete freedom to design and manage the business according to your vision.

• Not bound by anyone else's rules, history or assets.

• Opportunity to carve out a new niche in the market.

• Can be less expensive than buying a successful business.

Challenges • Can take time to become profitable.

• There is no guarantee of business success and a high rate of failure for new businesses.

• Can be more difficult to get financing because lenders or investors are taking a risk with your idea.

• Can start bringing in profits more quickly.

• Can be easier to get financing because the business model is proven.

Buying an existing business or franchise Benefits • Benefit from the work that has already been done on building a brand, developing customer relationships, developing business processes and acquiring assets.

Challenges •The upfront investment is often higher than if you were starting your own business.

• The previous owner and/or franchisor's business model and way of doing business may not be a perfect match with what you envision.

The financial section of a business plan Courtesy of canadabusiness.ca As part of any business plan, you will need to provide financial projections for your business. Your forecasts should run for the next 3 to 5 years. However, the first 12 months' forecasts should have the most detail, including assumptions both in terms of costs and revenues, so investors can clearly see your thinking behind the numbers.

As you put your plans down on paper, remember the importance of thinking objectively. Analyzing your venture from three points of view — optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic — can give you a solid idea of what to expect as you move forward.

Your financial forecasts should include: • Cash flow statements — this is a cash balance and monthly cash flow pattern for the first 12-18 months. Include working capital, salaries and sales.

• Profit and loss forecast — this is the level of profit you expect to make, given your projected sales, the costs of providing goods and services, and your overhead costs.

• Sales forecast — this is the amount of money you expect from sales of your product and/or service.

Things to consider: • How much capital do you need, if you are seeking external funding?

• What security can you offer to lenders?

•How do you plan to repay any borrowings?

• What are your sources of revenue and income?

We have the tools to help you

Your forecasts should cover a range of scenarios, and you should include the contingency plans you've developed to offset any risks. You can also review benchmarks and averages for your type of business and discuss your business' position.

Are you a Small Business Owner?

Then you should meet our team for your personal and business needs.

Get expert help on: • saving time and money • operating your business more effectively • managing your personal and business banking seamlessly Contact:

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• Job Costing • Cash Flows • Budget Analysis • Bookkeeping • Tax Planning • Financial Reports • Income Tax Preparation for Business and Personal

Gail Dennis

226-236-2321 or 519-913-3288

Jeff Haldenby (Aylmer) Commercial Account Manager 519-765-1824 jeff.haldenby@bmo.com John Rozeluk (St. Thomas) Commercial Account Manager 519-631-6108 john.rozeluk@bmo.com

®

P rosperity Coach For Your Business and You July, 2014

John (St.Thomas) Thomas) LisaRozeluk Cole (St. Commercial Account Cash ManagementManager Specialist 519-631-6108 519-631-6598 john.rozeluk@bmo.com lisa.cole@bmo.com

Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

25

Dining & Entertainment FOOD & WINE

The look ahead, and a look behind

by Jamie Quai

SundstayBuffet Breakfa fles, bacon,

Pancakes, waf and much more hash browns, fruit tea and juice Includes coffee,

m $10.99 • 9am – 1p

One of the most common themes to the questions I am decimated. There will be very little Sauvignon Blanc, getting right now about wine is: how did the vines do Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Shiraz in 2014. The indusafter this particularly bad winter? In this month’s article I try often tries to mitigate the risks with a sensitive variety will let you in on the realities, the risks, the ruins and the by using wind machines. They were ineffective during rewards of the winter that was 2014, and the harvest that several of the events and the damage was done. While all will be vintage 2014. of our older Merlot were wiped out, a new planting from Let’s start off with a little context. Different grapes have last spring has a survival rate well above 50%! different tolerances to winter injury. The temperature In the Lake Erie North Shore appellation that Elgin that will kill 100% of a Merlot vine, will likely only af- County falls into, even hearty varieties like Chardonfect 40-50% of a Baco Noir vine. It is very difficult to nay, Riesling, Vidal, and Cabernet Franc were killed to generalize about economic effects since a producer who the base of their trunks. While some of the plants did focuses on heartier varietals such as Cabernet Franc, and see buds pop in the spring, when less than 60% of the Vidal will have likely fared better than someone growing buds are killed, there is likely enough internal damage cold temperature sensitive Sauvignon Blanc or Gewurz- to a trunk that the vine will shut down midsummer untraminer. Testing for winter injury before spring is both der stress. As a precaution, any sucker growth from the destructive and speculative. You have to remove a cane base of the plant is kept, and a new trunk is established. from the vine, cut the buds open and look for injury. This is actually the best of a bad situation since growing Obviously; if you cut the cane, the numbers are not ac- a new trunk means one lost year of production and not curate to what you are keeping, and two canes side by three years having to replant. Take a drive down the shore side do not necessarily have the same health. and you will likely see a lot of growth shooting up from There were six documented temperathe base of what appear to be dead ture events between January and June in vines. ...wine vitality which the ambient air temperature fell to This article could have been writis a very (pardon levels that resulted in high grapevine bud ten months ago, but it would have mortality in Elgin, Essex, Kent Counbeen largely speculative. The honthe pun) fluid ties. That number is somewhat more est truth is that grapevines and ulnotion... than Niagara experienced, and slightly timately wine vitality is a very (parless than Prince Edward County (the two don the pun) fluid notion. Until other major wine regions). Almost more the buds burst in the spring- nothimportantly, the temperature during those events was ing is certain. Until the grapes are harvested ... everymuch lower than thing can change. we have experiThere is a reward in the ruin of winter 2014. Ontario’s enced in almost curse is also a real blessing. We are often cited as having a decade. It isn’t a lack of focus. While other parts of the world specialize however unprec- in certain grapes, we choose diversity. Had we put all of edented. There our efforts into Sauvignon Blanc we would be finished. were a significant But we don’t. We grow Sauvignon Blanc with Riesling. number of events When one grape is set back, another one is ready to covin 2005, 1994 er. Think of it like a viticulture mutual fund – some asand 1980. All of pects do better than others and with due diligence there which the indus- is going to be long term growth. Harvest 2014 will be try rebounded light, but there will be a harvest, and I am excited to see from. what fruits we reap.

The reality, as of Jamie Quai is head right now, is that winemaker at Quai the higher risk du Vin Estate Winery varietals grown in in Elgin County the province were

Dinner S pecials •Yellow Lake Perch •Ribs & W in gs •Schnitzel *see rest aurant for de

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26

Homestyle Decorating

Dining and kitchen chairs The styles seem endless!

by Renée Carpenter

Chairs, whether dining, kitchen, counter or bar, come in wood, vinyl, upholstery, metal and a multitude of shapes and styles. Whatever the style of your kitchen, a complementary chair is available. Dining chairs typically come in two basic shapes. Arm chairs, traditionally used at the heads of the table, have a resting place for the arms. Side chairs, used elsewhere around the table, include only legs, a seat and back, but no arms.

If your kitchen or dining room has a traditional, formal look, there are many chairs from which to choose.

Queen Annestyle chairs, for example, have an urn-shaped, high back, and are based on an 18th-century style. Chippendale chairs, another 18th-century design, have a high, elaborately carved back, curving legs and claw feet. Lyre, or shield-back, chairs also are formal styles, featuring low backs in the shape of the musical lyre or shield. All these types of chairs may have an upholstered seat.

Country dining / kitchen chairs include the Windsor, which features a bowed back support of spindles driven into the seat, as well as turnedspindle legs. Ladder-back chairs, also called Shaker chairs, have horizontal slats along the length of a tall, straight back. These chairs often have woven rush or caned seats. Hitchcock chairs, also with a woven seat, feature turned-spindle legs and neck rests with a smooth horizontal splat in the center

of the back, showcasing the grain of the wood.

If your style is casual, the sheaf-back or wheat-back chair is an option. This chair’s back includes slats driven into the seat, but they are drawn inward at the middle by a horizontal bar or slat.

This gives it the cinched appearance of a sheaf of wheat. Metal soda-shop chairs with vinyl-topped circular seats are a casual option, as are combination wrought iron and wood styles.

Styles mass-produced in the 1950s for modern homes are widely available as ‘retro’ chairs. One such style features an open back topped by a rectangular or oval splat or back piece. Vinyl upholstered seats in cherry red, pine green or black often sport chrome legs. Clear, molded plastic chairs are another retro style, as is the schoolhouse chair, the

plastic and chrome seat students still use today.

Many other styles of kitchen and dining chairs are available as well. Craftsman style chairs feature a vertical splat with a high back. Swedish style chairs are usually constructed of wood painted white or light blue. French country may feature rush seats and a curvy, ladder-back style decorated with stencils. Iron chairs can be styled to resemble outdoor furniture for a rustic feel.

When purchasing a dining room set, expect the chairs to be at least two-thirds of the entire cost, depending on the style and number of chairs purchased. Choose a dining room manufacturer that offers a variety of chair styles to allow you to price out the various options available. But remember, it’s the chairs that provide the dining comfort while entertaining or relaxing at a meal and can make or break both comfort and style. If buying quality, it is an investment built to last.

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

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HEALTHY LIVING EVERYDAY HEALTH

Degenerative disc disease

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

I recently attended a radiology seminar in Toronto. Various topics were discussed but one that I thought would be particularly interesting for our readers was degenerative disc disease (DDD).

This term seems to be one that people are familiar with as they have heard it either from their medical doctor or other practitioner but commonly aren’t sure what it means exactly or how it may contribute to their lower back pain.

Degenerative disc disease is usually a slow

gradual process. People are commonly not aware it is happening until it has progressed to a point where it is causing symptoms. Similar to a cavity in the tooth, the process takes place over months and even years until it becomes severe enough to cause pain. Often the presentation of the patient is almost exactly the same as for simple, noncomplicated mechanical back pain. In fact, many patients may feel as though it is exactly the same as previous episodes, if they have experienced a history of lower back pain. The first clue that something is different is that it doesn’t respond the same way to treatment as the previous episodes have.

The lack of improvement should be a yellow flag for the practitioner. When a diagnosed condition does not respond as expected to treatment, this can be a clinical indication that perhaps an x-ray should be taken.

Once the x-ray is taken, then the complicating factor of degenerative disc disease is often found.

The nature and characteristics of degenerative disc disease can vary greatly. Commonly, the patient will be at least in their mid 40s but it can occur earlier and certainly later in life. As stated, the symptoms may feel very much like Audéo Q Astonishingly small, common mechanical ultra light and almost invisible. back pain but typically Audéo Q keeps high-tech simple. are described as a dull With a fully automatic system achy feeling in the lower that’s perfect for life on the go. back sometimes with radiating pain out to the hips and buttocks and *See clinic for details. Offers expire July 31, 2014. sometimes down the Lyric, the world’s first and only 100% back of the legs. DDD invisible, 24/7 wearable, sweat-proof, may leave patients more shower-proof, for-months-at-a-time vulnerable to acute epihearing device. sodes of lower back pain

as the back becomes less able to tolerate stress and strain. It is one of these episodes that generally leads to the eventual finding of DDD. Specifically, the changes at the disc that occur involve a breaking down of the tissues that make up the disc. The cartilage that makes up the disc begins to change from normal healthy cartilage to a more fibrocartilagenous material. This material is less resilient than the original healthy material and is more prone to tears. The disc becomes thinner and therefore the space between the vertebra becomes thinner in effect compressing the posterior joints of the spine. This compression is one of the factors that leads to pain. With the fibrous changes taking place in the disc there is also an infiltration of nerve tissue that is more prone to inflammation causing more sensitivity. In summary, there are mechanical, chemical and neurological changes associated with DDD that lead to the symptoms that people experience.

Many treatment options are available, and surgery is always a last resort. Treatment by physiotherapists, chiropractors and other practitioners that specialize in physical therapies can be very effect. Spinal manipulative therapy can be a very helpful treatment option to relieve pain and increase function in those patients suffering from DDD. In some more difficult cases, corticosteroid injection therapy can be helpful as well. There have also been some encouraging results for many using inversion therapy.

Degenerative disc disease is a fairly common cause of lower back pain. It is generally a diagnosis requiring some form of imaging, most commonly x-ray. Many treatment options are available, so seek out a chiropractor, physiotherapist or other practitioner that specializes in physical therapies for help. This condition generally responds well to conservative therapy, and only in rare cases is surgery required.

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

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“Please pass the ketchup, Mom”

LIFESTYLE ThaT’s Life

by Elizabeth VanHooren

If my sons had their way, supper would always be served fast. Not “fast food” in the modern sense of the term, rather a meal that wouldn’t require them to sit at the table for longer than 30 seconds and certainly one that didn’t involve a teaching moment.

I expect my sons, at four and six, to display a certain level of table manners. But I may just have to accept the fact that little boys are not wired to sit straight, use napkins, and really do not see what is wrong with slurping spaghetti.

My eldest seems to levitate on his chair at every meal. Usually he is so hungry he has the first spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth before he is actually sitting. Even after asking him to sit nice, one leg is often left off the chair. He perches there one leg on, one leg off ready to run the moment he is done.

Supper bores my youngest. He consumes his daily calories at lunch – and some snacks in between – so that by supper he just isn’t interested in food. Instead he swivels in his chair to look out at the backyard with longing.

He just puts in time really, pushing food around his plate so that it looks like he is eating something.

Meaningful table conversation is non-existent.

I may get a few snippets of information from my eldest about events at school that day. But usually the conversation takes some sort of downspin. Ei-

ther both boys are trying to talk at once, or one is mad because the other looked at him funny. Then there are the silly faces back and forth which lead to a spilt drink or a dropped fork and food.

I have seen them use their napkin, and then thirty seconds later, forget and use their sleeves.

Despite repeated reminders to keep their glasses at the top of their placemats, glasses full of milk get knocked over by elbows.

So, I take pleasure in the small things. Just the other evening, my eldest was actually sitting on his chair and asked me very politely to, “Please pass the ketchup Mom.” He took the bottle from me with a “Thank you” and proceeded to apply the red sauce to his meatloaf. Inevitably, it squirted out a glob to which my youngest son giggled with delight, “The ketchup farted!”

I rolled my eyes in despair only to catch my husband joining the boys in their chuckles.

I’ll never give up hope that someday my little boys will turn into polite young men. But I can’t guarantee that they will pass the ketchup with a straight face.

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

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LIFESTYLE TIME ON MY HANDS

Becoming a cracker-jack backer upper And other lessons from the tobacco fields

by Duncan Watterworth

For several years as a student, my summer job was to march up and down tobacco fields with a measuring tape, calculating the acreage. When I look back on that time, the curious thing is that the lessons that really stuck were totally unpredictable. And maybe a bit peculiar.

Around Aylmer in the 1960s and ’70s, tobacco was king. It boosted the local economy, fed the Imperial Tobacco factory, and generated many seasonal jobs.

The hardships of harvesting tobacco by hand were immortalized by Stompin’ Tom Connors in his “Tillsonburg” song. Not only did his back hurt, but ”my underwear stuck to my skin like glue, from the nicotine tar and the morning dew.” But before those sticky leaves could be picked, every field on every farm had to be measured.

Under the Tobacco Marketing Board rules at the time, each farmer was limited to a fixed number of acres. Right after planting, dozens of students were hired to fan out across the tobacco belt, two to a car, equipped with a sixty-six foot tape and an “Enjoy Smoking Canadian Tobacco” bumper sticker.

On a bad day, they would send me to Houghton Township, near Pt. Burwell, where the fields were small, irregular, wedged between ravines and woods. A good day would be the big, square fields near Rodney.

After speaking to the farmer, I would stand at the corner of the first field as my “pin-boy” started down the side. As the tape tightened I would shout, “one,” and he would scuff a mark in the sand with his toe. And off we’d both go, until I reached the first mark and yelled, “two.” If the ends of the field were slanted and crooked, we would have to walk the whole length several times.

At lunch we would head to a country store for a cold pop or chocolate milk, and eat under a shade tree.

...a sixty-six foot tape and an “Enjoy Smoking Canadian Tobacco” bumper sticker...

At the end of the day, I would sit in the car and draw a diagram of each field with all its measurements, and a sketch of the farm showing all fields, buildings, and lanes.

Our sixty-six foot tape was called a “chain,” and was divided into 100 “links.” Ten square chains equals one acre. This 15th century British surveying system is the reason why many Canadian roadways and lots are sixtysix feet wide today.

After all the farms were measured, a few students were kept on for “cut-downs.” The farmers were notified by mail if they had over-planted, as many intentionally did. My job then was to watch them as they grudgingly disked some valuable plants into the ground.

So that was the job, but what unsuspected benefits linger? For one, I’m a crackerjack backer upper. Countless times I drove around two or three sides of a tobacco field and, unable to turn around, had to back out.

To this day, I just throw back my right arm, steer with my left, and hit the gas.

Second, on all those field diagrams I had to draw an arrow pointing north. I developed a permanent compass grid in my head, and I always know which direction I’m facing. This has been invaluable.

Third, I developed an appreciation for trees.

I don’t know why, but I just started noticing them on the back roads and farms. I began bringing an identification book along. Ever since, trees have been a source of pleasure.

So that’s what stuck from my summer job.

Plus, of course, the same lesson Tom learned: “I might get taken in a lot of deals, but I won’t go work in the tobacco fields.”

Duncan Watterworth is a retired lawyer whose mind tends to wander.

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Business & Community Career ChoiCes

What will people say at your 99th birthday?

Summer – A time for reflection

by Laura Pavilonis and Nancy Annett

When hundreds of employees from a local company were laid off and asked if they wanted to continue in same industry with a similar job, many responded quite simply – no. And when asked why they had kept working in the business for so many years, the more mystifying answer was – I don’t know. Self discovery is the first step in any career life journey, but most of us don't take the time to fit it into our busy lives, moving from role to role as opportunities present themselves without taking the time to ask the most important question – is this the best choice for me to live my best life?

Summer can be the perfect time to slow down and think about what’s important to you, what you want out of life and reflect on what you’ve been focusing on over the last 6 months.

Maybe all you need is permission to take some time alone, to clear your mind and open your heart to what life has to offer. Challenge yourself to spend some time alone, maybe journal any ideas or thoughts that come to you as you unwind. Research is increasingly telling us that without the process of actively thinking about our experiences, and questioning ourselves about what they mean, learning doesn’t really happen. What gets us from experience to understanding is reflection. Reflection also helps to provide deeper learning by looking at situations through a different lens, and by asking yourself questions that challenge one’s assumptions about the world around you.

Finding time for yourself takes effort and requires you to put yourself first. There are many ways to slow down, quiet time on a beach or in your backyard. Even easier, some uninterrupted time in the tub. Or, just pick up a book you’re interested in reading. There are many books that can help you through your journey of discovery, both fiction and nonfiction. Stories help you to uncover your thoughts and feelings about a characters values, beliefs and behaviours. Simply search the internet using some key words, or check out the local library and talk to library staff about what you’re interested in. Regardless, self-discovery doesn't have to be an onerous task.

Here are some questions to get you started. Who do I admire most and why? What was I doing, where was I and who was I with when I had some of the most fun in my life? If time, money and resources were not an issue, what would I be doing? If all I had left was 1 year, how would I spend it? What do you want people to say about you

at your 99th birthday party? The responses speak directly to your values … “I was a good person. I did something good for my community. I was a fun person to be around. I was good to my family. I laughed a lot.” Not surprisingly, the answer to these questions is never having lots of money.

One day, after we faciltated this exercise with a group of youth, an older gentleman came over to us and told us something he and his wife used to say that made us laugh … “We’ve never seen a Brinks truck following a hearse.”

In the early self-discovery stages, it's better to think about

what's really important to you and what you really want out of life. In the later stages to career discovery, the focus shifts to more detail such as the budget necessary to meet goals are met. Let the time alone this summer open your mind, allow you to dream and let your true self be free of limits. What better time to do that, than on a warm summer day?

Nancy Annett, MBA, CHRP owns Ignite Career Life Solutions, and Laura Pavilonis, MBA, CHRP owns Reach Beyond Limits. Together, they form Rock Your Career Club.

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SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Digital SLR photography workshops starting soon! Weekly classes

384 Talbot St, St.Thomas

Check out www.shutter.ca for details or email info@shutter.ca or call 519-637-3006

July, 2014

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Welcoming Our Experienced Team of Investment Advisors to St. Thomas

Tom C. House

Les Wares

Jon Seabrook

Rebecca Palmer

With over 70 years of combined investment experience, specializing in portfolio management, comprehensive retirement, tax and estate planning, the team of Les Wares, Jon Seabrook, Tom House and Rebecca Palmer look forward to providing you with an exceptional level of client service.

Jon Seabrook, CIM, FSCI First Vice-President Portfolio Manager

Les Wares, CFP, FMA, RRC BA Econ. Distinction Investment Advisor

Tom C. House Investment Advisor

Rebecca Palmer Investment Advisor Assistant

459 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C1 • 519 631-1930 CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.

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