The Advocate Magazine - May | June 2011 by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

advocate M AY | J U N E 2011

The Waterloo Way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Five Years Later SR&ED drives investment, innovation and growth Lean philosophy: Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity Challenges for local food industry

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advocate MAY

| JUNE 2011

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features 14

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

FEATURE

SR&ED drives investment, innovation and growth Todd Letts

16 20 21

EDITOR:

Heather Hutchings

COVER STORY

The Waterloo Way – Five Years Later

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:

Art Sinclair

Cober Evolving Solutions

FEATURE

PHOTOGRAPHY:

WRIEN Manufacturing picks up - competition for talent heats up

Adamski Photography and Teri Hetherington ADVERTISING AND SALES:

Peter McFadden

David MacLellan - dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com

FEATURE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Lean Philosophy: Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity

Todd Letts, Rosa Lupo, Jeff MacIntyre, Peter McFadden, Ian McLean, Carol Simpson, Art Sinclair, Kevin Von Grabe,

Kevin Von Grabe

CONTRIBUTORS:

FEATURE

Are there loose links in the food industry chain and what happens to local jobs and economies if one breaks? Carol Simpson

Art Sinclair

FEATURE

Chamber Star

Julie Tedesco ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:

June 6, 2011 for July | August August 1, 2011 for September | October October 3, 2011 for November | December SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:

Kathryn McEwin kmcewin@greaterkwchamber.com SUBMISSION POLICY:

Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or email c/o Editor - Advocate. Please do not send originals. All contributors articles must be accompanied by a head shot in a jpg file and a 40 word author’s bio.

departments 4

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

125 Years Old and never looked better Jeff MacIntyre

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The recovery of the manufacturing sector Ian McLean

12 18

ADVOCACY

The argument for an Ontario Ministry of Advanced Manufacturing Art Sinclair

24 27

AWARDS

Business Excellence Awards winners AWARDS

Business Excellence Awards guests

EVENTS

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT:

Spring networking

FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS

#40026716

Heather Hutchings - hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

February 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011

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PUBLICATION OF:

EVENTS

Mark your calendar SPONSOR PROFILE

Gowlings and the Chamber MEMBER NOTABLES

Achieving Success Chamber Members SPONSORSHIP

Chamber Sponsors

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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREET NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 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.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

message from the chair

125 Years Old and never looked better BY JEFF MACINTYRE Welcome to the new look and feel of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber recently launched its new website and brand…125 years in the making. The new brand is fresh and vibrant and so is the new Chamber. It is current, interactive, inclusive and connected. As we embarked on the change to our look and feel, we focused on what we have accomplished over the past 125 years and where we landed was with the measurable impact of “Business Building Community.” In May of this year the Chamber is embarking on a year long celebration for the 125th Anniversary which will include a number of unique events driven at promoting the Chamber mission, vision and goals, and will offer enhanced opportunities for members. It is a great opportunity to collectively celebrate the history of the Kitchener, Waterloo and Elmira & Woolwich Chambers of Commerce. The halls in the Chamber office are filled with photos and visual representations of the countless individuals who have been a part of the creation of what we are today. It’s the effort of the staff, volunteers and businesses that have accomplished so much over the years. The economic impact, the look of our region, the feel of the region and the “can do” attitude has been directly influenced by the Chamber. Initial Chamber pioneers worked together to achieve business success and to create the framework for the Region as it stands today. 125 years ago a group of business leaders with a vision of making something better got together to assist each other to map out the future of the Region. Today’s business leaders have no less grand ideas for what we can accomplish. The logo and website are a collective effort of years and years of business leaders progressing forward to build a bigger and better community. The web site is a dynamic tool that allows for effective and timely communication. It allows for easy capture of information, tools that create quick connectivity and the ability to effectively link members to those they need to meet and people that need to meet them. The 125th is the perfect time to set the stage for the next 125 years. We take the time to look back on what we have accomplished but also set ourselves up for the future. We will

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continue to provide the tools that our members have asked for. We will be the conduit for connectivity through relevant and timely networking events both in the physical and virtual worlds that the business community has evolved to using. We will continue to provide educational opportunities for our members utilizing technology to make certain the content is both relevant and timely. We will enhance member to member services and affinity programs to members that can directly reduce the costs of doing business and make our members more profitable. The Chamber will also continue the important work we do regarding advocacy and being the voice of business on relevant topics that are important through municipal, provincial and federal governments. For 125 years the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has galvanized the business communities in Woolwich, Kitchener and Waterloo. A look back reveals so much change and so much influence created by the business leaders with a vision for a better future. Our past business leaders had no idea that as they planned a business community they would have to deal with two world wars, a depression, recessions and boom and bust times. What was consistent was the vision for success. We look forward to the next 125 years and handing over the reigns to a future group of business leaders that will focus on success of the community and overcome any obstacles that come their way. Happy 125th Chamber. You have aged well. Take pride in what you have accomplished.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyre CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff MacIntyre is the owner of two small businesses in Waterloo Region. Winexpert Kitchener South is an on-premises winemaking shop. So There Business Solutions assists employers to increase profitability through market access, sales assistance, business development planning strategies, mentoring and training.

message from the president

The recovery of the manufacturing sector BY IAN MCLEAN In the last half decade, the manufacturing sector has seen downsizing, restructuring and adjustments that have been painful. But recent economic indicators for the manufacturing sector seem much more positive for the short and longer terms. According to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, national manufacturing production grew by an estimated 5.7% in 2010 – marking the first year of growth for the sector in five years. By the end of last year, output was approximately 91% of its prerecessionary level, but only 84% of its peak level recorded in the first quarter of 2006. The first quarter of 2006 was a pivotal time in Waterloo Region when BF Goodrich announced in February just over five years ago that the tire plant in Kitchener would be closing, eliminating 1,100 jobs. The Goodrich announcement in many ways was the commencement of the recession in Waterloo Region. For the global economy, the downturn started with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September of 2008. However, a high Canadian dollar and the exodus of manufacturing capacity to lower cost foreign jurisdictions placed the Waterloo Region at the centre of an economic storm that was in high gear long before any turmoil on Wall Street. As the business community in our Region always does, we persevered and found our way through it. It has been reported that business investment in machinery and equipment increased by 10.7% in the first three quarters of 2010. With business profits on the rise and tax rates on business investment scheduled to decrease further throughout the course of the coming year, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters expects capital spending to increase by 16% in 2011. The Ontario Manufacturing Council was formed by the provincial government in 2008 to examine issues affecting the manufacturing sector. Last December, the Council issued their report 2010: A Better Year for Ontario Manufacturing, where it was noted that economic conditions have stabilized significantly and the future is brighter. The manufacturing sector seems to have turned the corner and is making up for the losses from the recession. This is allowing manufacturers to play a leading role in the growth of the provincial economy. In the first three quarters of 2010, 10,000 manufacturing jobs were created across Ontario, increasing the province’s share of total national manufacturing employment. Of particular significance is the wide range of jobs being created in the recovery,

which indicates the escalating importance of skilled professions for the future of manufacturing. In Waterloo Region, we are strongly positioned for the economy of the future. As an example, Conestoga College’s expansion program that will see the opening of a new Cambridge campus this fall, will increase their capacity in manufacturing programs. College President John Tibbits and his staff have worked hard over the course of many years to work collaboratively with local businesses to identify workforce development imperatives and ensure that we can meet these challenges locally. As we think about the new education programs necessary to train the skilled workers of tomorrow it is hard to believe that only two years ago, our Chamber called on the federal and provincial governments to provide the necessary investments to prevent the liquidation of General Motors and Chrysler. The 2010 federal budget estimated that government support prevented 52,000 direct and indirect job losses in assembly, parts and related supply chain. The Centre for Spatial Economics further estimated that 141,000 related Ontario jobs would have been lost in 2009 with only a 50% reduction of the workforce from GM, Chrysler and Ford. The road to recovery has and will continue to be challenging. Our very diversified economy is a strength to build on. And our focus on building the local educational and training capacity, that relies on technology, innovation, and skilled workers, positions Waterloo Region to lead Ontario and Canada in the new manufacturing economy. Our Chamber will be a strong voice to support the manufacturing sector we are fortunate to have today. At the same time we will advocate and work hard to create the business environment that will attract new manufacturers to our communities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean Ian McLean is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

THE T H E CHAMBER C H A M BE R LLVV FHOHEUDWLQJ FHOHEUDWLQJ 1 25 Y EARS! 125 YEARS!

come join come join us for fo f r this this k kick-off kick-off event event v to to c commence ommence our o year o of f celeb celebrations rat tions Date: D ate: Wednesday, Wednesday, May May 25, 25, 2011 2011 Time: Time: 5:00-7:00pm 5:00-7:00pm Venue: Venue: Waterloo Waterloo Region Region Museum Museum • 10 10 Huron Huron Road, Road, Kitchener Kitchener Cost: Cost: M Members: embers: $$10 10 • G General eneral A Admission: dmission: $$15 15 • EEvent vent PPass: ass: $$125 125 ffor or aallll fifive ve 1125th 25th EEvents vents (check (ccheck our website website for mor more re details) RRegistration egistration rrequired equired (l(limited imited aavailability): vailability): w www.greaterkwchamber.com ww.greaterkwchamber.com or call 519-749-6048 519-749-66048

Complimentary C omplimentary b beer, eer, w wine ine aand nd hhors ors d d’oeuvres ’oeuvres

keystone ke eystone sponsors sponsors

benchmark b enchmark sponsors sponsors

foundation sponsors sponsors foundation

s mall b usiness s ponsor small business sponsor

Diane D iane Wolfenden, Wo olfenden, Investment Investment A Advisor, dvisorr, RBC Do Dominion ominion SSecurities ecurities G Grand rand River River Personnel Personnel

BME C Consulting onsulting

advocacy

The argument for an Ontario Ministry of Advanced Manufacturing BY ART SINCLAIR According to the Ontario Government’s own statistics, our province is North America’s largest motor vehicle manufacturer, ahead of Michigan and all of Mexico. We also possess the second highest number of manufacturing employees of any jurisdiction in North America after California. The Ontario Centres of Excellence claim that materials and manufacturing in Ontario directly employ more than one million people. As Canada’s largest business sector, manufacturing accounts for 18 percent of aggregate national economic activity. The most recent Canadian census five years ago indicated that one in four jobs across Waterloo Region was in manufacturing. No doubt this industry has witnessed significant change over the last half decade, however the importance of employers in this sector remains significant. In 2006, local manufacturing employees earned salaries worth $3.2 billion and contributed $652 million to provincial and federal taxes. Overall, regional manufacturers generated $12 billion in economic activity. In the Ontario government, there are ministries such as Environment and Natural Resources which are regulatory in nature. They review applications for development and ensure compliance with all relevant provincial statutes. The Ministries of Education, Health and Long-Term Care, and Training, Colleges and Universities all manage huge budgets – money that is eventually transferred to public institutions. From the perspective of the provincial business community, there are a series of ministries and agencies that perform important economic development functions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is one of Ontario’s oldest and more established public organizations. Their priority is on-going support to the provincial agri-food industry, encompassing farmers, food processors, rural municipalities and related nonprofit organizations. The public-private relationship that has developed in this industry over the past century has ensured political extinction for any government that would propose ministry elimination or mergers. Like marketing boards, there will be no debate on this issue. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry provides a similar function for northern municipalities, the mining sector, and forestry interests. The tourism industry, which is highly

relevant in all regions of the province, is served through the Ministry of Tourism. The manufacturing sector is Canada and Ontario’s largest business sector, yet has no direct representation at the provincial cabinet table. Our Chamber believes this inequity should be addressed. In our Chamber’s pre-budget submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs of the Ontario Legislature last January, we recommended the establishment of a provincial Ministry of Advanced Manufacturing to provide a similar economic development and support function incorporated into the mandate of the aforementioned resource-based ministries. The Minister of Education is the advocate for school boards. One of our local MPPs, John Milloy, is responsible for securing support from his cabinet colleagues for priority issues in the postsecondary sector. The 2011 Ontario Budget indicates Minister Milloy is serving his constituency well since a commitment has been advanced to create over 60,000 student spaces within the next five years. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Carol Mitchell from Huron-Bruce, also secured a significant financial commitment for the province’s farmers through a new risk management program. The Grain Farmers of Ontario, in a media release following the 2011 Ontario Budget, indicated that the “leadership shown by the McGuinty government sets a new standard in the province and ensures the viability of our family farms.” Agriculture is second behind manufacturing as the province’s largest economic sector. The Minister has delivered significant support for her constituency. Why shouldn’t Ontario’s largest economic sector – manufacturing - be accorded the same representation? ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair Art Sinclair is the Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

awards

Business Excellence Awards winners

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11)

*JEFF MACINTYRE, CHAIR OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, APPEARS ON THE FAR LEFT OF EACH PHOTO

Photography by Adamski Photography

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awards

Business Excellence Awards Guests

Photography by Adamski Photography advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

networking

Spring networking 1

1) 2) 3) 4)

ATTENDEES AT THE CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT AT THE KW ART GALLERY. SCOTT HARRIS AND DON WALES AT THE CHAMBER WEBSITE/BRAND LAUNCH. NETWORKING BREAKFAST SPEAKERS SABRINA FITZGERALD AND ALISON SAWATZKY. AUBREY WALTERS AND ANDREA HARDING AT THE WEBSITE/BRAND LAUNCH.

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5) KURT WISSENT AND LAURA RICHARDS AT THE WEBSITE/BRAND LAUNCH EVENT. 6) GUESTS ENJOYING THEIR LUNCH AT THE POINT OF VIEW WITH GARY GOODYEAR, MP. 7) IAN MCLEAN AND MINISTER JOHN MILLOY

networking

8) IAN MCLEAN, KARL BRECHT AND JEFF MACINTYRE AT THE POINT OF VIEW WITH GARY GOODYEAR, MP. 9) BOARD MEMBER BRIAN BENNETT, IN ACTION AT THE PANCAKE FLIPPING CONTEST AT THE ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL. 10) GARY GOODYEAR, MP AND POLICE CHIEF MATT TORIGIAN.

11) SARAH BACH AND JULIE MEDEIROS AT A CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT. 12) BEN BACH WELCOMING THE CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AT THE KW ART GALLERY. 13) CHAMBER PANCAKE FLIPPING TEAM OF PAUL EICHINGER, MURRAY COSTELLO, GINNY DYBENKO,BRIAN BENNETT AND IAN MCLEAN AT THE ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL 14) MINISTER JOHN MILLOY AT POST BUDGET BREAKFAST

THE RECORD REACHES MORE ADULTS THAN THE TORONTO PAPERS COMBINED!

84,600 MORE ADULTS DAILY 77,200 MORE ADULTS ON SATURDAY*

TToo advertise advertise or or ppartner artner with with tthe he Waterloo Waterloo Region Region R Record ecord please call 519-894 519-894-2250. 4-2250.

*Source: NADbank速 2009

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

new members

February 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011 1-855-MovinAD

Dairy Queen

Grand River Inflatables & Games Inc.

Advertising - Outdoor Rick Kress, Vice President 470 Wellington County Road 7 Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Email: rick@1-855-movinad.com Web: www.1-855-movinad.com Phone: (855) 668-4623 Fax: (519) 846-2073

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Shawn Carnahan, Operations Manager 238 Weber Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 5M7 Email: dqwaterloo@gmail.com Phone: (519) 746-7868

Party Supplies - Rental Steve Falco, Owner 9 Juliana Cresent Cambridge, ON N1R 6W5 Email: jump@grandriverinflatables.com Web: www.grandriverinflatables.com Phone: (519) 957-9731 Fax: (519) 624-9835

988055 Ontario Limited Transport Services Glen Webster, President 85 Webster Road Kitchener, ON N2C 2E7 Email: glen.webster@vitran.com Phone: (519) 748-9124 Fax: (519) 748-1088

Blue-Pencil Information Security Inc. Records Management Linda Lusis, Information Security Consultant 3165 Unity Drive, Unit 1 Mississauga, ON L5L 4L4 Email: linda.lusis@blue-pencil.ca Phone: (905) 820-9611 Fax: (905) 820-5804

Brick Brewing Company Limited Brewers Jason Pratt, Chief Financial Officer 181 King Street South Waterloo, ON N2J 1P7 Email: info@brickbeer.com Web: www.brickbeer.com Phone: (519) 576-9100 Fax: (519) 576-0470

Core Clothing Clothing & Accessories Donald Smith, Owner 5 Church Street East Elmira, ON N3B 2K7 Email: steph@coreclothing.ca Web: www.coreclothing.ca Phone: (519) 669-0918 Fax: (519) 570-4685

Craigowan Golf and Country Club Golf Courses Rob Mason, General Manager 595838 Highway 59 North, RR #6 Woodstock, ON N4S 7W1 Email: rob@craigowan.com Web: www.craigowan.com Phone: (519) 462-2743 Fax: (519) 462-2772

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Dark Haven Consulting Services Safety Consultants & Training Lynda Patterson, Office Manager 90 Florence Avenue Kitchener, ON N2A 2K8 Email: darkhaven@rogers.com Web: www.darkhaven.ca Phone: (226) 972-1539

Entertech Systems Inc. Security Services & Systems Josh Levite, Regional Manager 2275 Upper Middle Road, Unit 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0L3 Email: jlevite@entertechsystems.com Web: www.entertechsystems.com Phone: (519) 639-4038 Fax: (905) 582-5060

Fermon Canoes Canoes & Kayaks Fermon Martin, Owner 1182 Geddes Street Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0 Email: fermon@fermoncanoes.com Web: www.fermoncanoes.com Phone: (519) 699-4095

Game Asylum Inc. Entertainment - Family Todd Harris, General Manager 75 Farquhar Street, Unit 102 Guelph, ON N1H 3N4 Email: play@gameasylum.ca Web: www.gameasylum.ca Phone: (519) 501-7547 Fax: (519) 837-0006

Homick Consulting Internet Products & Service Duane Homick, President 103 Randall Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 1C5 Email: duane@homick.com Web: www.homick.com Phone: (705) 427-5726

Inward Bound Counselling Hon. Greg O'Connor, Wilderness Therapist 560 Queen Street South, Apartment 1202 Kitchener, ON N2G 0A1 Email: agexperiences@gmail.com Web: www.inwardexperience.com Phone: (519) 896-3243

JM Engineering & Project Management Engineers Jatin Mistry, President 36 Buchanan Crescent Brantford, ON N3P 2A5 Email: jmistry@jmengineering.ca Web: www.jmengineering.ca Phone: (226) 208-1113 Fax: (519) 757-0450

Ken Roche RMT Massage Therapists - Registered Ken Roche, Registered Massage Therapist 570 University Avenue East, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON N2K 4P2 Email: kenrochermt@rogers.com Phone: (519) 880-1733

Good To Go Sandwiches

LeanCor Canada Inc.

Caterers Ed Bonnell, Co-Owner 450 Westheights Drive, Unit 19 Kitchener, ON N2N 2B9 Email: ed@goodtogosandwiches.com Web: www.goodtogosandwiches.com Phone: (519) 342-2885 Fax: (519) 954-7885

Business Consultants Glen Wright, Chairman 221A McIntyre Drive Kitchener, ON N2R 1G1 Email: gwright@gpark.ca Web: www.leancor.com Phone: (519) 896-8486 Fax: (519) 748-9457

new members

Lehmann Bookbinding Limited

Navis Pack & Ship

Rhodes Consulting Inc.

Bookbinders - Specialty & Restoration Lisa Cvar, Human Resources 97 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener, ON N2C 2E1 Email: lisa@lehmannbookbinding.com Web: www.lehmannbookbinding.com Phone: (519) 570-4444 Fax: (519) 570-4452

Transport Services Tania Hanscom, Sales Manager 680 Bishop Street North Cambridge, ON N3H 4V6 Email: taniacn1008@rogers.com Web: www.gonavis.com Phone: (519) 650-0614 / Fax: (519) 650-1047

Communication & Public Relations Consultants Paul Rhodes, President 4367 Watson Road South, RR #1 Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0 Phone: (519) 836-8756

Maxum The Commercial Kitchen Depot Inc.

Scientific & Laboratory Supplies Radha Dhand, Manager 35 McCleary Court, Unit 9 Concord, ON L4K 3Y9 Email: accounting@nicram.com Web: www.nicram.com Phone: (905) 761-6778 /Fax: (905) 761-6779

Montana's Cookhouse Restaurants Steve Foley, General Manager 740 Ottawa Street South Kitchener, ON N2E 3H5 Email: montanas3068@cara.com Phone: (519) 579-0524 Fax: (866) 711-8985

Mr. Handyman of the Tri-Cities Home Improvements & Renovations Steve Caldwell, Owner 7B - 871 Victoria Street North, Suite 305 Kitchener, ON N2B 3S4 Email: steve.caldwell@mrhandyman.com Web: www.mrhandyman.ca Phone: (519) 744-4544 Fax: (519) 856-2385

Northern Lights Canada Employment Agencies Steven Kraft, Team Leader 185 Weber Street South Waterloo, ON N2J 2B1 Email: skraft@northernlightscanada.ca Web: www.northernlightscanada.ca Phone: (519) 576-3033

Panagos Van Flooring Centre Floor Materials, Sales and Contractors Peter Panagos, President 5 Manitou Drive, Unit 103 Kitchener, ON N2C 2J6 Email: panagos-van@on.aibn.com Web: www.panagosvan.com Phone: (519) 894-8767 / Fax: (519) 894-6933

Powernoodle Inc. Internet Products & Service Doris Osgood, Office Manager 10 Downie Street, Suite 201 Stratford, ON N5A 7K4 Email: doriso@powernoodle.com Web: www.powernoodle.com Phone: (226) 333-9000

Charitable & Community Organizations Jan Lehman, Chair Fundraising 362 Erb Street West, Office #5 Waterloo, ON N2L 1W6 Email: jan-fundraising@supportivehousingofwaterloo.org Web: www.supportivehousingofwaterloo.org Phone: (519) 571-9408

This Box Rocks ! Gift Baskets Valerie McKenzie-Flynn, Owner/Operator 209 Alexandra Avenue Waterloo, ON N2L 1M6 Email: Valerie@thisboxrocks.ca Web: www.thisboxrocks.ca Phone: (519) 208-5967 / Fax: (519) 954-2542

Touch Marketing Inc. Marketing Consultants Kathy Hogeveen, President 111 Sweeney Cresent Cambridge, ON N3C 4H9 Email: kathy@thetouchmarketing.com Web: www.thetouchmarketing.com Phone: (877) 379-0424

The Waterloo Networking Company Internet Products & Service Jerry Wright, Director of Sales 109 Randall Drive, 2nd Floor Waterloo, ON N2V 1C5 Email: jwright@twnc.com Web: www.twnc.com Phone: (519) 489-8962 / Fax: (519) 886-5375

COMPLETE DIGITAL MAGAZINE and/or THE DAILY MORNING POST

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Exchange, Entrepreneurs, Enterprises Economic Developers and Educators

Restaurant Equipment & Supplies Colin Figgens, President and Chief Executive Officer 1242 King Street East Kitchener, ON N2G 2N6 Email: colin@maxumsupply.com Web: www.maxumsupply.com Phone: (519) 745-9662 Fax: (519) 745-3136

Nicram International Inc.

Supportive Housing Of Waterloo

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

feature

SR&ED drives investment, innovation and growth BY TODD LETTS The Federal Government’s current review of the Scientific Research and Education Development Policy (SR&ED) Project comes at a critical time for Canadian companies facing unprecedented global challenges. Today, Canadian companies are facing ever increasing global competition at home and in their key export markets, all the while dealing with higher input costs (such as energy and materials) and a higher Canadian dollar. The strategy for many companies to succeed in this environment and the direction being urged by governments has been to focus on their customers through innovative higher value added products and process improvements, all of which is aided by the federal SR&ED program. R&D investment, and by extension innovation, is largely driven by cash-flow, and return on investment. Without positive cash-flow and return, businesses have limited ability to invest in research and development. The Federal Government plays a role in encouraging R&D by providing a tax environment which includes the credit; that allows qualifying firms to hang onto some of the tax dollars they would have otherwise paid, in order to make the necessary investment in R&D. There's no question that the SR&ED program is a competitive advantage for Canada. There are very significant private sector investments in R&D including some permanent facilities which would not exist in Canada were it not for the SR&ED credits and the confidence they have that they will continue to exist. However, there is room for program improvement. Canada’s model was the model adopted by many countries in the 1980s – as we seem to be trying to perfect it, other jurisdictions have moved on to focus support on innovation outcomes (US) or encouraging investments required for commercialization (EU, Japan, India) or making direct investments in R&D (China, Brazil). Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters believes there is a real opportunity to address some of these issues. The SR&ED tax credit provides incremental cash flow based on approved R&D investments. For many small companies (startups in particular), this is a critical source of cash flow for the company. For all businesses the additional cash generates a higher rate of

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return on R&D investments. Without refundability, the tax credit is not an incentive for larger companies that invest more in R&D than profits earned. Also, US based businesses cannot monetize the credit in their consolidated earnings. Full refundability is a critical element for program improvement and Canada’s SR&ED tax credit system. As well, technical assessments should be based on reviews by experts inside departments such as Industry Canada where the focus is on innovation rather than tax. Furthermore, the legislative language and program requirements should be simplified so that companies can more easily apply for the credits and be confident that the claim will be supportable. A key to this is to clearly define scientific research and experimental development, recognizing the full spectrum of technological advancement in our processes and products. As well, Canada must continue to embrace corporate SR&ED self-assessment, which relies on voluntary compliance to the regulations. It must also maintain a risk-based audit process which allows the government, similar to other areas of tax policy, the ability to detect infractions and penalize companies, if necessary. According to CRA representatives the vast majority of claims filed under the SR&ED program are compliant with filing requirements. The founding principles and policies of the program continue to be sound. We have an opportunity to improve the program so that it will better serve the Canadian industry to be innovative and compete globally. The SR&ED program has and must continue to be a critical piece of Canada’s economic strategy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Todd Letts Todd Letts is General Manager, Ontario Division, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

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cover story

The Waterloo Way – five years later BY ART SINCLAIR Exactly five years ago, in late April of 2006, Canada’s self proclaimed national newspaper The Globe and Mail ran their now legendary article on the economy of Waterloo Region. Authors Greg Keenan, Heather Schofield and Gordon Pitts utilized the phrase “Waterloo Way” to describe the local cultural and economic model that provides an example for other regions struggling to transition into a new knowledge-based economy. As the Globe noted, by early 2006 Waterloo Region was in the middle of a Category 5 hurricane battering the national manufacturing sector. A soaring dollar, surging commodity prices, and an emerging crisis at the two largest American auto makers had exterminated 117,000 manufacturing jobs nationally within the past year. Locally, eight plants were closed and 3,400 jobs had disappeared in furniture, textiles and auto parts – industries where high paying jobs created a solid, middle class existence for generations of Waterloo Region families. A kick in the stomach of this magnitude would have staggered other less resilient communities. The Waterloo Region, based on the experiences of entrepreneurs going back decades, has consistently demonstrated the amazing ability to reinvent itself as prevailing global and local conditions mandated. In 2006, the remarkable capacity of our community to thrive during seismic economic changes was being tested as never before. In general terms, the Waterloo Region has at various times been known as the furniture capital of Canada, the button capital, the shoe making capital and the rubber capital. The Globe writers noted quite eloquently that the industrial history of the area – and central Canada – is written in yellow brick on King Street. At that time in 2006, the Bauer mattress factory was being demolished and the Kaufman Lofts in the old shoe factory were under construction. However Krug Furniture and Rumple Felt – stalwarts of the community – remained in operation.

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Two years later, with the collapse at Lehman Brothers and commencement of a global recession, the already challenging conditions in Waterloo Region became staggering. By early 2009, the local monthly unemployment rate was either the second or third highest in Canada. We struggled along with Windsor and the Niagara Peninsula to make the necessary adjustments. The Globe and Mail’s forecast of an emerging crisis in the auto industry settled in Waterloo Region and all of southwestern Ontario by late 2008. Our Chamber was at that time a vocal advocate for federal and provincial assistance to Chrysler and General Motors. The liquidation of either firm would have devastated the provincial economy, leveling a particularly devastating strike on social services at the municipal level of government. It was a tough decision for Ottawa and Queen’s Park but ultimately, based on current activity at the two aforementioned automakers, the right one. By mid May of this year, Chrysler reported their first profit since 2006. They are the last of the Big 3 to emerge in this position, as General Motors has accumulated four profits in a row and Ford is riding a streak of eight consecutive quarters. Following the Globe and Mail’s theory that the history of Ontario manufacturing can be viewed on King Street, since 2006 the corner of King and Victoria has been dominated by the evolution of the University of Waterloo’s Downtown Kitchener Health Sciences Campus. The City of Kitchener has referred to the site as a “knowledge powerhouse” due to its potential to become one of North America’s most innovative teaching and health care facilities. The site is anchored by the UW School of Pharmacy and a satellite campus of McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Of historical significance is the campus being constructed where a tire factory previously provided the livelihood for thousands of local residents.

cover story

Also significant is the medical school named after Michael DeGroote, one of southwestern Ontario’s most noted entrepreneurs. Born in Belgium, his family emigrated to the Delhi/ Tillsonburg area where they farmed tobacco. He managed to turn the purchase of a single truck into Laidlaw, which was for many years one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. In 2004, McMaster University renamed their School of Medicine to recognize his significant financial contributions to medical research at the institution. In the future, the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy represents not only the potential for innovative research into the issues facing the Canadian health care system, it provides immense opportunities across the knowledge economy. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently released the report Innovation for a Better Tomorrow, which discusses intellectual property barriers in the pharmaceutical industry. The report notes that in excess of 15,000 people are employed by more than 50 research-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada, generating a further 60,000 positions and providing the funding for 27% of all national health science research. The Ontario sector employs 15,000 people generating revenues of $8.3 billion annually. In aggregate, these companies invest billions in research and utilize the skills of highly trained people in well paying jobs. Knowledge-based industries such as the pharmaceutical sector are recognized as the engines of the new economy and will assist Canada in achieving its stated objective of world leadership in health innovation. Growth of the phrarmaceutical industry in Waterloo Region, in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy, will be a significant complement to our global leading information technology sector. As a new decade is well advanced in Waterloo Region there is a prevailing sense that although changes are occurring,

manufacturing will maintain a presence in this community. As Jayson Myers, a native of Fergus, Ontario and President of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters noted in a speech to the Empire Club during October 2008, manufacturing matters to Ontario and Canada because our standard of living is dependent on the wealth that is derived from this significant economic sector. Ultimately, according to Myers, the national economy is at risk if we cannot maintain a competitive manufacturing base. Economic growth cannot be dependent on commodity booms that always end in one form or another. Myers recognized that the competitive edge Canadian manufacturers possess is their flexibility – their ability to respond rapidly to changing customer demands, to specialize and customize production for niche markets, and to add value through the quality and services they bring to solving their customer’s problems. Two years ago, in June of 2009, Scotiabank Chief Economist Warren Jestin told a Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce audience a similar message. In basic terminology, if a client contacts a Canadian manufacturer on Friday and wants a product Monday morning, it has to be delivered. The highvolume, low-cost producer in many other global jurisdictions cannot make those adjustments. Jestin also noted the key factor for the future competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing is the workforce development portfolio. Ensuring manufacturers are able to recruit highly skilled and technically competent employees is in fact more important that exchange rates and other economic factors where the financial sector tends to focus their analysis. While we have faced our challenges over the last five years, there is a renewed sense of optimism in Waterloo Region that manufacturing can and will survive. Manufacturing, quite simply, still matters.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

events

Mark your calendar BY CHAMBER STAFF

May 17, 2011

May 19, 2011

May 25, 2011

Research In Motion Chamber Young Professionals Presents: Um, Public Speaking 101

Networking Breakfast Series presents HST a Year Later

Chamber 125th Anniversary Celebration

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Holiday Inn Kitchener Member: $28 General Admission: $40

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Waterloo Region Museum Member: $10 General Admission: $15

Jane Adams from KPMG will evaluate how the HST has impacted businesses in the community.

You are invited to a networking event to commence our 125th anniversary celebrations! Registration required (limited availability).

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty Theatre Member: $10 General Admission: $15 Feeling nervousness before giving a speech is natural, but too much can be detrimental. Learn tips on how to control your butterfiles and give better presentations. There will also be plenty of time to network and mingle with other young professionals. Title Sponsor:

Promotional Partner:

Media Sponsor:

Keystone Sponsors:

Promotional Sponsor:

• Rogers Communications • Research in Motion • Brick Brewing Co. Ltd. • Cowan Insurance Group • Modevation Media • BMO Financial Group • Gowlings LLP • Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. • Waterloo North Hydro Inc. • Equitable Life of Canada

Benchmark Sponsors: • eSolutions Group • Manulife Financial • BDO Canada LLP • Walter Fedy • Conestoga Mall • Dare Foods Ltd • Union Gas- A Spectra Energy Company

Foundation Sponsors: • Grand River Personnel Ltd. • Diane Wolfenden, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities

Small Business/Individual Sponsor: • BME Consulting

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events

June 7, 2011

June 9, 2011

June 21, 2011

Rogers Chamber Connections

Research In Motion Chamber Young Professionals Presents Intro to Golf: Etiquette & Lessons

100 Mile Feast with Celebrity Chef Keith Froggett

5:00-7:00pm Location: Eastforest Homes Design Studio Member: $5 General Admission: $10 Does networking intimidate you or do you thrive on meeting new people? Come out to this casual event with friendly faces and easy conversation that provides an opportunity for B2B networking. Title Sponsor:

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Glen Ridge Golf Member: $10 General Admission: $15 Not sure what a divot, bunker, mulligan or bogey are? Learn the lingo, how to drive and putt from a pro. Title Sponsor:

Keith Frogett is considered one of Canada’s finest chefs and has presided over the Scaramouche kitchens in Toronto for more than 25 years. Keith and his kitchen brigade will prepare a menu of locally produced food to be paired with Niagara wines. Location: Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel Tickets: $150 Platinum Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

Promotional Partner: Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsors:

Sunday Brunch

(continued on page 30)

Mother’s Day Brunch - May 8th Father’s Day Brunch - June 19th at the Waterloo Inn, 475 King St. N., Waterloo

519-884-0220

www.rushes.ca

rushes@waterlooinn.com advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

feature

Manufacturing picks up - competition for talent heats up BY PETER McFADDEN As the recovery from the recession strengthens across Waterloo Region we have seen marked improvement in production and increased job creation activity take place in the manufacturing sector in general and the automotive sector in particular. It appears though, that manufacturing has changed and a large portion of the new jobs being created require higher skill sets than pre recession, which creates new challenges when sourcing workers to fill vacancies or support business growth. Manufacturers are finding that as they attempt to call back laid off experienced workers many have secured other employment, often in other sectors, and are not prepared to return to the manufacturing environment. This has created a situation where some manufacturing based skill sets are difficult to find and when secured the hiring process can become very competitive. One solution is to broaden the candidate talent pool by looking more strategically at internationally trained individuals (ITIs) with a manufacturing background and/or transferable skills that can easily be adapted. In 2006 our community, led in part by the Chamber and other leaders, developed a multi-stakeholder collaboration, the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) in recognition of the value that a strategic workforce has on economic development, business and community prosperity. WRIEN’s mandate is to be a facilitator and catalyst to assist and support employers in the process of attracting, hiring, integrating and retaining internationally trained individuals as one solution to skills shortages. A number of no cost tools and programs exist to help employers in the process, such as: • The Employer Resource Guide – developed specifically for employers in Waterloo Region, it is a brief immigrant employment manual that deals with key resources and information to assist in effectively working with and hiring internationally trained individuals.

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• A one stop point of access to the foreign trained job ready skilled and professional talent pool, The New Canadian Employment Connections Program was developed to make it easy for employers to access this talent pool and to secure no cost community based services to support the process. For more information contact Kumanan Thanikachalam at the Chamber office 519 749-6045. • The Internship Program was developed to provide employers with pre screened ITIs for a 4-12 month internship. Many organizations use the program as a recruiting tool. Conestoga College delivers the program. • Recruiting and Networking Opportunities – Employers need face time with ITIs to develop a good understanding of available existing talent and the depth of education and experience they possess. More information about the above is available at: www.greaterkwchamber.com and/or www.wrien.com or by contacting Peter McFadden at the Chamber office 519 749-6033.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter McFadden Peter McFadden is the Executive Director for WRIEN and former President and CEO of the Southern Ontario Tourism Organization.

feature

Lean philosophy: Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity BY KEVIN VON GRABE My introduction to Lean happened back in the late 1990’s at a well known Japanese automaker. I was working for a 3rd party logistics provider and coordinating the day to day transportation activities to support our customer. One day after handing a driver his paperwork he quickly informed me that he did not have any freight to pick up at the second supplier on his Milk Run. He proceeded to ask me if he still needed to make that stop or if he could go from the first supplier directly to the third supplier. I was unsure of the answer so I asked my supervisor and he quickly instructed our driver to stop at the second supplier. Our driver gave us a look that we have all seen before. The look that says “these guys don’t have a clue.” I must confess….I didn’t. After the driver left curiosity got the best of me so I went back to my supervisor to begin to understand why we would send a driver to a supplier if we knew he did not have any pick up requirements there. That was the day I was introduced to the Lean concept of Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity. As Lean practitioners we appreciate that inventory is necessary but we know that inventory hides problems and, as Little’s Law teaches us, increases lead time. Because of this, we are always trying to reduce inventory thus exposing problems and reducing lead time in our supply chain. Determining how much inventory you need to carry becomes a critical decision. One of the key drivers to determining inventory position is replenishment interval. Fundamentally there are two options for us to choose; we can go the traditional route of Fixed Quantity, Variable Interval or go down the lean path and choose Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity.

The Lean approach of Fixed Interval, Variable Quantity supports an overlying Lean principle that inventory strategy should drive transportation strategy, not the other way around. In order to reduce inventory, remember that inventory hides problems and increases lead time, we need a planned replenishment interval. For example if we decide to replenish widgets every week, we know that we only have to hold enough inventory to buffer against variation over the week. Consequently, if we were unsure of when our next replenishment was planned, we would have to buffer against an unknown period of variation. Let’s go back to my story from a little over a decade ago. The reason our driver was required to go to the second supplier even though there were no requirements to pick up was because the inventory position at the factory was calculated based on a fixed replenishment interval. To protect the plant and keep inventory at a minimum, they needed our driver to go the second supplier. Had we decided to bypass the second supplier we would have put the plant at risk because the entire inventory position of that supplier was calculated knowing that we had a planned pick up every six hours. Next up….Fixed Interval, Fixed Quantity. It’s nice to dream.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The traditional approach of Fixed Quantity, Variable Interval is often focused on Economies of Scale thinking. In order to get a reduced piece price we buy in large quantities. In order to reduce transportation cost we wait until we can ship via truckload. From a Lean Supply Chain perspective this thinking misses one of the key principles – customer demand should set the pace of the up-stream supply chain. We are delaying replenishment of downstream consumption due to the perceived benefits of Economies of Scale strategies.

Kevin Von Grabe Kevin von Grabe is Vice President Lean Deployment for LeanCor LLC. Headquartered in Florence Kentucky, LeanCor’s purpose is to support customers in preparing their people, perfecting their processes, and successfully implementing and operating the lean supply chain.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

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feature

Are there loose links in the food industry chain and what happens to local jobs and economies if one breaks? BY CAROL SIMPSON From the farm to processing to end user, and everyone in between, the food industry is a critical economic development driver in southwestern Ontario - but it is far more fragile than we think. This analysis is particularly true in Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin where there is significant effort and focus on local food development. This area also has a high concentration of agricultural research, not into just how to grow more products per acre, but how that product can be utilized locally and, more importantly perhaps, globally. Farmers need to be innovative in producing what’s in demand and/or taking advantage of new markets including supplying raw product to the manufacturing sector. Food processors need to access local product if they are to keep costs down and create new jobs. Increasing the availability of local product versus imports or vice versa could have an impact on trucking companies who generate significant employment opportunities across southwestern Ontario. Restaurants and retailers will have to stay on top of the latest food trends as consumers are demanding new, innovative and often local final product. Immigration to Canada and this region has also fuelled the demand for diversity of product.

The University of Guelph is a global leader in innovative life sciences. Their agricultural science research is ranked above all other universities in Canada and they are actively engaged in applying their established strengths in the areas of bioinformatics, plant and animal breeding, and genetics to advance solutions for meeting industrial and societal needs. With southwestern Ontario being a key area for most of these links, any impacts will be felt much harder. Over the past year, the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin has been working closely with the agriculture, food processing and truck transportation industries to identify challenges and opportunities to local employment in these sectors and recognizing that there needs to be more discussion on what can be done to support growth, innovation and awareness of the imminent change occurring. To that end, the Workforce Planning Board has organized a conference in Guelph on May 12th, the “Growing the Food Continuum”, event will showcase experts to highlight what these challenges and opportunities are likely to be both now and in the future. Details of the conference can be found on the board’s website at www.workforceplanningboard.com or by calling us directly at 519 622-7122.

What happens to any one of the links in this chain affects every other link. If one is really successful or challenged it could cause others to be stressed or to fail. This could have serious implications on the entire food continuum as well as the economies and jobs it supports. From farm to fork, the agriculture and food industry is important across our region. We are home to Schneiders, one of the most recognizable brands on Canadian grocery store shelves. In 2009, Conestoga College created The Institute of Food Processing Technology in partnership with the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors. The Institute will play a major role in providing many highly skilled workers required to keep the food industry a major economic force in upcoming years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Simpson Carol Simpson is Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin based in Ayr, Ontario.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

sponsor profile

Gowlings and the Chamber BY ROSA LUPO Gowlingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; history in the Waterloo Region begins with the 1986 merger with the firm of Simmers, Harper, Jenkins. That firm traced its roots back to the 1800's in the City of Cambridge and, through Jack Harper, Q.C., since 1948 in the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. As a result of the merger, Gowlings had an office in each of Cambridge and Kitchener with a total of nearly 20 lawyers. In 1996, the two Gowlings offices were merged into the Waterloo Region office in the Kitchener location, which is now home to 40 lawyers, practising in one of the most dynamic and economically vibrant centres in Ontario.

Firm offers a diverse range of services to assist Canadian and international organizations in achieving their business objectives. Recognized for excellence in business law, advocacy, and intellectual property, Gowlings provides dedicated industry expertise in the resource, infrastructure, life sciences, government, financial services, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Combining traditional legal services with innovative solutions and proactive leadership in a number of highly specialized areas of law and business, Gowlings has developed a well-earned reputation in this area.

Gowlings is now one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest law firms, with seven offices across the country, as well as in Moscow and London. The

The local Gowlings office has historically enabled entrepreneurs in the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Region to grow and has

PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST EMPLOYERS IN CANADA.

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sponsor profile

contributed to their profitability and success. Our lawyers have also devised innovative payment plans which accommodate early stage entrepreneurs. Through these efforts, the entrepreneurs are able to obtain the legal advice necessary for continued growth and success.

Technology Triangle, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Communitech, Grand River Hospital Foundation, K-W Counselling Services, Junior Achievement, Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Awards, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and many more.

Gowlings and its lawyers are committed to giving back to Waterloo Region. Gowlings has been a proud member of The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for almost 30 years with many of its partners serving on the Chamber’s board. We are proud of our longstanding association and involvement with the Chamber. The Chamber’s vision statement identifies it as the voice of business, being a strong advocate for continued development of our community and a partner for prosperity.

Rosa Lupo is a partner in the Waterloo Region Gowlings office practising general corporate commercial law. She has been lead counsel on a number of merger, acquisitions and equity financings. Rosa has been a long-standing active member of the Chamber involved in the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Committee for over five years and most recently she was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Chamber in 2010. Rosa’s involvement in the community also includes roles as vice president and a board member of K-W Counselling Services and a regular lecturer at the Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

In addition to the Chamber, Gowlings’ Waterloo Region office has played a key role in many other community organizations. We recognized that there were a multitude of challenges facing professional women in our community, balancing both a demanding career and a busy home life, while not leaving much time or energy for making and maintaining connections. Accordingly, in 2003 Gowlings initiated an all women's networking event that is now called Empowered. Typically there are three events a year. The events range from speakers of interest, to golf, to a vintners dinner. The entire Gowlings’ family has a long and proud history of giving to the United Way, an organization which helps so many across the country. Every fall, Gowlings’ Waterloo Region office runs a two week campaign that consists of numerous light hearted and fun events meant to inspire team building and the spirit of giving. Gowlings is incredibly fortunate to employ many generous individuals who collectively dedicate hundreds of hours to organizing the United Way campaign and who donate tens of thousands of dollars year after year regardless of the state of the economy. This last campaign is an example of the tremendous charitable spirit of Gowlings’ staff. Notwithstanding the tough economic times and financial challenges that we all faced this past year, Gowlings staff and professionals exceeded their annual goal. Gowlings is also a supporter of many local organizations such as the Cambridge and District Humane Society, Canada’s

“I have continually been impressed by the level of service and commitment of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce to this region. The Chamber continues to be involved in important community initiatives such as health care, WRIEN and networking/mentorship for young professionals. The Chamber takes a holistic approach to the variety of businesses in the community and draws all of the businesses together as one voice and one common community. I am delighted to be part of this initiative and contribute to the KW community in this way.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosa Lupo Rosa Lupo is a partner in the Gowlings' Waterloo Region office and a member of the Business Law Group. Rosa practices in all areas of business law, including equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and distribution arrangements.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

feature

Chamber Star The Chamber Star was developed to recognize volunteers and allow the Chamber to show appreciation for their significant efforts. The recognition is awarded to an active committee member three times a year following a Committee Chair nomination process. We are excited to announce that Rod Regier is the most recent recipient of the Chamber Star. Rod is the Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Kitchener and has been a member of the Regional & Municipal Affairs Committee (RMAC) for many years. Rod’s participation on RMAC is invaluable – he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the monthly meetings, and a great deal of the committee’s perspective is due to Rod’s frequent input and contributions. What is particularly special about his involvement is that he does it voluntarily – he is among a group of municipal government employees who attend RMAC and contribute regularly. It’s thanks

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to individuals like Rod, with his assistance and commitment that go above and beyond, that the Chamber is a strong voice for regional and municipal issues.

member notables

Member notables Joe Debtor: The Face of Bankruptcy in Canada The average Canadian who files for bankruptcy is a 41-year-old employed married man, taking home about $2,240 a month, and carrying $59,800 in unsecured debt. This analysis was released last February through the report Joe Debtor: The Face of Bankruptcy in Canada, from bankruptcy trustee Hoyes Michalos & Associates Inc. Their research concluded that the current economic climate combined with easy access to credit has increased the risk of insolvency for the average Canadian. Their disposable income has not maintained a pace with the growth in the level of household debt. Simply stated, spending is increasing faster than incomes. Also noted in the report was an increase in the number of insolvent debtors over the age of 55 along with a rising number of seniors entering retirement with debt. Most Canadians in financial difficulty are good, hard working people who due to divorce, job loss, a health crisis and over use of credit cards are forced into bankruptcy. Hoyes Michalos was founded by Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos in Kitchener during 1999. The company now operates over 20 offices throughout Ontario.

Grand River Hospital Event earns award nomination Big Events, an organizer of corporate shows throughout Ontario, was nominated recently for Most Outstanding Event (under 100,000 people) at the 14th Annual Star Awards Gala staged by the Canadian Special Events and Meeting Expo. Big Events devised the cleverly conceived play on words for a November 2010 Grand River Hospital fundraiser. “A New York State of Mind” was used to support a new Digital Breast Biopsy System – and was filled with iconic New York items throughout University of Waterloo’s Federation Hall. “We were very pleased with that night; it was both fun and memorable – for a number of reasons,” said Mariette Haras, General Manager and owner of Big Events. “Being honoured as a finalist for the Star Awards is actually just icing on the cake. It means our hard work, creative concept, and team effort was recognized by our peers – and for that, we are grateful for this opportunity.”

Celebrating 30 years in Business ProMark Window Film & Blinds Inc. has been providing comfort and energy savings through quality products since 1981. Luke Schwartzentruber, owner and operator attributes the success of the last 30 years to great people, excellent products, and ethical business practices. The community has been very supportive and many have learned about the benefits and variety of uses of window film. The future is bright with many more options in decorative films, computer plotted designs, and the development of many more green products all the while continuing to help customers with solar, glare, security, heat, safety, privacy and decorative solutions for their existing glass.

(continued on page 28) Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishment or event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraints make it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

member notables

(continued from page 27)

Stemmler Meats & Cheeses wins four awards A stellar roster of knowledgeable and influential judges including retail buyers, media, chefs and home economists determined the award winners for the 2011 Ontario Finest Meat Competition. The Ontario Finest Meat Competition promotes the best artisan products that Ontario’s family of meat processors have to offer. Stemmler Meats & Cheeses won four product awards at this year’s event. Their Deli Sliced Corned Beef, Montreal Smoked Bacon and Fresh Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausage were all Gold Winners while their Blackforest Ham won a Silver Award. Stemmler Meats was also featured in the March national edition of Food in Canada magazine. The article is written in celebration of their 25th Anniversary as well as making the magazine’s top 100 list of Canadian Food Manufactures. The Heidelberg-based company also received the 2007 Business Leader of the Year Award (under 20 employees) and the 2010 Environment Award from the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Woolwich Local Art Program Enters Second Successful Year The Woolwich Local Art Program is now in its second successful year and has been kicked off with the art of Frances Gregory and Shirley Frey. Most of the art on display is for sale and both artists welcome inquiries about their work. Woolwich Mayor Todd Cowan is very pleased that the Woolwich Local Art Program is so successful and is being embraced by local artists. He commented that “Shirley Frey and Frances Gregory’s work is fantastic and indicative of the talented and innovative people who live and work in Woolwich” and that he “hopes to see more artists support and participate in the Local Art Program.” Artists of all ages are encouraged to apply to the program. Laurel Davies Snyder, Economic Development & Tourism Officer for the Township of Woolwich, hopes to see submissions in a variety of mediums - photography, painting, metalwork, printmaking, fibre art, graphic art, quilting and other textile art, and non-traditional art such as graffiti. Plans for the future of the program include incorporating sculpture and other three-dimensional art.

Rogers Kitchener Radio Group General Manager selected as 2010 Citizen of the Year Mike Collins, General Manager of the Rogers Kitchener Radio Group, which includes radio stations CHYM 96.7, 570 News and KIX 106.7 FM, has been selected as the 2010 Citizen of the Year for Kitchener-Waterloo. Hosted by the Lions Club of Kitchener, the Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a deserving resident from the Kitchener and Waterloo area. The award was first presented to Ira Needles in 1957. Mike’s name will be added to a long list of esteemed nominees and community visionaries. A natural-born broadcaster, Mike has worked in the media industry for close to 22 years. Most of his career has been devoted to CHYM 96.7 and 570 News – as Sales Manager, Promotions Manager, and since 2005 as General Manager.

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advocate MAY | JUNE 2011

events

Mark your calendar (continued from page 19)

August 11, 2011

Tournament Sponsor:

Hole Sponsors:

20th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Location: Deer Ridge Golf Club The Chamber Scramble is a great day of networking that includes golf cart, driving range, demo clubs with a CPGA professional, BBQ lunch, Steak & Lobster Dinner, full use of locker room amenities and a $60 gift card to dine at a local restaurant . Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the chance to play at Deer Ridge Golf Club, you can enter as a foursome or as an individual (or twos and threes) and, best of all, you don't have to be a great golfer to have a great time! Single: $225 Foursome: $875

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Ultimate Draw Sponsor:

2011/12 Season

Make Time for Great Music Liszt: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2 Ravel: Bolero Mozart Festival Canadian Brass Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

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