M a r c h | A p r i l 2020
Talent and the Innovation Corridor
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editor-in-chief:
Bryce Kraeker
editor:
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design and production
The People Advantage James McGourlay
Feature
Shakiba Shayani
Bryce Kraeker, James McGourlay, Kelly McManus, Ian McLean, Jenna Petker, Art Sinclair, Shakiba Shayani
Feature
contributors:
17 Growing with the Innovation Corridor
Art Sinclair Heather Hutchings
23 Building a Community Where Tech Excels -
M&T Printing Group Photography: Adamski Photography, Traci Bock, snapdKW advertising and sales:
25 Guelph's Place on the Innovation Corridor
Bonnie Frank- bfrank@greaterkwchamber.com Dana Walton- dwalton@greaterkwchamber.com contributing writers:
Natalie Hemmerich, Carolyn Marsh
28 2020 Membership Milestones!
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departments
Message from the Board
4 Future-Proof your Business with the Right Talent Kelly McManus
Networking
10 Winter Networking New Members
12 December 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020
Message from the President
5 Innovation Corridor is Dependent on Cooperation Ian McLean
Hi-lighting Members
Advocacy
Events
7 Public Service Strikes Affect
the Public Art Sinclair
Perspective on Health Care
Class of 2022 Jenna Petker
8 Welcoming the McMaster MD
PUBLICATION OF:
18 Contractor Services 20 Mark Your Calendar
Member Notables
32 Chamber Members Achieving Success
postmaster address changes c/o
Advocate - Publications Office 80 Queen Street North, PO Box 2367 Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6L4 519.576.5000 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
advocate March | April 2020
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message from the board
Future-Proof your Business with the Right Talent In an age of rapid technological growth, environmental concerns and economic shifts, Canada needs talent that can expertly navigate change and pave the way to a sustainable and prosperous future. Technological automation and talent shortages in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies mean business leaders are beginning to consider what the future of work may look like. They’re looking at how to ensure they have the right talent with the necessary skills to sustain and grow their business.
result of the University’s establishment of the world’s largest co-op program, our unique creator-owned IP policy and our numerous entrepreneurship programs, including the Velocity start-up incubator and the Concept pre-incubator, which guides students along the startup journey. In just over a decade, Waterloo entrepreneurship programs have generated 7,500 jobs and $2.3 billion in revenue. Waterloo graduates currently make up nearly one fifth of all startup founders in Canada (University of Toronto Impact Centre, 2019).
As a world leader in work-integrated learning, the University of Waterloo is in a unique position to help businesses navigate and thrive in this changing economy. Work-integrated learning is a model of experiential education that combines academic studies with practical workplace experience. Waterloo’s five-year co-op program, combining two-years of paid work experience with rigorous academic learning, is touted as the gold standard in work-integrated learning because of advantages to both students and employers.
The startup ecosystem extends beyond the Region of Waterloo to the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor which spans three main areas: Waterloo, Toronto and HamiltonBurlington. The Corridor contributes a substantial amount to Canada’s GDP and is among the top 20 technology clusters in the world (The Global Startup Ecosystem Report, 2018).
When a portion of a student’s learning is practical, it not only prepares them for the workforce, but it provides valuable experience and networking opportunities. When businesses employ students immersed in modern learning environments or emerging areas of study, they can begin to better understand and fill future talent needs. A recent Deloitte Canada report found that employers from around the world who employed University of Waterloo co-op students, had an average average $2 return, for every $1 they invested into co-op earnings. As technological advances move us rapidly forward, new graduates may have to apply knowledge in contexts that we can’t yet imagine. The University of Waterloo’s fusion of co-op, entrepreneurial support, and impact-driven research allows us to deliver future-focused graduates, whose expertise is based on direct experience. Whether a student is committed to creating social change, has invented something unique or is interested in pursuing a commercial venture, the University has a number of supports in place that allow them to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. For example, we have infused business education into programs across all six faculties, allowing students to develop the right skills and experience to both see their ideas through to fruition and contribute in meaningful ways to the bright future of our country. Waterloo Region is second only to Silicon Valley when it comes to startup density, and much of this growth is the
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The upcoming Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit will explore themes such as the future of work and learning, as well as the importance of ensuring the right talent is in place to continue to fuel the Corridor. The University of Waterloo will sponsor and take part in the Summit by sending a number of speakers with expertise in these areas, including Norah McRae, associate provost of co-operative and experiential education, whose involvement in co-op and work-integrated learning spans more than twenty years. The Summit is a great opportunity to learn more about the future of work and talent in the region and beyond.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly McManus CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kelly joined the University of Waterloo in May 2013 as Senior Director, Community Relations & Events. In her role, Kelly represents the University on a wide range of community initiatives, including the Region’s Immigration Partnership Council, the City of Waterloo’s Town & Gown Committee and the Board of the Waterloo Public Library. Kelly earned her Masters degree from the University of Guelph and is currently a part-time PhD student at the University of Waterloo
message from the president
Innovation Corridor is Dependent on Cooperation The success of Canada’s Innovation Corridor (Toronto to Waterloo Region) is highly dependent on strong relationships between business, business associations, post-secondary institutions, research institutes and all levels of government so that our communities can thrive and succeed. The focus of the 3rd Annual Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit, to be held at Bingemans on April 29, 2020, is “Fueling the Corridor with Talent.” There is no doubt that access to the right talent is the number one concern for employers across the corridor, Ontario and Canada, and strong partnerships between all stakeholders is required for long-term and sustainable solutions. The shortage of talent with the skills for the available jobs has never been so acute. As our Chamber Board Chair Kelly McManus has noted in her excellent article, in the current age of rapid technological growth, environmental concerns and accompanying economic shifts, Canada needs talent that can expertly navigate change and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. Businesses in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are considering what the future of work may look like and ensuring they have the right talent for their needs. It is important to remember that talent shortages run across all sectors within the Innovation Corridor. With a growing population and as the heartbeat of this corridor in southern Ontario, the need for enhanced and new core infrastructure including roads, bridges, sewers and transit is essential to move talent to where the jobs are created. The serious shortage of skilled construction trades may severely impact government and private sector plans for expansion. It is now imperative for all sectors to promote and facilitate the entry of students into these professions to maintain Ontario competitiveness on an international level and ensure we are not losing valuable opportunities. These skilled trade jobs are highly paid and offer an amazing career opportunity for today’s youth. Bryce Kraeker of Gowlings notes that the Innovation Corridor has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, from unprecedented advances in research and medical technology to exciting new models of collaboration across diverse sectors. These initiatives continue to push us into the global spotlight. As Bryce also notes in his article, the growth of technology and innovation in Waterloo Region leads to new local investments such as Gowlings new office facility in Kitchener’s Innovation District. This level of activity shows the linkages between technology and the skilled trades for meeting our local objectives.
Perhaps the most important linkage in the corridor is the connections between municipal governments. Waterloo Region and Guelph/Wellington have benefited for many years of strong collaboration in many advanced economic sectors. As Guelph Chamber CEO Shakiba Shayani notes, the TorontoWaterloo Region technology supercluster has the potential to become one of the world’s top innovation ecosystems. The many stakeholders across the corridor have the capacity to leverage our strengths and assets and translate them into a unified economic zone. Consistent with our focus of collaboration across the corridor, actively promoting the attraction of skilled talent is critical. But equally important is the immediate need to invest in transit and transportation infrastructure. The Connect the Corridor Coalition, which represents business leaders, innovators, communities and job creators from Toronto to Waterloo Region, is committed to connecting people to good jobs and pushing our economy forward through reliable, fast and frequent, rapid transit across the corridor. An immediate investment from the Ontario government in two-way, all day GO train service between Waterloo Region and Toronto will create a significant and shared economic benefit for Ontario and Canada. Government investments into the corridor not only make sense – they must be a priority. To attract future investments by businesses that will create jobs and to grow and thrive as a community, province and country we need to be focused on these essential priorities. The upcoming Innovation Corridor Summit is a great opportunity to learn more about the future of work and talent that will drive our prosperity. I encourage everyone across Waterloo Region and beyond, regardless of your business size and core activities, to attend and participate in what promises to be an amazing day of discussion, networking and planning for our future. Onward!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
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advocacy
Public Service Strikes Affect the Public As a new decade descends over the Waterloo Region and Ontario business communities, labour issues are dominating the political agenda. Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton has formally launched a consultation process to examine apprenticeships and related issues in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The present and future forecasts for entrants into these professions are creating anxieties for a growing provincial population and economic base dependent on the commencement and completion of major infrastructure projects, therefore government action is warranted. However in the first quarter of 2020 business attention is highly concentrated on public sector labour disputes. By definition the disruption of public services will have an impact on the public and failure to reach a resolution amplifies the predicament. Across the Region of Waterloo and Ontario, businesses have been affected by the rotating actions of teacher unions. Those disruptions were accompanied for ten days locally by the historical first strike by Grand River Transit drivers and related staff. The costs to businesses of employees who cannot get to work or require alternate arrangements for child care related to school closures escalate as labour actions continue. While transit strikes are new to local business, labour disruptions from teachers are not anyone’s first rodeo. Bill Davis passed Bill 100 in 1975 that essentially provided the right to strike. In November of that year, high school closures from walkouts commenced across Metro Toronto and continued into 1976. For anyone like me who attended any high school in Ontario during the aforementioned strike you might recall Toronto kids, mainly in Grade 13, bailing out and living with grandparents and other relatives in rural Ontario to avoid losing an entire school year.
Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty, who regularly mentioned that his spouse Terri was a teacher and he would solve all of Mike Harris’ problems, experienced his own challenges in the education labour relations portfolio. In 2012 the Liberal minority government passed Bill 115, the Putting Students First Act, which among other provisions banned teachers from striking. In the midst of Grand River Transit’s first ever strike, Edward Faruzel of Kitchener Waterloo AccessAbility suggested to CTV Southwestern Ontario that local transit should be an essential service and therefore prohibited from strike action. Dalton McGuinty, who in retrospect was very active in the labour relations portfolio, passed the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act in 2011which prohibited TTC employees from shutting down the system. Would the Ontario government unilaterally declare Grand River Transit an essential service? Highly unlikely as any legislation would probably have to declare all municipal transit as an essential service. In 2017, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau proposed a series of changes for the taxation of small business. In a Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce submission to the Department of Finance responding to the proposed measures, it was noted that Statistics Canada data shows two-thirds of Canadian small business owners earn less than $73,000 annually and half of those earn less than $33,000. These owners are ultimately the stakeholders most impacted by public service labour disputes. However in the current model of labour relations they never get to the bargaining table. It is time for Edward Faruzel and businesses to be heard regarding the services they are paying for and not receiving.
In 2020, rural Ontario cannot solve Toronto’s problems. Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce Counties have their own education challenges. During the Harris administration, former Education Minister John Snobelen asked Windsor lawyer Leon Paroian to review collective bargaining in the education sector. A report submitted to the Ministry of Education recommended the end of strikes and lock-outs and amending the Labour Relations Act to prohibit education workers from receiving strike pay which would effectively end work-to-rule. Shortly after Paroian’s report over 125,000 public and catholic teachers walked out for two weeks in October and November of 1997. Two years later, in June of 1999, Mike Harris was returned with a second consecutive majority government.
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
Welcoming the McMaster MD Class of 2022 The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Health Care Resources Council welcomed the first 15 undergraduate medical students – the Class of 2010 – when they arrived in Kitchener in 2007 to begin their first year studies at the new Waterloo Region Campus of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Since 2007, we have welcomed 12 more classes and have seen ten classes graduate and move onto residency programs. A number of these graduates pursue family medicine over other specialties with many earning placements in the K-W Family Medicine Residency Program. This past December the School hosted their Annual Waterloo Regional Campus Undergraduate MD Class of 2022 & Faculty Awards Gala for the 28 first year undergrads.
Recognizing Outstanding McMaster Faculty Members & Staff Invitations were extended to all the current undergraduate medical students, Post Graduate Residents and members of the local McMaster faculty and staff. They also joined them in recognizing physician preceptors and advisors who have made outstanding contributions to the medical students’ education experiences this past year. Nominations for these annual Faculty Awards come from the medical students and the recipients are selected by a student selection committee. There were 14 awards handed out that night (see below for a list of award recipients). We are truly privileged to have the Waterloo Region Campus of the McMaster Medical School here in our community with such high caliber physician educators and mentors and students.
UGME Excellence in Mentorship: Dr. Stephen Giilck PGME Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship: Dr. Ava Muir MacAdemia: Regional Campus Faculty Teaching Certificate: Dr. Anthony Davies Dr. Stella Pasion Dr. Laura Purcell Global Heath Advocate Award: Dr. Aaron Geekie-Sousa Regional Assistant Dean’s Award for Excellence in Medical Education: Dr. Joanne Ho and Dr. Shane Neilson
Congratulations to the 2019 Award Recipients: Excellence in Teaching Awards: Anesthesia – Dr. Mark Hindle Family Medicine – Dr. Sarah Rinaldi Internal Medicine – Dr. William Plaxton Obstetrics & Gynecology – Dr. Valerie Mueller Psychiatry – Dr. Abinav Sharma Surgery – Dr. Keith Barrett Clinical Skills – Dr. Shane Neilson Tutorial Leader – Dr. Isla McPherson Resident Teacher – Dr. Andrew Willis
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jenna Petker Jenna is Physician Recruitment Lead for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
networking
Winter Networking
Ron Caudle posing for a picture at the Holiday Business After 5 event. photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW
Our Annual Holiday Open House hosted at the Chamber Office. photo by Adamski Photography
Making valuable connections at a Chamber Young Professionals event. photo by Adamski Photography
The Business After 5 committee singing a carol. photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW A great shot at the Chamber Young Professionals event at Libro Credit Union. photo by Adamski Photography
Bonnie Frank posing with a member at the Holiday Business After 5 event. Photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW
Showcasing Libro Credit Union’s new space Downtown Kitchener. photo by Adamski Photography in
Police Chief Bryan Larkin chatting about Special Olympics Ontario A few of our Board of Directors at the Chamber Holiday Open Holiday BA5. photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW House. photo by Adamski Photography
at the
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networking
Calendars for sale at the Holiday Business After 5 event to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario. photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW
A few Chamber staff and guests at the Holiday Open House. photo Adamski Photography
by
Renata Rusiniak and Adam Smith looking festive at the Chamber Holiday Open House. photo by Adamski Photography
Courtney Cassel and Melissa Jeske at a Chamber Young Professionals event. photo by Adamski Photography Ian McLean and some attendees at a Chamber Young Professionals Adamski Photography
event enjoying the photo booth. photo by
A delicious spread from Gather & Graze Co. at our Annual Holiday Open House. photo by Adamski Photography
Jay Fencing at their exhibit booth at the Holiday Business After 5 Event. photo by Traci Bock, snapdKW
Attendees at the Libro Chamber Young Professionals Event. photo by Adamski Photography
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new members
December 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 Adventure Rooms Canada
Escape Rooms Lisa Thomas, Owner 283 Duke St W, Unit 102 Kitchener, ON N2H 3X7 info@adventurerooms.ca https://www.adventurerooms.ca Phone: (844) 766-6372 Best Version Media Publishers Jen Gloin, Publisher 1134 Isabella St Linwood, ON N0B 2A0 jgloin@bestversionmedia.com bestversionmedia.com Phone: (519) 498-3542 BMB Paralegal Services Paralegals Barrett Beaudoin, Paralegal, Owner/Sole Proprietor 575 Hillview Rd Cambridge, ON N3H 5C3 barrett.beaudoin@gmail.com https://www.bmbparalegalservices.ca Phone: (647) 525-6829 CKX Training On-The-Go Safety Consultants & Training Christina Brown, Owner/Certified Trainer 238 Anne St Cambridge, ON N3H 2G9 christina@ckxtraining.com www.ckxtraining.com Phone: (226) 755-0590 Cosmederm Medical Centres Laura MacDougall, Business Manager 4169 King St E Kitchener, ON N2P 2E8 media@cosmederm.ca cosmederm.ca Phone: (519) 885-0222 Curious U Education Klayton Goncalves, Finance Director 78 Willow St Waterloo, ON N2J 1Z9 klayton@thecuriousu.com thecuriousu.com Phone: (519) 500-2764 Disenyo Graphic Designers Dennis Garcia, Principal 38 Banffshire St, Kitchener, ON N2R 1W3 hello@disenyo.ca disenyo.ca Phone: (416) 988-1772
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Dogtopia of Kitchener Pet Services Xerxes Wania, Owner 73 King St W, Unit 102 Kitchener, ON N2G 1X2 kitchener@dogtopia.com dogtopia.com/kitchener Phone: (226) 317-0628 Drivetricity Electric Charging Stations Zahan Khursigara, President 5563 Cedar Springs Rd, Burlington, ON L7P 0C2 zahan@drivetricity.com drivetricity.com Phone: (888) 920-2038 F45 Doon Fitness & Exercise Service Bill Hunter, Owner 2480 Homer Watson Blvd, Unit A2, Kitchener, ON N2P 2R5 doon@f45training.com f45training.com/doon Phone: (519) 748-4545 Fox Chiropractic & Wellness Chiropractors Bryanna Fox, Chiropractor 18 Barrel Yards Blvd, Suite 3 Waterloo, ON N2L 0G1 bryanna@foxwellness.ca foxwellness.ca Phone: (226) 476-3227 Fully Promoted Kitchener Promotional Products Shafiq Mohamed, Owner 3245 Harvester Rd, Unit 7 Burlington, ON L7N 3T7 kitchener@fullypromoted.ca fullypromoted-kitchener.ca Phone: (519) 497-1336 Graham Bennett Law Professional Corporation Lawyers Graham Bennett, President 9 Ahrens St W, Kitchener, ON N2H 4B6 gbennett@bennettlegal.ca www.bennettlegal.ca Phone: (519) 778-8585 Jackman Construction Construction Nicole Jackman, Admin & Marketing 2085 Shirley Dr, Unit 107 Kitchener, ON N2N 1W8 nicole@jackmanltd.com jackmanltd.com Phone: (519) 896-9009 Fax: (855) 762-4443
Jeff Alpaugh Custom Men's Clothing & Accessories - Retail Jeff Alpaugh, Owner 120 King St S, Unit B Waterloo, ON N2J 1P5 waterloo@jeffalpaugh.com jeffalpaugh.com Phone: (519) 954-5999 Koert Plumbing Plumbing Contractors Chris Koert, Owner 66 Rankin St, Unit 12 Waterloo, ON N2V 1V9 hello@koertplumbing.com koertplumbing.com Phone: (519) 206-0204 KW Mortgage Group Mortgage Brokers Steve Futyer, Mortgage Agent 496 Albert St, Unit 8 Waterloo, ON N2L 3V4 steve.futyer@mortgagegroup.com www.kwmortgagegroup.com Phone: (519) 741-1121 Like Communications Marketing Consultants Liz Kennedy, Creative Director 27 Hillsborough Cr Kitchener, ON N2E 1J5 liz@likecommunications.ca Phone: (519) 569-9192 Multibrew Coffee Company Coffee Break Service & Supplies Rob Gobbi, Owner 1224 Maryhill Rd Maryhill, ON N0B 2B0 Multibrew@gmail.com Phone: (519) 766-2739 Natalie Dumond Coaching & Consulting Coaching Natalie Dumond, Coach & Facilitator 134 Dolman St Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 natalie.dumond@gmail.com nataliedumond.com Phone: (519) 716-2438 O'Leary Change Consulting Human Resource Consultants Mary O'Leary, President 663 Meadowsweet Ave Waterloo, ON N2V 2Y1 olearychangeconsulting@gmail.com Phone: (519) 577-9910
new members
December 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 Options Therapy Rehabilitation Services Joanne Nunn, President 133 Weber St N, Suite 3-303 Waterloo, ON N2J 3G9 joanne@optionstherapy.ca optionstherapy.ca Phone: (519) 584-2223 Peritus Environmental Consultants Inc. Environmental Consultants Naz Ritchie, General Manager 320 Woolwich St S Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 naz.ritchie@peritusenv.com peritusenv.com Phone: (519) 594-0018 Primerica - Khimji Insurance Azra Khimji, Representative 145 Lexington Crt, Unit E Waterloo, ON N2J 4R2 skhimji@primerica.com primerica.com/khimji Phone: (226) 647-0264 Fax: (888) 390-0230 Primerica Financial Services Financial Services Kurt Hendricks, Senior Representative 6981 Millcreek Dr Mississauga, ON L5N 6B8 kurt.hendricks@primerica.com Phone: (647) 471-5812 Sam Chilton Daminato Real Estate Sam Daminato, Sales 75 King St S, Unit 50 Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2 samuelchilton2@gmail.com wattyway.ca Phone: (519) 588-0296 Sarmazian Brothers Flooring Floor Materials, Sales and Contractors Robert Steeves, Sales Manager 865 Weber St N Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8 robert@sarmazian.com sarmazian.com Phone: (519) 837-2120
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Simply Bookkeeping Bookkeeping Services Michele Hyde, President 361 Lancaster St W, Unit A-1 Kitchener, ON N2H 0C1 michele@simplybookkeeping1.com simplybookkeeping1.com Phone: (647) 668-9363
Stybek Roofing Roofing Contractors Andrew Selbie, General Manager 64 Dumart Place Kitchener, ON N2K 3C7 andrew@stybek.ca stybek.ca Phone: (519) 888-9676
Social Art Entertainment Lisa Braun, Owner/Artist 29 Manitou Dr, Unit 1D Kitchener, ON N2C 1K9 Lisa@socialart.ca www.socialart.ca Phone: (519) 729-0980
TDG Marketing Inc. Marketing Consultants Mandy English-Parry, Managing Director 233 Colborne St, Unit B-02 Brantford, ON N3T 2H4 mandy@tdgmarketing.com https://www.tdgmarketing.com Phone: (519) 753-2240
Spirited Leaders Corporation Business Consultants Rick Baker, President/CEO 465 Phillip St, Suite 203A Waterloo, ON N2L 6C7 rick@spiritedleaders.ca spiritedleaders.ca Phone: (519) 886-6522 Fax: (519) 886-8795
Trillium Mutual Insurance Company Insurance Tracy MacDonald, President & CEO 495 Mitchell Rd S Listowel, ON N4W 0C8 admin@trilliummutual.com trilliummutual.com Phone: (519) 291-9300 Fax: (519) 291-1800
SS Decor Internet Shopping Tamin Ahmed, Contractor tamin_ahmed_07@hotmail.com ssdecor.ca Phone: (226) 505-4178 Stesco Global Packaging Packaging Materials & Service Dave Strobel, Business Development Agent 100 Marmora St, Unit 4 North York, ON M9M 2X5 dstrobel@rogers.com stescopackaging.ca Phone: (519) 404-2926 Fax: (416) 352-1676
Waterloo Global Science Initiative Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs Julie Wright, Executive Director info@wgsi.org wgsi.org Phone: (519) 569-7600 Wellington Dock & Door Garage & Overhead Doors Don Loder, President 190 Southgate Dr Guelph, ON N1G 4P5 don.loder@wellingtondockdoor.ca wellingtondockdoor.ca Phone: (519) 248-0122
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Growing with the Innovation Corridor It’s no secret that Waterloo Region and the surrounding “Innovation Corridor” has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. From unprecedented advances in automotive research and medical technology, to exciting new models of collaboration across diverse sectors, the region continues to push Canada’s innovation economy into the global spotlight. As the only international law firm with a major presence throughout the corridor, Gowling WLG has witnessed this innovation renaissance first hand. Indeed, with full-service offices in Toronto, Hamilton and right here in Waterloo Region, we are inextricably invested in the promise it holds. If there’s one thing experience has taught us, however, it’s that ingenuity alone is often not enough to bring disruptive products to market, commercialize cutting-edge research or reshape regulations to facilitate technologies that had previously been unimaginable. Today’s innovators — and those looking to leverage innovation — face enormous headwinds. From financing and product liability issues, to complex challenges surrounding intellectual property enforcement and data protection, good intentions alone rarely suffice when striving to turn bold vision into reality. In light of these obstacles, our professionals have been tasked by their clients with leveraging their sophisticated legal know-how and deep industry knowledge, as well as our firm’s far-reaching global platform, to bridge the growing divide between blue sky thinking and commercial reality. In doing so, however, we’ve come to recognize that as the corridor’s business landscape continues to advance, so must our firm position itself in the best possible way to help a new type of clientele tackle the challenges of an increasingly cutthroat global innovation market. This is a difficult undertaking, to be sure — and one that begins and ends with our team. Gowling WLG has been serving Waterloo Region for more than three decades, and in that time our once modest practice has grown significantly. Our current roster comprises nearly 50 top-tier legal professionals working across all major
practice areas and industries — with particular strength across multiple areas of tech law. Led by Viona Duncan, coleader of our firm’s global tech practice, our local tech team has played, and continues to play, an instrumental role in cultivating Waterloo’s innovation sector. With a view to further solidifying our status as the go-to firm for tech law, last fall our office was thrilled to welcome two of Waterloo’s leading tech lawyers, Todd Bissett and Ahsan Sadiq, to our ranks. Some readers may know Ahsan from his work with the Communitech Accelerator program in its early days. Todd also has longstanding ties to the region, having spent his formative years here in Waterloo before going on to develop vital international experience in Silicon Valley, and in Beijing and Shanghai. As our team grows, so must our office. That’s why we recently made the strategic decision to move our local headquarter to Kitchener’s Innovation District, putting us in the middle of much of the groundbreaking research and development shaping the region. Our new larger and more collaborative office space will not only allow our existing team to work more efficiently, but it will also better position us to attract and retain future talent as we continue to scale. We are eager to move into our new home in the coming months. As we look forward to Waterloo hosting the next Innovation Corridor Summit in April 2020, with its theme of “Fueling the Corridor with Talent,” there’s one thing we can all be certain of: the promise of the Innovation Corridor is only as good as the individuals and teams who work together to fulfill it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bryce Kraeker Bryce Kraeker is the managing partner of Gowling WLG’s Waterloo Region office. He focuses his practice on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, securities law and corporate governance.
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hi-lighting members
Contractor Services Catalyst General Contracting Inc
Catalyst General Contracting Inc
Cross Heating
Cross Heating
Catalyst is a full service residential contractor specializing in major projects including additions and whole home renovations. Our designers and carpenters use only the most innovative products and processes, resulting in high quality renovations you’ll love. Building Trust | Building Change.
At Cross Heating & Air Conditioning we are passionate about providing you with the best possible service. Whether you need a repair, routine maintenance, or you are thinking about replacing your old home comfort system, we guarantee a 5 Star experience.
Edge Electrical Solutions Inc
Edge Electrical Solutions Inc
Edge is committed to providing the highest quality of electrical and data-comm service in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Any job, big or small will capture our full attention. Have peace of mind with our 24/7 emergency service.
Frey Building Contractors
Frey Building Contractors
Heffner Cabinetry and Woodworking Inc.
Heffner Cabinetry and Woodworking is a new business venture for the Heffner Family. We feel our focus on customer service and quality of product is well suited to adapt to this industry and look forward to working with all types of customers both business and individuals in the region at large.
3435 Broadway Street Hawkesville (519) 699-4641 info@freybc.com www.freybc.com
Heffner Cabinetry and Woodworking Inc. 145 Northfield Drive West Waterloo (519) 954-4001 sheffner@heffner.ca www.heffnercabinetry.ca
RMW Exteriors Inc.
RMW Exteriors Inc.
Stone Landscapes Inc
Stone Landscapes Inc
RMW Exteriors Inc. is an industry leading exterior company providing 30 years of superior service in siding, windows and doors. RMW efficiently offers the highest quality of workmanship specializing in various new construction/remodeling projects from residential to commercial/industrial and agricultural.
Our knowledgeable team has been helping homeowners and contractors create beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces for over a decade. Visit us for the largest selection of proven, quality products and mention this ad for 10% off your next order!
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17-755 Bridge Street West Waterloo (519) 492-1920 service@crossheating.com www.crossheating.com
550 Parkside Drive, Unit A-17 Waterloo (519) 747-3343 Kevin@EdgeElectricalSolutions.ca www.EdgeElectricalSolutions.ca
Established in 1970, Frey Building Contractors is active in the industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors. We offer a full range of services, including General Contracting, Design/ Build, and Construction & Project Management. Frey employs highly qualified and skilled project managers, site supervisors, carpenters and labourers.
Cabinetry & Woodworking
1687 Snyder’s Road East PO Box 85, Petersburg (519) 500-9395 info@catalystgc.ca www.catalystgc.ca
WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
840 King Street North Waterloo (519) 669-1445 sales@rmwexteriors.com www.rmwexteriors.com
650 Weber Street North Waterloo (519) 888-9992 info@stonelandscapes.ca www.stonelandscapes.ca
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Lawyer Graham Bennett opens new law office in Kitchener A long-time partner and litigator at one of Waterloo Regionʼs largest locally based law firms, Graham Bennett is pleased to announce the new opening of his own litigation office in downtown Kitchener, next-door to the Chamber of Commerce. Graham is one of the few lawyers in Waterloo Region to be certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a specialist in Civil Litigation. The Law Societyʼs Certified Specialist Program recognizes members of the Law Society who have met established standards. Confidential appointments can be obtained by calling (519) 778-8585 or e-mail to info@bennettlegal.ca
www.bennettlegal.ca | Tel 519-778-8585 advocate March | April 2020
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events
Mark Your Calendar March 6th
March 10th & 24th, April 7th
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Manulife Chamber Academy
7:00-9:00am Location: St. George Banquet Hall Member $40 ∙ Future Member $45 ∙ Member Table of 8 $310 ∙ Future Member Table of 8 $350 Join us for the 2020 International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted in partnership with Regional Chair, Karen Redman. This year’s theme, #EachForEqual celebrates women’s achievements, while calling for a more gender-balanced world.
8:00-9:30am Location: Kitchener Public Library – Main Branch Member $25 ∙ Future Member $35 Do you own a start-up or work for a small business? This year’s Manulife Chamber Academy Series will provide insight on a variety of topics. You’ll gain valuable skills and learn best practices through engaging expert-led sessions. Title Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
March 10th Libro Chamber Young Professionals: Chat & Cheers
Event Sponsors:
5:30-7:30pm Location: Gibson Sound & Vision Member $10 ∙ Future Member $15 The Libro Chamber Young Professionals series still has a few events left in the season! This event gives you the opportunity to connect with tons of young professionals across different industries, visit a cool new space, and have a new headshot taken.
Silver Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsor: Small Business Sponsor: Design Sponsor:
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Print Sponsor: PRINT
Visit us online at www.LMICanada.com and www.erb-erb.com
· Integrity · Expertise · Commitment ·
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Mark Your Calendar
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March 24th
April 7th
Cyber Security Summit
Libro Chamber Young Professionals: Fresh & Local Connections
11:00am-2:00pm Location: Crowne Plaza KW Member $40 ∙ Member Table of 8 $315 ∙ Exhibitor Booth $175 No business is too big (or too small), to avoid the risks of a cyber security attack. The best way to protect your business, is by keeping your data safe. Not sure where to start? Join us as we address some common misconceptions around cyber security, share some best practices, and learn more about new technology that’s accessible to local businesses. Title Sponsors: Bronze Sponsor:
March 26th MNP Networking Breakfast: Building the Region Through the Arts 7:00-9:00am Location: Inn of Waterloo Member $35 ∙ Future Member $45 Arts and culture help develop a sense of community and belonging in our Region. They provide solid advantages for businesses, as well as the community in which the company and its employees live and work. This event will feature a panel of professionals who will have an open dialogue on how we can continue to build the region, through arts and culture. Title Sponsor:
5:30-7:30pm Location: Borealis Grille & Bar Member $10 ∙ Future Member $15 The Libro Chamber Young Professionals series loves to showcase new venues. Come check out this awesome location which features a menu of locally sourced ingredients and an evergrowing network of young professionals in Waterloo Region! Title Sponsor:
April 15th Jay Fencing Business After 5 5:00-7:00pm Location: Grain Food Lounge Members Complimentary ∙ Future Member $15 Exhibitor Booth $60 Grain Food Lounge is the new hot spot to check out in the area. The next Jay Fencing Business After 5 will be a chance to check out a newly renovated location while building your professional network! Title Sponsor: Gold Sponsor: Media Sponsor:
Event Sponsor: I
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BINGEMANSCATERING
CATERING
GALAS
EVENTS
WEDDINGS
BINGEMANS.COM/CATERING
feature
Building a Community Where Tech Excels The People Advantage In a recent interview I was asked “What has kept OpenText headquartered in Waterloo Region all this time?” and it was a simple answer – it’s our talented people. Truthfully, it’s a mix of things that keep us here – our humble Canadian pride, company history and our community legacy. But the foundation of our success has been the top technology and business talent in the region. OpenText launched as a project out of the University of Waterloo in 1991 and has grown to become one of Canada’s largest software companies with nearly 15,000 employees worldwide in over 100 offices. We work with more than 120,000 customers globally, across a variety of industries in 40 countries. All this time we’ve been proudly anchored here in Waterloo, ON. We’re seeing global tech titans catch on, with Google, Square and others moving into the region in search of the people they need. Facing an over-heated Silicon Valley talent market, with enormous churn, a troubling housing crisis and overthe-top business cultures, it is no wonder that so many companies have chosen another path here along the Toronto - Waterloo corridor.
We need people who can build great products, but also bring them to market, explain them to our customers, understand the complexities of global markets and run high-performing teams. Being surrounded by a thriving technology community, our teams bring incredible knowledge, talent and local perspective to our worldwide operations. We’ve built a booming professional services business that helps OpenText customers manage and deploy our products across the globe. Solving these types of complex business problems take technical knowledge, but also a business sophistication that goes far beyond coding.
Our people take on the big problems. This year at the True North Conference in Kitchener, the community proudly came together to support refugee resettlement in the region. From the stage – Bonfire, a local tech leader, discussed their work to recruit skilled refugees into their development teams. It was not only a moving story, but one that is truly emblematic of the community here.
We invest in people and our people invest in themselves.
Less than one month later, just down the corridor in Toronto, one of our customers took the stage at our annual Enterprise World event. South African National Parks spoke about how OpenText technology has helped them improve their processes to meaningfully reduce poaching within the park. This is just one example of how our tech is being used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
With some of Canada’s most innovative universities and technical colleges, and institutes devoted to quantum computing, theoretical physics and artificial intelligence, the corridor has one of the highest concentrations of top tech talent nationwide. Options like co-op programs, internships, and field placements, open doors for students interested in work-related experience. Investing in programs like these provides organizations an early opportunity to recruit, retain, and fuel top talent, while also keeping the region competitive.
To me – these two speakers symbolized a lot of what makes Waterloo Region special. We are committed to not only improving our local community, but also making a difference around the world. Great technology companies need great people, and great people build great communities. In 30+ years of business, I’ve never been more excited about our position here in Waterloo Region. Our people have built both a great company and a great community – and I’m proud to call it my home.
What’s our secret? What makes Waterloo Region unique? I have a few ideas.
Waterloo Region prides itself on our universities and colleges and these institutions form the foundation for our success. I am never more in awe than when amazing students show up in our boardrooms or bullpens and each generation of tech leaders is putting their new ideas and fresh perspectives into action in companies across the region.
Our people build businesses, as well as great products. We often equate top talent with engineering, computer science and coding, but growing a technology company requires many different perspectives and experiences. Having access to some of the best computer engineers in the world is a huge advantage – but companies also need to look for diverse academic backgrounds and experiences as they scale their companies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James McGourlay, Executive Vice President, Customer Operations, OpenText James joined OpenText in 1997 and has held many key positions in IT, technical and product support and special projects. James has been the catalyst for tremendous growth in the OpenText Customer Service team and instrumental in the company’s acquisitions.
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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:
● ● ● ●
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
Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council Three years ago Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade between Waterloo Region and Toronto formed the Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council with representation from Brampton, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton and Mississauga. The original mandate was to optimize economic opportunities within the growing Innovation Corridor and lobby for appropriate infrastructure support most notably improved passenger rail service. The group was also active in the establishment of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, the recipient of funding under the Super Cluster Innovation Fund to support the integration of Canadian advanced manufacturing and IT resources. The work of the Business Council is strongly supported by many business and institutional partners and we thank them for making the Waterloo Region-Toronto Corridor a premier location for investment, research, and job creation. Thanks to the Greater KW Chamber partners that sponsor our efforts on this important initiative.
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Guelph's Place on the Innovation Corridor Guelph. A place myself and over 130,000 other community members call home. A vibrant city that’s both quaint and eclectic, bustling yet calm. Home of the Gryphons, Hillside Festival, bountiful nature and diverse businesses.
rapid transit through the Innovation Corridor, we’re excited to connect people to good jobs. We are committed to efforts on this topic until our members and stakeholders see action and results.
Behind the beautiful architecture looking over the historic downtown and the hustle of a university city is a budding innovation hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, cleantech and agri-innovation. Located at the heart of the Innovation Corridor and with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, Guelph has access to five international airports, three shipping ports and a local railway line, all within 90 minutes of the city, making it a well-positioned economic zone that can think locally and act globally.
Acknowledging our incredible 2019 Smart Cities win, we’re excited to be actively engaged in supporting our local innovation centre, Innovation Guelph and community hub, 10C. Both are vital organizations who are leading the implementation of a circular food economy iHub, positioned to ‘solve food problems’. Guelph has the capacity as an innovation engine to create solutions that generate measurable value for stakeholders, communities of people, our environment and for local economies.
According to the 2016 McKinsey Report, Canada’s growing technology supercluster in the Toronto-Waterloo region has the potential to become one of the world’s top innovation ecosystems. Strongly positioned alongside chambers of commerce, boards of trade, businesses and community partners, the Guelph Chamber is happy to be a member of Canada’s Innovation Corridor Business Council. Bursting with collaboration and regional connectivity, we’re able to leverage our strengths and assets as a unified economic zone. With a shared goal and vision, I’m pleased to work alongside my colleagues throughout the region to form collective strength and integral partnerships that create shared economic benefit for the entire province. We’ve all agreed that fast and frequent transportation service is a critical component to unlocking the potential that is held within the Innovation Corridor. We’re en route, with the key in hand, to unlocking this potential with our continued advocacy efforts as members of the Connect the Corridor Coalition. The Guelph Chamber is committed to continuing to advocate for Two Way All Day GO service to bolster economic prosperity, unleash diverse and cutting-edge talent and strive for global competitiveness. The movement of goods and people across this economic zone continues to be a strong concern for businesses in Guelph. Attracting and retaining diverse talent is a priority and a driving force in our advocacy agenda. With access to reliable, fast and frequent,
We’re continually pushing the agenda forward by addressing the pressing needs of businesses in Guelph and across the Innovation Corridor by delivering content and providing opportunities for businesses to be heard. I look forward to continuing the conversation at Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit, hosted in Kitchener-Waterloo on April 29th.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shakiba Shayani Shakiba Shayani is the President & CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. A connecter, convener and advocate, she works diligently with many local stakeholders to contribute to the inclusive economic prosperity of the community.
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Improve your Business visibility through the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Membership & Business Directory Placing an Ad in the 2020/21 Chamber Membership & Business Directory will increase your Business visibility, both locally and online, when customers search for products and services in the greater Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Book your Ad today to take advantage of these benefits:
Over 8,000 directories distributed to local businesses, industry & tourism operators
Your Ad will appear with your company listing in the online directory
The Chamber will Tweet your Ad at least once per quarter
Your website & email addresses are featured
Year-round reference tool that generates referrals
To book your Ad‌ Call the Chamber at 519.576.5000 or email admin@greaterkwchamber.com for full details.
greaterkwchamber.com
2020 Membership Milestones! We’d like to thank all of our members for your support over the years and want to congratulate the following companies who are celebrating these Milestone Anniversaries in 2020.
10 YEARS
JOINED IN 2010 2231634 Ontario Inc A.R. Impex Access Storage Advance Construction Equipment Limited Catalyst General Contracting Inc Cishan International Ltd. Danval Inc. Domus Inc. Fairway Divorce Solutions FASTSIGNS Global Pet Foods Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge Waterloo HSBC Bank Canada Jani-King of Southern Ontario Larrek Investigations Marshalls Pest Control McLean & Associates McWilliams Moving & Storage Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc. Nith River Chop House Paul Puncher Menswear R. Ross Wells Ren's Pets Depot Revive. The Natural Health Clinic SAF Drives Inc. Schott Resolutions Sign LITE Ltd. TD Canada Trust - Deer Ridge Kitchener The MT Space The Original Angie's Since 1962 Tone-Gar Security Services Inc Waterloo Garage Doors Inc. Zon Engineering Inc.
15 YEARS
JOINED IN 2005 AMJ Campbell Van Lines Astron Specialty Metals Limited Bogart's Hair CFO Solutions Drayton Entertainment Enhanced Solutions Inc GeoSmart Energy Inc.
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Grand Valley Financial Inc Heart and Stroke Foundation Heinz Custom Woodworking Joseph & Company Kenmar Incorporated Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre Maplesoft Natural Resource Solutions Inc. Northfield Auto Parents For Community Living KitchenerWaterloo Inc RBC Royal Bank - Erb & Ira Needles RBC Royal Bank - Highland & Westmount RBC Royal Bank - King & University RBC Royal Bank - Kitchener Main RBC Royal Bank - Northfield & Weber Rotostatic of Waterloo Region Silverthorne Studios TD Canada Trust - Laurelwood Township of Woolwich Trends for Men Waterloo Accelerator Centre Waterloo Region Small Business Centre Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network Wilson Blanchard Management Inc.
20 YEARS
JOINED IN 2000 AET Group Inc. Choice Properties REIT Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc City of Waterloo Great Canadian Holidays and Coaches Inc H.H.D. Imports Inc. HMT Group Inc Jim McIntyre - ReMax Solid Gold Realty Kaune Property Maintenance Inc Kitchener City Hall Wedding Chapel and Officiants Knapp Fasteners Inc My VIP NDI Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Brokerage (Kitchener) Teledyne DALSA Inc. Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre
25 YEARS
JOINED IN 1995 Aspiria BluMetric Environmental Inc. Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, Brokerage End Of The Roll Hospice of Waterloo Region Investors Group Financial Services Inc. John M. Stewart Medicine Professional Corporation Josslin Insurance - Kitchener Kitchener-Waterloo Counselling Services Incorporated M & T Printing Group Morrison Reist Krauss LLP Peerless Turfcare RBJ Schlegel Holdings Inc. Region of Waterloo International Airport Spicers The UPS Store #135 Western Union Business Solutions Ziggy's Cycle and Sport Ltd.
30 YEARS +
JOINED IN 1990 OR EARLIER 762432 Ontario Inc AECOM Canada Ltd. Airways Transit Service Limited All Ontario Financial-The Mortgage People Amber Steel Atlas Scale Baer Petroleum Marketing Ltd Bank of Nova Scotia - Kitchener Barber-Collins Security Services Ltd. Bast Tirecraft Waterloo BDO Canada LLP Bell Canada Best Western Plus - Waterloo Better Business Bureau of Central Ontario, Inc Bingemans Inc Business Development Bank of Canada Cameron's Flower Shop Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery Centre In The Square Challenger Motor Freight Inc. Charcoal Steak House / Dels / Martinis
Chicopee Craftsmen (1999) Inc Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort Rogers Media Inc. CIBC - Wood Gundy Waterloo CKWR - Wired World Inc - FM 98.5 CKWR Cober Colt Canada Corporation Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning Conestoga Golf and Conference Centre Cowan Insurance Group Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. Crown Courier Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo CRV Computer CTV Kitchener/Bell Media Inc. D Dilkes Enterprises Limited Deloitte Management Services LP DoubleTree By Hilton Kitchener Downtown Kitchener BIA Dr. Kevin P. McSweeny Duncan, Linton LLP Dundee Country Club Economical Insurance EIWO Canadian Management Ltd Elite Air Inc Enbridge Gas Inc. Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada Erb & Good Family Funeral Home Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers a division of Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. Ernst & Young LLP FaithLife Financial Financial Horizons Inc Galick Packaging Equipment Ltd Giffen LLP Golf's Steak House & Seafood Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP Grand River Hospital Foundation Grant Thornton LLP H. Wolynetz Investments Ltd Hahn Rentals Hallman/PromotionWorks Hauser Industries Inc Heer's Paint & Decor Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota Heine Instruments (Canada) Ltd. Hendrix Genetics Ltd. Hogg Fuel & Supply Limited International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #804
Italo Foods Ivanhoe Cambridge II Inc./Conestoga Mall J.M.B. Sales James Beingessner Jim Harper John Howard Society of WaterlooWellington Junior Achievement of the Waterloo Region Inc Kelly & Co Kitchener Public Library Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. Kodiak Building Ltd KPMG MSLP Kuehne + Nagel Ltd. K-W Oktoberfest Inc Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. Linda Hilts Interiors Ltd MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited Madorin, Snyder LLP Mark L. Dorfman, Planner Inc Marsland Centre Limited Marten's Furniture Wonderland Masonry by Rasmussen Inc McBride Loudspeaker Source Ltd Metropolitan Pump Co Limited Miller Thomson LLP MNP LLP MTE Consultants Inc. New York Rock (822773 Ontario Ltd) Northfield Racquet & Fitness Club Northport Landing Inc Nour Trading House Inc Oak Bridge Properties Onward Manufacturing Company Limited Parkway Ford Sales (1996) Ltd PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP PrimusPM ProMark Window Film & Blinds Inc. QLO Management Inc Quarry Integrated Communications Inc. Rev. Gary Alcock Robert G. Heer Rubberline Products Ltd Safety-Kleen Canada Inc (Oil Recovery) Scharf Realty Ltd. Schiedel Construction Inc
Spaenaur Inc St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation Steed and Evans Limited Strassburger Windows & Doors Sun Life Sunrise Shopping Centre Swan Dust Control Ltd Swanson's Home Hardware Building Centre Swiss Chalet - Weber Street North TdS Dixon Inc The C3 Group The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited The Food Bank of Waterloo Region The Pinnacle Group The Plant Lady Inc. The Shops at Waterloo Town Square/ Primus Property Management Inc. Topeco Coffee, Tea & Spices Inc Traces Screen Printing Ltd. Twin City Dwyer Printing Co Ltd Twinlode Canada Ulmer Realty Group Inc. United Rentals Of Canada Inc United Way Waterloo Region Communities University of Waterloo Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area Walper Hotel Enterprise Inc. Waterloo Catholic District School Board Waterloo Manufacturing Company Ltd Waterloo North Hydro Inc Waterloo Printing Company Ltd Waterloo Region District School Board Waterloo Region Record Waterloo Regional Police Association Weber Supply Company Inc. Wesco Distribution Canada LP Westmount Golf & Country Club Ltd WHITNEY & Company Realty Limited Wilfrid Laurier University Wilke Movers Ltd William Knell and Company Ltd Woeller Group Inc. Your Neighbourhood Credit Union Youth in Conflict with the Law Zehr Group
advocate March | April 2019 2020
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bases, forms, tickets, admail, stationary pads, tags, business cards, banners, stickers, programs, tabs, name plates, name badges, invites, stamps, post cards, invoices, sales kits, menus, posters, tent cards, canvas wraps, static clings, float mounts, bookmarks, binders, folders, certificates, cutouts, yearbooks, greeting cards, carbonless forms, cheques, receipts, admail, direct mail, labels, portable signage, photobooks, rack cards, calendars, rink boards, exhibitor signs, window clings, resumes, reports, magnets, car signs, lawn signs, schedules, wind flags, shirts, books, envelopes ...
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Member Notables
Mike Murray Retiring from Region of Waterloo Region of Waterloo Chief Administrative Officer Mike Murray has announced his retirement for the spring of 2020. His local career encompasses 27 years with over fifteen at the senior non-elected staff position within the organization. Mike’s major accomplishments include the ION light rail transit system, managing Syrian refugee resettlement into our community, and the opening of a drug treatment facility. The Chamber and local business community would like to thank Mr. Murray for his many years of dedicated public service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Gifts $4 million to WLU The Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation has pledged a transformational gift of $4 million to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Making Space for Music campaign to expand the current Faculty of Music building. The university will recognize this visionary gift by naming Laurier’s renovated facility the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building. A January 9, 2020 WLU news release notes that Savvas and Christine Chamberlain have a long history of friendship with Laurier which includes philanthropy, leadership and engagement. Savvas is a member of the Board of Governors and Christine is an alumna of the Bachelor of Music program. Funds for the project to date exceed $9 million and the institution is now well positioned to meet a $14 million goal.
Equitable Life of Canada – 100 Years of Service Equitable Life is turning 100 this year with a series of centennial events and activities planned for their clients and communities across Canada. The company started operations in 1920 as the Ontario Equitable Life and Accident Insurance Company on King Street in Waterloo. Over the past century Equitable has evolved into one of Canada’s largest and most financially stable mutual organizations. With more than 750 employees and 10,000 independent producers, the current head office is located one and a half kilometres from the original location. A 100th Anniversary website, www.equitable100.ca, will provide information throughout the year on special events and activities.
Mike Farwell Recognized as Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser The 2019 Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser Award recipient for outstanding community service is 570 News talk show host and Kitchener Rangers broadcaster Mike Farwell. A January 2020 Record article described Mike’s community support activities as a second unpaid career. He has raised awareness and funds for many causes, most notably cystic fibrosis after losing two sisters to the illness. His recent fundraising efforts have generated almost one-half million dollars from a supportive community. For many years Mike has served as auctioneer at the annual Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber 100 Mile Feast, where all proceeds are directed to local physician recruitment activities. Mr. Farwell is highly deserving of this prestigious community service award.
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Member Notables
Mark Your Calendar
(Continued from page 21)
April 23rd
April 29th
Energy & Environment Forum
Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit
11:00am-2:30pm Location: Crowne Plaza KW Member $40 ∙ Member Table of 8 $315 ∙ Exhibitor Booth $125 The Energy & Environment Forum is an annual educational event, raising awareness around environmental issues within the business community, and the Region at large.
8:00am-5:00pm Location: Bingemans Ticket $325 ∙ Table of 8 $2600 The 2020 Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit will be hosted in Waterloo Region! This event will allow you to benefit from industry collaboration, convert great ideas into products that sell and deploy new solutions to improve quality of life in the Corridor.
Title Sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Prestige Sponsor:
Upcoming Events Silver Sponsor:
May 7th Leadercast 2020
Bronze Sponsor:
May 21st Manufacturing Summit
Meet the 2019-2020 Board of Directors
Top row (from left to right): Jeff MacIntyre, Sean Sullivan, Wendi Campbell, Mark Christensen, Kris Ronan, Allison Bourke, Rene Gatien, Richard Jacques, Patrick Klann Bottom row (from left to right): Glenn Thorpe, Brad Dunbar, Renata Rusiniak, Kelly McManus, Ian McLean, Andrea Vrbanac, Adam Smith. Absent from photo: Scott Gilfillan
advocate March | April 2020
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FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
RETAIL/OFFICE | 1,675 SF 190 ST ANDREWS ST, CAMBRIDGE
MEDICAL/OFFICE | 4,697 SF 16 ANDREW ST, KITCHENER
FLEX INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE | 4,127 SF 5 GODDARD CRES, CAMBRIDGE
FOR LEASE
WELCOME TO THE CENTER OF
RETAIL/OFFICE | 1,200-4,379 SF WATERLOO TOWN SQUARE, WATERLOO
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
INDUSTRIAL | 20,000 SF 8 ADAMS ST, PARIS
RETAIL/OFFICE | 1,488-80,000 SF SPORTSWORLD CROSSING, KITCHENER
INDUSTRIAL/WAREHOUSE | 31,767 SF 275 GAGE AVE, KITCHENER
FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE
RETAIL | 536-5,085 SF 600 LAURELWOOD DR, WATERLOO
RETAIL | 2,144-5,611 SF 100 JAMIESON PKWY, CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE | 25,325 SF 565 KUMPF DR, WATERLOO
cushwakewr.com | 519-585-2200 Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region Ltd., Brokerage
Doors open at 6:00 pm | Show runs from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
3 OFF
$
per ticket
SPECIAL OFFERS
GROUPS: Buy 16 or more tickets for the same show (can not be combined with any other offer or promotion)
60
$
incl. HST & Gratuities
Corporate Gatherings
Join us for all of your meeting and event needs. Companies who book tickets to our Musical Murder Mysteries will receive $3** off per ticket and have complimentary use of our Wellington & Board Room* on the day of their booking *based on availability **can not be combined with any other offer or promotion
CCR's murky 'swamp rock' sound provided a dark alternative to the peace-and-love psychedelia of the late 1960s. Now let's imagine the darkness inside the band, as battles raged between frontman John Fogerty and his guitar-strumming older brother Tom. Looks like we may need a different kind of revival.
Soft rock’s most fabled soap opera comes to life on stage! The making of Fleetwood Mac’s classic album ‘ Rumours’ was fraught with break-ups, betrayals and three-part harmonies. But what if it was marred by murder?
Mick and Keith have put aside their personal differences so that the world’s greatest rock n’ roll band can once again kick off a massive world tour! Bandana? Check. Cigarettes? Check. Pulse? … Uh-oh. Let’s spend the night together to solve this mystery!
Companies, Groups of 16+ or to purchase tickets over the phone please call:
(519) 846-5455 ext 288
Purchase tickets online at our website
(online booking fee extra, Group Orders can not be processed online)
www.GrandRiverRaceway.com or on-site at the Gift Shop