JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
2018 & Beyond
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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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features COVER STORY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Cynthia McIntyre
EDITOR:
16 Inclusion + Collaboration = Innovation
Art Sinclair
FEATURE
23 Make it Kitchener - A Shared Future for our City Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
FEATURE
24 Meet the 2017-2018 Board of Directors
Heather Hutchings
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
M&T Printing Group
PHOTOGRAPHY: Adamski Photography
ADVERTISING AND SALES:
FEATURE
25 Waterloo-Discovery, Entrepreneurship & Diversity Mayor Dave Jaworsky
David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Karen Cross – kcross@greaterkwchamber.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Mayor Dave Jaworsky, Cynthia McIntyre, Ian McLean, Jenna Petker, Renata Rusiniak, Art Sinclair, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
CONTRIBUTORS:
Aislynn Cooper and Teri Egerdeen
ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:
January 19, 2018 for March-April 2018 March 16, 2018 for May-June 2018 July 20, 2018 for September-October 2018 September 21, 2018 for November-December 2018
SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:
Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com
SUBMISSION POLICY:
departments MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
4 A New Chapter Unfolds in 2018 Renata Rusiniak
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
5 A Forecast of 2018 Election Issues
Ian McLean
ADVOCACY
7 Dan Quayle and the Reason for Elections
Art Sinclair
PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE
8 Family/Emergency Physicians Explore Kitchener-Waterloo Jenna Petker
NEW MEMBERS
10 October 1, 2017 to
November 30, 2017 NETWORKING
12 Fall Networking
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.
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FOR PERMISSIONS AND REPRINT REQUESTS
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HI-LIGHTING MEMBERS
18 Hi-lighting New Members who Joined in 2017 EVENTS
20 Mark Your Calendar MEMBER NOTABLES
27 Chamber Members Achieving Success
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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 519.576.5000
The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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message from the chair
A New Chapter Unfolds in 2018
BY RENATA RUSINIAK
2018 is here! A heartfelt wish to everyone for a healthy and prosperous New Year. There is so much excitement when thinking of the promise and opportunity a new year brings. “A new chapter unfolds, a new story to be told. We say hello to the new, and goodbye to the old” – Anonymous.
public transportation. I can’t wait to be a future ION rider in 2018!
New Growth Opportunities
Both Kitchener and Waterloo have invested in promoting active transportation through additional bike lanes and cycling programs. As other modes of public transportation become available, there will likely be an awesome side effect of increased walkers and bikers across the region.
For Waterloo Region, I believe 2018 will be a year when many new stories are told as the power of this region (consistently known for punching above its weight) unfolds in remarkable ways.
There’s no shortage of growth potential in the Region of Waterloo. Over the next 15 years, the population in the Region is forecasted to increase at nearly twice the provincial rate and the unemployment rate will stay slightly below the provincial average. By 2031, it is estimated that the Region of Waterloo will grow from 563,000 people currently to 729,000. This population growth will be coupled with business growth. According to Forbes & Bloomberg, Canada is the best country in the G-20 to do business in and Waterloo Region is ready to prove it.
Newly formed organizations like Waterloo Economic Development Corporation (Waterloo EDC) will continue to attract new businesses to the Region bringing more job opportunities and economic diversity across all sectors of industry. The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce will continue to support businesses within the region providing advocacy on legislation impacting businesses and new programs to address the most frequent challenges that business owners face. Communitech has announced ‘True North Waterloo’, a conference anticipating over 2,000 attendees to engage in conversations about the future of tech being used for good in the world.
New Modes of Transportation
In the Fall of 2017, crews began testing ION light rail vehicles (LRVs) on the light rail transit (LRT) tracks in Waterloo Region. 2018 brings many milestones for ION including the launch of the first service offering along the 19-kilometer track. ION will increase connectivity and efficiency of travel between Waterloo and Kitchener, offering an alternative to traditional means of
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Riding the rails isn’t the only new transportation happening in the region. Frequent travelers to Toronto, have the option of a daily 18-minute flight running between the Region of Waterloo International Airport and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. This new flight segment is aimed to address the often horrendously long car trips back and forth along the 401 between KW and Toronto.
New Innovations
If there’s one guarantee about Waterloo Region, it’s that new innovations will continue to spill out of the creative and entrepreneurial minds that live and work here. As a region known for an uncountable number of projects with schools and academic institutions that are given top marks for being innovative, Waterloo Region has the recipe for continued success. By all accounts, it seems there is tremendous upside continuing for Waterloo Region in 2018 and beyond. A community with a rich history of stories and an incredible aptitude for story telling has me believing that Waterloo Region’s next chapter will be even more of a page-turner than the last edition.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renata Rusiniak
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Renata Rusiniak manages corporate giving at Manulife and believes businesses are set-up for success in Waterloo Region. Renata is an advocate for community giving and lives this value in both her career and personal volunteer commitments.
message from the president
A Forecast of 2018 Election Issues
BY IAN MCLEAN
In 2018 provincial and municipal elections will keep Chambers, business organizations and other stakeholders across Ontario who are active in local and provincial public policy development very busy. The Ontario election is scheduled for June 7. It could, depending on internal and external political forces, be moved forward to for an earlier date. The municipal vote across Ontario is set in stone for Monday October 22, 2018.
The list of election issues for the local and Ontario business sector is extensive. For the business community, many issues are both provincial and municipal in nature, including interest arbitration and municipal tendering. Local businesses and municipal officials are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress at resolving either matter. Despite strong analysis which measures the negative financial impacts on municipalities and subsequently the business community through higher taxes, Queen’s Park has steadfastly refused to address either issue. This is not acceptable. On the Fair and Open Tendering front, the current process where the bidding on public projects is restricted to construction companies connected with designated unions is grossly unfair. In many cases across Ontario, local companies and their workers are prevented from working on new courthouses, schools and a wide range of municipal services such and transportation and water treatment in their own communities.
The evidence is crystal clear; the current process of restricting bids is driving up the cost of projects at a time when municipalities and school boards cannot afford it. It is our Chamber’s position that all qualified union and non-union companies should be afforded the right to bid on publicly funded projects. Fair and open tendering is the only method for giving all taxpayers, and businesses the right to do projects in their own communities and achieve maximum value for taxpayers. In Toronto alone, it is estimated that $174 million could be saved annually by opening the bidding process. The savings could be directed to social and other essential services that municipalities are struggling to deliver. The numbers tell this story.
With respect to interest arbitration - the process for resolving municipal contract disputes with police and fire departments an analysis compiled by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) concluded that if police and fire personnel had received the same economic adjustment as other municipal employees from 2010 to 2014, the cumulative savings across the province would have been $485 million. Keep in mind, this
analysis outlines the cost to the municipal sector alone and does not calculate the potential impacts on business taxes. Again, these expenditures drive municipal budget increases and drive up property taxes. One of the main issues that dominated the 2017 provincial policy agenda was Bill 148 and the changes to the minimum wage, employment standards and labour relations that will continue into the election campaign. The larger narrative is the additional cost being born by small business. Along with the unprecented additional wage costs required of employers through Bill 148, the federal changes to the taxation of private corporations is a huge concern for most SMEs. While the changes to the proposal that the federal government has announced mean that the affect on small business won’t be as onerous- make no mistake; businesses will be paying more! This will affect investment, growth and jobs creation in the SME sector. The local construction and development sector enters the new year with additional concerns around the provincial planning process through changes to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Actually, the OMB is not being reformed rather it is being dismantled and replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). The new appeal mechanism could result in additional costs to an already complex planning process and slowing down much-needed projects.
Changes to the planning process are particularly dangerous as local and Greater Toronto Area housing prices are making entry into the market difficult for first time buyers. The provincial government should be looking at expanding the supply of housing as opposed to measures which will restrict construction and housing choices for citizens. The Chamber encourages all our members to carefully review party positions and ask questions of your local candidates as the election approaches to determine which party best advances your interests. An informed electorate provides the most effective government.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean
Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
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advocacy
Dan Quayle and the Reason for Elections
BY ART SINCLAIR
Most residents of Ontario on the wrong side of age forty will remember J. Danforth Quayle. He was Vice President of the United States from 1989 to 1993.
into the upcoming campaign and recent party policy announcements follow that prediction. It’s simply I can do better than my opponents.
David Letterman, who like Quayle is from Indiana, made a career of Vice Presidential jokes. Letterman once said that President Bush, in order to keep Quayle occupied, told him to stand in the corner of the oval office. The roster of Letterman Top Ten Quayle lists was endless.
Also, if anyone has noticed, there will be a municipal vote in the fall. The agenda for Waterloo Region and all Ontario municipalities is highly dependent upon the results of the provincial vote.
Most of what Americans and Canadians will recall about him was, diplomatically, not positive. There was the incident where he turned a routine event at a New Jersey elementary school into one of the most memorable in United States history. A student was at the blackboard spelling “potato” when Quayle crashed in and told him to place an “e” at the end. No teacher present said anything from sheer embarrassment.
Quayle once said that the presidential election of 1988 was about who was going to be the next President of the United States. He was probably right however it could have been an overstatement of the obvious. In Ontario as the provincial election of 2018 approaches, voters are wondering what the campaign is about. This will be my fourth Ontario election since I started working at the Chamber. It should be historic not only within my frame of reference but in the history of Ontario. The agenda of issues is massive and that is not a criticism of any political party. In the global economy decisions have to be made quickly in order to stay competitive. Government and public policy is increasingly operating in that same environment. Five-year studies and two years of public consultations on health care and education are no longer appropriate.
The revisions of provincial labour law is a prime example. Whether stakeholders supported or opposed Bill 148, it was clear the Liberal administration wanted the whole process to be completed in months not years. Obviously as in all aspects of provincial politics timing is imperative – just ask David Peterson - however as Larry the Cable Guy says get it done.
At an Ontario Chamber of Commerce event last spring a panel of provincial government analysts, one connected with each of the major parties, provided their perspectives on how the 2018 election would unfold. A question from the audience asked about “wedge” issues that could emerge during the campaign.
A wedge is an issue where one party will clearly distinguish itself from another. Mike Harris used the option quite effectively, most notably developing positions on social assistance reform that were clearly different from his opponents. The panel gave no indication this strategy would fit
The NDP has indicated that driving wedge issues is difficult since the Liberals take their ideas and run with them. Ontario politics is not fair for anyone and increasingly nasty. The Liberals have for some time been running a campaign to brand Patrick Brown as indecisive and unconcerned about the facts. It is the same strategy the Progressive Conservatives under Mike Harris ran against Dalton McGuinty in 1999. Remember the Dalton McGuinty – he’s not up to the job television ads?
One of my favourite stories of Ontario politics originates from the book Not Without Cause, written by Queen’s Park veteran journalist Dan Rath about the collapse of David Peterson in 1990. Mike Marzolini was at that time a rising star of political polling and although he was not the official pollster for the Liberals, many candidates sought his advice.
After a survey of voters in one particular incumbent cabinet minister’s riding, Marzolini told this person that he should be contacting all the businesses in his riding. The candidate asked Marzolini the obvious – should I be soliciting campaign contributions? No, said Marzolini, you should be sending them your resume and asking for a job. You’re going to lose and he did. Always be ready for a career change.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair
Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
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perspective on health care
Family/Emergency Physicians Explore Kitchener-Waterloo
BY JENNA PETKER
This past November, local family physicians, emergency physicians, business and community leaders joined volunteers of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in hosting 17 family medicine residents and 3 emergency residents and their partners from across Ontario. Our 19th Annual Family/Emergency Medicine Resident Weekend took place over the November 3-5th weekend. It is our largest recruitment initiative to promote Kitchener-Waterloo as a great place to live and work. This weekend is planned and organized by our amazing volunteers of the Chamber Health Care Resources Council. During their three-day community visit, family medicine residents toured Grand River Hospital and the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk while the emergency residents toured both St. Mary’s and Grand River Hospital. Their partners toured our rural and urban communities including the St. Jacob’s Farmers Market and had opportunity to explore employment opportunities. Over the weekend, the residents and their partners met some high profile business and community leaders and learned more about the Region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.
Residents and partners were guests of Communitech at a special luncheon at The Hub and enjoyed a meal from Angie’s Country Kitchen while Communitech’s Iain Klugman spoke about our leading-edge, collaborative and innovative communities. Another highlight was taking a personal guided tour of the Perimeter Institute as well as the cardiac rehabilitation centre, Ontario Aerobics Centre.
According to Chamber President & CEO, Ian McLean, this weekend has been crucial in residents’ decisions to establish their practices in the area. “New family doctors are sought after by communities across Ontario, Canada and the U.S. This weekend is an opportunity to highlight all that Waterloo Region offers as a place for them to practice, their partners to build a career and for them to raise a family. We are very fortunate to have wonderful sponsors, partners, and volunteers that showcase our community.”
Chamber Health Care Resources Council initiatives are only made possible by the generous support and investment of our sponsors which are recognized on page 6. Along with these major corporate and community investors, the Chamber Health Council extends special thanks to this year’s resident weekend supporters who added the special touches that thoroughly impressed our visiting family medicine residents and their partners: Brentwood Livery, Communitech, Perimeter Institute, Ontario Aerobics Centre, Delta Waterloo, Tomasz Adamski and Angie’s Country Kitchen. Members of the Health Council’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force are to be congratulated on another successful Family/Emergency Medicine Resident Weekend. Your support and involvement and that of Chamber Board members and local business and community leaders over this important annual weekend made it especially warm and welcoming for our visiting residents and their partners.
Working with community partners, the Chamber has helped to attract over 200 family physicians since 1998 with the number of people without a family doctor being cut in half.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jenna Petker
Jenna is Physician Recruitment Lead for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
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Photography by Adamski Photography
perspective on health care
Photography by Adamski Photography
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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new members
October 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 A.M. Variety Inc Retail
Mohammad Wahib, Owner 100 Queen St N Kitchener, ON N2H 2H6 mwahibs@gmail.com Phone: (519) 579-7642 Alder Enterprises International Inc. Management Consultants
Russell Alder, President Waterloo, ON r.alder@aeiconsult.ca aeiconsult.ca Phone: (519) 580-5025 Angie's Country Kitchen Restaurants
Michael Graham, Owner 1761 Erb's Road St Agatha, ON N0B 2L0 info@angieseats.com angieseats.com Phone: (519) 747-1700 Fax: (519) 747-4359 Association des Francophones de Kitchener-Waterloo Associations & Organizations
Suzette Hafner, President coordonnatrice@afkw.org afkw.org Phone: (519) 746-0337 Avison Young Real Estate - Commercial
Ted Davis, Managing Director 91 Bridgeport Rd E Waterloo, ON N2J 2K2 goran.ibrahim@avisonyoung.com avisonyoung.com Phone: (226) 978-8989 Fax: (866) 541-9755 Best Buy Mobile Electronics
Jeremy Nuhn, Store Manager 550 King St W, H16 Waterloo, ON N2L 5W6 jnuhn@bestbuymobile.ca bestbuy.ca Phone: (519) 772-0341 Billyard Insurance Group Insurance Agents & Brokers
Justin Loucks, Vice President 500 Fairway Rd S, Unit 201, Kitchener, ON N2C 1X3 justin@thebig.ca thebig.ca Phone: (519) 969-2929 Fax: (519) 489-0603
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BNP Paribas
Copper Branch
Banks
Restaurants
Grocers
Health & Wellness
Window Cleaning
Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network-South Western Ontario
Thomas Manuel, VP-Trade & Treasury Solutions 155 Wellington St W, Suite 3110, Box 149 Toronto, ON M5V 3H1 thomas.manuel@ca.bnpparibas.com bnpparibas.com Phone: (416) 365-6722 Bob's Valu-Mart Bob Stoikos, Store Owner 75 King St S, Unit 29, Waterloo Town Square Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2 mon00841@loblaw.ca valumart.ca Phone: (519) 884-5511 Fax: (519) 884-5748 Caleb's Window Cleaning Service
Caleb Holley, Owner & CEO caleb@calebwcs.ca calebwcs.ca Phone: (226) 500-6082 Christian Labour Association of Canada Unions & Labour Organizations
Ian DeWaard, Provincial Director 45 Commerce Court Cambridge, ON N3C 4P7 cambridge@clac.ca clac.ca Phone: (519) 653-3002 Fax: (519) 653-3004 Clair Hills Retirement Community Retirement Communities & Homes
Sarah Louise McGregor, Marketing Manager 530 Columbia St W Waterloo, ON N2T 0B1 info@clairhillsretirement.com clairhillsretirement.com Phone: (519) 880-8444 Clean Foods Caterers
Anna Simonenko, Founder/CEO info@cleanfoods.ca cleanfoods.ca Phone: (226) 808-3893 Colour Paradise Greenhouses Garden Centres
Terry Numan, Marketing and Sales 1209 Bleams Rd Petersburg, ON N0B 2H0 info@colourparadise.com colourparadise.com Phone: (519) 745-0200
Shaun Wang, President 80 King St S, Unit 106 Waterloo, ON N2J 1P5 waterloo@copperbranch.ca copperbranch.ca Phone: (647) 668-3578 Cute and Simple Designs
Kathy Bull, President 682 Mortimer Dr, Cambridge, ON N3H 5R6 info@cuteandsimpledesigns.com cuteandsimpledesigns.com Phone: (519) 496-2961
Financial Services
Shawn Smith, Managing Director 675 Queen St S, Suite 230 Kitchener, ON N2M 1A1 shawn.smith@dfsinkitchener.ca www.dfsinswo.ca Phone: (519) 742-4691 Fax: (519) 742-0621
Dominion Lending Centres - Forest City Funding
Mortgage Brokers
Ron van Someren, Mortgage Agent 1187 Fischer Hallman Rd, Suite 627 Kitchener, ON N2E 4H9 ronvs@dominionlending.ca ronvansomeren.com Phone: (519) 807-8993
Fade Away Laser Tattoo Removal
Robert Fuller, Owner 192 King St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P9 waterloo@fadeawaylaser.com fadeawaylaser.com Phone: (226) 444-9904
Fish Farm Supply Co Inc Aquaculture
Julia Webber, President 116 Bonnie Cr Elmira, ON N3B 3J8 info@fishfarmsupply.ca fishfarmsupply.ca Phone: (519) 669-1096 Fax: (519) 669-2864
new members
October 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 Frank & Gen - Marketing + Design Marketing Consultants
Katharina Schmidt, Partner 235 Cameron St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 3B3 hello@frankandgen.com www.frankandgen.com Phone: (226) 476-2494 Franny's Cafe Restaurants
Margaret Frenzel, Owner 10 Wyman Rd, Unit 3 Waterloo, ON N2V 1K7 margaret@cinnamonhillfarm.com Phone: (519) 496-3973 Gold Sniffer Inc. Mining Equipment
Jim Kendall, President jkendall@goldsniffer.com goldsniffer.com Phone: (289) 388-1310 Grandview Concrete Grooving Inc. Agricultural Products & Service
John Foley, President 644 Colby Dr, Unit 3/4 Waterloo, ON N2V 1A2 info@cowcomfort.com cowcomfort.com Phone: (888) 447-6684 Fax: (866) 567-2281 Green Acre Park Campgrounds
Bruce Martin, Owner 580 Beaver Creek Rd Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4 info@greenacrepark.com greenacrepark.com Phone: (519) 885-1758 Fax: (519) 885-4605 Ideamation Process Improvement Management Consultants
Brett Nelson, President 36 Rauch Court Kitchener, ON N2N 3C7 brett@ideamation.ca ideamation.ca Phone: (519) 807-2467 Igloo Software Computer Software
Dayna Dautner, Regional Sales Manager 55 King St W, Suite 200Kitchener, ON N2G 4W1 mhicks@igloosoftware.com igloosoftware.com Phone: (519) 489-4120 Fax: (519) 489-4121
iMesh360
Information Technology
Daniel Moussa, President 3000 Langstaff Rd Concord, ON L4K 4R7 info@imesh360.com imesh360.com Phone: (519) 212-1728 Iron Books
Software - Accounting
Hee Kim, Managing Partner hee.kim@ironbooks.ca ironbooks.ca Phone: (647) 802-1233 Jimmy's Feed Co.
Restaurant (Take-Out)
Jim Boone, Owner 401 Weber St N, Unit H, Waterloo, ON N2J 3J2 jimmy@jimmysfeedco.com jimmysfeedco.com Phone: (519) 746-4537 LandMarkVR Ltd
Marketing Consultants
Anson Wang, Founder & CEO 180 Northfield Dr W, Unit 4, Waterloo, ON N2L 0C7 info@landmark-vr.com landmark-vr.com Phone: (226) 444-6786 Light House Programs
Social & Human Services Organizations
Heather Barrow, Director 1601 River Rd E, Unit 103 Kitchener, ON N2A 3Y4 lighthousekw@rogers.com lighthouseprograms.com Phone: (226) 338-2681 Local Online Expert
Marketing Consultants
Greg Viner, Owner greg@localonlineexpert.com localonlineexpert.com Phone: (647) 973-7550
Manitou Professional Centre
Office & Desk Space Rental Service
Aftab Zafar, Director 148 Manitou Dr Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3 orbltd@yahoo.ca Phone: (519) 658-3885 Fax: (519) 954-5339
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McIntyre Group
Office Furniture & Equipment
Darrin Snider, Business Development Manager 825 Trillium Dr Kitchener, ON N2R 1J9 info@mcintyregrp.com mcintyregrp.com Phone: (519) 740-7636 Fax: (519) 740-6838 Mike The Roofer Inc.
Roofing Contractors
Amber Ninaber, Office Manager/Co-Owner 27 Menno St Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 info@miketheroofer.ca miketheroofer.ca Phone: (519) 648-2121 Fax: (519) 749-9509 NICA Painting Services
Painting Contractors
Pedro Martin Gadea, Owner nicapaintingservices@gmail.com Phone: (226) 989-8288
Patrice and Associates Hospitality Recruiting Human Resource Consultants
Victoria Bustamante, Franchise Manager 111 Farquhar St, Unit 55 Guelph, ON N1H 3N4 vbustamante@patriceandassociates.com patricejobs.com/kwguelph Phone: (519) 474-4039 Fax: (519) 641-1610 Penad Pension Services
Software - Pension & Benefits
Matthew Price, President 194 Weber St E, Kitchener, ON N2H 1E4 info@penad.ca penad.ca Phone: (519) 743-9000 Fax: (519) 743-8346 Pete Black Consulting
Business Consultants
Peter Black, Chartered Professional Accountant dundubh33@gmail.com peteblackconsulting.com Phone: (519) 497-0452 advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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networking
Fall Networking
ONTARIO PREMIER KATHLEEN WYNNE VISITS EACH TABLE DURING THE PROVINCIAL LEADERS SPEAKERS SERIES LUNCHEON AT THE CROWNE PLAZA K-W.
GUESTS AT THE 100 MILE FEAST EVENT SHARE A LAUGH BETWEEN COURSES.
PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PERRIN BEATTY DISCUSSES THE CANADIAN-EUROPEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND HOW IT WILL IMPACT THE REGION DURING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPEAKERS SERIES LUNCH AT GOLF’S STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD.
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THE AMJ CAMPBELL VAN LINES TEAM POSES TOGETHER AT THEIR BOOTH DURING THE 2017 BUSINESS EXPO, HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GUELPH AND CAMBRIDGE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.
MAYOR BERRY VRBANOVIC, PC LEADER ANDREW SCHEER, AND LUNCHEON ON OCTOBER 20TH AT THE CROWNE PLAZA K-W.
MAYOR DAVE JAWORSKY AT A POINT OF VIEW
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARTICIPATING SPONSORS FOR THE 100 MILE FEAST, THEMED “CANADIAN HARVEST” IN CELEBRATION OF CANADA’S 150, HOSTED AT THE DELTA WATERLOO. Photography by Adamski Photography
networking
PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE GREATER KW CHAMBER, IAN MCLEAN, HOSTS A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH NDP LEADER ANDREA HORWATH DURING A PROVINCIAL LEADERS SPEAKERS SERIES EVENT AT THE CROWNE PLAZA K-W.
PROOF KITCHEN & LOUNGE SERVED UP THIS DELICIOUS DISH AT THE 100 MILE FEAST, THEMED “CANADIAN HARVEST,” HOSTED AT THE DELTA WATERLOO.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ROD REGIER SPEAKING WITH NBS COMMITTEE MEMBER AND EMCEE, MIKE MCCAFFREY DURING THE MNP NETWORKING BREAKFAST SERIES EVENT, WHERE THE COMMUNITY RECEIVED AN UPDATE ON THE ION RAPID TRANSIT.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM TITLE SPONSOR, MNP LLP, POSE WITH ROD REGIER DURING A NETWORKING BREAKFAST SERIES EVENT AT THE HOLIDAY INN K-W.
THE 2017 BUSINESS EXPO HELD AT BINGEMANS, HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CAMBRIDGE AND GUELPH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, WAS BUSTLING WITH OVER 200 EXHIBITORS AND 1600 GUESTS.
TOP CHEF CANADA SEASON 4 FINALIST AND FIRST NATION CHEF, RICH FRANCIS, PLATING THE MAIN COURSE SERVED AT THE 100 MILE FEAST; A DELICIOUS ELK OSSO BUCCO.
Photography by Adamski Photography
YOUR SOURCE FOR
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new members
October 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 Players Indoor Golf & Sports Bar Entertainment
Mark Lefler, President & GM 1373 Victoria St N, Unit 7, Kitchener, ON N2B 3R6 info@indoorgolfclubs.ca playersindoorgolfandsportsbar.ca Phone: (844) 465-3442
REDnav.com
Project Management Consultants
Vander Bonachuck, President 243 Grey Silo Rd, Unit 22, Waterloo, ON N2K 0B9 info@rednav.com rednav.com Phone: (519) 500-9532
RFB Development
Real Estate Developers
Ronald Brohman, Owner r.f.brohman@gmail.com rfbdevelopment.com Phone: (519) 498-4318
Rob Parent
Educational Consultants
Rob Parent, Owner 75 Thornbush Cr Waterloo, ON N2T 1A9 robpar75@gmail.com Phone: (519) 725-2309
Run Waterloo Inc
Sports Associations & Organizations
Jordan Schmidt, Operations Manager 2 Weberlyn Cr, Conestogo, ON N0B 1N0 info@runwaterloo.com runwaterloo.com Phone: (226) 750-0017
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SCH Consulting Inc.
Management Consultants
Ken Schroeder, Director kenschroeder@rogers.com Phone: (519) 501-7808
SHAD
Charitable & Community Organizations
Tim Jackson, President & CEO 100 Regina St S, Unit 350 Waterloo, ON N2J 4P9 info@shad.ca shad.ca Phone: (519) 884-8844 SkateABLE
Charitable & Community Organizations
Lisa Himmelman, Executive Director 50 Ottawa St S, Unit 308, Kitchener, ON N2G 3S7 info@skateable.ca Phone: (519) 603-1989 Swinging Brooms
Cleaning ServiceResidential/Commercial/Industrial
Denford Marikano, President of Sales dmarikano@yahoo.com Phone: (226) 606-9307
Symposium Restaurant & Lounge Restaurants
Kyle Deep, General Manager 4 King St N, Unit 2 Waterloo, ON N2J 2W7 symposium.waterloo@symposiumcafe.com symposiumcafe.com/locations/waterloorestaurants Phone: (519) 746-3550
(Continued from page 11)
The UPS Store #398
Digital Imaging, Printing & Photography
Darryl Whyte, Owner 871 Victoria St N, Unit 7 Kitchener, ON N2B 3S4 store398@theupsstore.ca theupsstore.ca/398 Phone: (519) 569-7336 Fax: (519) 569-7397 The UPS Store #404
Digital Imaging, Printing & Photography
Darryl Whyte, Owner 50 Ottawa St S Kitchener, ON N2G 3S7 store404@theupsstore.ca upsstore.ca/404 Phone: (519) 741-1404 Fax: (519) 741-9404 Urban Legend Developments Ltd. Home Builders
Paul Leveck, President 22 King St S, Suite 300 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 pleveck@urbanlegendgroup.com www.urbanlegendgroup.com Phone: (519) 279-0170 Fax: (519) 279-0171 Westmount Craftsmen Inc. Contractors - General
Collin Beaumont, CEO 1215 Victoria St N, Unit 2 Kitchener, ON N2B 3E1 info@westmountcraftsmen.com westmountcraftsmen.com Phone: (519) 635 7089 Your Mortgages Mortgage Brokers
Kevin Tran, Mortgage Agent 72 St Leger St, Unit 308 Kitchener, ON N2H 6R2 kevin@yourmortgages.ca yourmortgages.ca Phone: (519) 577-2223
Tickets Now Available
Join us for the premier networking event in Waterloo Region! This is a celebration that recognizes Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions to the community through their involvement and leadership. The evening will feature world class networking and an elegant sit down dinner followed by the awards presentation and after party!
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017
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cover story
Inclusion + Collaboration = Innovation
BY CYNTHIA MCINTYRE
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A scan of news headlines or the Twitter feed shows us how small our world has become and how the pace of change has accelerated. Events in countries that seemed remote 20 years ago now directly impact us. Uncertainty south of the border is threatening the stability of our trade environment. The Canadian government has proposed legislation that could increase the taxes paid by small business owners.
The cooperation of our local chamber with the Toronto Board of Trade in response to this bid was only made possible because of the groundwork laid by McLean and DeSilva as they explored the potential of the Toronto – KW Innovation Corridor. The corridor was needed to attract a global talent base and to successfully scale the many ground-breaking start-up businesses we have in the area and to attract investment capital.
. . . the Twitter feed shows us how small our world has become and how the pace of change has accelerated
Most of us will agree that enhanced infrastructure, such as all day, two-way commuter rail service between Toronto and the Waterloo Region, is critical to create the feeling of a cluster. But there is more to it than that. Our community needs to continue to make investments that make it cool to live and work here. And the order of these words is important.
All this adds up to a feeling of uncertainty as we map out our future. But we need to move forward with decisive action in order to capitalize on available opportunities. For example, the federal government announced last spring that they will spend up to $950 million to fund high value, business-led investments with the greatest potential to “energize the economy and become engines of growth”. In the spirit of collaboration, the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, led by Ian McLean, and the Toronto Board of Trade, led by Janet DeSilva partnered with Communitech, the private sector and seven other chambers of commerce in cities between here and Toronto to create a proposal for an advanced manufacturing supercluster. The group was one of over 50 bids submitted and is now on a short list of nine remaining. Up to five winners will be announced early in 2018.
The people we want to recruit have families who need to find their way in our community. They want to eat at world-class restaurants, go to concerts and sporting events in our community, and hang out at unique lounges and bars. These are experiences that will enhance the lifestyle of not only newcomers, but everyone within our community. Indeed, we have an opportunity to make our community a destination for people.
One might wonder, “why advanced manufacturing?” In a future with smart everything and constantly evolving business models, the need for manufacturers to modernize their business models and revolutionize their processes will be more pronounced than ever. These funds will be essential to prepare our manufacturers to compete in a dynamic and uncertain landscape. With recent lagging productivity trends, Canadians should be excited about the opportunities this fund creates.
This concept extends to workplace design as well. Among the talent that we want to attract and retain, there is an expectation that their workplace is open, innovative and sustainable, and is in the heart of the community. EY will be the anchor tenant at evolv1, the first carbon neutral commercial building in Canada, developed by Cora Group in partnership with Sustainable Waterloo. The office will open in 2018 in the University of Waterloo Research Park, just steps away from a light rail transit (LRT) stop. Our new workspace will prepare us for more
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Our community needs to continue to make investments that make it cool to live and work here.
cover story
collaboration and flexibility, a much flatter organization and an opportunity for a much more sustainable way to live and work. Indeed, we hope that this becomes a blueprint for future office spaces. As we think about all of these opportunities, I cannot help but reflect on the need to continue to focus on inclusion in our community. I say continue because I remember the spirit of inclusion with which I was welcomed into this community when we moved our family here just six years ago. We continue to note that inclusion today in the schools, sports teams and organizations in which our family participates.
As we think about all of these opportunities, I cannot help but reflect on the need to continue to focus on inclusion in our community. But our global talent pool is diverse and is simply not reflected properly within many of the organizations in our own community. Our greatest assets, our culture of collaboration and of barn-raising need to be nurtured in order to continue to bear fruit as we grow. Central to this will be our ability to attract diverse talent and to retain that talent through a spirit of inclusion. This is not simply a compliance exercise. We have many informal networks that exist in which the “inside track” or the “real stories” are shared. But not everyone can access these networks. We use subjective terms like “it’s all about fit” and “she lacks executive presence” or “he just didn’t have the skillset” as we hide behind this issue.
We need to talk about it because it is only then that we can make a difference in the hundreds of small interactions we have and decisions we make every day. We each have an opportunity to have coffee with someone new, to seek a point of view from someone who looks and thinks differently from us, and to reach out to share a perspective with someone who needs the feedback or the little bit of direction. These little steps have far more impact in the long run than large scale corporate or government interventions or mandated ratios of women in executive positions or on boards. So when I look at 2018 and beyond, it is with excitement at the amount of opportunity I see in this region. We will continue to punch above our weight and to grow our community in a smart, sustainable and inclusive way. And, to continue to be the destination of choice for business and for the people who call this great community home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cynthia McIntyre
Cynthia McIntyre is a tax partner and the managing partner of EY’s Waterloo Region office, where she has advised entrepreneurs for over 20 years. She is the Chair of the St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation board and is an avid promoter of our community wherever she goes.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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hi-lighting members
Hi-lighting New Members who Joined in 2017
DistribuCloud
DistribuCloud
We are the Cloud Computing Experts! Highest quality, reliable service, unbelievably exible, fully managed Information Technology Solutions. We carry out industry best practices to guarantee your data is safe and secure. We examine your network for security weaknesses, and deliver the industries top Data Security Solutions.
Joseph E. Grimaldi IT Solutions Architect 22 King St S, Suite 300 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 519-577-2972 DistribuCloud.com
Midas Auto Service & Tires
Midas Auto Service & Tires
Midas Waterloo is dedicated in providing high quality total car care at a fair price. Whether you need an oil change, tires, factory recommended maintenance, or brake repair, Midas in Waterloo has you covered. We take care of everything.
20 University Ave. East Waterloo 519- 885-5410 waterloo@gomidas.ca http://midas.com
Clean & TidyTM Clean & Tidy is a residential and commercial cleaning company. Our mission is to make every home we enter shine. We believe in only using safe, natural, green products and hold ourselves to very high standards.
Shelby Behling, President 2016 Platinum Winner Reader Record Awards 2017 Diamond Winner Reader Record Awards Phone: 226-647-1990 Cell: 519-722-0040 www.cleanandtidykw.com
Golfplay
Golfplay
Clean & TidyTM Clean
TI & TIDY
Give your home the "She
Steve Harris Golfplay combines the world's #1 indoor golf simulator technology with 4500 King St E Unit 6 an upscale menu featuring our stone pizza oven and a ďŹ ne selection of Kitchener, N2P 2G4 craft beer and wine. With eight simulator bays and a spacious interior, 519-650-4242 Golfplay is the perfect venue for hosting corporate team-building events steve.harris@golfplay.ca of up to 100 people. www.golfplay.ca
Sunshine Montessori School (SMS) Sunshine Montessori School (SMS) is a co-educational, independent private Montessori school for children ages 18 months through Grade 8. We provide a warm and nurturing environment where students can realize their potential by igniting their natural curiosity for discovery, challenge and academic success. Please visit us during our Open Houses on January 17, 31, February 7, 15 between 9-11 a.m.
Sunshine Montessori School (SMS) 10 Boniface Avenue Kitchener, ON N2C1L9 519-744-1423 admin@smsschool.ca
5 Star Paving
5 Star Paving
5 Star Paving is a family-owned & operated full-service asphalt paving contractor specializing in Commercial & Industrial Parking Lot Construction with over 35 years of experience. Excavating & Grading Concrete Sidewalks & Curbs, Asphalt Paving
1370 Main Street East Cambridge, ON N1R 5S7 519-624-1712 www.5starpaving.com
Ceridian At Ceridian, we create innovative technology that organizations around the world use to attract, develop, manage and pay their people. Our award-winning Dayforce solution helps our customers manage compliance, make better decisions, build great teams and drive engagement with their employees. Ceridian has solutions for organizations of all sizes.
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Ceridian Contact Information 1-877-237-4342 www.ceridian.ca
hi-lighting members
Hi-lighting New Members who Joined in 2017
FIT WITH leleLISA Ltd. Lisa Wollziefer Owner & Certified Personal Trainer 519-400-0323 @fitlelelisa www.fitwithlelelisa.com
Manitou Professional Centre 148 Manitou Dr Kitchener 519-658-3885 orbltd@yahoo.ca
Cute & Simple Designs 682 Mortimer Drive Cambridge 519-496-2961 info@cuteandsimpledesigns.com www.cuteandsimpledesigns.com
Freedom Solutions
FIT WITH leleLISA Ltd. FIT with leleLISA Ltd. is a fitness company offering in-person and online strength training programs and lifestyle coaching for women of all fitness levels. Specializing in pre-natal and post-natal fitness. Book your free consultation today and let’s crush some goals together!
Manitou Professional Centre Well suited for a variety of professional office uses including medical, dental, financial and engineering. Manitou Professional Centre offers ample free parking, on site property management, walking trails behind the property, and is conveniently located near all amenities on Fairway Road.
Cute & Simple Designs Weighted blankets & Gear & Custom sewing. We specialize in making the 'made for you' weighted blanket for you and your family.
185 Appalacian Crescent Kitchener 519-588-9741 hilary.lehman@freedomsolutions.ca http://freedomsolutions.ca
Freedom Solutions
WOOD-HALL Logistics Inc.
WOOD-HALL Logistics Inc.
PFS Freedom Solutions is about your freedom to grow your business, your way, without admin and marketing clutter. Out team of specialists clears the details to support you on your journey to success.
250 Woolwich St S, Breslau Ontario N0B 1M0 Jeff Grimwood, President jgrimwood@wood-hall.com (O) 519-213-1000 (C) 519-465-5238
WOOD-HALL Logistics Inc is a leader in the transportation and logistics industry, operating across Canada and the United States. Servicing the following segments: Carrier Management Logistics Truckload LTL, Expedited Service Warehousing, Rail
Civilian Screen Printing
Civilian Screen Printing
Kitchener 100 Ahrens St. W. 519-568-8942 contact@civilianprinting.com www.civilianprinting.com
Civilian Screen Printing is your one stop shop for all of your screen-printing, embroidery, sublimation, and promotional product needs. We service all clients big to small and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and quality work. Shoot us an email or give us a ring and find out why so many local businesses are choosing Civilian Screen Printing for their merchandising needs.
Innersee Initiatives Inc.
Innersee Initiatives Inc.
156 Argyle St N Cambridge 519-653-2337 info@innersee.com www.innersee.com
We are committed to assisting organizations with Employee Experience, Team & Group Development, Leadership, Culture Transformation, and Organizational Transition. Our consulting services, programs and challenge course allow clients to experience custom designed interventions to meet the individual, team and organizational needs.
WOOD - HALL
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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events
Mark Your Calendar January 18, 2018
January 25, 2018
7:15am-9:00am Location: Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Member: $35 • General Admission: $45
5:30-7:30pm Location: Maxwell’s Concerts & Events Member: $10 • General Admission: $15
MNP Networking Breakfast Series presents Annual Speed Networking
Meet dozens of people, make new connections, and expand your professional network in a short amount of time!
Libro Chamber Young Professionals presents a Mentor Mix & Mingle
You are invited to join us for a fun and laid back networking event where you will develop key relationships, expand your business network and connect with other young professionals and experienced business leaders.
Title Sponsor: Event Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
Marketing Sponsor:
Event Sponsor: Marketing Sponsor:
Media Sponsor:
February 6, 2018 Rangersfest
January 23, 2018
Economic Development Speaker Series presents Modernization in the Food Sector
11:30am-1:30pm Location: Golf ’s Steak House & Seafood Member: $47 • General Admission: $60 • Table of 8: $375
6:00-10:00pm Location: Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex / Subscribers Lounge Ticket: $50 • Groups of 8: $375
Join us for the third event in the Economic Development Series as the President & CEO of Conestoga Meat Packers, Arnold Drung, shares how the food industry and technology have merged together. Learn how this can create opportunities for local business.
Don’t miss an opportunity to entertain your clients or enjoy a fun night out with co-workers at Rangersfest! Enjoy a complimentary beer, yummy snacks, plenty of networking, opportunity to win prizes and of course the game!! Come support Kitchener’s Team, the Kitchener Rangers as they go up against the Niagara IceDogs.
Title Sponsor: Event Sponsor:
We’ve Moved Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. and Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers are now receiving clients at 818 Victoria Street North, Kitchener. See what we’re up to by following us on Social Media: @LacknerMcLennan and @ErbAndErb
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events
Mark Your Calendar February 8, 2018
February 15, 2018
5:00-7:00pm Host: Players Indoor Golf & Sports Bar Member: Complimentary General Admission: $10 • Exhibitor: $60
5:30-7:30pm Location: Taste of the Tannery
Home Hardware Business After 5
Libro Chamber Young Professionals presents A Taste of Trivia
Join us for a fun night of networking, but with a twist! This unique CYP event will start with a casual cocktail hour and complimentary appetizers, followed by a trivia competition.
Come and network with local business professionals, tour the unique space which features the world’s most revolutionary golf simulator, and enjoy some good food with great company!
Title Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
Event Sponsor:
Media:
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February 22, 2018
Business Excellence Awards Gala
6:00-10:00pm Bingemans Conference Centre Member Ticket: $175 • Member Table of 8: $1350 Future Member: $200 • Future Member Table of 8: $1600
February 14, 2018
Manulife Chamber Academy presents Google Adwords & Analytics
8:00-9:30am Location: TBA Facilitated by Courtney Cassel, Director of Marketing and Katie Malott, Traffic Manager of Honeypot Marketing
Google has some of the most powerful marketing tools available, but what good are they if you don't know how to use them? At this workshop, you'll get a hands-on tour of the most valuable features of Google Analytics and Adwords. You'll also learn how to integrate these tools into your existing marketing strategy to increase traffic, leads, and sales.
The region’s premier networking Gala event with over 900 attendees presents 13 awards to Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community. Presenting Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
519.696.3275 1092 Bridge St., New Dundee, ON N0B 2E0 info@dundeerecycling.com
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SCRAP METAL RECYCLING
FARM EQUIPMENT, CARS, TRUCKS, ROAD TRAILERS, APPLIANCES, STRUCTURAL STEEL, SHEET STEEL, MISC. SCRAP STEEL, COPPER, ALUMINUM, BRASS, STAINLESS, LEAD, LEAD ACID BATTERIES, DIECAST, CARBIDE, INSULATED WIRING, ALTERNATORS, STARTERS, MAGNESIUM, CAR RIMS & BUTYL RUBBER INNER TUBES.
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
RBC Dominion Securities Waterloo is hiring new Investment Advisors RBC Dominion Securities in Waterloo is seeking motivated individuals for a fulfilling career in the wealth management industry. If you’re looking for the support you need to build a successful career, RBC Dominion Securities offers several advantages:
O O O O
Strength and stability Independence with support Powerful tools and technology Top-calibre training
With an independent focus that encourages and rewards initiative, industry-leading investment and
wealth management support, and the backing of Canada’s largest financial institution, RBC Dominion Securities is the premier choice for investment professionals who want to build a successful wealth management practice.
For more details, please contact Vice-President and Branch Manager Mark Hodson at 519-747-7790 or mark.hodson@rbc.com.
We value diversity in the workplace, are committed to Employment Equity and will provide reasonable workplace accommodation to applicants with disabilities. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2017 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 17_90561_001
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Post your jobs today!
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feature
Make it Kitchener - A Shared Future for our City
BY MAYOR BERRY VRBANOVIC
Just as the end of a calendar year lets us reflect on what we achieved in the past year, the start of a new year allows us to anticipate the exciting opportunities that await us – both personally and as a community.
Over the past decade, Kitchener has been re-inventing itself, through well-thought out policy decisions and targeted investments from its Economic Development Investment Fund into initiatives like Communitech and Velocity. That focus has created today’s ecosystem where many, from small business to large corporations are choosing to … Make It Kitchener.
During the past three years, our focus as a Council has been on building upon the foundations created from investments made by us and others. During that time, we have seen the regional start-up ecosystem grow exponentially, companies like Clearpath Robotics, Miovision, Thalmic and Vidyard choose Kitchener as the place to scale-up their businesses and large corporations such as Christie Digital and Google Canada continue to thrive and focus on strengthening their presence in our city. That sense of leading in innovation hasn’t been limited to technology companies either – it exists throughout our local business ecosystem. From longtime companies like Boehmer Box to automotive suppliers like Mitchell Plastics, from vegetable pop-ups like Legacy Greens to re-invented spaces like the new Lot 42 event space – the sense of confidence and energy in what is happening within Kitchener is beyond exciting.
As we look ahead into 2018 and beyond, the momentum seems to be increasing. The first part of the year will see Deloitte’s new consolidated space as part of the expanded Tannery redevelopment being opened by our former Governor-General, David Johnston. Catalyst 137 will officially open as the new home of Miovision, a 475000 sq.ft. former warehouse space that CEO Kurtis McBride calls the biggest maker campus and hardware accelerator in the world. It will be home to numerous IoT and innovation companies and the Ignite restaurant group, owners of The Berlin, will join them with their newest venture, The Graffiti Market. The coming year will also see construction of the first new office building in the downtown core in a couple of decades
with Perimeter Development’s new project at 345 King Street West - the new home of Gowling WLG. Construction will also continue at 100 Victoria, a 2 building mixed-use retail, office and residential condo project seeing development spread beyond the actual downtown core.
In fact, with the end of downtown development incentives slated for early 2019, we are expecting to see between 10 and 15 new development projects under construction over the next 12 to 18 months in the downtown alone, creating a boom in the local construction industry unlike anything in recent memory. Much of this anticipated development is occurring to capitalize on the region’s transformational investment in the Waterloo Region ION LRT project, slated to become operational mid-year. Of course, Kitchener is not an island onto itself, and so we will see a continued commitment in the coming year to collaboration both within the region through the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation and through our work with Toronto and other partners throughout the Toronto – Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor. This year’s provincial and municipal elections will also allow us to continue to focus on the ever-important transportation links between here and Toronto and the need for cross-government alignment to continue Kitchener and Waterloo region’s momentum as one of the economic powerhouses in Canada. There is no question that recent years have been exciting, but the coming year and beyond will only see that pace pick up as more and more decide to … Make It Kitchener.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
A WLU alumnus, Berry Vrbanovic was first elected Mayor in 2014. He has served on a variety of community boards including Centre in the Square, Kitchener Public Library and the University of Waterloo. He is also a past-president of FCM (2011-12).
advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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feature
Meet the 2017-2018 Board of Directors
SEATED ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: RENE GATIEN, RENATA RUSINIAK, IAN MCLEAN, ROSA LUPO, MARK CHRISTENSEN, KELLY MCMANUS, ADAM SMITH; TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: KRIS RONAN, ANDREA VRBANAC, JEFF MACINTYRE, ALLISON BOURKE, TED MCKECHNIE, SEAN SULLIVAN, JULIE BARKER-MERZ, SCOTT GILFILLAN, PATRICK KLANN. MISSING: THOMAS MANUEL
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feature
Waterloo–Discovery, Entrepreneurship & Diversity
BY MAYOR DAVE JAWORSKY
There’s an old saying, “You don’t know where you’re going, until you know where you’ve been.”
When I look back six years, I see a City of Waterloo coping with the news that a major employer, a one-time global leader, was shedding 9,000 jobs locally and vacating thousands of square feet of office space.
How a community responds and acts when faced with this type of adversity can define your city for decades.
The City of Waterloo responded by rebuilding prosperity. This has long been a successful community, one blessed with a great sense of discovery, entrepreneurship and diversity. If you fast forward to today, many of the people impacted by those job losses are now leading the city’s prosperity renaissance. Talented individuals have created start-ups that have demonstrated creativity, innovation and resiliency. Talent retention is the key to rebuilding prosperity. While they may have lost their jobs six years ago, they chose to stay and now they are thriving and succeeding. Today, we have a low unemployment rate and previously-vacated office spaces are virtually full.
The city also identified an opportunity and financially invested in two initiatives that have spurred innovation and prosperity, specifically the Accelerator Centre and Communitech, which along with the anchor, Shopify Plus, have defined the Data District in the city. Data is the new oil, and urban employment growth for years to come will ensure uptown Waterloo grows in its vibrancy. Shopify Plus has already announced a significant expansion in uptown Waterloo and the addition of 300-500 new jobs over the next three years is an exciting development for the city and region. Their expansion is consistent with what the city has been experiencing for a number of years. A study from commercial real estate firm CBRE, that measures tech talent across various communities, found that the region added 8,400 tech jobs between 2011 and 2016 – giving it a 65 per cent growth rate, the second highest in North America and the highest in Canada. Along with the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates throughout the city and region, the light rail transit (LRT) will
serve as a further catalyst for economic growth. Many properties near ION transit stops are redeveloping which will create an enviable urban live-work-play lifestyle.
Waterloo is also experiencing a notable increase in our international profile, thanks to global think tanks like Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). This enhanced awareness of our region and city is a sustainable trend thanks to the work being led by local municipal economic development departments in partnership with the Waterloo Economic Development Corporation. We are reaching out and visiting international communities to send the message that the region is open for business. Our community literally gushes with talent, and with an advantageous federal research and development tax credit, expanding global companies are taking notice. Waterloo is becoming known as Canada’s education city, with both the University of Waterloo (#3) and Wilfrid Laurier (#6) ranking overall among the best in all of Canada by Maclean’s magazine. We have seen tremendous growth of our local universities and college. Wilfrid Laurier University opened the new Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology, the University of Waterloo is constructing a new engineering building (E7) and Conestoga College is expanding its Waterloo campus as part of its Pathways to Prosperity initiative.
Our region is enjoying tremendous and sustainable success, yet there is more work to be done. We know where we’ve been and we know where we’re going – taking this journey together is how we will succeed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mayor Dave Jaworsky Mayor Dave Jaworsky, a UW alumnus (1988) and former BlackBerry executive, has also contributed to the community as a board member or volunteer for the KW Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Capacity Canada, Communitech, the local hockey association and KidsAbility. advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
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WE BELIEVE
THE CLIENT GIVES EVERY INVESTMENT PURPOSE. EVERY PROPERTY A SOUL. EVERY TRANSACTION A PULSE. IDEAS INTO ACTION
Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region Ltd. Brokerage 4295 King Street East, Suite 101 Kitchener, ON N2P 0C6 519 585 2200 | cushwakewr.com | @CushWakeWR
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member notables
Member Notables Patti Brooks Departs from UpTown Waterloo BIA
In early December, Patti Brooks announced she was leaving her almost 20 year position as executive director of the UpTown Waterloo Business Improvement Association. Patti provided exemplary leadership to her membership during the recent ION construction in Waterloo, advocating on their behalf and minimizing where possible any disruptions on businesses in the city core areas. Our Chamber wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.
M&T Printing Group Opens New Factory
M&T Printing Group has recently opened a new and larger print factory at 675 Davenport Road in Waterloo. This 50,000 square foot facility houses their complete digital, offset and bindery operations.
The new location also features Volumes, a self publishing book service as well as total promotional products and wide format printing. The facility operates 24/7 and the customer service counter is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. M&T continues to operate at all their other locations in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Brantford, Welland as well as their four London shops.
Goliger’s Travel Plus Joins Vision Travel Chain
Peter and Linda Van der Heyden are merging their 12 southern Ontario travel office locations with Vision Travel Solutions based in Toronto and Montreal. Eleven Goliger’s Travel Plus will operate under the Vision Travel name, while Hanover Travel Plus will operate as Hanover Travel.
The Van der Heyden’s staff of 175 will join the 725 Vision Travel staff at 16 offices across Canada. Peter and Linda opened their first location in 1986 and Peter will assume the position of vice president of customer experience for Vision Travel and remain in Waterloo.
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