January | February Advocate Magazine by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

J A N U A R Y | F E B R U A R Y 2014

Economic Development and Foreign Trade

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

features 16 21 22

COVER STORY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

The Canada-European Union Trade Deal: What Does It Mean for Waterloo Region Businesses?

Art Sinclair EDITOR:

John D. Tennant

Heather Hutchings

FEATURE

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Meet the 2013-2014 Chamber Board of Directors

M&T Printing Group PHOTOGRAPHY:

FEATURE

Adamski Photography Tim Hutchinson Photography

CTFF: Canada’s Technology for Food Ted McKechnie

ADVERTISING AND SALES:

FEATURE

Business Leadership in CETA Negotiations Perrin Beatty

David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Lee Jakob-ljakob@greaterkwchamber.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Perrin Beatty, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, Feridun Hamdullahpur, Ted McKechnie, Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, Sandra Stone, John D. Tennant CONTRIBUTORS:

Teri Hetherington and Julie Tedesco ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:

departments 4 5

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

A Region-wide Approach to Economic Development

Sandra Stone

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

New Trade Agreement will benefit Waterloo Region and Ontario Ian McLean

ADVOCACY

18 24

Canadian Pharmaceuticals Benefit from EU Trade Deal

Family Physicians Explore Local Practice Opportunities Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Autumn Networking NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

October 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013

27 30

SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:

Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com SUBMISSION POLICY:

SPONSOR PROFILE

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.

The University of Waterloo: A Distinguished Past, a Distinctive Future

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT:

EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar

Feridun Hamdullahpur

Art Sinclair PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

EVENTS

January 24, 2014 for March/April 2014 March 21, 2014 for May/June 2014 July 14, 2014 for September/October 2014 September 19, 2014 for November/December 2014

MEMBER NOTABLES

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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

message from the chair

A Region-wide Approach to Economic Development BY SANDRA STONE As we head into 2014 I am excited to lead the Greater KW Chamber Board into another year of change and growth. Our Chamber, 1,800 members strong, is a powerful voice in Ontario. As a Board we are pleased to help represent your business needs and uphold our commitment to ensuring a strong and healthy economy in which to live and do business. Economic development continues to be a priority for us and involvement of the private sector is key to our shared success. The Chamber actively participates in many regional economic development initiatives and also monitors where additional opportunities exist for participation and engagement. This includes the new region-wide initiative, which is specifically focused on attracting new investment and supporting growth. In 2012 the Region of Waterloo and seven area municipalities jointly commissioned a study to look at some of the key economic development issues that affect business across Waterloo Region. Unlike CTT whose focus is on foreign direct investment, the study centered on two key issues: the current local approach to delivering economic development services across Waterloo Region, and what the region and area municipalities should be doing to ensure an adequate supply of employment land is available for future growth and job creation. Led by a project team of staff from the region, area municipalities and CTT, with input from regional and municipal CAO’s, Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (MGP) was hired to address these significant questions. Through this consultative process it was recognized that the existing economic development framework, which had successfully served the Waterloo Region well for many years, was no longer meeting the needs of the regional economy and growth. Serious consideration needed to be given to how current decisions were being made and what the resulting impact was on the future and growth of our Region.

responsibilities and increasing resources to the four townships specifically, would help to ensure all areas of our Region were well poised for future growth. A number of recommendations were also made regarding the structure of an overarching organization, resulting in widespread support for the creation of an Office of Economic Development at the Region. This Office would spearhead coordinating a cohesively branded strategy throughout the region that would remain focused on land development and talent attraction. Subsequent to the creation of this office, a Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation would be established. As a region, lands for employment also remain a priority as we increasingly face more competition from other municipalities. The study from MGP also noted that a continuous inventory of vacant employment land that is designated, serviced and available for immediate use is an imperative. With our new unified approach we will be well prepared with a comprehensive strategy on how much land should be allocated for current and future requirements, location, parcel sizes, and an approach to ensure an ongoing supply. This collective approach to economic development is strongly based on the principals of collaboration and cooperation. When one area in our Region succeeds we all strongly benefit from that success. The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be part of the team that is working hard to support economic development and growth across our Region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Stone CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A series of recommendations were issued and the consulting team concluded that the Waterloo Region does, despite recent setbacks, possess a strong and vibrant economy. We have clear strengths as a culture that embraces change, exceptional educational institutions and dynamic business clusters – all assets that would serve us well as we prepare to move confidently forward. Opportunities were also identified where improvements could be made – through consistent branding, clearly identifying

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Sandra is General Manager of Conestoga Mall (Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc.). As a Board Member and advocate for local business Ms. Stone provides a unified voice for the 130 retail stores and services at Conestoga Mall, a premier shopping destination in Waterloo Region.

message from the president

New Trade Agreement will benefit Waterloo Region and Ontario BY IAN MCLEAN The recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) is an historic milestone for the Waterloo Region business community. A joint Canadian-EU study which supported the initial negotiations for the two trading partners concluded that an agreement could escalate Canadian income by $12 billion annually and bilateral trade by 20 percent, ultimately translating into 80,000 new jobs or increasing the average household income by $1,000. The EU is already Ontario’s second- largest export destination and trading partner after the United States, and the world’s largest integrated economy with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of $17 trillion. One particular beneficiary will be the local advanced manufacturing sector. In a letter to Canada’s Premiers, Jayson Myers, President & CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, noted that opportunities under CETA will be greater than business-as-usual economic models predict, primarily because the EU is a sophisticated market in which Canadian technologies, services and products will thrive. Furthermore, new opportunities will be available for small and medium-sized enterprises in both economies to export, invest and find business partners to help them commercialize technologies and enter new markets. According to federal government statistics, advanced manufacturing contributed more than $24.3 billion to Ontario GDP in 2012 through 243,000 jobs, and exported approximately $2.1 billion in products to the EU, with machinery manufacturing at the top of this list. When the new trade agreement becomes effective, the vast majority of EU tariffs on advanced manufacturing products will be eliminated, creating the potential for significant increases in sales volume. The Canadian auto industry is highly dependent on trade, with 85 percent of production exported annually. For passenger vehicles, the EU’s 10 percent tariff will be eliminated, providing a competitive advantage in the market that few other exporters possess.

Ontario exports approximately $1.2 billion annually in information and communications technology (ICT) to the EU. Current tariffs reach 14 percent on some products. When CETA becomes effective, all tariffs will be removed, including 2.9 percent for optical fibres and 2.2 percent for sound and signaling equipment. The provincial ICT sector contributes $5 billion to the Ontario GDP and employs 50,200 people. In addition to the tariff removal, the new access secured by CETA will ensure that Canadian businesses can bid on and compete for government contracts to supply ICT products or software services, including consulting, design, programming and maintenance. Finally, the Ontario agricultural industry will see the removal of 94 percent of agricultural tariffs. Specified amounts of Ontario beef and pork products will be provided preferential access to the EU, a significant benefit for many livestock producers across Waterloo Region. As the world’s largest importer of agricultural goods, with total imports exceeding $130 billion in 2012, the EU offers Canadian and Ontario producers with significantly expanded opportunities. It should also be noted that the domestic supply management system for dairy and poultry remains intact, including production control, import control and price controls. Our Chamber commends Minister of International Trade Ed Fast for completing this milestone agreement for the Waterloo Region economy. Also, of equal importance is the fact that the momentum from the EU deal generates further momentum to push forward Canada’s other major trade talks with Japan, India, Korea and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will provide greater benefits for our Chamber membership.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

advocacy

Canadian Pharmaceuticals Benefit from EU Trade Deal BY ART SINCLAIR The intersection of King and Victoria Streets in Kitchener – like Portage and Main in Winnipeg – has always been the centre of something for somebody. Many of us remember when the area was a unique downtown industrial centre – the Kaufman factory on the southeast corner and a tire plant in the northwest. The intersection which is almost the geographic centre of Kitchener – Waterloo is again emerging as the economic centre. The Communitech Hub at the Lang Tannery is well known nationally for innovation and providing support for thousands of start-up companies. The Breithaupt Block, tagged as “The Evolution of the Workplace,” is setting new standards for urban office environments. As the City of Kitchener noted years ago, the entire area is a potential knowledge powerhouse. On the site of the old tire plant is the University of Waterloo Health Sciences Campus, anchored by the School of Pharmacy and the satellite facility of the McMaster University Michael DeGroote School of Medicine. The DeGroote school was mach anticipated by the Chamber and Waterloo Region business sector for addressing our local doctor shortage. Recent statistics that indicate the shortage has been cut in half from 40,000 to 20,000 residents are in significant measure due to Waterloo Region’s emergence as a centre for medical teaching and research. The School of Pharmacy is engaged in global-leading instruction and breakthrough advancements in disease prevention and treatments. Accompanying post-secondary institutional research in Canada is a significant group of pharmaceutical companies engaging in projects that not only address challenges to our health care system but also generate massive knowledge-based economic activity. Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceuticals, or Rx&D, is an association of 50 member companies who collectively invest more than $1 billion annually in development activities. They directly employ 3,500 researchers and support an additional 6,500 positions through partnerships with universities and hospitals. The Ontario pharmaceutical industry employs over 15,000 people and generates revenues of $8.3 billion annually.

The research-based pharmaceutical industry is also a major beneficiary of the recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union, which advances a more level playing field in relation to intellectual property protection and will subsequently lead to more investment in domestic research and development. An October 18 news release from Rx&D notes the new EU deal is a major catalyst for innovation but also offers hope to Canadian patients who depend on the discovery of new and better products to assist with serious health challenges. A June 2013 report in the Globe and Mail quoted Christopher Viehbacher, CEO of France-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi indicating that Canada required better intellectual property, primarily longer patent protection, to place it on par with Europe and the United States. Mr. Viehbacher noted “you can’t say research and innovation are your absolute priorities and then not protect ideas.” Mr. Viehbacher also stated that success in research depends on collaboration. An example is Boston, where researchers from universities, biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies often work together from the early stages in a public-private partnership model. Our Chamber will be hosting a Point of View event on January 28, 2014 with Russell Williams, the Ottawa-based President of Rx&D. Mr. Williams will provide further information on the significant research, development, and economic growth potential pharmaceutical companies provide for Canada. This industry is a strong fit and shares many similarities with our local activities in information technology and advanced manufacturing, so we hope you can attend. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

perspective on health care

Family Physicians Explore Local Practice Opportunities BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK Local family physicians, business and community leaders joined volunteers of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce this past November in hosting 16 family medicine residents and their partners from across Ontario. Organized by the Chamber Health Care Resources Council’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force, the annual Family Medicine Resident Weekend is a major recruitment initiative that positively engages family residents and promotes the community as a welcoming, attractive, leading edge centre of medical excellence with promising practice opportunities “Word is getting out to health care professionals that our region is a centre of excellence and entrepreneurship offering quality of life, education, arts and culture, recreation and leisure,” said organizing committee chair Al Hayes of WalterFedy. “Physicians are seeing the potential for living and practising in our type of innovative, leading edge urban centre which also affords the benefits and warmth of rural life.” During their three-day community visit, residents toured Grand River Hospital and the new Boardwalk Medical Centre and discussed practice opportunities with local family physicians while their partners toured our rural and urban communities and had opportunity to explore employment opportunities. Family medicine 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. They were guests of Communitech at a luncheon at The Hub. In the high tech environment, our visitors enjoyed Kennedy’s famous Waterloo County fare while Communitech’s Iain Klugman gave them an overview of our leading-edge, collaborative and innovative communities. They also enjoyed virtual tours in The Hive. According to Chamber President & CEO, Ian McLean, this weekend has been instrumental in residents’ decisions to establish their family practices in the area. “We have had wonderful success with our recruitment weekend over the past fifteen years,” said McLean. “This year many of the visiting family medicine residents expressed serious interest in K-W. We fully expect to see a good number of them establishing practices in K-W over the next year and a half.”

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Chamber Health Care Resources Council initiatives are made possible by the generous support and investment of our corporate and municipal partners. Along with these major corporate and community investors, the Chamber Health Council extends an appreciative 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, Sun Life, BMO Financial Group, Airways Transit, and Kennedy’s Catering. Members of the Health Council’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force are to be congratulated on another successful Family Medicine Resident Weekend. Your support and involvement and that of Chamber Board members and local business and

perspective on health care

Photography by Adamski Photography

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 150 family physicians since 1998 and the number of people without a family doctor has been cut in half, from over 40,000 to 20,000 today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick Mary Sue is Vice President Family Physician Resources and Health Advocacy.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

networking

Autumn Networking

KEVIN FERGIN OF STANTEC, ROB MCDANIEL INSURANCE GROUP, HANS AND IAN MCLEAN

COWAN

*PARALYMPIAN SUMMER MORTIMER SHOWING CTV’S DAIENE VERNILLE HER MEDAL

VAN HOUTTE COFFEE SERVICES SUPPLYING COFFEE FOR THE GUESTS

FIRST STANTEC NETWORKING BREAKFAST OF THE SEASON!

* MICHELE BAUMGARTEN, PATTI BROOKS, TRACY VAN KALSBEEK *JEANNE BEKER AT THE INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT

MANULIFE LPGA CLASSIS BOOTH

Photography by Adamski Photography

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CHLOE HAMILTON, HENRIK NOESGAARD, GREG SCHOTT & RICK FILSINGER

*CROWD AT INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

*Photography by Tim Hutchinson Photography

networking

Autumn Networking

OLG SLOTS AT GRAND RIVER RACEWAY SPINNING THE BUSINESS EXPO

WHEEL AT THE

LITTLE MUSHROOM CATERING SHOWCASING THEIR YUMMY APPS

*SPEAKER CHRISTINE MAGEE

*INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT KEYNOTE SPEAKER JEANNE BEKER *IAN MCLEAN, INSPIRING WOMEN AWARD WINNER HELEN JOWETT AND CHRIS FARRELL

MCDONALD GREEN BOOTH AT THE BUSINESS EXPO

BOXING BY SID VANDERPOOL BOOTH REPS HAVING SOME FUN!

*Photography by Tim Hutchinson Photography

*LINAMAR’S CEO LINDA HASENFRATZ SPEAKS TO THE CROWD

Photography by Adamski Photography

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

new members

October 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013 A-Plus Office Movers Inc. Moving & Storage Bob Thomson, Business Development 665 Colby Drive, Unit 6 Waterloo, ON N2V 1C2 Email: aplusoffice@rogers.com http://www.aplusofficemovers.com Phone: (519) 886-1570 Fax: (519) 886-1570

Bauer Benefits Insurance Agents & Brokers Ross Bauer, President 260 Terrace Wood Crescent Kitchener, ON N2P 2T3 Email: ross@bauerbenefits.com Web: http://www.bauerbenefits.com Phone: (519) 653-0055

Bella Donna Fragrances Cosmetics & Perfumes - Retail Michelle Degiorgio, CEO 809 Victoria Street North, Unit 11 Kitchener, ON N2B 3C3 Email: michelle@malfal.ca http://www.belladonnacosmetics.com Phone: (519) 954-7158

Belmont Natural Health Centre Tom Daly ND Naturopathic Doctors Tom Daly, Naturopathic Doctor 690 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 201 Kitchener, ON N2M 1N6 Email: tomdaly@belmontnaturalhealth.com http://www.belmontnaturalhealth.com Phone: (519) 578-7489

Bill Keay - Re/Max Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd. Brokerage Real Estate Brokers & Sales Representatives Bill Keay, Sales Representative 180 Weber Street South Waterloo, ON N2J 2B2 Email: bmkeay@rogers.com Web: http://www.billsellshomes.ca Phone: (519) 888-7110 Fax: (519) 888-6117

Budget Blinds & BB Commercial Solutions Waterloo Blinds Brian Vermunt, President 709 Angler Way Waterloo, ON N2K 4L6 Email: waterloo@budgetblinds.com http://www.budgetblinds.com/waterloo Phone: (519) 746-3498 Fax: (519) 489-1444

Canada's Technology For Food Associations & Organizations Ted McKechnie, President & CEO 295 Hagey Blvd., Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 Email: tedmckechnie@rogers.com Phone: (519) 569-1818

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work Charitable & Community Organizations Kathi Haugh, Employment Outreach Specialist 127 Victoria Street South, Suite 201 Kitchener, ON N2G 2B4 Email: khaugh@ccrw.org Web: http://www.ccrw.org Phone: (519) 571-6788 Fax: (519) 571-6388

Classic Indian Restaurant Restaurants Thiru Maran, Owner/Operator 150 Wissler Road Waterloo, ON N2K 3C6 Email: tmaran@gmail.com http://www.classicindiancuisine.com Phone: (519) 746-1976 Fax: (519) 886-5446

CZS Enterprises Inc

Blair Financial Services

Health Foods Carlos Zamorano, President 217A Auburn Drive Waterloo, ON N2K 3T2 Email: czamorano@pureorganicfoods.ca Web: http://www.pureorganicfoods.ca Phone: (519) 513-9112

Employee Benefit Plans Iain Blair, President 855 Birchmount Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 2R7 Email: iain@blairfinancialservices.com http://www.blairfinancialservices.com Phone: (519) 886-3257 Fax: (519) 886-8639

Management Training & Development Johanna Fowler, Accounting 2121 Argentia Road, Suite 103 Mississauga, ON L5N 2X4 Email: jfowler@dalecarnegie.ca Web: http://www.dalecarnegie.ca Phone: (905) 826-7300

Dale Carnegie Business Group

Block Three Brewing Co.

Deep Cleaning Services

Brewers Graham Spence, Partner 1430 King Street North, Unit 2 St Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 Email: info@blockthreebrewing.ca http://www.blockthreebrewing.ca Phone: (519) 664-1001

Cleaning ServiceResidential/Commercial/Industrial Jeremy Ducon, Owner/President 675B Pinerow Crescent Waterloo, ON N2T 2K4 Email: jeremyducon@deepcleanservices.ca Web: http://www.deepcleanservices.ca Phone: (226) 220-2499 Fax: (226) 647-3373

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DSGN network Marketing Consultants Brendan Waller, Founder & Client Relationship Mgr 658 Erb Street West, PO Box 33023 Kitchener, ON N2T 0A2 Email: inquiries@dsgnnetwork.com Web: http://www.dsgnnetwork.com Phone: (519) 804-6951

HomeLife Power Realty Inc. Brokerage

Efficiency Engineering Incorporated

Real Estate Brokers & Sales Representatives Rob Piombini, Broker of Record/Owner 55 Erb Street East, Unit 109 Waterloo, ON N2J 4K8 Email: info@homelifepower.com Web: http://www.homelifepower.com Phone: (519) 885-8810 Fax: (519) 885-8700

Engineers - Consulting Scott Martin, President 420 Sheldon Drive, Suite 203 Cambridge, ON N1T 2H9 Email: smartin@ee-solutions.com Web: http://www.ee-solutions.com Phone: (519) 624-9965 Fax: (519) 624-9316

Manufacturers Andrew Gardner, Founder 32 Moore Avenue North Waterloo, ON N2J 3E5 Email: andrew@indiedesign.ca Web: http://www.indiedesign.ca Phone: (519) 998-4322

INDIE DESIGN

Go Go Mart

ISpace Personal Training Studio

Restaurants Catherine Bischoff, Owner 331 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1B6 Email: gogomartkw@gmail.com Phone: (226) 988-2127

Health, Fitness & Exercise Service Isaac Hayden, Owner 692 Belmont Avenue West Kitchener, ON N2M 1N6 Email: ijhayden@hotmail.com Phone: (519) 503-2029

GoalRecorder

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs - Kitchener

Business Consultants John Akinyemi, President 66 Glamis Road, Unit 45 Cambridge, ON N1R 6S7 Email: john.akinyemi@goalrecorder.com Web: http://www.goalrecorder.com Phone: (226) 600-7278

Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Brady Callaghan, Manager 842 Victoria Street North, Unit 14 Kitchener, ON N2B 3C1 Email: sales@jacuzziontario.com Web: http://www.jacuzziontario.com Phone: (519) 578-1883

Grand River Occupational Health & Safety Inc. Safety Consultants & Training Wes Mazur, President & Team Lead 138 Main Street, Unit 102 Cambridge, ON N1R 1V7 Email: wesmazur@grandriverohs.com Web: http://www.grandriverohs.com Phone: (519) 267-8600 Fax: (519) 267-8700

Hello Birdie Golf Supplies Kristen Porritt, Owner/Designer 46 Evelyn Crescent Kitchener, ON N2A 1G9 Email: kristenporritt@yahoo.ca Phone: (519) 588-1028

Jay Fencing Ltd Fences Jay Aissa, President 29 Northfield Drive West Waterloo, ON N2L 4E6 Email: jay@jayfencing.com Web: http://www.jayfencing.com Phone: (519) 747-3970 Fax: (519) 747-9729

John Anthony Jewellers Jewellers Steve Dunnington, Sales Rep/Admin 370 Highland Road West, Unit 7 Kitchener, ON N2M 5J9 Email: jajewellers@rogers.com http://www.johnanthonyjewellers.com Phone: (519) 741-8900

Hollis Wealth

Kathie Jordan Design

Financial Planning Consultants Nicky Trasias, Investment Advisor 155 Frobisher Drive, Unit F120 Waterloo, ON N2V 2E1 Email: nicky.trasias@holliswealth.com http://www.ntrasias.holliswealth.com Phone: (519) 746-8448

Interior Design Services Kathie Jordan, Owner 81 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E7 Email: kathie@kathiejordandesign.com http://www.kathiejordandesign.com Phone: (519) 772-6937

Knox Church Churches & Other Places of Worship Ruth Song, Church Administrator 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1T1 Email: knox@golden.net Web: http://www.knoxwaterloo.ca Phone: (519) 886-4150

new members

October 1, 2013 - November 30, 2013 KW JobShop.ca

Pita Pit - Highland

Stellchem Inc.

Xurbo SR&ED Specialists

Employment Agencies Chad Studer, Account Executive 769 Hauteview Crescent, Orleans, ON K4A 2C3 Email: chad.studer@jobshop.ca Web: http://www.kwjobshop.ca Phone: (888) 749-0913

Restaurants Bobbi Patsalides, Manager 465 Highland Road West, Kitchener, ON N2M 3C6 Email: bobbi.patsalides@franchise.pitapit.com Web: http://pitapit.ca Phone: (519) 954-1925 Fax: (519) 954-8361

Adhesives Robin Pixner, President 244 Woolwich Street South, Unit 8, PO Box 155 Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 Email: rob@stellchem.com http://www.rhinowoodrepair.com Phone: (519) 648-1219 Fax: (519) 648-3286

Business Consultants Greg Garant, Partner 12 Olivewood Way Cambridge, ON N3C 4N9 Email: greg@xurbo.com Web: http://www.xurbo.com Phone: (800) 722-2138

Loblaw Inc. Grocers Derrick Pittman, Regional Vice President 1 President's Choice Circle Brampton, ON L6Y 5S5 Email: Derrick.Pittman@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (226) 339-8726

Mega Health at Work Inc. Consultants Robin Bender, President & CoFounder 5-420 Erb Street West, Suite 210 Waterloo, ON N2L 6K6 Email: info@megahealth.ca Web: http://www.megahealth.ca Phone: (519) 577-4685

Pivotal Integrated HR Solutions

The Agency Employment Services

Human Resource Consultants Neil Kouba, Division Director 410 Hespeler Road, Unit 4B Cambridge, ON N1R 6J6 Email: pstroud@pivotalsolutions.com Web: http://www.pivotalsolutions.com Phone: (519) 624-8358 Fax: (519) 624-8528

Employment Service Mike Coffill, VP Sales & Mktg 103 Bauer Place, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON N2L 6B5 Email: mcoffill@theagencyemployment.com http://theagencyemployment.com Phone: (519) 725-0999 Fax: (800) 746-0532

Plasti-Fab Ltd

Top Cats Realty Inc.

Mibusoft

Manufacturers Mike Sarazin, Regional Mfg Manager 1214 Union Street, PO Box 1120 Kitchener, ON N2G 4G1 Email: msarazin@plastifab.com Web: http://www.plastifab.com Phone: (519) 571-1650

Business Consultants Wayne Hockley, Ontario Team Manager 7111 Syntex Drive, 3rd Floor Mississauga, ON L5N 8C3 Email: whockley@mibusoft.com Web: http://www.mibusoft.com Phone: (226) 791-6413

Real Estate Kelly Laughton, Broker of Record 251 Consumers Road, Suite 1200 Toronto, ON M2J 4R3 Email: kelly@topcats.ca Web: http://www.topcats.ca Phone: (416) 642-2662 Fax: (416) 774-2475

Computer Software Andrew Blackledge, Treasurer 20 Erb Street West, Suite 1002 Waterloo, ON N2L 1T2 Email: ablackledge.porfiau@gmail.com Web: http://www.porfiau.com Phone: (519) 722-4491

Porfiau Inc.

Total Homeworx

Nordia Inc.

Printchomp Digital Imaging, Printing & Photography Joseph Puopolo, CEO 850 Riverbank Road Cambridge, ON N3H 4R6 Email: joseph@printchomp.com Web: http://www.printchomp.com Phone: (647) 405-3770

On-Site Mobile Welding & Repairs Ltd

Salient Manufacturing & Security Products Inc.

Metal Fabricators Bob Hackett, President 169 Riverbend Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 2E8 Email: bob_hackett@live.ca Phone: (519) 744-1522 Fax: (519) 744-4672

Manufacturers Beth Gravelle, President 515 Dotzert Court, Unit 1 Waterloo, ON N2L 6A7 Email: beth@salientmfg.com Web: http://www.salientmfg.com Phone: (519) 886-9258 Fax: (519) 886-9233

Consultants Ron Schertzer, COO P.O.Box 34 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Email: ron.schertzer@gmail.com Phone: (519) 725-2167 Fax: (519) 850-4352

Send Out Cards

Senior & Home Health Care Chloe Hamilton, Founder 15 Schneider Avenue Kitchener, ON N2G 1K7 Email: info@warmembrace.ca Web: http://www.warmembrace.ca Phone: (519) 954-2480

Oxford Learning Waterloo Tutoring Allison Bourke, Owner/Director 10 Fischer-Hallman Road North Waterloo, ON N2N 1N8 Email: waterloo@oxfordlearning.com Web: http://www.oxfordlearning.com Phone: (519) 725-3577 Fax: (519) 208-0087

Marketing Consultants Donna Simpson, Distributor/Trainer 30 Bryan Court, Unit 4 Kitchener, ON N2A 4J5 Email: donnams117@rogers.com www.sendoutcards.com/donnasimpson Phone: (519) 894-2473

Paula Stanghetta & Associates Inc

St. Louis Bar and Grill

Training & Development Paula Stanghetta, President 69 Trailview Drive Kitchener, ON N2N 1P7 Email: paula@stanghetta.com Web: http://www.stanghetta.com Phone: (519) 745-5354 Fax: (519) 745-9993

Restaurants Cameron MacIntyre, Owner 283 Northfield Drive East, Unit 1 Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8 Email: cameron.macintyre@stlouiswings.com Web: http://www.stlouiswings.com Phone: (519) 883-4777 Fax: (519) 883-4778

Zehrs Markets - Conestoga Mall Grocers Cory Ernst, Manager 555 Davenport Road, Waterloo, ON N2L 6L2 Email: mon00528@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca

Phone: (519) 746-0125 Zehrs Markets - Glenridge

Contractors - General Brent Darlington, Owner 170 Everglade Crescent Kitchener, ON N2E 3Y8 Email: brent@totalhomeworx.ca Web: http://www.totalhomeworx.ca Phone: (519) 588-4322

Call Centres Todd Quinn, Site Director 160 King Street East, Unit 400 Kitchener, ON N2G 4L3 Email: tquinn@nordia.ca Web: http://www.nordia.ca Phone: (519) 579-8906

Zehrs Markets - Beechwood Grocers Paul Rector, Manager 450 Erb Street West Waterloo, ON N2T 1H4 Email: mon00524@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 886-4900

Valpak Southwestern Ontario Advertising - Direct Mail Mary Zadorsky, VP Sales 9 Ravine Ridge Way London, ON N5X 3R3 Email: mary_zadorsky@valpak.com Web: http://www.valpak.com Phone: (226) 984-8251

Verity Group

Grocers Jeff Haggerty, Manager 315 Lincoln Road Waterloo, ON N2J 4H7 Email: mon00525@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 885-1360

Zehrs Markets - Hiway Centre Grocers Bob Westphal, Manager 1375 Weber Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P 1K8 Email: mon00515@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 748-4570

Zehrs Markets - Laurentian Grocers Cory Brooker, Manager 750 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, ON N2E 1B6 Email: mon00560@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 744-5981

Zehrs Markets - Pioneer Park Grocers Dwight Schwartzentruber, Manager 123 Pioneer Drive Kitchener, ON N2P 1K8 Email: mon00513@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 748-4222

Warm Embrace Elder Care

Zehrs Markets - Stanley Park

Welcome Wagon Ltd. Associations & Organizations Mary Anderson, Area Manager 3761 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 10 Toronto, ON M1W 3S3 Email: manderson@welcomewagon.ca Web: http://welcomewagon.ca Phone: (519) 794-3929

Grocers Brad Gutscher, Manager 1005 Ottawa Street North Kitchener, ON N2A 1H1 Email: mon00523@loblaw.ca Web: http://www.zehrs.ca Phone: (519) 893-7930

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

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cover story

The Canada-European Union Trade Deal: What Does It Mean for Waterloo Region Businesses? BY JOHN D. TENNANT Canada and the European Union announced agreement-inprincipal on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on October 18. The details already released make it clear that CETA is a mega-deal that is strategically significant. While CETA is not as big nor as controversial as Canada-US free trade 25 years ago, CETA will impact most Waterloo Region businesses -- presenting both opportunities and potential competitive challenges.

Principal Provisions of CETA: So what does the deal cover? 1.

What do we know about the business opportunities that CETA will deliver?

Critical details are awaited about the rules of origin that will dictate how much Canadian content will be required to qualify goods for duty free treatment. Canada's close economic integration with the US and Mexico under NAFTA means that goods manufactured in Canada may in some cases have relatively high non-Canadian content. The EU made some helpful concessions on content levels, but the nature of those concessions and the methods by which content is calculated will be decisive.

A New Gold Standard: The political hype around CETA is largely merited. While the trade and economic activity covered by CETA is a fraction of the business that is covered by NAFTA, important new ground is broken in terms of how comprehensive the deal is. CETA sets a new gold standard that will influence future negotiations -- notably the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as well as the European Union's deal with the US. Waterloo Region Business Will Have Access to Both the European and the US Markets: CETA is the first major Canadian free trade deal since NAFTA came into force nearly 20 years ago. For at least a few years, CETA gives Canada business an advantage on US competitors in Europe as Canada will be one of the few developed countries with privileged access to the world's two largest markets. A Major Diversification Opportunity: The European market offers Waterloo Region business a tangible option for market diversification. The European Union is the world's largest integrated economy with 500 million people. Waterloo Region businesses should ask themselves whether they have maximized their market penetration in all 28 EU countries What Does CETA Deliver? CETA provides expanded access for Canadian business to the European market on many fronts, not just tariff elimination for goods, but through other CETA provisions that open sub-national government procurement, smooth the way for trade in services (including financial services), facilitate the movement of service and maintenance personnel, ensure non-discriminatory treatment of Canadian investments in Europe, protect intellectual property, and provide for investorstate dispute settlement. The comprehensive nature of the Canada-EU agreement justifies the Canadian government's claim that CETA is precedent-setting.

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Near Total Elimination of Tariffs - When CETA enters into force, 98% of EU and Canadian tariff lines (individual product categories in the customs tariff) will immediately go to 0% (duty free). Though tariffs on a limited range of sensitive agricultural products will remain, any other industrial tariffs will be phased out over periods up to seven years.

Expansion and Elimination of Quotas - Protection of fisheries and agriculture and related products on both sides of the Atlantic has involved the maintenance of various import quotas. Though not swept aside, some quota restrictions are reduced and eliminated. Of note are the expanded quotas for beef, pork and veal for Canada.

Government Procurement - In CETA, procurement by sub-national governments is covered for the first time, though the opportunity to bid is limited to higher value contracts and subject to specific exceptions. The contract thresholds are similar to those provided under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Labour Mobility - CETA assures temporary entry for individuals conducting business. Canada won the best deal that the EU has offered so far, though in some respects it may be less than NAFTA provides. Of special interest are CETA provisions that allow the shortterm admissibility of business visitors to provide after-sales and on-lease service support, along with contract service suppliers and independent professionals. CETA also sets out a detailed framework so that regulators or professional organizations can negotiate mutual-recognition agreements. By way of illustration, architects are already talking about an agreement and engineers and foresters are likely next.

cover story

Coordination, Consultation and Mutual Recognition of Standards - CETA opens the way to trans-Atlantic collaboration with respect to standards and regulation, some of which chart new ground. CETA will establish a CanadaEU Regulatory Cooperation Forum to facilitate dialogue between regulatory authorities, providing Canada with earlier access to the complex EU regulatory development system. A mechanism is also provided for the acceptance by the EU of test results and product certification by designated Canadian bodies.

Is CETA Ratification a Sure Thing? CETA is not a done deal. A full legal text is awaited. All 28 EU member countries and the Canadian provinces and territories -- all of whom have been kept informed -- must then agree. This will take time, but the prospects of CETA coming into force by the 2015 target are very good. CETA is not as politically controversial as the Canada US Free Trade Agreement that was reached 25 years ago. Indeed in large part CETA is patterned and builds on Canada-US Free Trade and NAFTA. With the exception of a moderate expansion of the EU's market share for cheese from 4% to 8% of the total market, the structure of Canada's politically-sensitive agriculture supply management for the poultry and dairy sectors remains intact. In these circumstances, Canadian farmers should be breathing a very deep sigh of relief. They also have an undertaking from the Federal government to look at providing compensation. Business Needs to Make an Immediate Evaluation: Waterloo Region businesses should take immediate steps to assess what CETA means for their business. As CETA covers trade in services and not just trade in goods, the service businesses that make up 70% of the Canadian economy should be examining the impact of the new agreement. The starting point is that CETA opens both markets -- so a Canadian firm may need to consider both offensive and defensive strategies as CETA can increase competition in Canada as well as creating opportunities in Europe. European suppliers will become more attractive. CETA may make Canadian firms more competitive by lowering the cost to them of European-sourced production equipment and inputs. For Canadian retailers, European goods will become cheaper -- not just from Germany

and France but from newer EU members such as Poland, Estonia and the Czech Republic. For Waterloo Region subsidiaries of US and European firms, there should be opportunities to justify new or expanded production mandates locally because of the preferred access CETA provides to both Europe and the US. Moving quickly will be important, to get the attention of Europeans while CETA is still front-of-mind, to begin laying the ground for new relationships, and to maximize the period of advantage before the US negotiates a similar deal. Where Can Business Turn? Chambers of Commerce and major Canadian business associations have been following the negotiations, seeking to ensure that the interests of their members are taken into account. They have point people who are familiar with the negotiations and the negotiators. Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) has posted information on line. Questions and concerns can be raised directly with the CETA Secretariat at DFATD at CETAconsultationsAECG@international.gc.ca. Also, contact Canadian trade commissioners and provincial representatives to get first hand information on the market. Visit European trade shows -- usually first class events -- to scout the market and the competition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John D. Tennant John Tennant is former Canadian diplomat and trade commissioner who was also CEO of Canada's Technology Triangle Inc, from 2002 to 2008. Now the Managing Partner of W2N2 Partnership (www.w2n2.ca), he can be reached at john@w2n2.ca.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

events

Mark Your Calendar January 14, 2014

January 28, 2014

Manulife Chamber Academy – Leadership: Developing Leaders at Every Level

Point of View with Russell Williams, President of Canada’s Research Based-Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo-St. Jacobs Member: $20 includes HST General Admission: $25 includes HST Title Sponsor:

January 21, 2014 Second Foundation Chamber Young Professionals Presents How to Take Your Next Steps 5:30-7:30pm at Waterloo Inn Members: $5 includes HST General Admission: $10 includes HST Join us to hear from local business leaders about their experiences and learn what steps they take to continue to grow professionally. Title Sponsor:

11:30am-1:30pm at Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel Members: $40 includes HST Table of 6: $225 includes HST General Admission: $50 includes HST The Canadian pharmaceutical sector is strategically positioned for significant growth and job creation. Russell Williams, one of Canada’s leading business association executives, will provide an informative presentation on the state of the industry and their ongoing contributions to increasing domestic research and development capacity. Title Sponsor:

February 4, 2014 Home Hardware Business After 5

January 23, 2014 Stantec Networking Breakfast Series presents Speed Networking 7:15-9:00am at Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Member: $28 includes HST General Admission: $40 includes HST Make the most of your networking opportunities with other business professionals, one on one, a few minutes at a time and find hidden opportunities and new connections. Title Sponsor: Media Sponsor:

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5:00-7:00pm at Cober Evolving Solutions Member: Complimentary General Admission: $10 includes HST Exhibit Booth: $50 + HST Does networking intimidate you or do you thrive on meeting new people? Come out to this casual bi-monthly event with friendly faces and easy conversation that provides an opportunity for B2B networking. Title Sponsor: Media Sponsor: Host Sponsor:

events

February 11, 2014

February 20, 2014

Manulife Chamber Academy – Modern Selling: The 7 (not 4) “P’s” of Marketing

Business Excellence Awards Gala

8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo-St. Jacobs

Member: $175 +HST

Member: $20 includes HST

Member Table of 8: $1300 +HST

General Admission: $25 includes HST

General Admission: $200 +HST

Title Sponsor:

General Admission Table of 8: $1475 +HST

February 11, 2014

Don’t miss the region’s premier networking gala event with 12 awards being presented to Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community.

Second Foundation Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event 5:30-7:30pm at Kingpin Members: $5 includes HST General Admission: $10 includes HST Maximize your networking opportunities with mentors and other young professionals, one on one, a few minutes at a time and find hidden opportunities and new connections. Title Sponsor:

6:00-10:00pm at Bingemans

Title Sponsor:

February 25, 2014 Manulife Chamber Academy – LinkedIn: How to Leverage its Power 8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo-St. Jacobs Member: $20 includes HST General Admission: $25 includes HST Title Sponsor:

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

feature

Meet the 2013-2014 Chamber Board of Directors

BACK ROW (L-R): KATHRYN ALLAMBY, TED MCKECHNIE, RON SCHERTZER, ROSA LUPO, IAN MCLEAN, SANDRA STONE, JASON KIPFER, SANDRA SCHELLING, RENATA RUSINIAK FRONT ROW (L-R): LINDA DANCEY, CAMERON KOZLOWSKI, KAREN MASON, SABRINA FITZGERALD, MURRAY COSTELLO, KELLY MCMANUS, AL HAYES, NEIL HENDERSON; NOT PHOTOGRAPHED: PAUL EICHINGER, MICHEÁL KELLY, TIM SOTHERN

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

feature

CTFF: Canada’s Technology for Food BY TED MCKECHNIE The City of Waterloo is the perfect backdrop for Canada’s Technology For Food (CTFF) – a marriage of the city’s technology expertise with its food processing sector to produce world-class, innovative technology solutions for food and beverage processors.

collaborate to create a solution and produce a working prototype to be developed, installed and tested. The food and beverage processor will receive the working prototype at no charge – allowing for an immediate implementation of the workable solution.

CTFF is the brainchild of Waterloo’s Economic Development Committee (WEDC) and led by Chairman Ted McKechnie, food industry entrepreneur and former president of Maple Leaf Foods. As an honoured member of the Smart Growth Region Initiative, the CTFF team will partner with local stakeholders to enhance and solidify Waterloo’s competitive advantage by creating opportunities to diversity the local economy.

The IP/patent work will then be shared with the Accelerator Centre to commercialize it for the food processing industry at large. The technology would then be sold across Canada, the U.S. and abroad making Waterloo Region and Canada the premier source for world-class food and beverage technology.

After extensive research and investigation, including scores of interviews with food and beverage processors, academic institutions, fabricators and government influencers including Tim Anderson, CAO for the City of Waterloo, WEDC officially recommended this creative enterprise on May 28, 2013, branding this initiative the first of its kind in Canada. And with the backing of Waterloo’s own Accelerator Centre, CTFF will undoubtedly achieve its goals. Led by CEO Ted Ellis, the Accelerator Centre is acclaimed for its expertise in the incubation and commercialization of technology – and for its focus on the accelerated growth of its client companies. Working with celebrated partners, CTFF will support the growth of technologies that advance jobs, improve food safety, increase food and agricultural technology exports, and encourage investment in food processing – all to attract and retain business to secure long-term sustainability and the competitive position of Waterloo’s and Canada’s food and beverage sector.

Canada’s Technology For Food will implement solutions such as raw materials at the input stage to processing and packaging solutions at the supply chain stage – with a specific focus on broader opportunities like food safety and traceability. Over time, CTFF will use this creative business model to provide the Accelerator Centre with a host of food technology products and businesses to foster and mentor – proving that technology is the driving force behind the success of all industries, not just the food and beverage industry. Not only will this initiative diversify and strengthen the local economy, but it will create an attractive proposition for new manufacturers and processors in the food and beverage industry – opportunities that simply do not exist elsewhere. Waterloo is an award-winning innovative city that leads by example. Canada’s Technology For Food is just another example of the innovation grown from the best and the brightest Waterloo has to offer – keeping the city on the global stage as a major contributor to the country’s and the world’s economic development.

Based on its research and the support of local academic institutions and fabricators, CTFF’s solution will drive food industry productivity, innovation, sustainability and commercialization – with the commercialization of product and business being the key tools for measuring success. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The process starts when CTFF identifies specific food processing challenges with the potential to provide a minimum of $1M in productivity gains, if that particular challenge was successfully solved – provided the tech-based solution does not currently exist. A team comprised of members from the food and beverage processor, local academic institutions and fabricators will

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Ted McKechnie Ted is the President and CEO of Canada’s Technology for Food and President of William Davies Consulting.

feature

Business Leadership in CETA Negotiations BY PERRIN BEATTY European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) “historic” when they recently initialed the document in principle at Brussels. Many skeptics must be wondering why such rhetoric is being used. CETA will hardly have a huge impact in either the EU or in Canada. Even at its pre-recession height, the EU took only 10 percent of Canada’s exports and Canada represents just 1.8 percent of EU external trade. But the trade agreement with Canada is historic. The scope of CETA is unique. Not only will it reduce tariffs and open up a broader range of services to trade than any other EU agreement, it will address behind the border issues that constitute the true obstacles to trade and investment. CETA is a “next generation” agreement and will establish a precedent for the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Transpacific Partnership (TPP) that the US, Canada and ten other countries are negotiating as well. A number of factors combined to make CETA possible. Foremost among these was political and business leadership in Canada and in the EU. As long as free trade is only an objective of economists and senior public officials it won’t happen. But driven by former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, and adopted as a key part of the government’s economic platform by Prime Minister Harper, Canada was able to convince the EU that it was serious about free trade and would make the political decisions necessary to close a deal. The EU remained reluctant. In 2008 EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated that “nobody is asking me for free trade with Canada.” His officials in the European Commission had told him that negotiating with Canada would utilize resources that could be better allocated to countries with high barriers to EU goods and services like India or Brazil. He was also informed that under Canada’s Constitution, the federal government cannot bind the provinces in areas under their jurisdiction in a trade agreement. Several of the EU’s “offensive interests” fell under provincial jurisdiction, such as government procurement for urban transit systems or power generation equipment. The EU doubted

the federal government could ever convince the provinces to sign on to a trade agreement that limited their ability to give advantages to local suppliers. Finally, trade purists in the European Commission said the right place for the EU to negotiate trade with advanced economies such as Canada was in the WTO, not in bilateral deals that could erode multilateralism. Mandelson mistrusted arguments against negotiating with Canada. What clinched the deal for him was the urging of key EU business sectors in favour of free trade with Canada. The EU automotive and transportation sectors wanted an end to tariffs and provincial local content rules. The pharmaceutical sector wanted Canada to bring its patent protection up to international standards. Several European businesses viewed trade with Canada as opening the door to a Trans-Atlantic agreement with the United States. This business support, combined with the commitment by Canada to put everything on the table and its precedent-setting inclusion of the provinces at the negotiating table helped convince EU politicians that their efforts would be beneficial. The current CETA is the culmination of a diplomatic effort spanning two generations on both sides of the Atlantic, extraordinary talented negotiators, and strong leadership from the Prime Minister and the provinces. It most definitely merits the term historic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Perrin Beatty Honourable Perrin Beatty is the current President and Chief Executive Officer for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce which is Canada’s largest and most representative national business association.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

sponsor profile

The University of Waterloo: A Distinguished Past, a Distinctive Future BY FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR As a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for nearly four decades, and with a deep instinct for university-industry partnership, the University of Waterloo is proud to call the Chamber one of our most important community partners. In fact, to know the University of Waterloo is to know the story of the Waterloo region and our business community. Now known as Canada’s Most Innovative University for 22 consecutive years, and determined to bring that reputation to the global scale, we started out in the minds of our entrepreneurial founders in a very simple way: as a dream to support a booming post-war Canadian economy, and to make this community a leader not only in education, but innovation. Our visionary founders believed that economic and social success required a new approach to education, so they built a new kind of university. Our co-operative education program of alternating academic terms with work terms, so well-known in our region and increasingly known around the world, represented a revolution in higher education at the time of our founding in 1957. Now, we are blossoming that system into a broader platform of “experiential education”. We seek to give every learner an experience similar to co-op. Our belief in the need to test academic scholarship through application and teamwork is keeping us on the leading edge of university education. The early champions of our university, which included Ira Needles, then president of leading rubber and tire producer B.F. Goodrich, and his Goodrich colleague and the university’s first president, Gerald Hagey, understood the needs of industry and made sure the University of Waterloo could help meet them. As business people and as visionaries, they knew that our community would benefit from the deep research and human talent that a burgeoning world-class university could produce, and that with the right incentives, entrepreneurship and innovation would follow.

Our IP policy has served as a magnet for entrepreneurial research talent, and pushes private sector innovation out from the university and into the surrounding community. At the same time, programs like our best-in-class VeloCity entrepreneurship system drive our students’ academic, professional, and cognitive development precisely when they are beginning to chart their personal and career paths. We know that in the long run, it is better for the university to defer an immediate payoff from our researchers’ work, and we want to continue attracting highly entrepreneurial researchers to campus. We want to maximize the incentive so that the best and most enterprising researchers come to this region, drive our competitiveness, create break-through innovations and enrich our local ecosystem. Startup Genome, which maintains a leading global entrepreneurship index, recently named Waterloo one of the world’s top 20 startup ecosystems – so we know that our founding commitment to building an entrepreneurial culture in and around campus is absolutely working. As a community, our economic strength and reputation for innovation is well earned. While we all appreciate the headwinds being experienced by BlackBerry, one of our major local success stories, we also know that our capacity for innovation neither begins nor ends with one organization. At the University of Waterloo, we have taken steps to measure our positive economic impact as our community transitions to an economic system less focused on one single organization. The fact is, our region is vibrant, resilient, and rising. On October 24th, I hosted our first annual President’s Community Breakfast, at which time we released the results of our new Economic Impact Study to the community, including to members of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

And they knew that deep research would be the key to making those innovations truly novel and disruptive.

The results speak for themselves. $2.6 Billion in total spending economic impact is attributable to the University of Waterloo – a massive economic footprint. But what about our local community?

So in addition to co-operative education, they made a decision that would be the single most important factor in building the Waterloo region up as a major hub of innovation: they implemented the University of Waterloo’s “creator-owns” intellectual property policy.

It’s when we drilled down to the local elements that we found the most important results. 72% of companies in Waterloo region’s knowledge economy depend on the University of Waterloo graduates and co-op students as a source of employment. And,

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sponsor profile

again at that local level, the University of Waterloo drives $1.51 Billion in indirect and induced spending impacts, highlighting our central role as an economic engine for the region. We’re committed to staying on this successful path. Our new Strategic Plan, named A Distinguished Past, a Distinctive Future, is our strategic blueprint to ensure that happens. Highlighting the three main focus areas of experiential education, transformational research, and entrepreneurship, our plan calls on the University of Waterloo to be recognized as one of the world’s top innovation universities. With partners like the Chamber, and with the mutual support of so many outstanding Waterloo region businesses and startups, we know we’ll get there. And like our industry partners, our commitment to the community is as broad as it is deep. As I announced at our Community Breakfast, the University of Waterloo is building on our role in the community by formally developing a robust community relations platform. This strategy, of course, includes the University’s role in economic development alongside corporate and community partners including the Chamber, Canada’s Technology Triangle, and all three levels of government. And it also expands beyond economic development to explore the University’s impact on other social issues that ensure a strong, vibrant community. This includes, among others, •

environment and sustainability strategies alongside partners like Sustainable Waterloo

•

supporting the efforts of the Creative Enterprise Initiative as it builds a thriving local arts and culture sector, and

•

contributing alongside community and business leaders on the local Immigration Partnership as we work to ensure immigrants and newcomers to our community (many of whom come to the University of Waterloo for our world class academic programs) are welcomed and supported in Waterloo Region.

Working together, we are attracting, educating, training, partnering with, and supporting the students and workers and organizations that will make the Waterloo region’s future bright and prosperous. The University of Waterloo is truly grateful for the Chamber’s leadership in so many of these areas, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership in the months and years to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Feridun Hamdullahpur Feridun Hamdullahpur is president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. In October, the University of Waterloo was ranked Canada’s Most Innovative University for the 22nd consecutive year by the Maclean’s Magazine annual university ranking.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

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member notables

MEMBER NOTABLES Sue Reibel Among Canada’s Most Powerful Women Sue Reibel of Manulife Financial was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. This annual award denotes women across the nation who are “proven achievers and strong contributors to their organization, their fields of endeavour and their communities.” Ms. Reibel was recognized in the Corporate Executive category which acknowledges achievements in management, corporate performance, community service, vision and leadership. Former Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce board member Ginny Dybenko also received this prestigious distinction in 2008.

Wilfrid Laurier University Appoints new CEO in Residence Lynn Oldfield, president and CEO of the AIG Insurance Company of Canada, has been appointed by WLU Business & Economics Dean Micheál Kelly as the school’s fourth CEOin-Residence. The position has been developed to deliver a perspective to students beyond their studies and research in the classroom. Ms. Oldfield graduated from Laurier with a BBA in 1984 and commenced her career at AIG in 1991. She was appointed president and CEO in 2010.

New Board at Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors The Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors recently announced their new board of directors for 2014. Lynn Bebenek of Team Realty K.W. Inc has been appointed president. She has been active in the local real estate market for 25 years and served as director since 2010. A dedicated volunteer, Lynn has participated as a Big Sister and assisted with the local Out of the Cold program. Joining Ms. Bebenek as officers of the Association are 1st Vice President Mark Wolle of Royal LePage Wolle Realty, 2nd Vice President Charlotte Zawada of Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc, and Executive Officer Bill Duce.

Beatties Basics Opens New Waterloo Sales Office and Showroom Beatties Basics held an open house on November 14, 2013 to welcome existing and new customers to their office and showroom at 680 Davenport Road in Waterloo. The organization is one of Ontario’s leading business supply and service providers, specializing in delivering office productivity solutions in a personalized and eco-friendly way, helping businesses save time, money and space.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2014

Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE

CHAMBER PATRON

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CHAMBER TRUSTEE

MEDIA PARTNERS 30