J u l y | A u g u s t 2020
Doing Business in a Covid-19 Era
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advocate July | August 2020 www.greaterkwchamber.com
features
Cover Story
editor-in-chief:
Bruce Lauckner
editor:
Feature
design and production
16 Understanding COVID-19 is your Business
Heather Hutchings M&T Printing Group
21 Manufacturing in the “New Norm”
Photography: Chamber Staff
– Front Line Experiences from KEI Michael Kuntz
advertising and sales:
Feature
23 The New Normal: Business in COVID-19 Minto Schneider
Art Sinclair
Feature
25 The Heart of Our Cities
Bonnie Frank - bfrank@greaterkwchamber.com Dana Walton - dwalton@greaterkwchamber.com Lisa McDonald - lmcdonald@greaterkwchamber.com contributing writers: Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia, Linda Jutzi, Michael Kuntz, Bruce Lauckner, Kelly McManus, Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, Minto Schneider, Tracy Van Kalsbeek contributors:
Linda Jutzi and Tracy Van Kalsbeek
Natalie Hemmerich, Carolyn Marsh advertising and copy deadlines:
September 18, 2020 for November-December 2020 November 16, 2020 for January-February 2021 subscription and back issue inquiries:
Darlene Jones djones@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. publications permit: #40026716 for permissions and reprint requests
Heather Hutchings - hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com
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departments
Message from the Board
New Members
4 Lean on Your Chamber Kelly McManus
10 April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020
12 Spring Virtual Networking
Message from the President
5 Cooperation is the Foundation for Waterloo Region Business Recovery Ian McLean Advocacy
7 Waterloo Region and Ontario
Business Recovery – Change is the New Normal Art Sinclair
Perspective on Health Care
COVID-19 – and Beyond Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia
PUBLICATION OF:
Networking Events
13 Mark Your Calendar Hi-lighting Members
19 Meeting Covid's Challenge
Member Notables
28 Chamber Members Achieving Success
postmaster address changes c/o
Advocate - Publications Office 80 Queen Street 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.
8 Virtual Visits in the Age of
advocate July | August 2020
3
message from the board
Lean on Your Chamber Like all of our members and partners, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has had to adapt and react to the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly trying to navigate and adapt to our changing economy and how we do business. During this time, our Chamber has shifted its focus to support and help guide the business community during these trying and uncertain times.
Helping Our Members Daily, our Chamber has been collecting information from our members to ensure we continue to serve you to the best of our ability and continue to be a strong resource and advocate on behalf of the Waterloo Region business community. Our Chamber has been compiling resources from trusted sources including those provided by our government, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce which have been posted on our Chamber website and distributed by email. As an additional resource, our Chamber continues to offer free webinars that provide valuable information to businesses during this time. We have heard that these resources are especially useful for you.
Role Our Chamber Can Play for The Community Our Chamber has listened to the business community and its needs and has worked diligently to advocate on behalf of business here in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. As government programs are rolled out to help support our residents and businesses, our Chamber has played an integral role in helping the community navigate and advocate your needs by ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed. The Chamber is also playing an active leadership role on the Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (BESTWR), which was initiated to help all local businesses and the community cope with challenges caused by COVID-19. This group is the point of contact for governments as they make decisions to help support the business community and BESTWR responds with feedback they have been hearing within our community. Currently BESTWR is advocating that the government revaluate their programs and supports based on; speed - in the delivery of the announced
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financial support programs; Inclusion - ensuring that support programs are as inclusive of all types of businesses and corporate structures as possible; and Extension and Recovery – asking that the programs be extended into the early Fall 2020, instead of late Spring as currently planned.
Importance of Your Chamber as We Start the Long Road to Recovery As we prepare for the re-opening of the economy and define our new normal, we encourage the business community to continue to look to our Chamber for credible information and support. The Chamber will continue to advocate on your behalf to all levels of government, addressing the issues that are important to you. During this time, we want you to leverage your membership to help your business. The Chamber has started to reintroduce many of our event series through virtual platforms. These events are a great way to stay connected and build new relationships during these challenging times. Please let us know what you think so we can make sure your experience is even better. We are in this together and will get through this together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly McManus CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kelly joined the University of Waterloo in May 2013 as Senior Director, Community Relations & Events. In her role, Kelly represents the University on a wide range of community initiatives, including the Region’s Immigration Partnership Council, the City of Waterloo’s Town & Gown Committee and the Board of the Waterloo Public Library. Kelly earned her Masters degree from the University of Guelph and is currently a part-time PhD student at the University of Waterloo
message from the president
Cooperation is the Foundation for Waterloo Region Business Recovery As the recovery phase of our national, provincial and Waterloo Region economy begins, our community needs to align their objectives and work together. Governments and the private sector will be required to reach a new level of collaboration for the collective economic benefit and advancement of business and communities. Leaders of the local business sector have tirelessly and persistently advocated on behalf of the region’s employers and our community. As problems became apparent with the application process for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) programs, we have and will continue to raise them in real time with officials in Ottawa and Queen’s Park to ensure they are fixed quickly. In a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier on April 23, 2020, the leadership group of BESTWR Business Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (Greater Kitchener Waterloo and Cambridge Chambers, Communitech and Waterloo EDC) noted that federal and Ontario management plans have moved from reaction, to management, and now look toward recovery. While the support programs for business are essential to recovery, our correspondence focuses on three priority aspects of these and future initiatives. Firstly, the delivery of committed supports needs to be administered as quickly as humanly possible. Many firms still struggle with accessing emergency loans, wage subsides and commercial rent assistance. The runway for these businesses to get support, survive and contribute to our economic recovery can be measured in days and weeks, not months. A second concern for the business community has centred on the need for support programs to be as inclusive of all types of businesses and corporate structures as possible. Complex eligibility criteria combined with bureaucratic delays can suffocate small businesses out of viability. Moving with speed and being as inclusive of all kinds of business as possible is essential to protecting jobs. Lastly, the programs as developed are essential to businesses maintaining their employees, paying their ongoing overhead costs, and being prepared to participate in a strong recovery to get Ontario and Canada roaring again. To give businesses confidence in their own viability until that recovery takes off, programs should not expire after three months and should be extended into the early Fall of 2020. We are pleased that the wage subsidy program is now effective until the end of August 2020.
support. We have offered our ongoing partnership in seeking innovative solutions to how municipalities can not only survive the crisis but go forward to thrive and establish even better business conditions for economic recovery in Ontario and Canada. Our economic recovery here in Waterloo Region, and across Canada depends on strong local municipal governments. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) have identified that COVID-19 has largely been a crisis of non-recoverable financial losses for municipal governments. Like other municipalities across the country, the Region of Waterloo alone is losing almost $5 million per month from a variety of user fees and charges—including $3.5 million per month from lost transit fares alone—while costs to keep people safe have dramatically increased. The key to economic recovery - and for managing the soaring levels of debt incurred to get through this crisis - is growth. By supporting municipalities through COVID-19 and preventing any additional burdens on struggling businesses and financially stretched households, in the form of rising municipal taxes, we can be able to quickly restore the confidence of employers to hire, invest and expand right here in Canada. Events are happening at a frenetic pace and businesses are having to make decisions at that same pace. It is critical that governments listen to input and make decisions quickly. We greatly appreciate the willingness of governments to listen and make changes that will be necessary to ensure full utilization of the programs to support business. The commitment from our Chamber and business leaders from across Waterloo Region remains resolute and we will support our members with the services they require to manage through this highly turbulent period. As always, Chamber staff are available to assist businesses with all issues related to government financial assistance programs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Our group of local business leaders has also written to the Prime Minister and Premier supporting requests made by numerous Canadian municipal leaders for direct financial advocate July | August 2020
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advocacy
Waterloo Region and Ontario Business Recovery – Change is the New Normal For the last quarter century in Canadian politics, all federal and provincial political parties and their leaders have proclaimed that voters are looking for change in one form or another and if elected they will deliver what Canadians want. Never has “change” dominated the political agenda as it has in the last three months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the early days of the crisis in mid-March of 2020, the Canadian business community has been advised to expect a highly dynamic policy environment where announcements will be formulated rapidly and subject to change on very short notice. Program decisions that could take months or more than a year under normal conditions are now being completed within days or shorter. As the leadership of the Waterloo Region Business sector noted in correspondence to the Prime Minister and Premier Ford on April 23, 2020, government plans have moved from reaction to management and now to recovery – in just over a month. The letter reinforced the message that Canada must “go big” on economic protection for business and a recovery plan for Canada’s job creators. Recovery is occurring across Canada at varying stages and individual provinces have been developing strategies in response to new and existing cases of COVID-19. In Ontario, the end of the Victoria Day weekend was the starting point for a relatively significant reopening of many businesses including retail with street access, new car dealers, golf, marinas and medical services. These changes were components of the first stage of the Ontario Framework for Reopening the Province. Bars and restaurants, excluding takeout and delivery, remained closed while any businesses opening for service operated under rigid physical distancing. Examples of recovery across Canada by late May included New Brunswick announcing “phase yellow” with larger gatherings of people and the opening of barber shops and hair salons. In Manitoba, the second phase scheduled for June 1, 2020 included opening bars at 50 percent capacity. Also, by late May Alberta was in a similar position as restaurants and hair salons prepared for the return of customers. However, some of New Brunswick’s plans were delayed for one week due to additional new COVID-19 cases.
A growing source of discussion across Ontario was the concept of regional recovery where a municipality and/ or regional health unit would possess a higher level of discretion to determine local restrictions beyond provincial rules. A May 21, 2020 CTV news report cites Kingston Mayor Bryan Patterson indicating that other provinces across Canada are taking regional approaches to these initiatives because of varying experiences with COVID-19. Kingston has been vocal in asking for more autonomy on reopening with, as of late May, only one COVID-19 case currently active and no outbreaks in long-term care homes. The provincial government had consistently indicated that a regional approach would not be considered as Premier Ford maintained that the province must be run as a unit. However by the end of May a regional approach was “on the table” for discussion around Queen’s Park. Toronto Mayor John Tory subsequently indicated the province should examine a more regionalized approach to restarting the economy, one that he conceded would push back the process in the Greater Toronto Area. Infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch indicated most of the cases in Ontario are in and around the GTA. Places in other parts of the province like Kingston, Kenora, Thunder Bay, North Bay, and Timmins show very little infection and seem to have much better control. They are being held back because of something that is miles and miles away. Perhaps Prime Minister Trudeau provided the best analysis in late May when he indicated that openings and related activities could cause confusion however people just have to remain smart around their actions. Change will remain the norm.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
advocate July | August 2020
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perspective on health care
Virtual Visits in the Age of COVID-19 – and Beyond There’s no doubt that the emergence of the novel coronavirus has massively impacted the way primary care providers are able to interact with their patients. In this time of necessary physical distancing, it is safer in most cases for patients to stay home in order to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19. However, patients still need care and this is where virtual visit platforms are proving to be a real asset. So, what is a virtual visit exactly? A virtual visit occurs when a primary care provider uses a secure online platform to connect remotely with their patients through audio, video, or text messaging. Our team at the eHealth Centre of Excellence has been supporting the implementation of virtual care platforms in primary care practices in the Ontario Health West region for over two years now, but we’ve seen a huge surge in adoption since the physical distancing measures were enacted this past Spring. Now more than ever before, primary care providers are using virtual care platforms to see their patients for a variety of reasons – including to renew a prescription, followup on a previous appointment or check in with their patients with chronic conditions. In response to COVID-19, use of virtual visits has extended to screening for symptoms of the virus and performing mental health checks for anxiety related to the pandemic. With virtual care available, patients who do not need a physical assessment or treatment can still make an appointment with their provider without coming into the clinic. Not only does this limit the potential spread of COVID-19, it also reduces the amount of times a primary care provider will need to don personal protective equipment for an in-person appointment. As a family doctor myself, I’ve been using virtual visits in my own practice for as long as they’ve been available and I think many primary care providers who have adopted them during COVID-19 will continue to do so once the pandemic is resolved. There are many benefits to seeing patients through a virtual care platform when an appointment does not need to be done in person. For one thing, virtual visits are more equitable: they save patients from making an unnecessary trip to the clinic, which is particularly valuable for patients who cannot easily take time off work, live in remote areas, and/
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or have mobility/transportation limitations. Virtual visits can also free up time in the provider’s schedule to see patients with more urgent needs and can reduce overall costs to the healthcare system (with fewer patients needing to visit a walkin clinic or emergency department). I’d like to note that virtual care works best when a provider already has an established relationship with the patient. Virtual visits should be used as a supplement, and are not a substitute for in-person care if that is what is needed. This is a challenging time but I am confident that we are all learning from the digital health innovations that have emerged from this crisis. I truly believe there’s an opportunity for us come out of this stronger than before, with a more modern, connected and accessible healthcare system.
The doctor will “see” you now Virtual visits technology is ensuring that continuity of care is not being interrupted by this current public health crisis. It is important for patients to know that if they have a medical concern, their primary care provider will still be able to treat them. Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your doctor if you are feeling unwell. We are here to support you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia, BSC(Hons), MD, CCFP, MSc, Dr. Mohamed Alarakhia is a Family Physician at the Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, as well as the Managing Director of the eHealth Centre of Excellence and Chief Clinical Information Officer for Ontario Health West. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University & Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo and the Faculty Digital Health Lead at McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (Waterloo Campus).
new members
April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 Benco Concrete Inc.
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Court at Laurelwood by Sienna Senior Living
Strata Research
Construction Sheldon Benson, President 23 - 500 Fairway Rd S, Unit 127 Kitchener, ON N2C 1X3 sales@bencoconcrete.com bencoconcrete.com Phone: (519) 998-7631 Retirement Communities & Homes Nicole Belanger, Regional Sales Manager 605 Laurelwood Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 2W7 nicole.belanger@siennaliving.ca siennaliving.ca Phone: (519) 725-2442
Disinfect and Fog
Maintenance Joseph Jongsma, CEO/President 100 Kellogg's Lane London, ON N5W 0B4 info@disinfectandfog.com disinfectandfog.com Phone: (855) 561-4512
Doon Village & Retirement Residence by Sienna Senior Living Retirement Communities & Homes Christina Murphy, Retirement Counsellor 868 Doon Village Rd Kitchener, ON N2P 3A4 christina.murphy@siennaliving.ca doonvillage.ca Phone: (519) 896-3338
Google Canada
Internet & Technology Products & Service Irmgard van der Krift, Administrative Business Partner 51 Breithaupt St Kitchener, ON N2G 5G5 irmgardv@google.com google.ca Phone: (519) 880-2300
Mulrooney & Associates Incorporated
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Carrie Mulrooney, Owner 64 Maplewood Pl Kitchener, ON N2H 4L5 cmulrooney@mulrooneyandassociates.com mulrooneyandassociates.com Phone: (519) 503-6194
Schooley Mitchell
Business Consultants Brian Zablotny, Sales Execution Coach 1030 Erie St Stratford, ON N4Z 0A1 brian.zablotny@schooleymitchell.com schooleymitchell.com/stratford Phone: (519) 271-6477 Fax: (519) 271-9767
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Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs Chris Martin, Workplace Equity Educator 151 Frederick St, Unit 300 Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2 workplaceeducator@sascwr.org www.sascwr.org Phone: (519) 571-0121 Computer Software James Barr, Principal james@strata.ltd strata.ltd Phone: (226) 600-5267
Synkun Inc.
Business Finance Dan Capelle, Executive Director 180 Northfield Dr W, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON N2L 0C7 dan.capelle@synkun.com synkun.com Phone: (226) 978-3632
ThinkWise Wealth Management Financial Planning Consultants Candace Loughran, Owner/Broker 139 Northfield Dr, Suite 203 Waterloo, ON N2L 5A6 Candace@thinkwisewealth.com thinkwisewealth.com Phone: (226) 647-4595
Total Rentals
Rental Equipment Geraldine Westerink, Marketing Coordinator 1240 Colborne St W Brantford, ON N3T 0M6 info@totalrentals.ca totalrentals.ca Phone: (519) 449-2200 Fax: (519) 449-1244
TyltGO
Courier & Delivery Service Jaden Pereira, CEO 151 Charles St W, Main Lobby Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6 jaden.pereira@tyltinnovations.com tyltgo.ca Phone: (647) 961-3549
Waterloo Region Family Network
Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs Tom Connelly, Fundraising & Communications Officer 65 Hanson Ave Kitchener, ON N2C 2H6 info@wrfn.info wrfn.info Phone: (519) 886-9150
Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.
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networking
Spring Virtual Networking
Some friendly faces at the Token Creative Services Expo booth at the Jay Fencing Business Around 5 Event
Leadercast 2020’s relevant this year!
Some
of our
theme
of
Carrie Mulrooney presenting at a virtual Manulife Chamber Academy Session
Positive Disruption
KWCYP Committee
was
members rocking their
hats at the virtual happy hour event
especially
It was all smiles when visiting the Bingemans Expo Booth at the Jay Fencing Business Around 5 Event
It was wonderful learning some of the history of Heffner Toyota Lexus at the Jay Fencing Business Around 5 Event
Attendees were all smiles at the virtual MNP Networking Breakfast Event
Attendees
participating
in
a
Mandy English-Parry presenting Chamber Academy Session
at a virtual
Manulife
Some Young Professionals making new connections at the first ever virtual Libro Chamber Young Professionals event
photos by Chamber Staff
How Is Your Financial Health? ask for your business checkup!
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group
MNP Networking Breakfast Speed Networking Event session before our
mark your calendar
COVID-19: Event Impact *The health and safety of our members, event attendees, community, and staff are of the utmost importance. As a result, the Chamber will not be hosting any live events until further notice. We will continue to support our members by offering a variety of events and networking opportunities in a virtual capacity, using an interactive and engaging virtual event platform. Please refer to greaterkwchamber.com for up-to-date event information.
Mark Your Calendar July 7th
July 15th
Heffner Women’s Leadership Social (Virtual Event)
Jay Fencing Business Around 5: From Your Backyard Edition (Virtual Event) 4:00-6:00pm Location: Virtual Event (hosted through Hopin) Members: Complimentary • Future Member: $10 Exhibitor Booth: $75 Grow your network and meet new connections, all from the comfort of your own backyard. Plus, visit the Expo to learn more about featured businesses located within our community. Title Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsor:
Marketing Design Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
July 9th MNP Networking Breakfast Series: Speed Networking (Virtual Event) 8:30-10:00am Location: Virtual Event (hosted through Hopin) Members: $20 ∙ Future Member: $30 Back by popular demand! Meet other business professionals in a quick (yet efficient) method of virtual networking. Plus, it’s great for newcomers! You’ll be randomly matched with an individual for a 3-minute 1-on-1 video conversation. Exchange virtual business cards then, when you’re ready, meet your next new connection. Title Sponsor:
Sign & Print Sponsor: &
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Media Sponsor:
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11:00am-12:30pm Location: Virtual Event (hosted through Hopin) Members: $20 ∙ Future Member: $30 During this time, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and continue fostering relationships through thought-provoking and motivational conversations. Join us (virtually) for the Heffner Women’s Leadership Social, bringing together a community of like-minded women in business.
Coming Later this Summer Energy & Environment Forum (Virtual Event) Location: Virtual Event (hosted through Hopin) Members: $25 ∙ Future Member: $35 ∙ Exhibitor Booth: $110 The Energy & Environment Forum is an annual educational event, raising awareness around environmental issues within the business community, and the Region at large. Title Sponsors: Prestige Sponsor: Silver Sponsor:
Media Sponsor: Bronze Sponsor:
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advocate July | August 2020
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cover story
Understanding COVID-19 is your Business COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on so many worldwide with great variation in outcomes amongst countries. Hong Kong, with a population of 7.5 million, has reportedly had only four deaths whereas the number of deaths in some U.S. states has been staggering. In Waterloo Region, the first known case was travel-related and identified on March 4, 2020. The first case believed to be contracted in the community occurred two weeks later. Three months on, Waterloo Region Public Health confirmed 1,138 positive cases (local and current statistics can be found on the Waterloo Region’s website at https://www.regionofwaterloo. ca/en/health-and-wellness/positive-cases-in-waterloo-region. aspx.) Despite all of the numbers we cannot lose sight of the fact that COVID is much more than data points. Each number represents a person. We know all too well the devastating effects the disease has had in Ontario and in this community, particularly amongst older adults living in long-term care. The Canadian Armed Forces report portraying shocking treatment of residents in some homes, poor infection control practices and the presence of cockroaches and mice highlighted what, sadly, many have known for quite some time. My own staff at the LHINs and Ontario Health formed crisis response teams in support of certain retirement homes with conditions worse than those observed by our military. Aside from the staggering direct human costs of COVID, there is also the indirect impact of COVID such as job loss and business closures. In broad terms, both the federal and provincial governments have been projecting massive deficits. Now is when we need to be asking and thinking about the effect those deficits will have on future spending in areas such as economic development, innovation, education and the very health system that is dealing with the COVID disease. Impacts in areas that touch our daily lives directly and indirectly are likely easier for most to envision. We have also seen firsthand the devastating impact of the closure of businesses in our community as well as the associated job losses at businesses forced to downsize. We do not have to look far to find someone we know who has had to shutter their life-long dream – a dream they toiled so long to build - and it is a safe bet that most know someone who has lost their job during this pandemic (in some cases members of their own family).
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Less easy to see is the effect COVID will have in the future from a health equity perspective. The determinants of health have an important impact on how healthy or sick people are and how long they live. For example, we know Canadians with higher incomes are often healthier than those with lower incomes. We also know that, on average, rural residents often have poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts. In Waterloo Region, we need to really think hard about the impacts of business closures in our surrounding townships in relation to business closures in our urban centres. We would also be well served to start thinking about and planning for the demand down the road that business closures and job loss will have on health and social services. Before COVID, we talked a lot in Waterloo Region about the determinants of health and even brought together an initiative called Wellbeing Waterloo Region - a community collaborative to improve the wellbeing of residents in Waterloo Region (http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/). Some viewed this as being solely about social or health justice. Some might even label that work as being for the “left”. But equally it can and must be about the economic wellbeing of the region. I often say that if we want lower taxes, the best thing we can do is invest in those things that reduce demand on the areas where we spend the most – like illness care. The only way to effectively reduce that demand (and keep taxation in check) is to address the determinants of health. More stable housing, a more robust economy and better paying jobs equals lower demand on the most expensive health and social services in the future. What are the things we need to do now as we begin to “openup” the economy? Key will be ensuring we have enough public health capacity to carry out the almost impossible task of effective contact tracing. As the name implies, contact tracing is about locating all the individuals with whom a person with COVID has had close contact and then having those individuals quarantine themselves. Contact tracing will allow us to address “pockets” of COVID rather than keeping businesses and society locked down. McKinsey explains that when a country is unsure who has COVID, that lockdowns have often been applied as a wide-spread tool of disease control. However, McKinsey argues there is an alternative:
“A highly effective program of testing, tracing, isolation of cases, and quarantining contacts can achieve similar benefits as a lockdown while allowing the vast majority of the population the freedom to conduct day-to-day activities. In a world where herd immunity and a vaccine are still far off, even a moderately effective contact-tracing program is an important tool for enabling countries to reopen society.” https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/ourinsights/contact-tracing-for-covid-19-new-considerations-forits-practical-application?cid=eml-web
truly cares about them. Many people I know are making choices around where they shop based on how they see businesses treating their staff and their customers. As we look to the months ahead, I am confident the can-do spirit of this region will prevail. From our local restaurants to our large technology and financial employers and every business in between, the future is bright. Understanding COVID is your business – quite literally.
The investments needed for such effective contact tracing programs are significant. However, the cost of having businesses and communities locked down is far greater both in the mid- and longer-term. As we start doing business again in this “new normal”, the communities that will have an advantage in economic recovery will be those that can most quickly figure out how to implement effective contact tracing and other public health measures. It can be argued that consumers who can see tangible steps being taken within their community will have greater confidence that there will be a smaller impact of a second, third or even fourth COVID wave. Similarly, business owners seeing similar positive steps may be more apt to make investments including bringing more people back into the workforce. For business in the region to truly thrive, each organization will have to do its part. Investments in things such as personal protective equipment, dividers between work stations and at customer-facing points are expensive. At the same time, such measures instill confidence around safety and may have the effect of also giving confidence to consumers that business
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bruce Lauckner Bruce Lauckner is a resident of Waterloo, CEO of 4 Local Health Integration Networks and Transition Lead for Ontario Health West. He has led the pandemic response for West Region and is the incoming CAO for the Region of Waterloo.
advocate July | August 2020
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hi-lighting members
Meeting Covid's Challenge Home Care Assistance Waterloo & Wellington 375 University Ave E., Unit 104 Waterloo (519) 954-2111 www.HomeCareAssistanceWaterloo.ca Oxford Learning 10 Fischer-Hallman Road North Waterloo (519) 725-3577 waterloo@oxfordlearning.com www.oxfordlearning.com
University of Waterloo
Marg Johnston, Business Developer marg.johnston@uwaterloo.ca | (226) 220-2321 Hire Waterloo: uwaterloo.ca
Home Care Assistance Waterloo & Wellington
Being a small, local homecare company during these unprecedented times has allowed us to pivot quickly, introducing many measures that keep both our caregivers and our clients protected while still offering the consistent, customized, top quality care that your loved ones need to keep them safe in their own home.
Oxford Learning
Due to the fast action of the leaders in Canadian tutoring, the Waterloo Beechwood & Kitchener North Oxford Learning locations were able to seamlessly transition 250+ students to Virtual Tables during Covid. This allowed for face-to-face Study Skills, English, French, & Math classes. Connect with them at waterloo@oxfordlearning.com, Kitchener@ oxfordlearning.com @oxfordlearningwaterloo
University of Waterloo
Moving your business to a digital platform? University of Waterloo co-op students have the skills you need to make this happen! You may be eligible for funding – up to 75% of a student’s salary. Contact me today to learn more.
Visit us online at www.LMICanada.com and www.erb-erb.com
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advocate July | August 2020
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Shop and save.
SWANSON’S HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE 166 Park Street Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1M8 Phone: (519) 743-1404 Fax: (519) 743-0784
GLENBRIAR HOME HARDWARE 262 Weber Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J3H6 Phone: (519) 886-2950 Fax: (519) 886-3968
Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council Three years ago Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade between Waterloo Region and Toronto formed the Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council with representation from Brampton, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton and Mississauga. The original mandate was to optimize economic opportunities within the growing Innovation Corridor and lobby for appropriate infrastructure support most notably improved passenger rail service. The group was also active in the establishment of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, the recipient of funding under the Super Cluster Innovation Fund to support the integration of Canadian advanced manufacturing and IT resources. The work of the Business Council is strongly supported by many business and institutional partners and we thank them for making the Waterloo Region-Toronto Corridor a premier location for investment, research, and job creation. Thanks to the Greater KW Chamber partners that sponsor our efforts on this important initiative.
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advocate July | August 2020
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feature
Manufacturing in the “New Norm” – Front Line Experiences from KEI “Manufacturing might never be the same.” I remember thinking as much as our company, Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) battled its way out of the Great Recession in 2008-2009. Here we are only a dozen or so years later with another battle on our hands – a global pandemic that is ravaging the world and forcing us into a new reality of manufacturing “norms.” Heading into the crisis, many of us hoped that things would return to normal within a few months. Governments have pulled out all of the stops in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus, and taken extreme measures to enforce social distancing and provide emergency financial relief. The new realization is that we are in this for the long haul. The pandemic has forced companies, societies and entire industries to quickly and dramatically change how we communicate, socialize, work, and consume products and services. At KEI, we supply premium plated and painted products to the most recognized automotive and motorcycle brands in the world – restarting our plant safely and efficiently is critical. News of false starts in factories around the world have been commonplace and we can expect more of this until we get it right. Compounding the challenges of safe re-starts, many major manufacturers are now experiencing disruptions across their supply chains of parts and raw materials, driven by what may now become recurring volatility of supply from overseas. Manufacturing has unique challenges that must be overcome to ensure a safe work environment during this crisis. Since safety of our employees at KEI has always been our first priority in all we do, it is imperative for us to respond accordingly to this crisis and design work centers and implement changes in our workplace to keep our team members safe. How have we responded? Early on in the crisis we formed a “Covid Committee” with cross functional support from health and safety, employee services, operations, facilities and others to take a team approach to get us ready for the “new norm.” Some early “safety playbook” examples were made available, such as the Lear Safe Work playbook where we could extract best practices. Combining some of these ideas with public health recommendations and our own team’s recommendations, we created a comprehensive safety playbook and communicated and implemented these changes across our manufacturing footprint. Constant and confident communication has been the key.
• Establishing flexible work hours (for example, staggered shifts), if feasible • Discouraging workers from sharing tools and equipment, if possible • Encouraging respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs/ sneezes or coughing/sneezing into your upper sleeve instead of your hand • Training workers on how to properly put on, use/wear, take off and maintain protective clothing and equipment • Allowing workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent spread of the virus • Providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher) for employees who do not have access to soap and water • Using Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning products from this list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19, or any that have label claims against the coronavirus • Monitoring public health communications about coronavirus recommendations for the workplace and ensuring that workers have access to and understand that information • Encouraging workers to report any safety and health concerns The response from our employees have been positive and the protocols and procedures will continue to be improved upon based on feedback from our front line workers. Where do we go from here? I look at it this way: The coronavirus pandemic actually presents an opportunity for manufacturing in North America. As companies scramble to make sense of the short-term situation, we need to look beyond the fog of uncertainty towards possible long-term changes to the industry. Remote work, automation & collaboration, a revival of domestic manufacturing, supply chain decoupling and architecture changes, right-sizing businesses and a focus on lean and safe work environments are happening already. Even after a vaccine is available, this may be the new norm. We are planning for it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Kuntz Michael Kuntz is the Executive Vice President, Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI)
Some of these changes include: • Encouraging sick employees to stay home • Practicing sensible social distancing and maintaining 6 feet between coworkers, where possible advocate July | August 2020
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The New Normal: Business in COVID-19 As a result of Covid-19 and even with the extensive support announced by the Federal government over past weeks, a recent survey of tourism businesses across Ontario indicates that 60% of businesses are closed, only 50% of seasonal operations feel that they will open this year, 23% do not qualify for aid and 16% are at risk of closing permanently. The longer mandated closures remain in effect, the more dire the situation will become. The tourism sector is unlikely to quickly “bounce back” once the pandemic has ended. It was the first industry to take a hit when this all started and restaurants and bars were ordered to shut down on March 17th. Many restaurants pivoted immediately to offer take out and/ or delivery to patrons as soon as the option to dine in was eliminated. This provided work to a small minority of staff, but helped keep the lights on during the closure. There is no doubt that Waterloo Region will look different when restrictions for dining and socializing are relaxed. Some of your favourite places to grab a coffee, a meal or a drink may no longer be in business or able to operate profitably under restrictions outlined by health authorities. Despite the catastrophic losses faced by the restaurant business, in Waterloo Region we are very fortunate to have an entrepreneurial and creative group planning for the day that they can bring back their employees and welcome guests. Although the details around the restrictions for food service have not been released as of this writing, we can anticipate that social distancing will guide the plans for restauranteurs.
directly to the table. It goes without saying that all kitchen staff will also be garbed in personal protective equipment (PPE). Who knew what that acronym stood for on March 1? As the weather gets warmer and patio season is upon us, it may be that people will feel more comfortable enjoying a meal al fresco (in the open air). Plans are underway, in collaboration with the three levels of government and regulatory bodies like AGCO, to expand patio spaces across Waterloo Region. This will allow for increased spacing between tables and in some downtown areas, may mean taking up parking spaces or alleyways previously ‘out of bounds’. Clearly the new normal will mean that all industries are looking for new ways of doing things. The crisis has been stressful for everyone, but it has also given all of us an opportunity to think outside the box and approach new requirements with creative solutions. Even as restrictions are relaxed, many changes will become the new way of operating – and we should embrace the change. So when the opportunity arises, be sure to take your family and loved ones out to enjoy a meal. You’ll be supporting a huge chain of people and businesses that culminates with the food placed in front of you – farmers, food producers, dish washers, kitchen staff, line cooks and chefs, bartenders and servers. We are launching a campaign to get Waterloo Region residents out to become tourists in their own home town – or in our case, region. It is called WR Unite, so stay tuned for more details as restrictions are lifted.
One of the biggest concerns for restaurant owners is will people actually head out to dine when they are allowed to do so? Will people feel safe? Rest assured that the safety of guests and staff is of the utmost importance to all food service businesses, attractions, museums, galleries and entertainment venues. And inspections by health and safety officers will be more frequent. Tables will be spaced further apart in order to ensure there is at least six feet between groups of patrons. Washrooms and high traffic areas will be sanitized frequently. Servers will likely wear gloves and masks and serve from carts rather than
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Minto Schneider, CDME Minto Schneider is the Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation
advocate July | August 2020
23
Improve your Business visibility through the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Membership & Business Directory Placing an Ad in the 2020/21 Chamber Membership & Business Directory will increase your Business visibility, both locally and online, when customers search for products and services in the greater Kitchener-Waterloo area.
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feature
The Heart of Our Cities Generally when you visit a new city for travel, as we hope will happen again for all of us, it is compelling to visit the core. Afterall, Downtowns/Uptowns are the heart of a city. The core of cities are repositories of culture, food and retail. COVID has made it extremely difficult for many businesses to survive – especially our main street ones. In Waterloo Region, the Downtown and Uptown businesses have just really turned a corner after the construction of our Light Rail Transit and new streetscapes. This 2020 COVID crisis has forced several to close up temporarily and we know there will be some businesses that close permanently. As the province announces opening stages, small business owners are busy making concessions to retrofit their space to provide a safe environment for their customers. Many shops and restaurants have updated their business models and are outfitting their areas with plexiglass, re-imagining their space, developing better e-commerce platforms to compete for business, preparing their staff for changes in how they serve people and making adjustments for PPE.
stays in the community when you shop at one of the big giants. So please join us in making that difference, of course at a pace where you feel safe. Small business owners respect your choice to protect your loved ones. We look forward with great enthusiasm to seeing you again and celebrating the culture of the heart of our cities with you.
Linda Jutzi, Executive Director Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area 54 Queen Street South, Kitchener Phone: 519-744-4921 x.402 Email: ljutzi@kitchenerdowntown.com Connect with us: downtownkitchener.ca Instagram @DTKitchener
Tracy Van Kalsbeek | Executive Director Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area The small businesses that are returning are working hard to prepare to meet the restrictions. Their WILL to make it happen is just awesome. We hope that the good people in our region will continue to turn to them and find ways to give back by shopping from a local business whenever possible. After all, when you support a local shop, you are not just making a purchase. We know that about 70% of your dollar stays in your community when you shop local and only 45%
100 Regina Street South, Suite 160 Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4P9 (W) 519-885-1921 | (M) 519-616-0793 | Email: tracy.vankalsbeek@waterloo.ca
advocate July | August 2020
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We’ve got you covered! Introducing
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Local businesses of all sizes reached out to my office when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and again when steps to imagine our post-COVID business landscape began.
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I can help you with your concerns and questions. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of service.
advocate July | August 2020
27
member notables
Member Notables Former Executive Director of Oktoberfest Larry Blundell Passes Away Larry Blundell, former Executive Director of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, passed away on June 5, 2020. Larry provided over 45 years of dedicated service to Oktoberfest including 15 years as Executive Director. He also served as President of Festivals and Events Ontario and was well known across Canada as a tireless advocate for the tourism and attractions industry. Larry was greatly admired in Waterloo Region and active with the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, most recently as a member of the Federal and Provincial Affairs Committee. Our Chamber extends our sincere condolences to the entire Blundell Family, especially Larry’s spouse Marg and children Deb, Greg and Sandy.
JA Waterloo Region – Free Online Financial Management and Work Readiness Programs
JA Waterloo Region A Member of JA Canada
Junior Achievement (JA) Waterloo Region is offering free online courses in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to students impacted by recent COVID-19 school closures. Interactive digital programs for grades 3 to 12 offer a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to ensure students do not miss out on important education at this difficult time. With a shortened school year many students will miss the opportunity to learn about basic money management, career planning and the business world. Students can learn on their own with self-directed courses, or teachers and parents can engage in the learning process with them through the teacher-led option.
Emergency Community Support Fund - United Way Waterloo Region Communities United Way Waterloo Region Communities (UWWRC) is accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified organizations adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. United Way Waterloo Region Communities is proud to support this important investment of $1,240,000 into our local communities. “This fund is critical in supporting our local organizations as they continue to battle the pandemic and its economic fallout,” says Joan Fisk, UWWRC CEO. “We are working with all our community partners to help determine where these funds are needed most. The coronavirus has created more than one problem and we must be able to deliver more than one solution. Working with the Government of Canada has allowed us to continue our efforts while we attempt to determine what recovery looks like for Waterloo Region.”
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member notables
Member Notables Partnership to Prepare Community Leaders for NonProfit Boards Conestoga College has partnered with Capacity Canada to deliver a Modern Board Program to help train current and potential non-profit board directors across Canada. Online courses were scheduled to commence on June 29, 2020 through the College and the D2L learning platform. This initiative will help boards train their directors in a comprehensive and efficient manner to assist professionals constrained by schedules or limited access to resources. The oneof-a-kind training program enables board directors to grow their governance capacity from anywhere, at any time, without detracting from time spent conducting a board’s core business. “Capacity Canada is excited to work with Conestoga to expand our Modern Board program offering to non-profit board members and prospective directors right across the country,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO of Capacity Canada. “Our organizations have a strong history of innovation and this is proof of our mutual commitments to strengthen the non-profit sector.” “Conestoga’s ability to deliver programs in partnership with industry is a cornerstone of polytechnic education,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “Our long-standing collaboration with Capacity Canada continues to yield tremendous benefits, addressing the needs of non-profits while providing valuable learning and development opportunities for both students and faculty.”
Ian McLean Appointed to the Waterloo Regional Police Service Board The Waterloo Regional Police Services Board has announced Chamber President and CEO Ian McLean as its newest member. He was appointed by the Province of Ontario for a threeyear term effective April 16, 2020. “I am very honoured to have been appointed by the Province of Ontario to serve on the Waterloo Region Police Services Board” stated Mr. McLean in a board news release. “Our Region is blessed in many ways, including having a police service that is so focused and committed to inclusivity, diversity, innovation and community engagement. As our Region continues to grow, I look forward to working with Chair Redman, Chief Larkin and the entire Police Services Board to move that record of leadership forward.” Mr. McLean holds an Honours BA in Political Science and History from the University of Toronto as well as a Diploma in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.
New Hamburg Business Leader Passes Don Wagler, owner and operator of Josslin Insurance Brokers since 1975, passed away on March 21, 2020. He was well known across all of Waterloo Region’s communities through his very successful family business with spouse Rose and sons Steve and Scott. The Chamber extends our condolences to the Wagler family and staff at Josslin Insurance on Don’s passing.
advocate July | August 2020
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RECOVERY READINESS A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR REOPENING YOUR WORKPLACE The “Recovery Readiness: A How-to Guide for Reopening your Workplace,” outlines some of the best thinking and practices that our more than 53,000 professionals have compiled across the globe and also includes insights from key partners. The recommended practices and protocols already have been implemented at locations across the globe with tremendous success.
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