advocate
Our program members are getting the best value on home protection,
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Cowan’s C owan’s One Sourc Source e Advantage™ P Program rogram IIRU WKH *UHDWHU .LWFKHQHU :DWHUORR &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH RU WKH KH *UHDWHU .LWF W KH KHQHU :D : WHUORR &KDPEHU RI & &RPPHUFH With the warm weather upon us and mortgage rates dropping, it’ it’ss no surprise that the housing market is heating up. Y o can ca take advantage of the market and save more ou You with The Chamber ’s One Source Advantage program. Chamber’s Exclusive Group Home & Auto Program ‡‡ YH XS WR ZKHQ \RX FRPELQH \RXU KRPH DQG 6D DYH XS WR ZKHQ \RX FRPELQH \RXU KRPH DQG automobile insurance
And that’s not all. In addition to Group Home & Auto and Wealth Management, Cowan also offers the following services:
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Cowan Insuranc Cowan Insurance e Group 1-888-333-6337 | chamber@cowangroup.ca www www.cowangroup.ca .cowangroup.ca
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
features 18
COVER STORY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Canada’s mayors offering federal parties solutions on issues impacting standard of living, jobs and the economy, sustainability
Art Sinclair
Berry Vrbanovic
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EDITOR:
Heather Hutchings DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
FEATURE
Municipal Governments must use Caution on Development Charges
M&T Printing Group PHOTOGRAPHY:
Adamski Photography ADVERTISING AND SALES:
David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Paul Eichinger, Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, Berry Vrbanovic CONTRIBUTORS:
Teri Hetherington and Julie Tedesco ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES: July 17, 2015 for September/October 2015 September 18, 2015 for November/December 2015 SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Planning for Growth
Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com
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Paul Eichinger
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Building Infrastructure for Economic Growth Ian McLean
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SPONSORSHIP
Chamber Sponsors
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ADVOCACY
The Challenges of Governing Rural Ontario Art Sinclair
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PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE
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Local Innovative Mobility Clinic Honoured Nationally AWARDS
2015 Business Excellence Awards
Winners AWARDS
2015 Business Excellence Awards Guests
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NETWORKING
Spring Networking NEW MEMBERS
February 1 to March 31, 2015
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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 519.576.5000 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
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message from the chair
Planning for Growth BY PAUL EICHINGER
Planning for growth is a challenge that all businesses face. Allocation of financial and human resources and the timing of appropriate investment is critical. Forecasting future economic and market conditions can be difficult for any business, so is it blind luck or “gut feel” that carries the day when businesses succeed and grow? It’s neither, according to Marianne Harrison, President and CEO of Manulife Canada. As head of Manulife’s Canadian Division, Marianne leads several thousand staff (4,000 in Waterloo Region alone) who serve 1 in 5 Canadians with products and services across multiple business lines. And as Marianne told me in a recent conversation, it’s knowing your MARIANNE HARRISON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF customers, understanding how to MANULIFE CANADA deliver what they need and developing a strategy that differentiates yourself in today’s market that drives opportunities for growth. “Manulife conducts substantial research on macro-economic conditions in countries throughout the world,” notes Marianne. “This research helps us determine where to focus our energies. As an example, the millennial generation in North America stands to inherit some $300 trillion dollars in wealth from their parents. For a company that helps people with their big financial decisions, this is clearly a tremendous opportunity to reach this segment with the products they need, delivered in the way they want to buy them.” “While the economic information can help identify these opportunities, you need to understand regional market conditions including client requirements and competition,” added Marianne. “Conditions vary by region, and we need to provide unique products and solutions in each market to stand out from our competitors and meet the needs of key customer segments. In Canada (where Sir John A Macdonald was Manulife’s first president) we provide the broadest range of products and services; in the US we don’t currently provide group insurance and there are more specialized advisors; and in Asia (where Manulife has had a presence for over 100 years) we expect our greatest relative growth as the middle class grows and our services increase in demand. That means the strategies
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we implement in Canada, including the customers we reach and the products and services we offer, are different than those of our U.S. Division and our Asia Division. How we operate in each region is quite different, but each contributes relatively equally to our overall company.” As Marianne described these business challenges and opportunities, I could not help but recognize some similarities that a local business, such as my employer (MTE Consultants) experiences, albeit on a much different scale. MTE’s primary geography of business is Ontario, serviced by 190 staff out of offices in Kitchener, Burlington and Stratford. Industry conditions in each region are different, as are the strengths of each office. And so the same holds true as with Manulife – it is not a one size fits all approach. Different business lines have a better chance of growing in different areas, based on local market conditions, local competition and the specific strength of the company brand – and the employees - in those markets. As a result, MTE’s business development and growth initiatives differ accordingly. Another critical success factor for Marianne – and Manulife – is Chamber involvement (I may be somewhat biased on that front). “We are a large international company, but this is our Canadian headquarters and it is important that we are very involved in this community,” explained Marianne. “We are active sponsors of Chamber events, we participate on the Board of Directors and we also benefit from regular interaction with business and government leaders that visit this Region as a result of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.” Planning for growth starts with understanding your market conditions, your client base and your business strengths. Quality of execution will dictate how well you achieve your growth targets. And the Chamber can play a role in achieving and accelerating your business success. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Eichinger CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul is Vice President at MTE Consultants Inc.
message from the president
Building Infrastructure for Economic Growth BY IAN MCLEAN The local, provincial and national business sectors all recognize the importance of infrastructure and infrastructure planning as critical for future economic growth and prosperity. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce 2015 Top Ten Barriers to Competitiveness notes that public investment into infrastructure has not maintained an adequate pace with economic growth to the point that domestic requirements now exceed available public funding. Bringing infrastructure in Canada back to the level needed to support prosperity will require an on-going commitment by all levels of government, an active engagement with the private sector and a greater appreciation by government on the importance of public infrastructure for competing in global markets. All issues considered, local infrastructure is proceeding at a relatively strong pace. The 2015 Regional Economic Outlook for Waterloo Region-Guelph-Barrie compiled by the Credit Unions of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce indicates that construction across this region remains very active in both the residential and non-residential sectors. Residential building permits were up 12 percent in 2014 while non-residential permits increased by an impressive 35 percent. The major projects driving construction in Waterloo Region are the Cambridge Memorial Hospital expansion and Light Rail Transit (LRT). The LRT and the start of construction on a new Highway 7 are vitally important infrastructure developments for the Waterloo Region. As recent media reports have indicated, many businesses have been impacted by construction however I can assure the Chamber membership that we as an organization are strongly committed to working with all levels of government and our many community partners on minimizing these effects. Recent reports also indicate that construction on Highway 7 will begin this summer and the provincial Ministry of Transportation estimates that the project will consume five seasons to complete. Arriving at this point has been a lengthy process for our Chamber and all local municipalities, however as we have emphasized in submissions to the province the new highway not only serves as a vital link between two growing regional economies but also an important connection for moving product and people eastward into the expanding western GTA region.
Progress is also evident in broad-based community efforts to secure new and additional GO train service into Waterloo Region through both downtown Kitchener and Cambridge. In March of last year, at a joint Cambridge and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chambers of Commerce event, Premier Wynne announced the government’s formal plans to bring full-day, two-way GO Train service between our region and Toronto Union Station. The specific commitments include two additional morning trips by 2016 and the construction of a new train layover facility. This past winter our Chamber, the Guelph Chamber and Brampton Board of Trade issued a media release supporting expanded GO train service based on a report from municipal staff of the three cities indicating a technology ecosystem of 12,800 companies could be created with over 200,000 employees by simply connecting Union Station, Pearson Airport, Brampton, Guelph and Kitchener. A 2009 Environmental Assessment estimated capital cost improvements at $396 million, an amount that could easily be covered by increased personal income taxes of individuals working at the aforementioned new enterprises. The City of Cambridge is also actively pursuing GO train service to Union Station through Milton. A 2014 study from city staff indicated that service could be provided for considerably less than previous estimates. The demand for transit and transportation infrastructure across the region is extensive and our Chamber has urged the province to look at all options for reducing highway congestion on the 401. A growing economy such as Waterloo Region requires heavy investments however at the same time we require commitments from all levels of government to ensure the most effective and efficient return is created from limited financial resources.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
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Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.
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CHAMBER PATRON
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advocacy
The Challenges of Governing Rural Ontario BY ART SINCLAIR For over a century, the province of Ontario has generally maintained a strong balance across the economies of rural and urban regions. Rural southwestern Ontario has prospered from stable manufacturing and agri-food sectors which are still considered the province’s two leading and dominant industries. However, global restructuring leveled a significant economic impact that is now affecting business, employment and municipal government. In February of this year major media outlets across the province were reporting that residents of Howick Township, a rural area of Huron County between Harriston and Wingham, could be paying close to 30 percent more in property taxes. The municipality experienced an 11 percent tax increase in 2014 however their deficit for the current year is estimated at close to $460,000. Almost half of this shortfall is the result of provincial funding cuts and accompanying OPP service increases. In Norwich Township, south of Woodstock, provincial funding was decreased by $280,000 which alone translated into a 4.58 percent tax increase. Township officials indicated in a news release that the province has systematically cut funding to their municipality over the last six years which cannot be absorbed within its budget structure. The major provincial municipal support program is the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). In August of last year, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) asked the province to defer any further cuts to the OMPF and maintain the current level of $550 million. The 2014 Ontario Budget delivered by Finance Minister Charles Sousa accelerated cuts to the fund by $35 million - $10 million more than anticipated. Furthermore, AMO recommended last August that the Ministry should complete a review of the overall fiscal impact of the 2014 budget and other impending decisions on rural municipalities. The major concern was the cumulative impact of initiatives such as OMPF cuts and changes to the OPP billing model. In late March of this year, serious financial issues were reported at North Dumfries Township which according to media reports originated from ineffective internal accounting practices and controls and not provincial funding cuts. Overall, the rural areas of
Waterloo Region have been adequately served by the current governance model where revenue generated from urban areas subsequently supports service delivery in rural areas. In other areas of southwestern Ontario, such as Huron County, there is no urban centre to provide this level of support. On the private sector side of the equation, the 2015 Regional Economic Outlook compiled by the Credit Unions of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce noted that across the province, economic trends in rural Ontario are considerably less positive than in larger and industry diversified urban centres. The 2014 report compiled by these two organizations provided a similar analysis which infers conditions are not improving and should be a concern to Queen’s Park. The new prevailing attitude of rural Ontario may have been best described in a January 16, 2015 Windsor Star opinion column from Kevin Marriott, the mayor of Enniskillen Township in Lambton County. He asserts that OMPF cuts have resulted in the largest property tax increases in provincial history. Referencing the election night speech delivered by Premier Kathleen Wynne noting that in Ontario no one should be left behind, Marriott essentially asserts that rural Ontario is being ignored by Queen’s Park. Former mayor Rob Deutschmann has indicated that there is no financial crisis in North Dumfries Township. The issues for the province of Ontario are more difficult and require far more complex solutions to relieve municipalities of elevating financial pressures. Time and resources cannot be wasted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
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Thank You! Thank Y o ou! Ontario Provincial District Council Ontario P rovincial Dist r ic t C ouncil
Individual Individua al and Small Sm ma all Business Business Contributors Contributors
Ka K aren Mason Ma M ason Al Hayes Karen Ian McLean McLean Tim Sothern Bill Weiler
the Chamber Chamber continue for f or helping helping the continue its its goal goal of of eliminating eliminating the the doctor doctor s hortage a iin nW ater t loo Reg ion shortage Waterloo Region Since 1998 the the Chamber Chamber and and a team ve cut t he n umber of Since volunteers have the number team of of dedicated dedicated t volunteers h av of residents without without a family family doctor doctor iin n hal f. H owever the the battle battle is n ot o ver. residents half. However not over. Recruitment efforts ppen t hrough t he f inancial d Our Recruitment happen through the financial dedication efforts can only only ha edication of our C orpor rate at Community Community through through which which it is fu nded of Corporate funded
perspective on health care
Local Innovative Mobility Clinic Honoured Nationally Services Now Opened Up to Entire Kitchener-Waterloo Area Sarah is wheelchair-bound following a traumatic spinal cord injury. She has multiple issues, the most troublesome being persistent pain. Her family physician tried several different pain medications with little effect. Sarah was referred to the Centre for Family Medicine (CFFM) for a thorough assessment by Dr. Jamie Milligan and the Mobility Clinic team. They were able to help Sarah understand the source of her pain, the role of psychosocial issues in exacerbating her pain, and ways to help her including recommendations for a change in pain medication, ways to improve her mood and an ongoing exercise program. The team connected her with community services and supports. People with spinal cord injury have complex medical issues and health care providers often feel challenged meeting their medical needs. Like many other areas in the province, there are no specialist physicians dealing with this issue in our region. The Centre for Family Medicine in Kitchener created an interprofessional Mobility Clinic in 2010 to assist people like Sarah and their physicians in providing improved care. Initially restricted to patients of the CFFM, the service has been opened up to all persons with spinal cord injury in the Kitchener-Waterloo area via the newly created KW4 Health Link. The Mobility Clinic aims to improve care for patients with mobility issues; increase mobility impaired patient access to family physicians; promote awareness of mobility issues to health care professionals within Waterloo Region; and develop further clinical education and research projects involving patients with mobility issues. The Centre for Family Medicine has partnered with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, the Schlegel Research Institute for Aging and McMaster University Family Medicine in creating this important link for vulnerable people. It involves many health professions including medicine, exercise therapy, social work, pharmacy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, optometry and nursing. The work of the clinic will be furthered with a $655,000 grant over three years from the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. Recognized nationally for their innovative work, Dr. Jamie Milligan and the Mobility Clinic team earned three prestigious awards last fall: The Bruce Halliday Award was presented in
MOBILITY CLINIC TEAM (LT TO RT): DR. JAMES MILLIGAN - DIRECTOR, MARY LOU RECEPTIONIST, KELSEY - NURSE, AND DR. CRAIG BAUMAN - PROJECT MANAGER & CHIROPRACTOR. ABSENT IS SARAH - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST.
Quebec City to Dr. Milligan by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for exceptional service, teaching and research for disabled persons; the Bright Light Award for Team Collaboration in Patient-Centred Care was presented by the Mobility Clinic in Toronto by the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario; and the Award of Excellence was bestowed upon Dr. Milligan by the Ontario College of Family Physicians in Toronto. Since Sarah’s visit to the Mobility Clinic, she reports feeling her mobility challenges were acknowledged and she was valued as a person. Sarah said she is feeling the best she has since her accident, her pain is reduced, her mood is improved and her community engagement has increased. The Centre for Family Medicine Mobility Clinic and Dr. Jamie Milligan plan to help people like Sarah across Ontario based on their innovative, award-winning model developed here in Kitchener-Waterloo. The Centre for Family Medicine Mobility Clinic is interested in seeing spinal cord injury patients and is currently taking referrals. Please contact Dr. Craig Bauman at craig.bauman@family-medicine.ca. or at 519-570-3008 for more information on the program.
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awards
2015 Business Excellence Awards Winners
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1. SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (1-10 EMPLOYEES) DARYL HUNTER, OWNER/OPERATOR OF ZOUP! ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM JOHN DEANS, VICE-PRESIDENT, CLIENT RELATIONS AT S.G. CUNNINGHAM LIMITED. 2. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (11-50 EMPLOYEES) RON CAUDLE, PRESIDENT OF CAUDLE’S CATCH SEAFOOD ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM DWAYNE KUIPER, PARTNER AT MILLER THOMSON LLP. 3. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES) MICHAEL ECKARDT, CEO OF ONTARIO DRIVE & GEAR ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM ROSS JOHNSTON, DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS, CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION & CAREER ACTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO. 4. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AWARD KAREN GAVAN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF ECONOMICAL INSURANCE, ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM DR. JOHN TIBBITS, PRESIDENT & CEO OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEARNING. 5. ENVIRONMENT AWARD CLAIRE BENNETT, MANAGER SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE AT WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MURRAY COSTELLO, DISTRICT MANAGER FOR WATERLOO/BRANTFORD UNION GAS LIMITED. 6. HEALTH & WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD GEORGE MINOW, MANAGER OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS AT KITCHENERWILMOT HYDRO ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MALCOLM MAXWELL, PRESIDENT & CEO OF GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL.
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7. HOSPITALITY/TOURISM AWARD ALEX MUSTAKAS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CEO OF DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MARY D’ALTON, PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE WATERLOO INN CONFERENCE HOTEL. 8. INNOVATION AWARD DON SHILTON, PRESIDENT OF ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM KATHRYN HODGE, DIRECTOR OF TALENT & ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AT BLACKBERRY. 9. MICHAEL R. FOLLETT COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD HEATHER MCLACHLIN, ON BEHALF OF MAUREEN COWAN, ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM NEIL MORRISON, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF EQUITABLE LIFE OF CANADA. 10. NONPROFIT/CHARITABLE AWARD BILL CREIGHTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT CHICOPEE SKI & SUMMER RESORT ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM PAUL EICHINGER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MTE CONSULTANTS. 11. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD AL HAYES FROM WALTERFEDY ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MICHEÁL KELLY, DEAN, LAURIER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS. 12. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD LESLEY WARREN, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF LESLEY WARREN DESIGN GROUP ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR, PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO.
awards
2015 Business Excellence Awards Guests
Photography by Adamski Photography advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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networking
Spring Networking
ATTENDEES AT THE HOME HARDWARE BUSINESS AFTER 5 EVENT AT MOVATI ATHLETIC
PATTI METZGER, MARY TROTTIER, CAROLYN EMBRO-PANTALONY, ASHLEY LOCKE AND BROOKE EBY
GUESTS NETWORKING AT THE CYP EVENT AT THE KW SYMPHONY
KATHRYN PARSONS AND NICKY TRASIAS AT ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST
THE
LIBRO CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT AT THE KW SYMPHONY
PINCHIN ENVIRONMENTAL AT THE FEBRUARY BA5
BA5 COMMITTEE MEMBER ALISON BOURKE & BOARD MEMBER SABRINA FITZGERALD
ANNE MINER WELCOMING THE ATTENDEES TO THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST.
Spring cleaning is hectic enough! Let us help clean up your books!
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networking
Spring Networking
ANNE MINER SHARING HER INSPIRATIONAL STORY
EDWIN OUTWATER WELCOMING GUESTS TO THE LIBRO CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING EVENT
JANE MITCHELL AND GWYNETH MITCHELL
KELLY SUE LABUS AND SUSAN DUSICK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST
KAREN REDMAN INTRODUCING THE SPEAKER ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST!
FOR THE
GILLIAN REES, PATTI METZGER AND LAURA MUNDY
AT THE
ZARAH JAFFER AND SHERRY DOSMAN
MARION NEISEN, NORA WHITTINGTON, CINDY TARASOW AND MARY D’ALTON
BMO’S JANET PEDDIGREW WITH GUEST LORNA HUNDT
WATERLOO REGION
A MEMBER OF THE
F
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CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY
SIN
CE 1878 BRIDAL SHOW
s
WATERLOO REGION
For more information contact: 519-895-5239
@GrandRiverShows BRIDAL SHOW
s
GUELPH
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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new members
February 1 to March 31, 2015 A Body in Motion Rehab-The Boardwalk Physiotherapists Keri Martin Vrbanac, Owner 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 303, The Medical Centre Waterloo, ON N2T 0C1 Email: abodyinmotion@theboardwalkmedical.com www.abodyinmotion.ca Phone: (519) 578-4000
Aboriginal Risk Services Inc. Investigators (Main), Security Services & Systems Daryn DesGrosseilliers, President 160 Wissler Road, Unit 109 Waterloo, ON N2K 2T6 Email: daryn@aboriginalriskservices.com Phone: (705) 665-5150
About Your Books Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Susan Mahn, Owner 130 Frobisher Drive, Unit 10 Waterloo, ON N2V 1Z9 Email: susan@aboutyourbooks.com www.aboutyourbooks.com Phone: (519) 888-7890 Fax: (519) 888-7896
AMPM Limousine Inc. Limousines Audie Viegas, President Email: audieviegas@gmail.com www.ampmworld-wide.com Phone: (647) 886-0697
A-Sign Engineering Software
Casey’s Creative Kitchens
Creative Asphalt & Landscape Inc.
Computer Software Daniele Dalla Valle, Business Development Manager - Canada 305 King Street West, Unit 1010 Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9 Email: daniele.dallavalle@a-sign.it www.a-sign.it Phone: (519) 804-9515
Kitchen Planning & Remodelling Jennifer McIlveen, Manager 283 Northfield Drive E, Unit 10 Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8 Email: jmcilveen@caseyscreativekitchens.com www.caseyscreativekitchens.com Phone: (519) 888-0401 Fax: (519) 888-7920
Paving Contractors (Main), Landscape Contractors & Designers Jody Draves, Office Manager 387 - 55 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo, ON N2K 3T6 Email: info@creativeasphalt.ca www.creativeasphalt.ca Phone: (519) 699-4444 Fax: (519) 699-4776
Bayometric Electronics Danny Thakar, CEO 295 Hagey Blvd. Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 Email: dannyt@bayometric.com www.bayometric.com Phone: (408) 625-7763
Chill Fresh Produce/Transportation Inc.
Bell - King & Fairway Road Telecommunications Rob Vendetti, Owner 3012 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2A 1B3 Email: rvendetti@bwconestoga.com www.bellfairway.com Phone: (519) 894-2211
Cafè du Monde Crêperie Caterers Nadia Dragusanu, Owner Email: info@cafedumondecreperie.com www.cafedumondecreperie.com Phone: (519) 589-0293
Food Wholesaler (Main), Transportation Deana Baker, Administrative Manager 124 Bleams Road, Kitchener, ON N2C 2K5 Email: dbaker@chillfreshproduce.net www.chillfreshproduce.net Phone: (519) 896-0124 Fax: (519) 896-6126
Collaborative Structures Limited
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Elite Training Facility / Elite Registered Massage Therapy
Construction Samuel (Uel) McFall, Business Development / Project Director 6683 Ellis Road Cambridge, ON N3C 2V4 Email: UMcFall@collaborativestructures.com www.collaborativestructures.com Phone: (519) 658-2750 Fax: (519) 658-5522
Fitness & Exercise Service Dorothy Sinding, Owner/Registered Massage Therapist 1253 King Street E., Unit 1A Kitchener, ON N2G 2N5 Email: dorothy@betterbodyexchange.com www.betterbodyexchange.com Phone: (519) 603-4223
ConneX-Global
Environmental Consultants Connie LumOwner Email: connielum.ehs@gmail.com Phone: (519) 635-2286
Wholesale Joe Pozeg, Managing Partner 37 Lancaster Street West Kitchener, ON N2H 4T1 Email: joe@connex-global.com www.connex-global.com Phone: (519) 496-8650 Fax: (519) 745-1309
W e’re IRS Regis tered tto o We’re Registered pe rform f b th corpo both rate perform corporate and personal p U .S taxation U.S se rvices. services.
ww www.dskcga.com/irs w.dskcga.com d k m/irs /i
Ducere Canada Educational Consultants Margaret Strawbridge, Managing Director 151 Yonge St., 11th Floor Toronto, ON M5C 2W7 Email: margarets@ducere.co www.ducere.co Phone: (519) 616-1147
Envirolum Consulting
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD WATERLOO REGION LTD.
LOCAL FOCUS. GLOBAL SOLUTIONS.
INDUSTRIAL SALES, LEASING AND INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS
4% GROWTH
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The global economic outlook is for 4% growth and Canada can look forward to 2.8% next year followed by 2% in 2016.
30%
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80 CENTS US
Strongly agree pursuing new geographic markets as an import strategy, but 43% say pursing North American markets is a priority over global markets.
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The loonie is hovering in the vicinity of 80 cents US, American manufacturers are enjoying a resurgence that includes reshoring work to North America, free trade deals with the EU and South Korea are wrapping up and there are others on the go, all of which expands opportunities for Canadian products and technologies
OUR SERVICES • Landlord & Tenant Representation • Industrial & Specialty Services • Development & Lease Advisory Services • Valuation, Appraisal, Advisory, & Property Tax Services • Strategic Account Management, Asset Management, Facilities Management, Project Management & Consultancy • Property Revenue Collection Services, Accounting Services, Tenant Solution, Leasing & Marketing Coordination
Cushman & Wakeffiield Waterloo Region Ltd., Brokerage 4295 King Street East, Suite 101 Kitchener ON, N2P 0C6
519.585.2200 www.cushwakewr.com
member notables
MEMBER NOTABLES Centre for Smart Manufacturing Launched at Conestoga College In early March of this year, the Centre for Smart Manufacturing officially commenced at the Cambridge Campus of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. The Centre provides a regional hub to support local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector, including dedicated labs for new products and processes. Funding for this project was provided through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Manufacturing accounted for more than 19 percent of total employment - 68,000 jobs - in Waterloo Region and Wellington County/Guelph during 2013. Waterloo Region alone has 1,800 manufacturers, with 80 percent employing fewer than 20 people.
WLU Dean Appointed to Board of Economical Insurance Dr. Micheál J. Kelly, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, was recently appointed to the board of directors at Economical Insurance. Dr. Kelly’s background in post-secondary education includes Dean of the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa and past president of the Canadian Federation of Business School Deans. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Waterloo North Hydro. Economical Insurance services over one million property and casualty customers across Canada from their Waterloo Region based headquarters.
Cowan Insurance Group Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies For the third consecutive year, Cowan Insurance Group has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Established in 1993, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is a national awards program that recognizes Canadian organizations that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative processes. Sponsors include Deloitte, CIBC, the National Post, Queen’s School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums. In a March 10, 2015 news release, Cowan indicated their success is the result of their strategic priorities centred on a commitment to their core business and client base, a multi-line sales approach, and strong strategic partnerships.
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Hi-lighting Members
Health & Wellness Pure Organic Foods Peter Maansson PO Box 424, Waterloo ON, N2J 4A9 (519) 513-9112 Email: info@pureorganicfoods.ca www.pureorganicfoods.ca
Arnold Hearing Centres
Pure Organic Foods Founded in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Pure Organic Foods has been serving up the very best in organic and gluten-free products since 2011. Our focus is on making natural, GMO-free grains. We value not only healthy eating, but healthy living. Stay healthy. Stay strong.
Chris Arnold President (519) 742-9494 Fax: (519) 742-1732 Twitter/YouTube: ArnoldHearing Facebook: arnoldhearing www.arnoldhearing.ca
Arnold Hearing Centres
GoodPractice Physiotherapy
GoodPractice Physiotherapy
620 Davenport Rd Unit 20 Waterloo, ON N2V 2C2 (226) 220-7757 www.goodpractice.ca Email: info@goodpractice.ca Twitter: @goodpracticePT
Clair Hills Retirement Community 530 Columbia Street West Waterloo, Ontario N2T 0B1 (519) 880 8444 info@clairhillsretirement.com www.Clairhillsretirement.com
As a locally owned and operated hearing clinic for over 65 years, we help YOU choose the best hearing aid for your situation. We are proud to be a family-run business, and our friendly, experienced staff can help provide the best advice.�
ARN ARNOLD ARNO NOLD
HEARING H EAR I N G CENTRES C E NT R E S CELEBRATING C E L E B R AT I N G 6 5 YEA YEARS RS SINCE 1950
We are a comprehensive multi-service physiotherapy clinic striving to restore the physical function and performance of each unique individual. Our focus is to provide in depth one-on-one physiotherapy care to all of our patients!
Clair Hills Retirement Community Come enjoy worry free living! Daily meals, housekeeping and our Safety Response System monitored by 24hour on-site registered personal. Giving you peace of mind while enjoying movies, crafts, outings and Aquafit in our heated saltwater pool. Come discovery life in our vibrant community!
www.the-boardwalk.ca advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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cover story
Canada’s mayors offering federal parties solutions on issues impacting standard of living, jobs and the economy, sustainability BY BERRY VRBANOVIC Canada’s cities are leading centres for creativity and innovation. They attract the talent and investment required for large-scale initiatives to succeed. As fundamental drivers of the economy, cities are best positioned to provide a path to job creation, stable, long-term, prosperity and sustainability for Canada. With a federal election on the horizon, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Big Cities Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC) is working hard to ensure citizens understand the important role cities play. Our goal is to work with federal partners to secure local and national improvements in infrastructure, public transit and affordable housing, which better reflect the essential role that cities play in our shared standard of living and our future prosperity and sustainability. Investing in public transit – two-way all-day GO rail service for Waterloo Region specifically – will enable economic growth, attract talent and will reduce daily commute times. Investing in affordable housing will mean safe, secure housing for low-income and vulnerable residents. Investing in infrastructure will mean manageable storm- and waste-water rates and a more sustainable Canada that is better able to compete on the international stage. This election year, we can expect to hear a great deal in the coming months from the federal parties regarding their plans. We are encouraging Canadians to tell all the parties and the candidates about your priorities: expanded two-way all-day GO rail; the need for high quality jobs; and vibrant, livable communities. BCMC encourages all Canadians to join this discussion and ensure that these priorities – your priorities – are front and centre for all federal candidates. Some recent examples suggest that this campaign is having an impact.
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over two years to Futurpreneur Canada, to support and encourage young entrepreneurs. These measures will benefit the many small to medium enterprises that are a vital part of our local economy, both those in manufacturing and in the knowledge economy. The new, permanent public transit fund announced in April’s federal budget commits $750 million for large urban municipalities starting in 2017 for two years, which will grow to $1 billion annually by the year 2019. I am pleased to see the federal government has chosen transit as a focal point for investment, as this is something cities have been requesting for a number of years. Last month's announcement is an important step in the right direction, however, when considered in the national context, one has to ask if it will truly be enough to see commute times reduced quickly enough in order to benefit the flow of goods and people in a timely manner. Further, at the time of this writing, it remains unclear what the federal government’s definition of “large cities” will be and whether Kitchener and Waterloo Region will meet their criteria. Locally, we were hoping for support from the federal government that would expedite or partially fund our two-way all-day GO train service that we’ve been advocating for and that our region desperately needs. I believe this is the type of project that should bring the various orders of government together.
Last month’s federal budget contained important investments that demonstrate the federal government is ready to partner with municipalities in building the economy and strengthening the quality of life for Canadians.
In Waterloo Region, we have seen the benefits of intergovernmental collaboration under a balanced model of shared responsibilities and resources. A three-way partnership between federal, provincial and municipal governments secured the $818 million required for the initial phase of our light rapid transit ION. Set for completion in 2017, the ION will help move the additional 80,000 daily commuters across Waterloo Region that are predicted between now and 2031, while also easing traffic volume on our roads and reducing related environmental pressures.
The budget reduced the small business tax rate from 11 to 9 per cent by 2019 and provided manufacturers with a 10-year accelerated capital cost allowance, to encourage investment in machinery and equipment. The budget also provides $14 million
By comparison, the cost of two-way all-day GO rail service between Waterloo Region and Toronto is $600 million. This upgraded service would allow for an increase in the more than 10,000 professionals who currently commute daily from the GTA
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cover story
into Waterloo Region, for positions in tech, financial services, life sciences, academia and other growing sectors.
housing, increase rental housing and make housing more affordable for everyone.
The 2015 budget also saw the new Building Canada Fund maintained at its current funding levels. However, a lack of clarity on the application process between the federal government and the provinces has meant that municipalities like Kitchener have not been able to access parts of this program. Municipalities are working to respond to the growing infrastructure deficit across the country, but federal and provincial support is critical.
On a regional level, the importance of this issue was reflected in the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Resolution to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which noted that “Canada’s housing crisis is too large and complex for any single order of government to address unilaterally.” That resolution stated that a coordinated approach across all orders of government was imperative to the development of a “Housing First” national strategy.
Municipal infrastructure affects everything from transit infrastructure to wastewater management. Our current fiscal arrangement hampers cities’ ability to reduce traffic congestion and increase public transit usage. Local governments receive eight cents of every tax dollar in Canada, yet we are responsible for more than 60 per cent of the country's infrastructure. This model is simply not sustainable and needs to be reworked. Moving from infrastructure and public transit to affordable housing, we find a similar scenario. Cities assume the majority of costs – whether social, financial or environmental – resulting from the shortage of affordable housing, while they are offered limited visibility and even less say as to how federal funding is allocated. Protecting federal investments in social housing is an important step in keeping housing affordable for all Canadians. The FCM’s budget submission made it clear that without the reinvestment of federal operating dollars, one-third of Canada’s social housing stock is at risk, pushing our already strained rental sector over its limits and putting vulnerable Canadians at risk of homelessness. The April budget showed progress on affordable housing. The federal government committed to protecting the $1.7 billion annually for social housing for the next four years. There are many outstanding details on how the funding will be reinvested and how this will effectively reduce pressure on the growing affordable housing waitlists in cities and communities across the country. Social housing is just one pillar in our increasingly unaffordable housing system and there is an urgent need to see greater collaboration from the federal government to protect all social
Achieving local affordable housing solutions isn’t merely a matter of municipalities asking Ottawa for greater financial resources. It’s about cities being best positioned to structure and implement the types of programs that address their particular circumstances. The outdated model of a one-size-fits-all prescription from Ottawa needs updating, as it does for infrastructure and public transit. BCMC looks forward to working with our federal partners to bring about the solutions in each of these areas. If you would like to join the campaign, contact your Member of Parliament or the prospective candidates for each of the federal parties. You could start by telling them that cities are as important to you as they are to Canadian prosperity, global sustainability and our shared standard of living. Equally importantly, in the coming weeks as interest in the federal election grows, talk about these issues affecting Canada's cities and communities with friends and co-workers, better understand these issues, and most importantly use your new found knowledge to help you make an informed decision on federal election day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Berry Vrbanovic Berry Vrbanovic is the Mayor of Kitchener, Ontario, PastPresident (2011-12) of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and a member of the FCM’s Big Cities Mayors’ Caucus, where he also represents the interests of the Region of Waterloo.
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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events
Mark Your Calendar May 8, 2015
May 26, 2015
Leadercast
Libro Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event
8:00am-4:30pm at Landmark Cinema Kitchener Tickets: $100
5:30-7:30pm at The Underground Member: $5 • General Admission: $10 You are invited to join us to develop key relationships, build your business network and connect with other young professionals and business leaders at this casual networking event.
Peyton Manning, Rudy Guiliani, Malala Yousafzai and Bill McDermott – just to name a few of the world-class speakers that will be a part of this leadership development event broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of venues around the world. It’s a day of exceptional motivation, inspiration, education, and not to mention great networking. * Lawyers & HR Professionals can receive substantive credits or recertification points- see website for more details.
Title Sponsor: Silver Sponsor: Event Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
May 28, 2015 May 13, 2015 Manulife Chamber Academy – How to Use Your Staff to Help Your Social Media Strategy 8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express Waterloo-St. Jacobs Member: $20 • General Admission: $25
MNP LLP Networking Breakfast Series presents Ron Caudle, President of Caudle’s Catch Seafood 7:15-9:00am at Delta Waterloo Member: $28 • General Admission: $35 Ron will share how Caudle’s Catch Seafood grew from a 2 person operation to distributing over 25,000 pounds of fresh and frozen seafood across Canada each week, including to every Red Lobster location in Canada, and 82 Loblaws stores across Ontario.
Title Sponsor: Title Sponsor:
Event Sponsor:
Media Sponsor:
Community Sponsor:
Insurance is the last thing business owners think of when times are good. But, when there’s a claim it’s their first call. You should have the best coverage possible. Get an expert opinion on your commercial insurance needs.
insure@erb-erb.com 1.800.265.2634 www.erb-erb.com 20
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events
June 3, 2015
June 18, 2015
Manulife Chamber Academy – Strategy Behind Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram
Heffner Women’s Leadership presents Uncorked and Cheese
8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express Waterloo-St. Jacobs Member: $20 • General Admission: $25
5:00-7:00pm at Sheridan Nurseries Member: $20 • General Admission: $30
Title Sponsor:
Come enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) and experience a unique, lightly facilitated event where you will enjoy the opportunity for many direct introductions in a short amount of time!
June 9, 2015 Home Hardware Business After 5
Title Sponsor:
5:00-7:00pm at Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, Brokerage Member: Complimentary • General Admission: $10
Event Sponsor:
Does networking intimidate you or do you thrive on meeting new people? Come out to this casual bi-monthly event with friendly faces and easy conversation that provides an opportunity for B2B networking.
Design Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
June 23, 2015 Manufacturing Summit
Media Sponsor:
10:00am-4:30pm at Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel Tickets: $75 A conference for manufacturing leaders and supply chain partners aimed at exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Ontario’s manufacturing sector. Keynote Speaker is Steve Carlisle, President of GM Canada.
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Print Sponsor: I
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June 16, 2015 Cowan Insurance Group presents a New Member Welcome 5:00-7:00pm in the Community Room at Knox Church Member: Complimentary Learn how working together can work for you! Find out how our services and events can help your business grow, learn about volunteer opportunities, and promote your business to other members.
Gold Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
Sunday Brunch The MOST fabulous Brunch
at the Waterloo Inn, 475 King St. N., Waterloo
Every Sunday 10:30 am-2 pm
519.884.0220
www.waterlooinn.com advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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Stronger. Faster. Smarter. HRPA is proud to introduce the CHRP, CHRL and CHRE designation.
The new global standard ffor or HR excellence excellence and prof professionalism. essionalism. The C Certified ertified Human R Resources esources Professional, Professional, Leader, Leader, and E Executive xecutive designations will help companies companies succ succeed eed eevery very step of the w way. ay. Unle Unleash ash the new gold standard in your organization: organization: www www.hrpa.ca/designations .hrpa.ca/designations 22
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feature
Municipal Governments must use Caution on Development Charges On March 5 of this year, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin tabled Bill 73, the Smart Growth for our Communities Act 2015, in the Ontario Legislature. Although the bill has generated limited media attention, it does contain proposals that will have a significant impact on future growth across Waterloo Region. The legislation advances changes to the Development Charges Act and Planning Act that expand the ability of municipalities to use new revenue tools to pay for transit and enhance community engagement in the planning process respectively. Proposed amendments are based on input from Ontario stakeholders during a ministry consultation process in late 2013 and early 2014. The issue of transit funding through development charges has been extensively discussed across Waterloo Region. In May of 2011, as Regional Council held a series of public meetings related to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system which is currently under construction, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce provided a submission which identified a series of issues/concerns from the local business community including property tax increases, private sector funding options, and compensation for business disruptions. The Chamber also requested specific plans related to potential increases in development charges to pay for any section of the system, along with an analysis of how any increases would impact local growth and development. It was the Chamber’s position that the existing business and residential sectors should not be paying a disproportionate share of construction costs. A detailed submission in January 2014 from the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) in response to the above-referenced Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing consultation on development charges provided three major recommendations on their application as a funding source for transit.
choice of transit capital best matches the need and benefit, and can be cost justified. In a March 5, 2015 media release, the OHBA denotes their concern that new transit taxes on development will disproportionately increase housing costs for residents and the cost of establishing a new business. Furthermore, Bill 73 cannot be a piling on of higher taxes to pay for municipal infrastructure programs. According to Association CEO Joe Vaccaro, new neighbours ultimately pay every new tax generated by government. If municipalities believe that transit is a priority project, they have a responsibility to be accountable, transparent and fair in determining the taxes for new home buyers and business. A CBC News article from March 6, 2015 noted that the City of Ottawa could generate an additional $62 million for public transit if Bill 73 is passed. However John Herbert from the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association indicated that development charges in the city increased by 31 percent last year, providing some serious affordability issues. Bill 73 is important legislation for the provincial business sector. The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association ask that all local MPPs, local municipal councilors, and municipal staff review these proposed changes and assess their potential impacts on residential and business growth. We are an expanding community and future planning must be based on principles that are both environmentally and fiscally responsible. This can be realized with an approach of fairness and balance to both the existing residential and business community, and our future new neighbours and businesses. This article is a joint position from the Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association and the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Firstly, for municipalities that are starting to create LRT and other higher-order transit projects, it was recommended that they need to demonstrate the capacity to actually fund these items from their property tax base on a continuous basis. Also, transit should not be included in a local development charge unless funded in equal prorated shares by existing and new residents and businesses as a benefit to the existing population. Finally, transit options should be subject to provincial scrutiny in the same manner as past infrastructure grants to ensure that the
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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member notables
MEMBER NOTABLES Waterloo North Hydro Recognized for Environmental Excellence Waterloo North Hydro (WNH) received the 2014 Environmental Excellence Award from the Electricity Distributors Association (Ontario) at an event in Toronto on March 9, 2015. The local organization was cited for their Pledge to Reduce Carbon Footprint initiative, which involves reduced energy usage at their LEED-silver office and operations centre, extensive use of hybrid-electric and dual fuel vehicles, first use in the province of electric tension stringing machines, and employee-driven green team initiatives. The WNH offices and operations centre have demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in water usage and a 60 percent reduction in energy use through geothermal heating and cooling. The Employee Driven Green Team has also activated a series of projects for reducing CO2 emissions and increasing waste diversion.
WLU Receives Funding for new Management Institute Local business executive and philanthropist Mike Lazaridis and the Ontario government recently announced a joint commitment of $35 million towards a new management institute at Wilfrid Laurier University. The $20 million from Mr. Lazaridis combined with $15 million from the province will establish the Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises, leveraging existing Laurier expertise in entrepreneurship to enhance local and national competitiveness across the technology sector. In an April 23, 2015 WLU media release, Mr. Lazaridis indicated that the institution can play a greater role in producing world-class managerial talent for the technology sector, a vision shared with the province of Ontario.
New Air Service at Region of Waterloo International Airport The Region of Waterloo International Airport recently announced that, starting December 24, 2015, Sunwing Vacations will be offering weekly service Cayo Santa Maria Cuba. Chris Wood, General Manager of the local airport, indicated that “Cuba is a destination we know will be popular, and the addition of Sunwing’s direct weekly departure to Cayo Santa Maria will provide a great option for guests looking for a winter escape.” The new service will operate next winter from December through mid-March, and will be the only direct connection from Waterloo Region.
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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sponsor profile
A National Law Firm at the Heart of the Community Miller Thomson is one of the largest law firms in Waterloo Region and one of the largest law firms in Canada. Tracing roots back to 1858, when Bowlby, Barrister and Solicitor opened on King Street, Miller Thomson has been a critical player in shaping the local business landscape. The firm has withstood the test of time, surviving the Great Depression, two World Wars, a fire, 10 relocations, and 16 name changes. Through Miller Thomson’s history in the Waterloo Region, the firm has thrived and grown into a large business law firm with more than 40 lawyers in the Waterloo office alone. Today, with 11 offices across the country, the firm is known for its strong national presence and community focus—unique among Canada’s law firms. Throughout its involved and diverse history in the Waterloo Region, Miller Thomson has continually proven its ability to change and adapt with the local landscape. Currently located in the Research + Technology Park, the firm is strategically located to serve our equally diverse client base.
"Our team is very dedicated to the Waterloo community" The firm’s MTech Group is one of many practice areas housed in the Waterloo office, serving over 200 emerging Canadian start-up businesses since 2006. Through the Emerging Business Program, MTech provides qualified Canadian ventures with customized legal advice, packaged as fixed-rate “kits” designed to address specific issues ranging from shareholder agreements to initial intellectual property strategies to human resources and licensing agreements. Through this program, Miller Thomson is helping to grow and foster the thriving start-up ecosystem unique to the Waterloo Region. "Our team is very dedicated to the Waterloo community," says Gord Robson, Regional Managing Partner, of Miller Thomson’s Kitcherloo-Waterloo office. "The firm would not have grown as it has if not for the dedicated groups, businesses and individuals in our community, so it's important that we never lose sight of that. We live and work in this community and our success is dependent
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on the success of the community as a whole." Working closely with Miller Thomson’s Guelph and London offices the firm’s lawyers are uniquely positioned to provide clients with local expertise along with the extensive resources available in a national firm. Supported by a national platform, the breadth and depth of specialties allow its local teams to take on a variety of initiatives and cases. An entrepreneurial model, which is at the heart of how they approach the law, inspires a client service focus that generates a loyal following of clients and staff, and helped earn the Waterloo office the title of Best Business/Service (Law/Legal) by readers of the Waterloo Chronicle last year. Miller Thomson has been an active member of the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce for over 40 years, and strives to stay engaged in the community in as many ways as possible. Community engagement is a core value in the firm, demonstrated through its continued support of organizations such as: •
The Cambridge Hospital Foundation
•
The United Way
•
Grand River Hospital Foundation
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Heartwood Place
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Epilepsy
•
KidsAbility Foundation
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KidsLink Foundation
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Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation
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Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony
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R&T Park Charities
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St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation
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YMCA (Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo)
•
YWCA (Kitchener and Waterloo)
sponsor profile
As well as supporting various organizations and charities, Miller Thomson is very involved in Chamber events through our sponsorships. Its lawyers and their guests have enjoyed attending and participating in signature events throughout the years such as the Business Excellence Awards, 100 Mile Feast, Inspiring Women Event and Leadercast. The firm has also participated in the Chamber Young Professionals, the Chamber Health Care Recruitment Council and has had lawyers presenting various webinar topics for Chamber members. "The lawyers of Miller Thomson are committed to the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate the intrinsic value that membership offers," says Pat Forte, Office Managing Partner, Miller Thomson (Waterloo). "Working with the Chamber gives Miller Thomson opportunities to flourish; we have opportunities to build our firm's profile in the community by sponsoring events and networking with a variety of business leaders and other service providers." Through its involvement with the Chamber, Miller Thomson has had countless and invaluable opportunities to build and maintain relationships with those involved in the local business community. In addition to this, the Chamber has offered many events and programs designed for information gathering and education, to ensure the firm’s lawyers are up to date with current events, policies and practices. Miller Thomson has valued its lengthy and ongoing relationship with the Chamber, and looks forward to a partnership that will last well into the future.
MARIKO YOSHY, KATIE QUINLAN, MATT BOLEN, MELISSA TUMMON ENJOY SOME 100 MILE FEAST.
NETWORKING TIME AT THE
CHRISTINE JONKER, PATRICIA RINTJEMA, JACK MASTERMAN REPRESENT MILLER THOMSON 2014 BUSINESS EXPO TRADESHOW.
AT THE
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EILEEN QUINN AND MELISSA TUMMON GET TO KNOW THEIR TEAMMATES AT THE ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE.
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
27
take my card
Benjamin Moore
428 Gage Ave. KITCHENER
1120 Victoria St. N. KITCHENER
(519) 578-5330
(519) 576-7576
583 King St. N. WATERLOO
245 Edinburgh Rd. S. GUELPH
(519) 772-1127
(519) 836-4731
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new members
February 1 to March 31, 2015 Fusion Homes
Heritage Stoneworks Ltd
Kinetics Noise Control, Inc.
Marble Slab Creamery
Home Builders Janice Kochan, Marketing Consultant 500 Hanlon Creek Blvd Guelph, ON N1C 0A1 Email: janicekochan42@gmail.com www.fusionhomes.com Phone: (519) 826-6700 Fax: (519) 826-6701
Landscape Contractors & Designers Dietmar Bischoff, President 85 Howard Place, Kitchener, ON N2K 2Z4 Email: dietmar@heritagestone.ca www.heritagestone.ca Phone: (519) 744-2261 Fax: (519) 744-2117
Noise Control Brooke Anderson, General Manager 1670 Bishop Street North Cambridge, ON N1R 7J3 Email: banderson@kineticsnoise.com www.kineticsnoise.com Phone: (905) 670-4922 Fax: (905) 670-1698
Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Derek Williamson, Owner/Ice Cream & Smile Expert 1170 Fischer Hallman Rd South, Unit 250 Kitchener, ON N2E 3Z3 Email: derek.williamson@live.com www.marbleslab.ca Phone: (519) 576-7522
FYidoctors
HR.com
Konectera
Vision & Eye Care Mike Finney, Managing Optician 210 The Board Walk, Unit 7 Kitchener, ON N2N 0B1 Email: mike.finney@fyidoctors.com www.fyidoctors.com Phone: (519) 894-0055 Fax: (519) 894-0512
Human Resource Consultants Joanne Burton, Event Organizer 445 Dansbury Place Waterloo, ON N2K 3X8 Email: jburton@hr.com www.hr.com Phone: (226) 751-4585
Animal Health Products Alina Serban, Business Development 151 Charles Street WestKitchener, ON N2G 1H6 Email: alina@konectera.com www.cleocollar.com Phone: (519) 721-2945
Iklyk Inc.
Life Matters
Gage Automotive Inc.
Software - HealthCare Feda Bashbishi, CEO 295 Hagey Boulevard Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 Email: fedab@iklyk.com www.iklyk.com Phone: (519) 577-5408
Seminars & Workshops David Tower, Business Owner 553 Violet Street Waterloo, ON N2V 2T8 Email: towerclan@rogers.com Phone: (519) 746-6548
Julia Flowers
App Developers Anil Mehta, CEO 295 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 Email: anil@getliveapp.com getliveapp.com Phone: (519) 721-2645
Automobile Repairing & Service Andrew Winger, Owner 330 Gage Ave., Unit 7, Kitchener, ON N2M 5C6 Email: gageautomotive@gmail.com www.gageautomotiveinc.com Phone: (519) 742-1262 Fax: (519) 742-4045
Goodbye Graffiti Cleaning ServiceResidential/Commercial/Industrial Brent Murdoch, 355 Consirtuim Crt. London, ON N6E 2S8 Email: bmurdoch@goodbyegraffiti.com www.goodbyegraffiti.com Phone: (519) 520-6889 Fax: (519) 488-1203
LiveApp Florists Sophia Georgiou, Owner 385 Frederick Street, Unit 26 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P2 Email: julia.weddings@yahoo.com www.juliaflowers.ca Phone: (519) 603-2144
Mike Bolger - Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Real Estate Brokers & Sales Representatives Mike Bolger, Sales Represtentative 508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, ON N2K 3S2 Email: mbolger@coldwellbankerpbr.com www.coldwellbankerpbr.com Phone: (519) 616-2656 Fax: (519) 742-5808
Mozzaz Corporation Software - HealthCare Linda Lusis, Business Development Manager 295 Hagey Boulevard Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 Email: linda@mozzaz.com www.mozzaz.com Phone: (226) 789-4703
Neoteric Minds Business Consultants Karin Davis, Chief Mind 55 Green Valley Drive, Unit 607 Kitchener, ON N2P 1Z6 Email: karin@neotericminds.ca www.neotericminds.ca Phone: (226) 750-7663
Private Company Services www.pwc.com/ca/private Sabrina Fitzgerald, CPA, CA Partner 519 570 5758 ZHIYPUH Y Ă„ [aNLYHSK'JH W^J JVT Waterloo Region 95 King Street South, Suite 201
Planning today to secure tomorrow It pays to think long-term. We can help you develop a growth strategy that builds value for your business and a strong foundation for future generations.
Waterloo, ON, N2J 5A2
Š 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. 2175-57 0714
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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new members
February 1 to March 31, 2015 NeuRecall Inc.
Openspace Solutions Inc.
Educational Technology Simon Overduin, President 130 Meaford Drive Waterloo, ON N2J 3T9 Email: overduin@neurecall.com www.neurecall.com Phone: (519) 635-9632
Parks & Recreation Janet Elliott, Principal Email: openspaceoffice@rogers.com Phone: (226) 929-6751 Fax: (226) 647-0552
New Trend Corporation Fences Joe Pozeg, President 37 Lancaster Street West Kitchener, ON N2H 4T1 Email: joe@newtrendfencing.com www.newtrendfencing.com Phone: (519) 496-8650 Fax: (519) 745-1309
NplusNetworks Information Technology Management Jayne Muschett, VP Sales/Business Development 265 Breithaupt Street Kitchener, ON N2H 5H3 Email: info@nplusnetworks.com / www.nplusnetworks.com Phone: (647) 228-8606
Ontario Cremation Services Funeral Homes Shawn McKay, Funeral Director - Owner 1601 River Road E, Unit 28A Kitchener, ON N2A 3Y4 Email: kitchener@ontariocremationservices.com www.ontariocremationservices.com Phone: (519) 772-1237 Fax: (519) 772-1236
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Photo Stars Photo Booth Photo Booths Marcus Lapworth, Owner Email: photostarscanada@gmail.com www.photostars.ca Phone: (519) 267-2328
Plum HR Human Resource Consultants Christine Bird, Co-Founder 11 Erb Street E, Unit 11C Waterloo, ON N2J 1L4 Email: christine@plum.io www.plum.io Phone: (226) 972-9472
The Medical Centre at The Boardwalk Medical Centres Cynthia Voisin, Project Coordinator 430 The Boardwalk, Unit 105 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4 Email: cvoisin@theboardwalkmedical.com www.the-boardwalk.ca/medicalcentre/ Phone: (519) 744-6464
The Write Approach Communication & Public Relations Consultants Etta Di Leo, Lead Communicator 61 McDougall Road Waterloo, ON N2L 2W4 Email: etta@writeapproach.ca www.writeapproach.ca Phone: (519) 496-8152
Value Village 2052 Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill - Head Office Restaurants Danny Grammenopoulos, VP Business Development 8555 Jane Street, Suite 201, Vaughan, ON L4K 5N9 Email: franchising@shoelessjoes.ca www.shoelessjoes.ca Phone: (905) 760-1295
Discount Stores Michelle Tuck, Store Manager 120 Ottawa Street North Kitchener, ON N2H 3K5 Email: 2052mgr@savers.com www.valuevillage.com Phone: (519) 576-4403 Fax: (519) 576-1020
Value Village 2127 Discount Stores Roland Vincze, Store Manager 50 Gateway Park Drive, Kitchener, ON N2P 1J4 Email: 2127mgr@savers.com www.valuevillage.com Phone: (519) 653-3900 Fax: (519) 653-4003
Value Village 2134 Discount Stores Denis Belisle, Store Manager 330 Farmers Market Road Waterloo, ON N2V 0A5 Email: 2134mgr@savers.com www.valuevillage.com Phone: (519) 885-4436 Fax: (519) 885-7280
Waterloo Innovation Network Business Development Tammy Boshart, Marketing Co-ordinator 156 Columbia St. W Waterloo, ON N2L 3L3 Email: tboshart@differencecapital.com Phone: (613) 297-5440
Let us take your picnic or BBQ to the next level We’ve mastered the art of pleasing hungry people, from a few dozen to a few thousand. Let Bingemans customize your picnic or barbeque. We can meet all of your dietary requirements so satisfaction for you and your guests is guaranteed.
BINGEMANSCATERING Phone: 519-744-1555
Web: bingemans.com
Email: sales@bingemans.com
advocate MAY | JUNE 2015
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