February 2017

Your Business. Your Community.

ELLEN LUFT Investing for life Cover story: Page 3 Inside: • Aylmer & Area Chamber Pages 18 and 19

• International Women’s Day Pages 20 and 21

• RRSPs and Investments Pages 26 - 31

Volume 7 No. 6, February 2017

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 2

Financial planning: what to do and what to avoid Interview with Ellen Luft

Tell us a little about your career helping people with financial planning and investments.

I have been in the financial industry since graduating from high school. I had wanted to be a math teacher but my first job as a teller at CIBC started me on a lifelong career. As I advanced through various positions within the bank, self-learning as I went, it became very evident to me that investment decisions really needed to be based on personal goals. Obtaining my Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation directed me to focus specifically on helping clients meet their personal and financial goals.

Unless they have defined benefit plans, most people need to think at some point about retirement income and savings. When should this start, and what are some good first steps to take?

Retirement planning should start with an individual’s very first job. Starting early makes the goal so much easier to achieve as smaller amounts of savings growing for longer periods of time win the race every time. Putting automatic savings away right from the start creates a discipline that will not only help with retirement planning but first car or home purchases and children’s education financing to name a few.

Typically, what do you recommend for people in mid-career, ages forty to sixty-four?

The first thing is to help a client determine what they are planning to do in retirement, what they want it to look like, how much it would cost, and how much they have managed to save to that point in their life. Generally, their investment portfolio should contain some accessible cash for emergency purposes, and longer term, a combination of equity or stock investments and fixed income investments such as Guaranteed Investments or Bonds. Each portfolio is customized to address the specific needs of each individual client.

Over sixty-five?

Again, depending on individual circumstances, their portfolio starts to focus more on income than long-term growth, and investments are focused on ensuring annual income needs are met.

What are some of the best things people can do in the area of finance and retirement preparation?

Be realistic about their situation and their goals.

Find a financial planner they are comfortable with and can talk comfortably to about their needs.

Create the guidelines for saving, investing and retirement income you are confident you can accept … and stick with the plan.

What are some of the biggest mistakes people make?

Just because it is right for their neighbour, friend, cocktail party discussion or media expert Ellen Luft thinks people should expect the unexpected in 2017. does not mean it is right for them. Let me add to that. Focusing on the short term rather than their St Thomas Community Foundation, The Talbot long-term goals. Not establishing savings goals Teen Center, The CASO Station to name a few. early in life so that a lifelong habit is established.

And when you are not at the office, what hobPutting off for tomorrow what should be an im- bies or interests do you pursue? portant part of life planning. Thinking it is easy I love to golf in the summer and curl in the winto do yourself. ter. I am a reader, and a crafter, but my most Markets have a tendency to be volatile. Is favourite activity of all is spending time with my there anything people can do about volatility? family, children and grandchildren.

Accept that it is a part of the investment proAny predictions for 2017? cess. Be sure short- and long-term goals are clearly We are in for a very interesting investment year. identified so that volatility presents opportunities I expect markets to be volatile. Investor emotion rather than pitfalls. Your portfolio should contain and unknown political impact globally will coninvestments that meet your needs, and where in- sume our attention throughout the year. Portfocome or safety is necessary, fixed income should lios should be reviewed to confirm they can withdefinitely be included even in a low interest rate stand the volatility and then, hang on for a very environment. interesting ride.

Tell us a little about the community work you’ve been involved in, or continue to do.

This article was prepared solely by Ellen Luft who I have always believed in giving to my commu- is a registered representative of HollisWealth® (a divinity as it gives so much to me. I was a Kiwan- sion of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canaian for 20 years both in Sarnia and St Thomas. I dian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment chaired a Kiwanis Committee to raise One Mil- Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). The lion Dollars to help build the Children’s Hospi- views and opinions, including any recommendatal of Southwestern Ontario. I have served on tions, expressed in this article are those of Ellen Luft the Board of many organizations over the years, alone and not those of HollisWealth. ® Registered and am currently working with Violence Against trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under Women. I continue to serve Kiwanis through the licence. management of an Endowment Fund established by the Kiwanis Club of St Thomas. Other organiCover and page 3 photos by Mike Maloney zations I support as I am able include the Elgin-

Elgin This Month Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley Freelance Editor Terry Carroll Sales Supervisor Geoff Rae

Advertising Consultant Greg Minnema Layout Janine Taylor Production Metroland Media Group

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 February, 2017

ELGIN THIS MONTH

3

INNES As I See It

Must you really do it? sible and cordial, more often than not, frustrates us further.

We begin a wonderful New Year, full of hope We can turn a mess into a disaster and expectation! And as the plans are made we by stubbornly refusing to acknowlmust find the energy to accomplish those tasks. edge the very real limits of how Many unwittingly discover that the first much we can actually accomplish. months of the year are staggeringly stressful. ReWhen, by will and might, we push ports indicate that people in leadership are par- beyond the reasonable, we become ticularly squeezed. our own worst enemy. Such frantic Given the email, text messaging, and conse- solutions (questionably virtuous in quent demands the minds to multitask, of some) many of us become spend more of the bigour energy in gest hurdle work-related in moving activities than beyond the ever before. debilitating When prespressure. sure overWhat to whelms us, our do we do anxious juices when we make accomlive in a zoo plishing tasks next to impossible. Our mood is … we smell like a monkey and act altered and trying to focus becomes desperately like one too! Or, like the primates frustrating. we be, do we search for the key, to Too often, we manage this extra stress by push- let ourselves free? ing ourselves beyond that which is healthy for The key to freedom is, in my exbody and mind. Our willful intent to be respon- perience, humility: a humble acknowledgment that the stressful pressures of family and work are fast becoming overwhelmingly complex.

We respectfully accept that our intertwined lives are a multifaceted system of obligation and expectation that we can’t possibly master.

Like it or not, we Thursday April 20, 2017, 6 pm at Memorial Arena. can’t do it all. We let folks down and often don’t meet our own expectations. We make stupid mistakes and bite off more Pay tribute to the hardworking volunteers, athletes, artists, and than we can chew. heroes who bring pride and distinction to St.Thomas. Nomination Failure is the nature forms and eligibility criteria are available on the City’s website: of involvement. It www.stthomas.ca is, in unpredictable or at the Parks and Recreation Department, quantity, the bane of 75 Caso Crossing (formerly 2 Third Ave.,Timken Centre), all who care. the City Clerk’s Office and Mayor’s Office at City Hall.

In my experience, managing overwhelming stress is the Completed forms must be received at gift we give ourselves the Parks and Recreation Department Office when we acknowlinside the Timken Arena, 75 Caso Crossing (formerly 2 Third Ave.) edge our limitations no later than 4 pm, Friday March 24, 2017. and let go of our For information please contact: over-worked expectations. It is a process Parks and Recreation Department that calls to light the 519-633-7112

by Jim Innes

“we make stupid

mistakes and bite off

more than we can chew”

44th Annual

Honours and Awards Banquet NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

February, 2017

source of our self-worth.

Unrealistic goals, and the stress they generate, are the unfortunate result of feeling inadequate.

The recognition that follows achievement can become a temporary remedy for previous feelings of incompetence, powerlessness, or even shame.

Related to this drive for meaningfulness, some of us have mistakenly assumed that our input and presence is, forever and always, indispensably needed. And though some may argue this is false arrogance, I believe it is far better explained as the dark side of an antiquated work ethic.

As congregational leader, I am continually grateful for the sound advice that all great leaders must learn the quiet art of working themselves out of their many tasks.

As I see it, the overwhelming stress of our demanding times, is best countered by developing an unassuming sense of our own importance.

We have developed a significant gift when we can say with some measure of confidence, “the world won’t come to an end if I can’t do it”. It is a humility in which we accept our limitations as integral to our expectations; and consequently, in all our choices, we bear the stamp of quiet self-acceptance.

Jim Innes is a clinically trained therapist and, until a recent transfer, was a priest at St. John’s Anglican in St. Thomas. Learn more at jiminnes.ca.

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 4

Business & Community LEADERSHIP

LEADING YOUR INNER TEAM

by Doug Lester

If you really want to be a difference maker in 2017, it is time to look inside. You have a coordinating Self that is ready and willing to provide calm consistent leadership.

Those times when you are rude, self-centred, overly candid, shy, self-sabotaging, or indecisive are not character flaws that you will correct by reading Better Business or attending a leadership seminar.

What you are experiencing is your inner characters without clear Self-leadership or a cohesive vision.

As we worked with clients over the years, we often observed bright capable leaders become a ‘different person’ in group dynamics as they exhibited angry outbursts, judgmental rigidity, childish pouting, and then sometimes rapid shifts back to a sensitive, thoughtful leader.

These observations made us curious and challenged us to find new ways to describe and understand the inner dynamics that were obviously operating within us and the leaders we worked with.

As we studied and experimented with ways to address the inner life for ourselves and our clients, we came to realize that unless we moved beyond

a natural, normal human feature, not weird of ‘crazy’.”

Gerlach goes on to say, in Who’s Really Running Your Life?, “These personality parts seem like a group of related people living in the same dwelling. They each have different skills, jobs, ages, values, and needs, and may not know about, understand, and accept each other. They can ally, fight bitterly, or ignore or hide from some others, just as members of any group do. And like any crowd working together, if the individual members are acknowledged, respected, and effectively led, stress drops and serenity and achievements soar!

One of your personality subselves is naturally skilled at harmonizing and leading all other parts, and making decisions if allowed to do so by your other parts. When the Self (capital ‘S’) is trusted by, and leading their other subselves, people universally report feeling mixes of grounded, clear, light, centred, purposeful, energized, aware, alive, confident, ‘up’, resilient, focused, and serene.”

As you begin a new year, start developing this inner Self and allow this inner CEO to make you a real difference maker inside and out.

just naming gremlins and finding techniques to silence the “monkey noise” in our minds, we really weren’t dealing with the Characters who continued to show up in our lives and the lives of those we coached and mentored.

Although both Cheryl and I knew we had several inner Characters, we were surprised and affirmed when we realized that it is normal to have inner voices and inner conversations. Here’s how expert Peter Gerlach states this fact: “Though we have one brain and one body, our personalities are routinely composed of a dynamic group of ‘parts’ or subselves’.

This is based on the recently demonstrated ‘multiplicity’ trait of our brain—it’s inherent ability to have a group of separate neuronal regions operating simultaneously.

This multiplicity of personality parts is

Cheryl Lester and Doug Lester. Helping people live and lead on purpose. Coaching; Personal/Professional Development; 12 Step Recovery Circles. Co-authors of 12 Steps of Self-Leadership. differencemakerscircle.com

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY TOURISM

Family first at The Bear Friend Factory

by Katherine Thompson

Peter McDermid, owner of The Bear Friend Factory, is in the business of making people smile.

“You’ve never seen anybody upset about a teddy bear,” says Peter who, with wife Stephanie, started The Bear Friend Factory in their basement in 2013. The business has since grown and moved into a storefront in downtown Sparta.

The whimsical historic village is proving to be a great fit for this business that revolves around bringing people together and providing an experience that the whole family will enjoy.

The Bear Friend Factory is a place where customers can help to create their own stuffed animals on-site. This unique interactive experience allows children to feel involved in the creation of a special new friend.

“Stuffed animals are a special part of childhood,” says Peter. “Everyone has had one and you always remember your favourite.”

The store offers animals in two sizes: the smaller Buddies and the standard size Friends. There are 25 different Buddies to choose from and over 45 different Friends – the largest collection of create-your-own animals in the area. In addition to picking out an animal, customers are able to choose how much stuffing to include, pick out an outfit and select a name for a personalized birth certificate. Each animal also comes with a colouring page that can be completed and entered into a colouring contest. In addition, The Bear Friend Factory carries an extensive collection of animal outfits so your newly created friend will never be at a loss for what to wear.

The Bear Friend Factory also offers on-location parties, or for groups of 10 or more, they will come to you. Creating your own stuffed animal is sure to be a hit at birthday parties or corporate team building events.

ER Buddies is a special initiative that the Bear Friend Factory has been involved in since the beginning. Peter fundraises independently in order to provide stuffed animals for ill or injured children coming into the emergency department at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. These stuffed animals help to calm children down and make a traumatic experience a little bit better. After the 2016 donation, The Bear Friend Factory has provided approximately 550 animals to this program.

After settling in to his location in Sparta, Peter found that he had more than enough room for what he wanted to do with The Bear Friend Factory and decided that he would utilize the existing space to give talented local crafts people the opportunity to showcase their products within his space. The Whistle Stop Peddlers are a While-you-wait service on all makes with no appointment necessary. group of seventeen local vendors who offer a unique selection of high quality products that are sure to please Motorcraft ** everyone on your list.

BRAKE PADS • Replacement of front or rear brake pads or shoes Products available include knit and crochet items, • Service of calipers, mounts and sliders OR SHOES With Lifetime Warranty clothing, handcrafted wood item, stained glass, soap, • Inspection of rotors, hydraulic system and jewellery, seasonal decorations, gemstones, handmade ** brake fluid levels FROM granola, gift baskets and more.

“We wanted to keep our store fresh,” says Peter. “We • Replacement coverage on brake pads and shoes IncLuDES InStALLAtIOn wanted to create a one-stop shop for all of your gift for as long as you own your vehicle, even if they wear out due to normal use needs, a place that the whole family could come and find something to keep them entertained.”

The Bear Friend Factory is open from 10:00 a.m. Winter is Here! Get winter wipers installed from $19.98^ each.

4:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday and Noon – 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit http://www. bearfriendfactory.com/ or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BearFriendFactory/.

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All offers expire March 5th, 2017. Offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See Quick Lane Manager for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Quick Lane Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. ▲Ford Protection Plan (“FPP”) is only available for purchasers of Ford or Motorcraft® replacement parts for non-commercial cars and light trucks. FPP provides coverage (part only, labour and towing excluded) beyond the expiry of the standard Parts & Accessory Warranty. If a FPP eligible Ford or Motorcraft® part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, wear out or rust through, it will be replaced at no charge as long as the original purchaser of the part owns the vehicle on which the part was installed. Coverage varies between over-the-counter and dealer-installed parts. See your Quick Lane Manager for complete coverage details and limitations. **Excludes emergency brake pads or shoes. Machining or replacement of rotors and drums available at additional cost. ^Applicable to most cars and light trucks. Wiper blade order may be required. See your Quick Lane Manager for details.

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

Life is better in the Quick Lane.® February, 2017

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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Business & Community Marketing

How to ethically steal good marketing ideas, make more money and work less

by Bob Clarke Successful marketing is at the heart of all successful businesses. And the more successful marketing ideas you use the more successful you become.

So why are you marketing your business using the same methods that aren’t working well for other businesses like yours either? Isn’t it time you got some kick-butt marketing ideas in place so you can start living the dream your business was supposed to deliver?

Let’s face it, you don’t like the idea of having to market your business. You just want to do what you do best, which is working at or in your business. Well, you’re not alone in that thought; most business owners just want to work their business.

Do what they do best.

A dentist wants to fix teeth, mechanics want to fix cars, photographers want to take pictures and builders want to build things. You won’t hear many business owners speaking in an excited manner about how they love marketing their products or services, well, other than me.

And frankly, most business owners don’t have a solid clue about what to do or how to do it when it comes to low-cost effective marketing to increase their bottom line. They look at other busi-

nesses like theirs and do the same hope and prayer ideas? Well, the first step is to start looking around marketing, and then wait ... with intention to find good marketing ideas. BeI call that striving for mediocrity cause now that you are aware that these brilliant But why strive for mediocrity when brilliant ideas are out there and ripe for the picking, you marketing ideas are all around you ripwe for the will be more inclined to recognize them when you picking. That would be like trying to reinvent the see them. And you will start seeing them, now wheel. Right now, somewhere that you are aware. in the world people who are Now whenever you you can start living much better at it, have already read a magazine, or surf created and tested brilliant the web or drive down marketing ideas for you. All the street you can start you need to do is find them to become aware of how and copy them. other businesses do their marketing and imagine Did you know it wasn’t a hamburger joint that if it would work with your business or not. It’s invented the drive-up window? The first drive-up really that simple. window was for the Exchange National Bank of Start looking for good marketing ideas now so Chicago in 1946. The idea was then swiped by you can make more money and work less. someone in the fast food industry!

In 2000, when we started Life Potential DevelBob Clarke is chief idea guy behind opments, we lived in a small rural area of Nova Marketing Made Easy. As a certified Scotia, and the live trainings we did were barely trainer, coach, and expert in human keeping us alive. In 2008, we robbed and duplibehaviour, he knows how to get cated the internet video idea and created the very you more sales, making you the first 120 hour full NLP Certification Training most money possible, all with the fewest problems Online, which we now sell worldwide. online and off. Contact: bob@marketingmem.com or Finding brilliant marketing ideas visit www.marketingmem.com.

So, how do you find these brilliant marketing

“ the dream”

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www.centuryservice.ca E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 7

Business & Community OUR COMMUNITY

Let’s think carefully about how we grant

by Serge Lavoie

Let’s talk about government grants. It’s budget time, after all. Grants are a fixture at all levels of government, if not universally loved or appreciated.

A bit of disclosure first. In my 35-year career managing trade and professional associations, I have pursued and received numerous grants. In my capacity as a member of On Track St. Thomas and the new Railworks coalition, I’m part of efforts to secure grants for the activities of those organizations.

Having said that, I admit I’ve had a bit of a lovehate relationship with grants for all those years.

I appreciate their importance to charities and non-profit organizations. I recognize that they help create and support initiatives, services and projects that are of real value to our communities and our society. Many good things we now take for granted wouldn’t exist without granting programs.

Yet the granting process is an imperfect instrument. At best, it can be very subjective. At worst, it can lead to abuse. Some grants seem frivolous; others seem to be funding initiatives that should have been completed years ago. Quite often, grants take the place of what should rightly be permanent, ongoing support by governments.

Grants, granting processes and the organizations that rely on grants have an image problem in my view. Negative perceptions get created at each budget cycle as we debate the best use of our scarce tax dollars.

Charities and non-profits have limited avenues for revenue. Some benefit from primary government support (health care, education), some can charge admission or user fees (theatres, art galleries, rinks), some get charitable donations and almost all chase after grants.

Charitable giving is often seen as the gold standard for support. After all, it represents the general public’s truest expression of what it values most. It’s totally democratic.

Yet charitable giving in Canada is relatively modest. While 85 percent of us apparently make at least one donation each year, the average dollar amount for most of us is just over $500. Over 40 percent of that goes to supporting church groups.

A 2015 Stats Can study of charitable giving made the following observation about donors: “The characteristics of Canadians who are most likely to make a monetary donation to charitable or non-profit organizations are fairly well known.

They are women, individuals 35 years and older, those with a higher education and income, and who are religiously active.”

In that same study, total donations in Canada amounted to roughly $13 billion. Sounds like a lot of money but it amounts to less than half what the city of Toronto spends in one budgetary year.

Does that mean that Canadians are less “giving” than other comparable countries? Not at all. In fact, Canada ranks fourth in the World Giving Index published by the Charities Aid Foundation.

Does that mean that Canadians don’t value the charities and non-profits who deliver services to Canadians? Quite the opposite, I think. Rather, Canadians have come to rely on the distribution of their tax dollars to support the non-profit sector.

We may not like paying taxes, we may not like how much tax we pay, we may not agree with everything our tax dollars are used for, but we have

Karen Vecchio,

accepted that our governments play the central role in supporting the valuable activities generated by the not-for-profit sector.

If that’s the case, the onus is on us to ensure that granting policies and processes are well thought out, fair and fully transparent. In a way, we use the government grant process as a surrogate for our own personal giving. That suggests that annual grant decisions should be more a debate about what we value as society or as a community.

That’s not to suggest that the public should be involved in individual granting decisions, but perhaps we should be discussing the types of activity we want to support.

Grant-giving is a messy, complicated process.

But it’s critical to our communities. We should talk about it.

Serge Lavoie has a 35 year career managing associations. He is currently president of On Track St. Thomas. He lives in St. Thomas.

M.P.

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Tires • Brakes • LOF Batteries • Alignment WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS

1012 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-631-5080 Life is better in the Quick Lane.™

• FEBRUARY 2017 •

Sweet Dreams Janis Harris (left) of Harris Flower Farm won a Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites gift certificate at the January Business After 5 hosted by Talbotville Berry Farm. Shirley Simpson is the proud presenter.

February Business After 5 Boston Pizza and the St. Thomas Times-Journal will co-sponsor our February event.

Lunch with 3 mayors Our 7th annual “State of the Municipalities” luncheon is Wednesday February 22 at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas with presentations by all 3 local Mayors.

Our speakers will be Mayor Heather Jackson for the City of St. City of St. Thomas Municipality of Central County of Elgin Warden Thomas; Mayor David Marr for Mayor Heather Jackson Elgin Mayor Dave Marr & Southwold the Municipality of Central Elgin; Mayor Grant Jones and Mayor Grant Jones for the Township of Southwold. Mayor Jones does double-duty buffet shuts down, the Mayors each get up to 10 minwith us this year as he is serving as 2017 Warden of the utes for individual remarks, followed questions from the County of Elgin. floor and the Chamber.

Chamber Members may order tickets now from the If you have a question for any or all of the Mayors, you Chamber office by calling us at 519-631-1981. $32 can send it in advance to the Chamber office, submit it per person + HST. Information is also posted in the at the event in writing, or take a mic and ask it directly. events section of the Chamber’s website at www.sttho- Questions can be submitted in advance to our general maschamber.on.ca. Tickets for this event are offered by email at the Chamber office: mail@stthomaschamber. advance sale only and reserved seating is assigned with ca. single orders or 4 tickets or more.

We can’t guarantee all questions received will be used Doors will open at 11:15 with lunch buffet service due to time limits, but we’ll do our best to be your voice starting at 11:45 and closing at 12:15 p.m. Once the on key and priority issues.

Date:

Gourmet dinner for lucky winner

Wednesday February 15

Time:

Doors Open at 5:00 p.m.

Sponsor remarks and prize draws at 6:15 p.m.

Kate Burton of Victim Services Elgin (left) claims our top prize of the night from Talbotville Berry Farm Market owner/ operator Shirley Simpson at the January Business After Five. Kate won a $500 certificate for a custom, 7-course dinner for four at the Market.

Site:

Boston Pizza, 860 Talbot Street, St. Thomas Free Admission to all personnel from any organization that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.

Take part in our feature on Income Tax

Business Beat Table of Contents Page 10 ................ Cancer tips Page 11 ......Enterprise awards Page 12 .......... Legal Business Page 13 ................ Uncorked!

Page 14 .........Ready to retire?

Page 15 ........ Network on-line Page 16 ...........New Members February, 2017

In the March edition of Elgin This Month

Greg Minnema, Advertising Sales

To take advantage of excellent advertising opportunities like this, give me a call at 519-633-1640 (ext. 222) or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca March Edition Advertising Deadline is February 15th

ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Viewpoint

Keep resolutions and lower cancer risk

by Tatjana Burcul

For those who need that extra personal incentive to stay with your new year’s resolution and live a healthier lifestyle, or ramp up your fitness level, read on, you might find the information below eye opening. Much of the lifestyle changes that can improve your general health also have a direct impact on reducing your risk of cancer.

The good news is that 90% of Elgin - St. Thomas residents have self-reported that their general health is good or better*. Unfortunately, Elgin - St. Thomas residents have higher rates of mortality than Ontario*. While lung and breast cancer are in the top 10 leading causes of death, many in Elgin - St. Thomas are meeting the recommendations for cancer screening.

Surprisingly, how much alcohol you drink has a direct impact on increasing cancer risk, particularly for women, and for families with a strong history of cancer. Yet nearly half of adults in Elgin County reported drinking in excess of the low risk drinking guidelines*. Be realistic when setting goals. Start with planning more alcohol free days in your week.

“About 50% of cancers can be prevented or detected early. Cancer prevention is about choosing a healthy lifestyle, knowing your own body, and recognizing changes” says Debbie Bullas-Rubini, RN, BScN, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health Nurse.

“For example, if you have a cough that doesn’t go & District Chamber of Commerce also has excluaway for a couple of months, if you see moles or sive, innovative and affordable options to cover spots on your skin that suddenly appear, or change your financial exposure, even for 1-2 person firms. in size, shape or colour, or if you notice any chang- For more information visit www.chamberplan.ca. es in your body that are different for you, talk to your healthcare provider. Just getting older increasWritten by Tatjana Burcul, for ARC Benefits Planes your cancer risk. Start screening for breast and ning “Innovative and affordable employee benefits” colon cancer at age 50 (for those of average risk). with special thanks to Debbie Bullas-Rubini, RN, Cancer found early is far more treatable.”

BScN, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health. Tatjana is A final thought: Plan early to protect yourself fi- a Benefits Consultant with ARC Benefits Planning nancially.

Group. ARC is the local agent for the national ChamConsider creating a financial safety net if you need bers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan. to stop working for a period of time due to Five practical ways to reduce your cancer risk - start an illness, such as canimmediately and keep your own pace. cer, or a disability due to illness. Speak with • All forms of tobacco increase your risk of 1. Live tobacco free. cancer. If you do smoke, cut down and consider your financial advisor a quit plan. to help you quantify your financial expo2. Eat a healthier diet.

• Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. sure. Flexible disabil• Limit high-calorie foods and avoid sugary and ity income and criticaffeine beverages. cal illness protection • Drink more water. options do exist in the • Avoid processed meat and limit consumption of marketplace. Individuprocessed foods in general. als and self-employed • Limit red meat and foods high in salt entrepreneurs can get coverage at reasonable 3. If you drink any type • The more you drink, the higher your risk of costs. Your St. Thomas of alcohol, limit your intake. developing cancer of the mouth, neck, throat, liver,

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“There is no clear safe limit for alcohol use”

breast, colon and rectum. Visit: www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca (Cancer Matters section) • Drinking 3.5 drinks a day can double or even triple your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

• Women: Have less than 1 standard drink a day.

• Men: Have less than 2 standard drinks a day.

• Plan alcohol free days in your week.

• Measure what you drink. Don’t free pour your spirits or top up your wine glass before it’s finished.

4. Take action to be a healthy weight.

• Get moving every day.

5. Limit your time in midday • Cover up and wear sunglasses. Seek shade. Apply sunscreen SPF30+. Do not use tanning beds. sun, especially for children.

Tanning bed use before age 35 increases your risk of deadly melanoma by 75%. Watch Dear 16 year old me at www.dcmf.ca

*Source: Elgin St. Thomas Public Health

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.ca Website: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

For more information, contact your First Data Business Consultant at 1-888-265-4117. © 2016 First Data Canada Ltd. is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch, Toronto, ON, Canada. All trademarks, service marks and trade names used in this material are the property of their respective owners.

21958 2016

February, 2017

President & CEO Bob Hammersley Accounting Coordinator Susan Munday Member Services Christy Hunking Member Services Barry Fitzgerald

St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2016 Board of Directors Chair: Dan Kelly, CPA, CGA Dowler-Karn Ltd. Vice-Chair: Robert Furneaux Gorman-Rupp of Canada Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Director: Ray Bosveld HollisWealth Director: Kathy Cook World Financial Group Director: Sean Dyke St. Thomas Economic Development Corp.

Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Kevin Jackson Elgin Business Resource Centre Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Joe Preston Wendy’s Restaurant Director: Bob Ward The Auto Guys

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 10

Chamber News

Free Enterprise nominations open now to March 31 The Free Enterprise Awards are the Chamber’s annual recognition of excellence in commerce and community service. Since the 1970s, we have welcomed nominations of businesses, organizations and individuals who deserved to be recognized for their excellence in business and community service. There are three award categories, and nominations are open now through March 31. The 2015 Free Enterprise Awards will be presented during the Free Enterprise Awards Reception at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas on the second Wednesday in May. For 2017, our date will be Wednesday May 10 in a reception event, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Ticket information and other details are on the Chamber website in our Events section at www.stthomaschamber.on.ca Chair’s Awards This presentation reflects service and contributions, including volunteer activities that have assisted the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. Presented at the discretion of the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors when events or circumstances reflect service or contributions of an extraordinary nature.

Free Enterprise Award of Merit Recognition of those businesses and/or individuals whose recent or specific accomplishments are significant. There is no limit to the number of times that an individual or business might receive a Merit Award. Entrepreneurial success is the primary focus of the Merit Awards with consideration of other desirables reflecting on community, civic and/or social betterment.

No more than 3 winners may be named in any year.

Free Enterprise Master Awards Our major award.

This honour recognizes businesses and individuals making significant, all-encompassing contributions within St. Thomas, Central Elgin and/or Southwold. The recipients are proven leaders, as evidenced by repeated success in endeavours that relate to entrepreneurship along with community spirit and social well-being. No more than 3 winners may be named in any year.

Submit a Nomination?

Success, innovation, leadership, community betterment and concern for social issues are all attributes of our award winners in every category. Choose from the 3 categories described above and tell us why your nominee should be selected.

Our Awards & Recognition Committee, under the leadership of the Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, will review all submissions. Chamber staff may conduct additional research. Self-nominations are welcome.

Individuals and businesses nominated must be active in serving the communities of the City of St. Thomas, Municipality of Central Elgin, and/or the Township of Southwold The Chamber prefers not to use a ‘cookie cutter’ form for nominations but encourages nominations in any form and format convenient to the writer.

524, or send your nomination to us: St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 115 – 300 South Edgeware Road St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1 CALL: 519-631-1981 FAX: 519-631-0466 E-mail: mail@stthomaschamber.ca The following points & questions may be helpful in writing a nomination: - Describe the nominee’s relationships with staff, clients, suppliers, etc.

- Growth, changes or improvements that have enhanced performance?

- Are there any innovation, trailblazing or risktaking initiatives and strategies that have been developed or undertaken?

- Describe any situation where the nominee has created new jobs or successfully fought to sustain jobs in our market.

- Describe successes and achievements in community service, work with civic or charitable/ non-profit agencies, or volunteer activities - Has the nominee utilized conservation and stewardship techniques, advanced technologies, or developed programs to save, protect or enhance or environment?

- Name something that makes this nominee stand out above all others.

- Describe the time, energy, resources dedicated to professional growth and continuous learning.

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Sponsorship opportunities?

The Chamber’s Free Enterprise Awards program provides unique promotion and community support opportunities through sponsorship at several events and functions, and the annual Free Enterprise Awards are one of our biggest.

If your business or organization wishes to explore the values and rewards on being involved, contact Barry Fitzgerald, Bob Hammersley or Christy Hunking at the Chamber office. Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsor opportunities start at $500 and include several options to build and position your community image and awareness.

By being a sponsor you enable us to deliver and produce a function that has strong community value and casts a good reflection on all who contribute to making it possible. In return, the Chamber offers multiple promotion and exposure support to our sponsors in pre and postevent functions plus on-site recognition at the event.

- Details on measurement, practices and internal processes for customer service.

- Coaching, mentoring, assistance to other businesses, individuals or organizations?

- How has new technology helped?

- Marketing successes and strategy?

- Growth beyond local service to regional, national and/or international levels?

2017 Nominations Close Friday March 31, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. For additional information, contact Bob Hammersley at the Chamber office at 519-631-1981 Ext.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 11

Legal Business

5 to 4 … in overtime … in Alberta

by Monty Fordham

Until recently, for me at least, the only significant reference to the name “Rosebud” was the famous sled at the end of “Citizen Kane”. I mean, who ever heard of Rosebud in real life? Well, the Supreme Court of Canada has, and its decision in Ernst v. Alberta Energy Regulator has caused more head scratching than Orson Welles ever imagined possible.

Sometime in 2004, Jessica Ernst, a resident of Rosebud, which, by the way, is about 110 kilometres east of Calgary, noticed something peculiar. If she held an open flame up to the water coming out of her kitchen faucet, it would ignite.

Now, Ms. Ernst, who had worked in the oil and gas industry for many years, was a biologist, not a chemist. But, even so, this didn’t seem right.

(Disclosure: I have never tried to light the water coming out of any of my taps; safety glasses and loud Metallica would be strongly recommended.)

It seems that a company known as Encana had been engaging in hydraulic fracturing in shallow gas formations, not far from her home. She suspected they had “fracked” into aquifers near her home, and had, therefore, contaminated the said aquifers with methane and other hydrocarbons.

She contacted the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), and while she seems to have been initially patient with the agency, after several months of

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silence, she decided to become more vocal. This is where it gets interesting.

Jessica publically criticized the AER and that seems to have annoyed them to the point they notified Jessica she could not speak to the AER for 16 months. Huh? This is a statutory body!

This is an aggrieved constituent!

(AER lifted the communication ban in 2007) But, as they say, the horses were out of the barn and already grazing.

And so, in 2007, Jessica Ernst sued Encana, Alberta and anyone within suing distance, including the Alberta Energy Regulator.

O.K. You say.

Should be settled fairly quickly. We’ll all have hot dogs at Jessica’s kitchen. Not so fast. You would think that everyone would want this case to be resolved. Well, almost everyone. You see, as it turns out AER (and just about every other statutory tribunal in the country) has an “immunity” clause.

Last month, on Friday the 13th of January, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered its decision. Remember, this case started in 2007, the faucet flames in 2004.

There are nine Su-

preme Court Justices. They each, thankfully, consider each case individually. They don’t always agree. When the majority decides in a certain way, there is sometimes what is called a “dissent”.

This sometimes results in what is called a split decision. That is what happened in the Ernst decision.

The AER relied on the following clause, contained in its enabling legislation: “No action or proceeding may be brought against the Board or a member of the board … in respect of any act or thing done purportedly in pursuance of this Act ...” So, it seems pretty clear. The Regulator is off the hook. Well, there is that pesky thing called the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

One of the freedoms enshrined in the charter is the right to free expression.In a most complex and puzzling decision, the Supreme Court decided that while Ms. Ernst may continue her lawsuit against the other defendants, she could not pursue her case against the Alberta regulator, at least on the grounds of a breach of the Charter. Well, in actual fact, four Judges did, four did not, and one said Jessica didn’t follow the rules of procedure. Most peculiar.

While I have the utmost respect for the highest court in our land, it seems they have left us with a dilemma. Remember, no one has heard the evidence in the case. Most of the evidence is likely 10 years old. And so, the Ernst case will proceed.

A decade after it started. In Rosebud.

Questions, comments and suggestions for future columns are welcomed by lawyer Monty Fordham at his office: Fordham & Brightling Associates – Lawyers, 4 Elgin Street, St. Thomas.

Telephone 519- 633-4000, Monty Fordham FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 12

Member News

Mix, mingle, converse, sample, smile, laugh, enjoy

St. Thomas Uncorked was much more than wine tasting! It was a perfect example of the St. Thomas & District Chamber bringing people together.

Our 5th Annual St. Thomas Uncorked on January 21 saw a capacity crowd sample 16 wines from around the globe in “blind” taste tests. The wine bottles were covered and numbered.

A choice of red or white was the only option until wine expert and 2016 Ontario Grape King Jamie Quai took the mic in a series of ‘reveals’ as the evening progressed. Jamie is pictured here as he readied the wine glasses for our crowd at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre. Our evening also featured winners in a door prize draw, and a live & silent auction. Also pictured, Chamber Member Services rep Barry Fitzgerald congratulates Steve Knipe of HollisWealth on winning four tickets to our next edition of St. Thomas Uncorked, planned for January 2018.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 13

Pro Text

Take control of your retirement income stances beyond their control How will you Smart planning today will help you retire the way you want! Did you know that 1 out of every generate your re5 Canadians will be retired in 2020? By 2030, tirement income?

• It’s important the number will approach 1 out of every 4.1. to note that the With such a significant number of Canadians rules for Canapproaching retirement and living off a fixed inada Pension come, now is the time for investors to take conPlan (CPP) trol of their retirement income plan. and Old Age Nothing will be the same after you retire. If Security (OAS) everything goes according to plan, you will be are changing in able to do what you want, whenever you want. order to meet Sounds good, right? That’s why it is so importhe needs of an tant to get things in order. Here are key topics aging populathat you’ll need to consider: tion.

While • Your ideal retirement lifestyle, including large aging investors expenses like vacation properties would typically • Your retirement date turn to bonds, • Potential health issues based on family hishistorically low tory interest rates • Taxes, today and in the future are forcing After you clearly document this and any other them to convital information, ask yourself “How much will sider higher-risk alternatives.

I need?”

Although your assets may be scattered across When will you retire? different accounts at different investment pro• 46% retired as planned • 48% retired earlier than planned due to cir- viders/planners, you will likely be able to generate a retirement income from a number of cumstances beyond their control • 6% retired later than planned due to circum- sources: • Registered plans, such as a Tax-Free Savings Account Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) • Non-registered investments and savings • Government plans, such as CPP and OAS • Home equity • A private pension from your employer Ensuring that these potential sources of income are working

by Darren Reith

together with the appropriate investments that suit your individual needs can take time. Advice can have a positive and significant impact on the growth of your financial assets. Statistically speaking, households that receive advice for 15+ years accumulate 2.73 times more assets than households that do not receive advice.

Advisors help with more than just savings. Advisors can also assist you in your efforts to reduce your tax burden and help you organize your estate so that your wishes are met. When it comes to planning for retirement, you are not alone, if you don’t want to be.

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

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 14

Viewpoint

Can online networking be as successful as in-person networking?

by Christina R. Green

Today’s trend of overscheduling is taking its toll on all of us. From work hours that go well over the traditional 8-hour work day to shuttling children or grandchildren to all their different activities; from time volunteering to time dedicated to professional development, who has the hours for networking at a scheduled event? Very few of us.

Here at the Chamber we’re making a conscious effort to limit additions to our events calendar, and recognize activities of multiple other groups and activities that compete for time. Partnerships and tighter scheduling are our new reality.

Still, if you want to grow your business and improve referrals, you have to go out and meet people. Or do you? Is it possible to network online and get the same benefits from it?

The benefits and limitations of online networking There are two major benefits to online networking: • You’re not hindered by geography – you can network with anyone from anywhere • You can do it on your time, no event schedule to work around These are both pretty great benefits but there is a downside. Online networking is like a long-distance relationship. It can work, but it takes an awful lot of effort because you don’t have the bright and shiny attractions of a sparkling smile and eyes that put you at ease.

Plus online networking is often as awkward as a blind date. Look at LinkedIn. You connect with people you already know professionally. Many LinkedIn users are hesitant to accept invitations to connect with people they don’t know. They’re worried they’ll be pitched or the connector is just using them to get to someone else in their network.

Only about a quarter of LinkedIn’s users are active on the site each month. It’s hard to connect with people who aren’t there.

LinkedIn does offer groups but often these groups are filled with people simply pushing their own content and there’s very little getting to know one another. Even people who ask for opinions are usually only doing so in order for you to read their content or click on their site.

Facebook has similar limitations. You can’t just “friend” someone you don’t know. There’s no search on Facebook for people who are interested in connecting for business purposes. Twitter is a little better because people are having conversations and you can follow anyone you’d like without them agreeing to it.

The problems with LinkedIn and Facebook is that what you see is a stream made up of your friends or connections and contrary to what Zuckerberg may think, from a professional standpoint, you may not really be interested in what your February, 2017

friends are saying, particularly if they work in different industries than you.

The benefits and limitations of in-person networking There’s no comparison and In business you need both so there’s no reason to better way to instill trust quickly than through a firm handshake and a sparkling smile. Conversa- neglect in-person networking for online opportution is easier in person and there are fewer distrac- nities and online ops shouldn’t be overruled. Both tions. A business card exchange also gives physical have their benefits and both will help you grow proof of the conversation and can be easily used your business and your personal brand. for follow-up.

But in-person networking can be intimidating for introverts and quite draining. Plus it’s diffiChristina R. Green teaches small businesses, cult to make the time unless you plan well ahead. chambers, and associations how to connect to their That’s why the Chamber works to always maintain audience through content for higher conversions a list of the next 3 months of events and functions and greater loyalty. Her articles have appeared in on our website.

Associations North Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociaWhat’s the answer? Ultimately whether online or tionTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at in-person is better comes down to you and your Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog. objectives. If time is a premium and you work strange hours, online networking might be a good fit. However, it takes effort. If your focus is local, it’s a whole lot easier to go to an inperson event and walk through it half-heartedly and still make a few connections. Online requires you to be on and interested in exchange.

You also need to choose your platform well.

Twitter or a Facebook group may be the easiest way to connect with like-minded people.

There’s no one out there telling you that you can’t do both. It’s not an either/or option. You can use soCustom shirts • Custom hats cial media for striking up quick conversations mugs • Jerseys • Lanyards and identifying links.

It’s also perfect for doing research on who We can help Build your Brand! you’ll be meeting or are interested in meeting.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 15

Member News

New Members Brad Bradford Consulting Inc. 3 Gustin Place St. Thomas, ON N5R 1T1 Phone: 519-852-0544 Email: bradbedford@hotmail.comhttp: Contacts: Brad Bedford, Owner; Sheila Bedford, Co-Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Financial Services, Insurance Services Products & Services: Offering a variety of insurance and financial services, Brad Bedford Consulting Inc. can advise clients in both commercial and personal investments. From retirement planning, RRSPs, RRIFs and RESPs to group and life insurance, Brad Bedford is there to help make sense of it all for you.

Chuck Vint & Associates Financial Services Inc. 9 Princess Avenue, Unit #3 St. Thomas, ON N5R 3V3 Phone: 519-637-1067 Email: chuck.vint@sunlife.com Website: www.sunlife.ca\chuck.vint

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. Those listed below were accepted as registered Members to December 16, 2016 – January 15, 2017.

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.

Contacts: Chuck Vint, Owner & Licensed Advisor Buyers Guide Categories: Financial Services, Insurance Services, Investment Services Products & Services: Chuck Vint & Associates Financial Services Inc. are a team dedicated to helping their clients achieve financial success. In today’s world, they believe a team approach allows their organization to provide high quality information about financial products and services.

Whether it’s through life insurance, health insurance or an investment strategy, they can offer solutions to help you build lifetime financial security.

Menu for Your Venue Inc. 80 Pine Valley Drive St. Thomas, ON N5P 0B3 Phone: 226-220-0504 Email: hungarianchef@gmail.com Website: www.menuforyourvenue.ca Contacts: Andrew Torok, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Catering, Food Specialties, Education

Products & Services: Tell Them About Your Venue & They’ll Prepare The Menu!

Chef Török, founder of Menu for Your Venue catering service, is a proud Canadian-Hungarian Chef and a self-proclaimed foodie with amazing culinary skills in preparing traditional Hungarian dishes.

Menu for Your Venue, provides unparalleled catering service for London, St. Thomas, and surrounding area. Cooking lessons also available.

Personnel changes The Chamber is pleased to welcome and congratulate personnel in local businesses and organizations on appointments to new positions and/or as being recently named as designated representatives in the Chamber’s online Business Directory: Railway City Brewing Company: Darryl Lawrence, General Manager Scotiabank: Kevin Stover, Branch Manager Scotiabank: Dennis Catt, Small Business Advisor Whenever key personnel change at your location, please let the Chamber know. Our ability to communicate with your organization improves a lot if you take a minute to let us know about changes or additions.

No skimping when it comes to shrimping

Chamber Member Mike Vecchio from Elgin Chrysler is ready to dig in at a recent Business After 5. All personnel from any Chamber Member are welcome at these monthly events, with a special shoutout to new Members to take advantage of this terrific networking opportunity.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 16

Healthy Living Self Discovery

Mentors guide through career ups and downs

by Anouschka Van den Bosch

Over the last few months I have been feeling very grateful about my current job. It has taken me a long time to get where I am, and a few weeks ago, I found myself reflecting on what I have been through to get where I am today.

Many factors have helped me get to this sweet spot in my career; however I don’t think I could have made it this far without my mentors. My HR career has not always been an easy path and I had many ups and downs. The downs were always difficult of course, but one or two of my mentors would always be there to pick me back up, to keep me going and to continue to believe in me. During the good times, I would reach out to them and ask questions regarding certain situations or next steps in my career. My mentors have been a constant throughout my career.

I see a huge value in mentors and was fortunate enough to create a mentorship program for our local HR chapter with an HR colleague. She became my mentor, and she continued to support me throughout my career. I’m so convinced of the value of mentorship that I did not hesitate to accept an opportunity to mentor an HR student from our local college. She will be with me for 10 weeks, once a week and during our first meeting it was clear that we are a great match!

She is a fire cracker, asked all the right questions and was very detailed in her expectations for our time together. I am pumped and super excited to be able to mentor this young and vibrant HR student. We are going to have some serious fun in the next 10 weeks.

You can be a mentor without realizing you are mentoring someone. A mentor is “an experienced trusted advisor” (Oxford Living Dictionaries). The key is “trusted”. A mentor/mentee relationship needs to be based on trust, whether formal or informal. A mentor will allow the mentee to work out a situation or problem on their own while watching on the sidelines to step in if needed.

I remember a time when I was unsure about something and was having a conversation with my previously mentioned mentor. I was going through the pros and cons, and I could tell she wanted to say something but was waiting for the right moment. And then that moment came. She put her coffee cup down, looked me straight in the eyes and said “Noush, why do you always run away when you are getting so close?”

Well that was an interesting statement and I had to really think about it. She challenged me, in a good way. If another friend would have said that, I would have argued, told them they were wrong. Coming from her, it made me stop and think. It allowed me to change the direction I was going. Instead of running away, I headed straight into the unknown and the uncomfort-

able.

So what is the difference between a mentor and a friend asking the same question? In my experience a mentor is completely focused on you and the situation. They are aware of your skills, your strengths and things you need to work on. They will challenge you in a way that often a friend can’t. Friends will have a different perspective for you, but are they saying this to get their point across, to be right?

24

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

Give Winter the Cold Shoulder!

“why do you always run away when you are

getting so close?”

February, 2017

Some of my mentors became good friends over the years and that is only a natural progression; however I am keenly aware of whether they speak to me as a mentor or as a friend.

They are very different conversations!

Mentorship is a very rewarding experience for both the mentor and mentee and I encourage anyone to be a mentor or ask to be mentored. It certainly made a huge difference in my career.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 17

for a down payment and what their mortgage payments will be. But it’s also important to take into account whether or not you can afford your mortgage payments if rates were to increase when it comes time to renew.

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

If a rate increase at time of renewal will impact your ability to stay in your home, consider making a larger down payment or buying a home with a lesser purchase price.

Courtesy of Katie Timpany

When determining how much house you can afford people often look at how much they have available for a down payment and what their mortgage payments will be.

But it’s also important to take into account whether or not you can afford your mortgage payments if rates were to increase when it comes time to renew.

If a rate increase at time of renewal will impact your ability to stay in your home, consider making a larger down payment or buying a home with a lesser purchase price.

Numbers in the chart to the right are based on a $100,000 mortgage with a 4% fixed rate that has a 60 month term and a 25 year amortization period. The interest rate shown is for illustration purposes only.

Mortgage payments rise and fall as mortgage rates change

$473

3%

$526

4% r at e

The impact changing interest rates have on mortgage payments

$582

5%

6%

$640

pay M e n t a M o u n t

Numbers are based on a $100,000 mortgage with a 4% fixed rate that has a 60 month term and a 25 year amortization period. The interest rate shown is for illustration purposes only.

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age or finished space. These are all things to consider and prioritize.

First-time home buyers are now eligible to Make the right offer get $4,000 off the Canadian dream.

A good realtor will go over comparables in Effective January 1, 2017, Ontario has the neighbourhood or be able to discuss with doubled the land transfer tax rebate for first- you an appropriate value or asking price for time home buyers from $2,000 to $4,000. a home. The housing market we are in right That means that a first-time home buyer now, homes are priced competitively and do Katie Timpany is a Consultant with will pay no provincial tax on homes sold not last long on the market. Being informed Investors Group Financial Services Inc. for $368,000 or less. This is great news for of the process and details on a house is critiShe can be reached at (519) 673-4544 or first time home buyers. More information cal. My priority is looking out for your best Katie.Timpany@investorsgroup.com. about the rebate can be found here: http:// interests so will do my best to ensure you are firsthomerebate.ca/ or contact me and I paying fair market value. would be happy to discuss it.

Get a home inspection The First Time Home BuyFirst time home buyers need to be iners rebate sounds like a great formed in all areas of the home they are bonus, but making a pur- purchasing. A good home inspector will rechase for your largest asset still view the items on the list with the buyer and needs great consideration and typically goes over what items are a priority thought. When it comes to the while some can be done over time. This is hard decisions, rely on a pro- important to factor into the maintenance fessional real estate agent with and budgeting for your home. Oftentimes if Aylmer Retirement Residence is years of active experience. Here something is of concern from a home inspeclocated in the heart of downtown are some tips to those who are tion, it’s a negotiating point to help make the and provides affordable retirement making their first real estate fix and yet not hurt your finances. living for those who do not require purchase.

Maintain your first home nursing home care but who feel Pre-approval is important Once the deal is closed and you have the more comfortable in a supportive Before dreaming too big, you keys, you can settle in to your new home. But environment. need to be realistic and get the adventure is just starting. Make sure you your financial outlook in order. tackle any items on the home inspection reSpeak with a reputable mort- port and maintain the property to keep it gage broker or financial institu- in good working order. Another great tip I tion to go over your qualifying always tell my clients is to start saving now numbers and loan amounts. for your future renovations or unexpected Don’t forget also when you are costs. This will give you peace of mind when • Newly renovated suites with doing your budget to include emergencies arise. taxes, insurance, utilities, furniWork with a realtor you trust 2 piece washrooms ture and of course your closing It’s an important decision to buy your first • Safety walk in tubs on all costs! home and you want to feel like you have 3 floors Make a list of what you want someone in your corner to negotiate, advise • Transport lift between floors Taking the time to sit and and support you through the process. Find a make a list of the items you local realtor that is professional, experienced • State of the art call bell system are looking for in a property and active in the local community.

• Sprinkler System is important. Deciding on the • Fire Prevention and Monitoring Aug24 - Oct12c basics such as neighbourhood, Jeff Wiebenga, Broker - Show• Monitored Emergency number of bedrooms and bathcase East Elgin Realty Inc. can 258 Talbot St, Aylmer rooms is important. Something Response System be reached at 519 773 8800 or else that is important is whether 226-884-1300 • Wander Detection and jeff@showcaseeastelgin.com. you need things like a garage, His website is calljeffnow.com. aylmerretirement.ca Monitoring office space, basement for stor-

February, 2017

Katie.Timpany@investorsgroup.com

by Jeff Wiebenga

Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The GreatWest Life Assurance Company. Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is a federally regulated trust company and the mortgagee.

Mortgages are offered through I.G. Investment Management, Ltd. Inquiries will be referred to a Mortgage Planning (Agent) Specialist. Mortgage Brokerage Licence #10809, Mortgage Administrator Licence #11256.

Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. © Investors Group Inc. 2013 MP1827 (05/2013)

ELGIN THIS MONTH

18

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

19

I N T E R NAT IONA L WOM E N’ S DAY The accomplishments of women around the world are notable and worthy of celebration. Each year, the United Nations sponsors a holiday that commemorates the honor and contributions of working women.

International Women’s Day has been observed since the 1900s, when it started within socialist movements and women’s trade groups. Great unrest and inequality for women during these times encouraged women to march and become more active and vocal for their personal rights – including shorter working hours and suffrage.

On February 28, 1909, in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman’s Day was observed across the United States. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

Through subsequent women’s conferences around the world, the idea was broached for a day that would celebrate the demands of women who were pressing for change and rallying for equal rights.

This day was eventually dubbed International Women’s Day. While IWD started out as an activist movement and an effort to be heard, it eventually transformed into a means of honouring women for all of their accomplishments. Nowadays, individuals across the globe use IWD to honour their mothers, wives, girlfriends, and colleagues with flowers and small gifts. In some countries, IWD is equivalent to Mother’s Day, and children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

There are many ways people today can honor the women in their lives.

- Put together a small presentation of the special things a woman close to you has done. Explain how you have benefitted from these actions.

- Talk about the equality women have today but may not have had in the past. Explain how it makes you feel and figure out more ways you can rally for change.

- Assist a woman who is trying to start a business or realize a goal.

- Teachers can talk about women’s rights in school and assign projects where students discuss female figures throughout history who spearheaded important changes.

Many women reap the rewards of the equal rights that those who came before them fought so hard for. But there are many still fighting to earn that equality.

A day to celebrate women across the globe

5 things we can all do to stop violence against women From Status of Women Canada

1. Consider what you would do if you witnessed a woman being threatened or assaulted.

If you see a woman being threatened or assaulted, you don’t have to stand by and do nothing. Based on what you see, you may be able to defuse the situation by approaching the woman, perhaps along with others, and asking her if she is alright and whether she needs help. If you have concerns about your safety and that of the woman being harassed, you should call 911 and get the police involved.

2. Wherever there’s drinking, always be thinking.

Taking advantage of a woman who’s had too much to drink is wrong. It is a crime to have sexual contact with a person without her voluntary consent. If you see a woman in a vulnerable situation, offer to help her get home safe. Speak up if any friend, or stranger, tries to ‘score’ with a woman who’s had too much to drink.

3. Suspect a friend is being abused? Talk to her about it.

If you have a female friend who you suspect is being physically or emotionally abused by her partner or an ex, ask her about it. She may feel

helpless, but a friend breaking the silence may be just what she needs to start getting help.

4. Suspect a friend is being abusive? Talk to him about it.

If you have a male friend who you suspect is physically or emotionally abusing a woman, get him alone and calmly tell him you value his friendship but you’re troubled by his behaviour.

Let him know that non-consensual physical or sexual contact, even in a relationship, is a crime.

This may support him to see that what he is doing is wrong. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your friendship.

5. Don’t like abusive and derogatory language about women? Speak up!

Abusive language about women in general, or talk that cruelly demeans a specific woman or women, often occurs in social situations or online. You can object to this behaviour in a nonconfrontational way just by saying, or posting, “It’s just wrong to talk about women that way.

Stop it.” Do the right thing. You may be surprised by how many of your friends agree with you and were just waiting for someone to speak up.

Inspiring We salute Junior Women Achievement forto helping to create Pursue tomorrow’s leaders.

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Mayor Heather Heather Jackson Mayor Jackson and City Council and City Council

Karen Johnson

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 20

I N T E R NAT IONA L WOM E N’ S DAY Together, we can make a difference right here at home International Women’s Day is a global initiative, and that kind of worldwide presence is so important to further the cause. However, success starts at the grassroots level, right in our own communities. There are lots of ways we can work together to lift each other up and support each other as a community of women in our own collective backyard.

In the business world, it can be all to easy to become competitive with our co-workers in an effort to succeed. In the spirit of International Women’s Day and its core values of furthering the status of women around the world, let’s all help by supporting the women who work with us and for us, instead of looking at them as roadblocks to our own success. By forming a strong bond at work and helping everyone achieve their goals together, we all become stronger and our collective voice becomes louder.

“When a community of passionate people bands together, great things can happen.”

Volunteering is a wonderful way to help other women in our communities, too. When a community of passionate people bands together, great things can happen. When we volunteer to help other women with causes they believe in, our efforts are magnified tenfold. Make a difference in your community by finding organizations, causes, and events to which you can lend your time and talents.

Encouragement, support, and a helping hand go a long way toward furthering the cause of women at home. And, in doing so, we make the community of women around the world more mobile, their voices louder, and their efforts more impactful. It only takes small acts of support to make a big difference on a global scale. Together, we can – and will – make a positive difference in the fight for gender parity around the world.

This March, let International Women’s Day inspire you to link arms with the women in your community and create strong bonds for change. But don’t stop there. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, and 2017 is the perfect year to step out and #BeBoldForChange.

February, 2017

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 21

Social loafing holding you back? its goals. This was attributed to a lower dilution effect (dilution occurs when people None of us go to work and say “I’m going to let hide their lower performance – in this case, my co-worker pull the weight today” or “I’m only idea generation – within a group of people). using half of my skills today”. There is however, The problem with social loafing is that esa prevailing perception that if you simply do the sentially you’re leaving all the work of moving technical tasks of your job, whether that’s putting the organization forward, adapting to change and widgets together, balancing the books, co-ordi- overcoming challenges to others. You’re not really nating tasks of employees or designing software, pulling your own weight. But guess what? In toyou’re doing your job well. You can pat yourself day’s world, the technical aspects of your job only on the back at the end of the day and say, “Job comprise about 50% of your job responsibility. well done”.

What exactly are the other 50% of skills you’re This phenomenon is sometimes called ‘social supposed to be using? Most job descriptions do loafing’. You go to work and do the technical as- not clearly lay out the other half, made up of all pects of your job, but don’t share your ideas, give the things you could do to help the organization input or work with others, or don’t try to think of you work for move forward. Not surprisingly, better ways to meet your company’s goals. The in- those things are the most-sought-after skill by emfamous “they” will take care of all that other stuff. ployers. In a recent study by NAC where 260 emWhen you work with the mentality that your ployers were surveyed, companies like Chevron, ideas are important and you can personally make IBM and Seagate Technology listed the following a contribution to the success of the organization, three skills as requirements by employers: the results are significantly improved. A 2005 Ability to work in a team structure: University of Oklahoma study found that when Whether you work alone for much of your role people worked individually to generate ideas, they or are part of a formal team that works together, not only had more individual participation but working effectively with others as a team is part of also higher overall success in their team reaching your responsibility – even when all you’re doing is sharing a workspace with others, eating in the same lunchroom or participating in staff meetings by putting effort into providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict.

Supplies upplies ffor Students is an annual initiative run by Ability to make volunteers eers of the Thames Valley Education Foundation. decisions and solve The he goal is tto ensure every child in need starts the problems: school yyear with a new backpack filled with school Critical thinking is probably one of the supplies. New Backpack and School Supply Drop supplies biggest ones, and it off LLocation in St. Thomas is Family Video. falls under the catIf yyou know a child who could benefit from egory of how you do receiving a filled backpack from Supplies for your job as much as Students, please contact the child’s school what you do. CritiPrincipal. cal thinking includes problem solving, alThank you to everyone who supported Supplies ways looking at ways for or Students in our rrecord breaking 2015 year. to do things better Becaus aus ause of your generosity we were able to collect and asking yourself 4,002 backpacks tto help children have a better start to what can be done difthe school chool yyear. ferently. For example, you might ask yourself, “How can we serve our internal and external customers better?” Or, “Is there a way to get this job done that reduces any safety risks?”

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outside of the organization: Another significant job responsibility that goes beyond your technical tasks is communicating ideas and information. This requires you to control, be aware of, and express your emotions, and to handle relationships in a way that displays empathy and thoughtfulness. By doing, this you increase your ability to influence others by earning their trust.

The technical skills required to do the job didn’t even make the top six. If you simply complete the technical aspects of your job, you may be doing yourself a disservice, because studies have proven that people are more satisfied and cohesive if they are involved in deciding what role they play in their organization and organizational change.

By not speaking up, you may be assigned a role with no understanding of the meaning behind it.

Even more damaging is that in today’s economic climate, all organizations need to adapt to change.

Organizations are people, so everyone needs to be adaptable, or the organization, and indirectly you personally, could be left behind.

We challenge you is to stretch yourself further, be aware about how things can be better at work and be ready to speak up and share your ideas.

We’re confident that you will find your work life more satisfying, and more opportunities to grow in your career will present themselves. It’s a winwin for everyone when you contribute to the other 50% of your responsibilities.

Nancy Annett, MBA, CHRP and Laura Pavilonis, MBA CHRP own Flashpoint Training and Development.

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 22

Homestyle Decorating

Cleanliness is next to godliness: Part 2

by Renée Carpenter

Shall we continue our ‘cleanliness’ journey? Last month we discussed three of the ten most dirty places in your home, and how and when to clean them. Onward ...

4. Your bathtub. Any standing water that lingers after a shower or bath breeds mold, fungi, and staph bacteria, says Jackie Harmon of Healthy Clean Green Cleaning Company. I don’t know about you but if I haven’t personally cleaned a tub, I’m not getting in it! Your tub or shower surface should be dried off after each use to reduce bacteria growth. Disinfect regularly, too – up to three times weekly for tubs used daily by multiple family members. To do so, fill a spray bottle with product that contains at least 3% hydrogen peroxide, and keep it near the tub. Lightly mist a dry tub, and you’re done. No need to wipe it up because hydrogen peroxide evaporates quickly. For whirlpool tubs, cycle disinfectant through the pipes monthly according to manufacturer’s directions.

5. Inside the refrigerator. This one can be so disgusting! Sticky condiment containers and longforgotten leftovers mingle in an awkward space accessed by multiple hands daily. This means refrigerators are destined not only to be dirty, but also they’re usually last on the must-clean list – a serious grime-promoting combo. Avoid using chemical cleaners here. Instead, fill your sink with hot, soapy dishwater. Remove items from one refrigerator shelf at a time, then remove the shelf itself.

Wash it in the sink, wipe it dry with a cloth, then replace in the fridge. Repeat for each remaining shelf.

6. The kitchen sink. Your kitchen sink is actually dirtier than your toilet post-flush, thanks to all those food particles mingling in a moist environment, according to a U of A microbiologist, Dr. Gerba ‘Germ’. Wash the sink with soap and water daily, and disinfect it with kitchen cleaner once or twice a week.

7. The walls around your toilet. If you were to shine one of those super powerful black lights that you see on CSI shows on the walls around

your toilet, only then would you have an idea how bad it really is. Once you see what it reveals, you supposedly will want to tear out your drywall and start over. The best cleaners for toilet walls contain enzymes to break down the organic material, according to Christian of My Maid Service. Spray the walls and let sit for a few minutes so the enzymes can do their work. Then wipe down with a damp towel. Or, bring in the SWAT team!

8. Remote controls. Hands in all states of cleanliness handle remotes often. Yet they rarely get wiped clean, even after a sick day spent channelflipping. The TV remote is one of the germ-iest surfaces in your home. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean remotes often. To get in between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

9. Under, alongside and behind your stove.

Think of all the times you’ve spilled something between the stove and counter and not cleaned it up. Add the ambient heat from the stove to the mix, and you have the perfect place for germs to thrive. You’ll have to pull the stove away from the wall. Make this easier and protect your flooring with furniture sliders under the feet of the stove.

A bath mat with the carpet side down works, too.

If you have a gas stove with a flexible hose, pull

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until the hose is almost but not fully extended.

You will need a pro’s help if it is not flexible. Once the stove is pulled out, scrape off buildup with a plastic putty knife, then spray the side of the oven with oven cleaner. Use a good all-purpose cleaner on the adjacent cabinets and floor.

10. Inside your toothbrush. Not only are they hard to clean, they’re usually positioned next to the toilet, which sprays small amounts of fecal debris when flushed. This offender is a simple fix: keep toothbrushes in a moveable, easy-to-clean cup.

Soak the cup in warm water mixed with a little bleach for a half hour. Rinse, then soak in clean water for another 30 minutes to remove the bleach residue. Better yet, use a cup you can toss in the dishwasher instead.

Happy cleaning!

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 23

Winemaking celebrity

Dining & Entertainment Food & Wine

and

sometimes mix

well

chase a winery near his home and began releasThe wine business is no stranger to having ing wines under the lacelebrity involvement. This month’s article is Niebum-Coppola all about highlighting a few examples of well- bel in 1975. With the known people who’ve invested, grown grapes, success of this venture and made wine. There is quite a long list of Coppola expanded his celebrities to choose from so in the interests winemaking adventures of brevity, I only chose owners and investors. with the purchase of The list doesn’t include people who’ve simply the former Inglenook chateau in California in licenced their names to existing wineries.

The logical place to start this trend is a name 1995. The operation was that, has been connected with his wine brand named Rubicon Estate for so long, some may forget his career actually Winery, and Coppola began in television: Fess Parker of the epony- worked diligently to remously named winery in California. Fess Parker build the legacy of the Inglenook, which evenwas widely known as the actor who portrayed tually led to buying the rights to the name and Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett during the reviving the historical brand. Coppola is behind 1960s. Parker spent the third act of his life brands called: Directors Cut, and Sofia.

While in both of growing his Los the previous examOlivos winery into at one point, ples, famous people an operation that wanted to make an owns or manages association between over 700 acres. their fame and their Quick trivia: the to regularly consume over wines, sometimes winery appeared the celebrity merely in the movie Sideacts as a financial ways under anothbacker for a family er name, and the member’s wine business dream. This would be wine labels feature a golden coonskin cap.

The next person I wanted to highlight was the story with Ciccone Vineyard and Winery, the world-renowned film director Francis Ford in Michigan. Silvio Ciccone is the driver behind Coppola. Coppola actually used profits from the brand but he gets some support in the form the first and second Godfather films to pur- of a silent partner in his daughter, world famous singer Madonna (Louise Ciccone). It’s so subtle, there is no reference to the material girl on the winery’s website.

British actor Sam Neil, known for his roles in Jurassic Park, and The Hunt for Red October, has had a long-time passion for wine, specifically Pinot Noir. This love of the notoriously finicky grape has led Neill to build his own wine operation in New Zealand called Two Pad

by Jamie Quai

“

Depardieu claimed

14 bottles a day”

February, 2017

docks. By most accounts, Neill is active in the winery’s day-to-day operation and acts as an ambassador for New Zealand wine.

Celebrated and prolific French actor Gerard Depardieu has been involved in the wine business for quite a significant part of his life. He is the owner of a French winery called Chateau de Tigne in the Loire Valley in France. He also owns vineyard operations in other parts of France including Bordeaux and the Languedoc, Algeria, Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States. At one point Depardieu claimed to regularly consume over 14 bottles a day, though today he has told wine industry publication he no longer enjoys the feeling of drunkenness and has given up most alcohol.

The last name I am going to highlight is Maynard James Keenan. Keenan is the frontman and a founding member of three very important progressive metal music acts of the last two decades: Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.

Keenan lives, and has established his wineries, in Arizona. He owns two brands: Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars. Keenan is very passionate about wine and is working very hard to spread the word about the fabulous wines coming out from Arizona. During one of his tours, MJK would make appearances and do signings of his wine bottles at whole foods markets to promote the brand. This has all been documented in the wonderful film Blood into Wine.

Jamie Quai is head winemaker at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in Elgin County, and 2016 Ontario Grape King.

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 24

Healthy Living EVERYDAY HEALTH

PERSEVERE – workout benefits will soon be here

es within this 21-day period to consider. In the early stages, we are motivated and convince ourselves that this is going to be easy. After a few days, we generally start to feel our motivation wane, and it becomes more of a struggle. We feel tired and sore, time is short we are faced with the inner conflict of asking ourselves why we are doing this.

You have to battle through these inner conflicts. Each time you force yourself to push past, and do your workout, makes it easier the next time. Finally, we reach the point at which exercising becomes a habit. It doesn’t mean that you won’t still face challenges but it should be easier to keep going if you push past the 21-day mark.

Then there are the other very important supporting factors to consider. Getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet are also very important and part of the challenge. We should all be aiming for eight hours of sleep every night. Proper nutrition is too complex a topic to cover here, but do some research or consult with a qualified person to help you analyze and improve your diet.

Most importantly, keep working hard. If you’ve made it this far, you are almost through the most difficult part.

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

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

Don’t give up, you’re almost over the hump!

The beginning of February generally marks the beginning of the end for those that made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape. Regular gym goers recognize the annual pattern. The gyms and fitness clubs are all packed in early January.

The crowd generally thins out over the month of January, and by early February many if not most of those that started the year with great intentions have either burned out, been injured or have generally just lost the motivation to continue. The sad news is that most are giving up just when it might start to get a little easier. Don’t give up, just hang on! Here is some information to see you through this tough time and finally get you on the road to reach your fitness goals.

One of the biggest obstacles at the two to fourweek mark of training is the seemingly constant fatigue and soreness that may accompany this time. In the early stages, you are asking your body to do more than it has been doing, and it takes time for it to start to respond. Don’t give up; give it time.

After about two weeks, the beneficial effects of your hard work generally start to kick in, and you will find that you are less sore and that your energy levels will start to rise. This should make it easier to continue to feel motivated to go to the gym. This is called the training effect, and it is what you have been working toward all the time. If it hasn’t started to kick in yet, just hang on and keep working … it will.

If it has been about four weeks since you startFebruary, 2017

ed your new training routine, then it may also be time to look at changing the routine a little. There is no greater motivation killer than boredom.

As the old adage says, “Sometimes change is as good as a rest”.

If you are feeling demotivated it’s possible that you’re bored with the current training routine.

Consider swapping out some exercises and switching your routine around a little. If you don’t have enough experience to feel comfortable changing exercises, consult with a trainer or other qualified professional for advice.

In order to make a permanent change in your life you have to do it for at least 21 days. After doing something for 21 days, it becomes more like a habit rather than a new activity.

There are also phas-

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RRSPs & Investing Money management tips for young women Investing is something many young people have a tendency to overlook. Years ago, few young women gave much thought to how to invest their earnings, as many planned to stop working upon having children. But many young women now continue to work even after they start families, and that has led many to take more active roles in managing their money.

Investing can be hard for anyone to grasp, whether they’re male, female, young, or old. The following are a few tips young women looking to grow their finances should consider as they begin their careers and start building their financial futures.

Start saving for retirement.

Young women working their first jobs may not be thinking about retirement, but it’s still beneficial to take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement programs as soon as they are eligible. If no such program exists, start contributing to a retirement account you set up on your own. If you start saving for retirement right away, you won’t miss the

money you are depositing into your retirement accounts. But delaying retirement savings can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on how long you wait to open an account. When investing for retirement, take an active role, monitoring how certain investments are performing and making changes when necessary.

Many people, especially young people, choose RRSP investments and then stop monitoring them. The more attention you pay to your retirement investments, the more control you can take over your financial future.

Look into local real estate.

Real estate is often a wise investment, and successful young women need not wait until they walk down the aisle to get their feet wet in the real estate market. Research home costs in your area, including single-family homes and condominiums. If you can afford to do so, consider purchasing a home rather than renting an apartment. If you have enough money saved up for a down payment, your monthly mortgage payment may not

Some investment income attracts less tax than others.

be much different than your monthly rent, especially if you are willing to take in a roommate to cover your costs.

Use credit wisely.

Many young people, regardless of gender, find themselves facing large amounts of consumer credit debt. Young women can avoid such a fate by only using their credit cards when they know they can afford to pay off the balance immediately. It’s important that young women start building their credit histories, but building a bad credit history is more detrimental than having a limited credit history. Resist the urge to engage in retail therapy unless you can pay for items in cash. Using credit wisely now will make you more attractive to lenders down the road, and that can save you thousands of dollars in interest on substantial purchases like homes and automobiles.

Pay down debts.

One of the best ways to achieve financial freedom is to pay down existing debts. Focus first on eliminating high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, and then move on to fixed-rate or lowinterest debt, such as student loans. The sooner you eliminate debt, the more financial flexibility you will have.

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RRSPs & Investing Time to grow up and get your finances in order passive income because it is earned by the money you have already saved. People build wealth strategies to purposely create and increase their passive income each year to contribute to their savings.

There are a number of ways to earn passive income. Investing can provide an investor with interest, dividends and or capital growth depending on where they invest.

Albert Einstein was attributed with saying, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who

by Stephanie Farrow

doesn’t … pays it.”

In a low-interest environment, traditionally safe interest investments alone (i.e. GICs) may no longer provide enough interest to meet your needs.

I remember sitting in personal finance class in university and our professor putting the following words on the board, “YOU make money, or your MONEY makes money – you decide.” This stateStephanie Farrow, B.A., C.F.P., is a ment speaks instantly to the importance of saving Certified Financial Planner and and was an impactful moment in my early personal co-owner of Farrow Financial finance education.

Services Inc., in Belmont You can do both of course, in fact you should do both, but you can’t even start to have your MONEY make money, if YOU don’t first make money yourself and start saving.

In the beginning, you earn income at your job where you trade your time for money. As time goes on, if you save some money each pay, you can invest those savings so they can start to work for you. This is how you can get into the position where you can have your MONEY make money too.

This is a great lesson for any student, Whether your retirement is a long way off or just around the corner, and in theory most people understand this. Many of us plan to start saving there are three easy ways to help ensure your financial plans are on track: once we grow up and get a real job.

We plan to start when we feel we are Calculate how much ready. However, there is no moment you need to save when you arrive and suddenly feel ready. There are always lots of things <1% OF CANADIANS ARE Unsure how much you need to save to spend money on and bills to pay so for your retirement? Make planning for MEMBERS OF YACHT CLUBS. saving gets pushed aside. the future a little bit easier by working Budgeting, saving and money manwith your Sun Life Advisor to create agement are frequently procrastinated. a meaningful goal through the use of And not by merely weeks and months; unique retirement tools and calculathey are often put off for years. One tors.

Source: Sail Canada, 2014 of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is also one of the most frequently Set up an automatic abandoned. savings plan A recent TD survey indicates a whopping 60% of Gen-X Canadians Does your employer offer a group (currently age 35-54) expect they will pension plan or RRSP? Joining a group not retire on time. Most indicated plan is one of the best ways to save for they wished they’d started saving earRetirement clichés are yesterday. Talk with me today retirement. Do not make the mistake lier. Many are now realizing they put of not reaching out for some profesabout Sun Life Financial’s customized approach to your it off for too long. sional guidance.Your Sun Life Advisor financial and retirement planning.1 It’s human nature. We wonder: How can cover all the pros and cons. did I get to retirement age so quickly?

Michael L. Moore* Why didn’t I start planning and savCreate an overall ing sooner? I was going to get serious Tel: 519-637-7747 financial plan about this one day, how did time pass michael.moore@sunlife.com me by? Well, for Gen-X and millenwww.sunlife.ca/michael.moore Your finances change as your life nials who follow, the time to grow up changes, be it getting married, starting a 9 Princess Avenue, Unit 3 and get your finances in order is now. new job or having a baby.There are five St. Thomas, ON N5R 3V3 The importance of starting to save major financial milestones in life that early cannot be underestimated. If you a Sun Life Advisor is trained to assist are already late, now is still better than you with. never. As the old proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 25 years Life’s brighter under the sun There is no time like the present ago. The next best time is now.” to get started.

1 Only advisors who hold CFP®(Certified Financial Planner), CH.F.C. (Chartered Financial Consultant), Income you earn from your job is F.Pl. (Financial Planner in Quebec), or equivalent designations are certified as financial planners. considered active income because you Contact your local Sun Life Advisor – *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. need to do the work to earn it. Income Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

Michael Moore - today! © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2015. earned from investments is considered

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RRSPs & Investing Get creative with your TFSA

by Michael Moore

A TFSA can be used in so many different ways at different stages of your life.

Here are some ways you can put this versatile savings account to work.

1. Save more for your kids’ education • Before post-secondary school. If you’ve already saved enough to access the maximum government grants for a registered education savings plan (RESP), your TFSA is an ideal place to save more for your kids’ education. You’ll pay no taxes on the growth within the plan and there will be no penalties if your children choose not to go to college or university.

• During the post-secondary years. Once your children reach age 18 and you’ve already contributed the maximum to your own TFSA, give them money to open TFSAs in their own names. (A word of caution: A TFSA in your child’s name means the child isn’t legally obliged to use the money the way you intend.)

2. Help your kids save for other goals When school is finished, continue to give your children money to contribute to their TFSAs, with an understanding that the money will be used for

a specific goal, such as a down payment for a home or wedding costs. (But again, the child has no legal obligation to use the money the way you intend.)

3. Finance your retirement • Top up your retirement savings with TFSA contributions, if you’ve already reached your RRSP contribution limit. The extra savings will come in handy someday.

• Retire early. If you retire early, you may not yet be eligible to receive government or workplace pensions and you may not want to start withdrawing income from your RRSP savings. Your TFSA may be the ideal way to bridge the gap, but check with your financial advisor, because efficiently funding early retirement can be tricky.

• Continue to save in retirement. If you’re not employed, or your part-time business isn’t making a profit, you’re still eligible to contribute to your TFSA without the earned income needed to make an RRSP contribution.

• Continue to save after age 71. You can’t own an RRSP past the year you turn age 71. You have to convert it to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF) or payout annuity by the end of the year you turn 71, or take the RRSP money in cash (and pay tax on it). But you can keep your TFSA open

– and keep contributing to it – as long as you wish.

• Use your TFSA as a source of tax-free income. Talk to your advisor about how and when this is a good strategy.

4. Save for your parents’ healthcare If you’re responsible for helping aging parents, a TFSA can be a great way to help them with the cost of healthcare or long-term care. If it looks like your parents will be unable to fully cover such costs, you can use your TFSA — or give your parents money to contribute to TFSAs in their names, if you’ve maxed out the contributions to your TFSA — to help make ends meet.

5. Save for a rainy day It’s an uncertain world; a TFSA is ideal for letting you put aside money in good times and withdraw it – with tax-free investment growth – in bad. For example, you can use your TFSA in case: • You lose your job or your income is otherwise interrupted.

• You incur healthcare costs not covered by government, group or personal health insurance.

For a customized solution to your personal situation, feel free to contact Michael Moore, Advisor – Sun Life Financial St. Thomas (519) 637-7747 michael. moore@sunlife.com

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RRSPs & Investing How to find a financial planner

Managing money can be a daunting task. Monitoring retirement and investment accounts can sometimes seem like a full-time job, and that’s in addition to the responsibilities many men and women already face with regards to their careers and families.

To combat the sometimes confusing and intimidating nature of money management, many people enlist the help of financial planners. Financial planners can help men and women navigate the plan for retirement and help them prepare for unforeseen events that can affect their finances. Finding the right financial planner can be similar to finding a physician; just as you don’t want to trust just anyone with your health, you also don’t want your finances in the hands of someone you don’t trust.

The following are a handful of tips for men and women as they look for financial planners who they can be comfortable with for years to come.

Choose a certified planner. Many financial professionals claim to be planners, but only those men and women who are certified financial planners, or CFPs, are licensed and regulated.

CFPs must take various classes with regard to financial planning and pass an exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

In addition, a requirement to maintain their designation as CFPs is that, once certified, CFPs continue their education so they can stay abreast of the latest industry trends and developments. While CFP status does not guarantee a given planner will meet your needs, it’s a good place to start.

How a CFP earns his or her living is another factor to consider. Commission-based financial planners earn commissions when buying or selling a stock, while fee-based planners earn a percentage of your annual assets. Many people starting out prefer planners who earn hourly fees, feeling that such a pay structure makes them more comfortable and gives them time to build up a relationship with their planners.

Be knowledgeable about fees. In the U.S., there are two standards – the fiduciary standard and the suitability standard. The latter requires that planners give advice that suits investors’ objectives, while the former requires planners to give advice that puts their clients’ best interests ahead of their own. So what’s the difference? A planFebruary, 2017

ner beholden to the suitability standard can recommend the least suitable investment option (which may earn him or her more money). New 2017 disclosure rules in Canada should go a long way toward establishing more of a fiduciary standard in this country. All fees should be fully disclosed, and you should be as comfortable inquiring about fees and investment options as you are asking your doctor about your health.

Be wary of boasts. Some planners will try to impress prospective clients with boastful talk of beating the market. Such boastfulness should raise a red flag, as it suggests a planner is more likely to roll the dice with your money than make sound investments.

Finding a trustworthy financial planner is a great way to grow your money. But who to work with is a decision that requires careful thought and research.

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RRSPs & Investing

Animal instincts can sneak up behind you Do we need to know more about our primitive selves?

by Duncan Watterworth

I was bit in the butt by a tiger a few weeks ago.

It was intriguing.

Intriguing because I had been reading about instincts in the animal kingdom, and particularly instincts in Homo sapiens like you and me.

My daughter’s boyfriend Joe grew up in a zoo – the family business – where one of the perks is a chance to get close and cuddly with the baby animals. But by the time Barb and I got a chance to get into the pen with the tiger triplets, the cute kittens had become rambunctious adolescents.

While playing with them, one snuck behind me, reared up, clamped his paws around my thigh, and nipped.

I pried him off. No big deal. There was a tear in the back of my pants, some tiny punctures on the front, and a scratch on my skin. I still managed to hoist him up for a photo.

The intriguing part was the palpable purity of the instinct. There was no forethought, no afterthought, no malice. He wasn’t even hungry. He just did what tigers do. There was nothing in between the impulse and the behaviour.

Our Homo sapiens instincts evolved over mil-

Steve Malone

lions of years in the forests and savanna of East Africa. We were hunters and gatherers, and lived in small clans or tribal groups. Those instincts are in us today, species-wide, and we are stuck with them.

The 10,000 years or so since we started to adopt an agricultural lifestyle are not nearly enough for evolution to significantly change them, says Oxford trained historian Yuval Noah Harari in his book “Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind”.

“We have created a Star Wars civilization with Stone Age emotions,” writes eminent Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson.

Other writers have been equally descriptive: Specializing in helping Clients “We are animals that who are looking to preserve and have come indoors,” accumulate wealth, plan for a child’s “We are operating on 60,000 year-old softfuture or create an estate plan and ware,” and “The monretirement plan. keys have taken over the lab.”

I find it a bit spooky Our financial approach is centered to think that my dayon the individual and focuses on to-day behaviour is, to some extent, an actthe specific needs of each client at ing-out of my huntervarious stages of life. gatherer instincts.

What about my oh-sorational mind?

Wilson says that as late as the 1970s most social scientists Manulife Securities Incorprated believed that human behaviour was mostly 255 Talbot St., learned from sociSt. Thomas ON N5P 1B3 ety, rather than being 519-631-0002 guided by biology. But

Investment Advisor Stephen.malone@manulifesecurities.ca

Brett Fox

Investment Advisor Associate Brett.fox@manulifesecurities.ca

Manulife, Manulife Securities, the block design, the four cube design, and strong reliable trustworthy forward-thinking are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. is a Member of the MFDA IPC.

February, 2017

this has now flipped.

However, our instincts’ control over our behaviour “is not nearly as rigid or simpleminded” as it is for animals, says Wilson.

Rather, our instincts merely create a likelihood, propensity, or bias toward certain

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behaviours.

But Wilson points to a list of sixty-seven social behaviours that appear to be “universal”, based on a survey of a large number of diverse cultures.

These include kin groups, status differentiation, bodily adornment, courtship, marriage, and appeasement of supernatural beings.

The role of instincts in human behavior is framed differently by Harari. He argues that humans were solely creatures of instinct until 70,000 to 30,000 years ago, when we developed the ability for abstract thought. With this new ability, he says, we have created an “imagined reality” of legends, myths, gods, religions, and ideologies. This imagined reality overlays our instincts, and modifies our behaviour.

Either way, our prehistoric instincts play a large but hidden role in our motivation and behavior.

And that role is now being investigated under the banner of “evolutionary psychology”.

Consider, for example, the tribal instinct: did evolving in small clans cause a modern-day tendency to see humanity in us-versus-them groupings? Do we feel an elevated instinctual comfort within our groups, while harbouring subconscious aversions toward outsiders?

Do we need to understand ourselves better, in this ever-more crowded and shrinking world, or risk getting badly bit in the ass?

Duncan Watterworth is a life-long resident of Elgin County and a retired lawyer. He can be reached at duncanetm@gmail.com.

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RRSPs & Investing Every day ways to save money

Saving more money is a goal for many people.

Whether retirement is looming or decades down the road, saving as much money as possible is a great way for men and women to plan for their financial futures.

But saving money is not always so easy, especially as the cost of living continues to rise in so many parts of the world. Fortunately, there are several ways that men and women can cut back each day and grow their savings without affecting their quality of life.

Make your own coffee at home.

While few people may give it much thought, that $2 or $3 coffee you buy each morning adds up to a substantial amount of money each month. If your daily cup of joe from the coffee shop next to your office costs $2.50, that’s $12.50 per week (not counting weekend mornings), $50 per month and $600 per year. Buying coffee at the grocery store and preparing it at home won’t cost anywhere near that much, saving you hundreds of dollars per year, which you can put directly into your savings account.

Bring your lunch to work. Many men and women already know that dining in instead of out is a great way to cut back on unnecessary spending. But it’s not just skipping nights out on the town that can help save money. Rather than spending somewhere between $5 and $10 every day on lunch at the office commissary or nearby restaurants, bring your lunch with you. Bringing your lunch allows you to buy in bulk rather than pay for each individual midday meal, and

that can add up to considerable cost savings over the year.

Trim some fat from your cable bill. While cable providers have been slow to embrace customizable plans that allow customers to pick and choose their channels in an effort to save money each month, some providers have begun to offer such plans. Contact your cable provider to see if you can customize your plan so you are no longer paying for channels you don’t watch. If your provider does not allow you to customize, consider cutting

your cable entirely. Streaming services such as Netflix and Crave TV cost a fraction of monthly cable subscriptions, and these services continue to increase their offerings.

Work with a financial advisor. If you keep coming up empty in your search for ways to save, work with a financial advisor. Financial advisors can help you establish a monthly budget so you are in a good position to save. In addition, such advisors can suggest ways to grow your money that you might not know about.

Reach Your Retirement Goals

For dreams to be achieved and goals met, retirement planning is essential. Contributing to an RRSP is the means to this end. Let us help you successfully plan the retirement you desire and deserve.

Talk to us today about your financial goals.

Investment Advisors Raymond Bosveld

Ellen Luft, CFP®

Steven Knipe, CIM®

130 Centre Street St. Thomas, ON

Bringing their lunch to work instead of dining out each day is an effective way for professionals to grow their savings.

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519-631-4088

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