November-December Advocate 2022

Supporting Our Community

eDitor iN chieF: Art Sinclair

eDitor: Heather Hutchings

DeSigN aND ProDuctioN M&T Printing Group

aDvertiSiNg aND SaleS: boNNie FraNk - bFraNk@greaterkwchamber com DaNa waltoN - DwaltoN@greaterkwchamber com liSa mcDoNalD - lmcDoNalD@greaterkwchamber com

coNtributiNg writerS: Eric Avner, Mike Ennis, Scott Gilfillan, Joe Mancini Carolyn Marsh, Ian McLean, John Neufeld, Gwyn Peters, Jenna Petker, Mhari Reid, Art Sinclair, Kim Wilhelm

aDvertiSiNg aND coPy DeaDliNeS: November 14, 2022 for January-February 2023 January 20, 2023 for March-April 2023 March 13, 2023 for May-June 2023 July 17, 2023 for September-October 2023 September 18, 2023 for November-December 2023

SubScriPtioN aND back iSSue iNquirieS: Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com

SubmiSSioN Policy: Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or email c/o Editor - Advocate. Please do not send originals. All contributors articles must be accompanied by a head shot in a jpg file and a 40 word author’s bio. publications permit: #40026716

For PermiSSioNS aND rePriNt requeStS Heather Hutchings - hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com

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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.

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Supporting Our Chamber Community

As a local resident and businessperson, I am excited to be taking on the role as Chair of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank Adam Smith for his leadership in the Chair position through the past two challenging years and Ian and the Chamber team for their continued focus and support.

After first moving to the region to attend the University of Waterloo and staying here to start our careers, my wife Cara and I spent time in Wellington, New Zealand and London, Ontario before getting the chance to move back to Waterloo in 2015 with our two young children, Maryn and Declan.

Waterloo has been a great place for us to raise our children, to establish meaningful careers and to give back to our community. Since returning to the region, I have had the privilege of volunteering with the Chamber as part of the Business Excellence Awards nomination committee, before joining the Chamber Board of Directors, finance committee, and eventually the executive committee. I have also been able to give back as part of the audit committee for Carizon and through assisting with my children’s sports teams through the Waterloo Minor Hockey Association and Waterloo Girls Minor Hockey Association.

Our PwC office in Waterloo has a number of charitable and not-for-profit organization clients that keep us tied in with the community that continues to invest in building social infrastructure across the region. My wife Cara is also active in supporting our community through her role with Thresholds Homes & Supports, assisting with the inaugural Scotland’s Yard Road Hockey tournament, and volunteering through the hockey associations.

We are very fortunate in the region to have a culture of community-building and giving back with a large number of great organizations helping to build and maintain social programs in the region. Having a strong Chamber of Commerce is key – the Chamber helps our community prosper by advocating with all levels of government, working on economic development, essential public services, local health care services, education and labour.

Over the course of the pandemic, the Chamber was a key voice in our region to provide guidance and support to a number of organizations throughout the community. As the community moves forward from the pandemic, there are a number of new challenges that we all face relating to inflation, labour shortages, and rising interest rates.

Our key community organizations will be increasingly important in helping Region of Waterloo residents and businesses continue to grow and prosper. Not-for-profits like the Food Bank, The Working Centre, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, YMCA of Three Rivers and the House of Friendship are critical to ensuring the success of our region by maintaining and improving our social fabric.

I would encourage all Chamber members and Region of Waterloo residents to find a way to get involved with one of your local community organizations. Volunteering is a great way to feel a sense of belonging in your community as well as to meet new people. After returning to the Region, volunteering helped me to expand my business network and make new friendships, while increasing my knowledge of the Region and what matters to it and feeling pride in contributing to the community in whatever small way possible.

By supporting our community, you can help continue our culture of giving back and keep the Region of Waterloo a great place to live and work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Gilfillan

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott Gilfillan is a chartered professional accountant and a partner with PwC in assurance, as well as their Waterloo Market Leader. Scott focuses on providing clients with audit and accounting advice while acting as a trusted business advisor.

The Increasing Importance of Waterloo Region Charities

Recent organizational changes across the local not-for-profit sector have been remarkably similar to Waterloo Region forprofit businesses. Mergers and amalgamations are a popular option for increasing operational efficiencies, reducing expenditures, and providing improved service delivery across constituencies served.

Five years ago, two local United Way agencies merged into United Way Waterloo Region Communities. The amalgamation of United Way Cambridge and North Dumfries with United Way Kitchener Waterloo and Area became effective on April 1, 2017. At that time, combined services were considered beneficial for managing regional population growth and accompanying complex client issues.

On July 1 of 2022, the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation amalgamated with the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation to become the new Waterloo Region Community Foundation. The new organization will continue existing efforts around three major areas – granting, impact investing and convening. At the same time there exists significant potential for increasing collaboration with individuals and other groups on working together for developing forward thinking solutions to meet current and future needs across the community.

The new YMCA of Three Rivers is the official unification of the YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo, the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph and the YMCA of Stratford-Perth. Through the amalgamation process existing strengths and expertise have been combined to better serve all clients and communities. The new entity claims that through 150 years of operation they have demonstrated a lasting commitment by showing up and delivering the programs, outreach and services that people need. Through unification, the organization is better equipped with a bold new vision and purpose.

As Waterloo Region’s population continues to grow and the COVID-19 pandemic persists, fiscal and other pressures will increase for all levels of government to provide necessary social and related services for supporting our most vulnerable residents. The many delivery gaps in Waterloo Region are prominently serviced by these new organizations and others who provide food, clothing and essential programs that assist residents on belonging within their communities.

They deliver services to the disadvantaged, support local and national health care, assist with youth services and education, and manage settlement programs for recent immigrants. Since March of 2020, their responsibilities have collectively been exponentially expanded.

One of the factors that separates Waterloo Region from many other communities across Canada is the unique cooperation between local charities and local business. Staff and volunteers from not-for-profit organizations serve on the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and member committees along with assisting on event planning or other functions. Our Chamber is an organization of employers in public, private and non-profit sectors across the Region and collectively our capacity to make a significant difference on the lives of our residents is immense.

Our Region is well known across Canada for the tremendous community services we provide to immigrants arriving from around the world. When the federal government required communities to assist with refugee settlement, Waterloo Region through our historical commitment to collaboration and cooperation, has been and will continue to be available for support.

Looking forward to the future, an outstanding group of individuals are serving across the Region of Waterloo notfor-profit sector. Joan Fisk, a former business manager and President of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, is leading the local United Way. The new Waterloo Region Community Foundation recently announced the appointment of President and CEO Eric Avner who brings extensive American philanthropic experience.

In many respects the traditional lines between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations are clearly less defined than previous generations. The charitable sector is recognizing the benefits of larger organizations with expanded responsibilities and higher efficiencies. Our growing local population with accompanying challenges requires strong leadership and we are collectively prepared to deliver where required.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ian McLean

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

A New Approach to Canadian Business for Stronger Communities

As local and national economies are recovering after COVID-19 mandated closures, a structured examination around the changing roles and responsibilities of Canadian business is progressing at a rapid pace.

As noted in this issue of the Advocate, change is occurring across the local charitable sector primarily through the amalgamation of many existing organizations. Media reports have consistently indicated that as the local population base increases, accompanying social challenges also escalate to unprecedented levels.

Historically, business support of their communities has been considered as corporate philanthropy. Increasingly complex issues require the on-going support of the private sector collaborating with other organizations; therefore the term Corporate Social Responsibility has become more common and applicable.

In general, corporate philanthropy is a financial contribution provided by business. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a further level of participation where an organization is directly involved in causes and activities.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has noted that CSR is the idea that a company should play a positive role in the community and consider any environmental and social impacts of their decisions. Natural Resources Canada further notes that CSR is the voluntary activities of companies, over and above regulations, which serve to integrate social, environmental, and economic concerns into their operations.

Responsible corporate behaviour not only increases opportunities for success but creates economic benefits. The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating internationally to respect human rights and all applicable laws, and to meet or exceed recognized international standards for responsible conduct.

The Canadian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (CCCSR), based at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, focuses on how business contributes to the social advancement of communities and their enhanced quality of life. The Centre examines future strategies and operations across a world where traditional sector lines are diminishing, and businesses are being challenged to assume responsibilities which extend beyond shareholder financial expectations.

The CCCSR builds the inspirational leadership required to manage Canadian enterprises, whether private, public or notfor-profit, in an environment that creates synergies between business objectives and a positive impact for the community.

The Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation is a major initiative of Navigator, the national public affairs and government relations consulting firm. They assist Canadian businesses and organizations to redefine and strengthen the scope of their purpose and accompanying contributions to society. Expectations for organizations are evolving to where a focus on profits is replaced by a new corporate mission that encompasses the interests of all stakeholders including society as a whole.

To compete, corporations must be able to articulate the purpose they serve with a benefit beyond shareholder returns. The world is fundamentally changing with shifting perceptions on the role of business in society. Research has concluded that Canadians understand the positive economic contributions while intrinsically desiring change.

Former New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, an expert panelist with the Canadian Centre for the Purpose of the Corporation, noted that business is increasingly expected to provide more value to stakeholders, speak out on important social issues, and help provide solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Jaime Watt, Executive Chairman of Navigator, stated the pandemic revealed how rapidly the world is changing with no return to normal anticipated.

Furthermore, business drives immense innovation which creates employment and wealth. However, collectively we all must contend with the reality that not everyone shares those benefits. Employees, customers, investors, governments and communities are asking business to do more.

The world has changed, and Canada must adapt for domestic and global success. A re-examination of all areas of business operations and values is required for a competitive future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Art Sinclair

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

Chamber to Showcase Community to Young Physicians

Health care is a significant issue for all of us and having access to health care professionals is critical to the well being of families in our region. However, many families, locally and across the province, do not have the benefit of being under the care of a family practitioner.

This is why the Chamber’s physician recruitment program is an important community health care initiative, not only for our residents well being but for the health and prosperity of our business community looking to attract the best and the brightest.

With the generous investment and support of our corporate and municipal partners, the Physician Recruitment Program is able to oversee a number of programs throughout the year to attract new family physicians to serve the health care needs of the community. Since this critical initiative was launched in 1998, the Chamber, working with community interests, has successfully attracted over 280 family physicians.

The most significant program is our Annual Family/Emergency Medicine Resident Weekend when we host first, second and third year family medicine residents and their partners interested in practice and employment opportunities in Kitchener-Waterloo-Woolwich.

November 4th-6th, we will be celebrating our 24th year of showcasing the community to our visiting guests. During their three-day community visit, our guests will learn about practicing in the greater K-W area and about the many fine amenities that life in our communities has to offer.

During their three-day community visit, family/emergency medicine residents and their partners will have the opportunity to tour urban and rural communities with a stop at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Family Medicine residents will tour the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk while the emergency residents will visit both St. Mary’s and Grand River

Hospital. Over the weekend, the residents and their partners will meet some high profile business and community leaders and learn more about the Region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

This busy and fun filled weekend has been well received and praised by visiting family medicine residents and their partners and it has proven to be one of our most successful recruitment tools drawing many family physicians to local community and hospital-based practices over the past twentythree years.

Beyond support of this important physician recruitment weekend, our corporate and municipal partners’ generous annual investment also helps the Chamber to recruit physicians throughout the year.

These recent recruitment efforts have been exceptionally successful. With support from our community health care partners, we will have attracted an unprecedented number of family physicians this year – a total of 21 new practitioners to date.

We sincerely thank all of our partners for their generous investment in this important community health care initiative.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenna Petker

Jenna is Physician Recruitment Lead for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you to our dedicated sponsors for helping the Chamber continue its goal of eliminating the doctor shortage in Waterloo Region.

August 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022

100+ Women Who Care - Waterloo Region

Charitable, NFP & Community Services

Shari Goldstein, Volunteer lisa@100womenwhocarewaterlooregion.com 100womenwhocarewaterlooregion.com Phone: (519) 240-4661

1Bitcoin.ca

Business Consultants

Jacob Asparian, President 6-470 King Street West, Suite 111 Oshawa, ON L1J 2K9 jacob@1Bitcoin.ca 1Bitcoin.ca

ATWM (A Thousand Words Marketing Ltd)

Event Management

Steph Jarman, Administrator help@atwm.ca www.atwm.ca Phone: (519) 900-2770

Bacvar Building Company Building Contractors

Cameron Bacvar, Owner bacvarbuilding@gmail.com bacvarbuilding.com Phone: (226) 978-0908

Brock Solutions Engineers - Control Systems

Amanda Sage, Administrative Assistant 86 & 88 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener, ON N2C 2C9 info@brocksolutions.com brocksolutions.com Phone: (519) 571-1522

Casst Counselling Counselling

Misha Heravi, Owner misha.heravi@gmail.com Phone: (519) 496-3752

Elby Professional Recruitment (KW) Inc.

Employment Agencies

Peter Lister, Partner/Managing Director 650 Riverbend Drive, Suite A-1 Kitchener, ON N2K 3S2 info@elby.ca www.elby.ca Phone: (519) 279-1740

Ezok Corp

Software - Insurance Henrique Bilbao, Founder 420 Wes Graham Way, Table 23 Waterloo, ON N2L 0A7 henrique@ezok.ai ezok.ai Phone: (548) 333-2537

Geek Consultancy IT Consultants

Shaq Ahmed, Director 58 Arrowhead Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2P 1B9 shaq@geekconsultancy.com geekconsultancy.com Phone: (647) 985-1862

Get In the Loop Waterloo Marketing

Consultants

Pierre Lemieux, Owner pierre.lemieux@getintheloop.ca getintheloop.ca Phone: (519) 504-6246

Glowing with Michele

Cosmetics & Perfumes - Retail Michele McBride-Roach, Seint Artist bonziroach@rogers.com glowingwithmichele.seintofficial.com

Green Sun Foods

Specialty Foods

Maju Perezegana, CEO 260 Tall Grass Crescent Kitchener, ON N2P 0G8 mperezegana@greensunfoods.com greensunfoods.com Phone: (519) 897-0742

Hudson's Bay

Retail

Fazila Noorzad, General Manager 3050 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, ON N2C 2J7 fazila.noorzad@hbc.com Phone: (519) 894-1111

Joobee World Inc

Internet & Technology Products & Service

Lamine Gueye, CEO/Founder 155 Thomas Slee Drive, Unit 2J Kitchener, ON N2P 0J8 connect@joobeeworld.com joobeeworld.com Phone: (647) 490-6367

KWpestcontrol

Pest Control Services kwpestcontrol.ca Phone: (519) 957-1766

Malo Solutions Inc

Business Consultants

Steve Milijasevic, Founder & President steve@malosolutionsinc.com malosolutionsinc.com Phone: (519) 498-2830

Mariam Rasool Consultants

Mariam Rasool, Principal rasool.mariam@gmail.com Phone: (519) 208-4216

Optimal Affect

Business Consultants

Sarah Nicole Martin, Founder & CEO sarahnicole@optimalaffect.ca optimalaffect.ca Phone: (519) 998-1137

August 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022

PEO Canada

Business

Services

Veronica Hurtado Business Development Consultant

805 5th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0N6 veronica.hurtado@peocanada.com peocanada.com Phone: (647) 390-6429

PSingh CPA Professional Corporation

Accountants, CPA-CA Pushpinder Singh, Principal 900 Jamieson Parkway, Unit 12 Cambridge, ON N3C 4N6 psingh@psinghcpa.ca psinghcpa.ca Phone: (647) 220-3806

RideCo Inc

Software - Transportation

Jessica Blenkarn, Marketing Assistant 57 Erb Street West Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2 marketing@rideco.comwww.rideco.com Phone: (226) 240-1089 Fax: (866) 837-2786

Right On Landscaping Inc

Landscape Contractors & Designers

Evan Woods, Owner 2302 Dumfries Road, Unit 2 Cambridge, ON N1R 5S3 info@right-on.ca rightonlandscaping.ca Phone: (226) 750-0360

Riipen Technology Recruitment

Stephanie Liebrecht, Senior Project Specialist levelup@riipen.com riipen.com/levelup/employers Phone: (833) 374-4736

The Social Snippet Inc.

Business Consultants

Kristina Bartold-Sorgota, CEO hello@thesocialsnippet.com thesocialsnippet.com

Phone: (519) 496-6426

Union Benefits

Simplicity Real Estate,

a division of Trillium West Brokerage

Real Estate

Alyssa Vasey, Owner/Operator 240 Duke Street West Kitchener, ON N2H 3X6 info@simplicityrealestate.ca simplicityrealestate.ca Phone: (519) 589-2707

Stemotics Education

Asfar Imam, Program Coordinator 695 Bishop Street North Cambridge, Ontario N3H 2K8 info@stemotics.com stemotics.com Phone: (519) 957-1073

Studio Moffatt

Union Pension & Benefit Plans

Rob Andrews, President & CEO

151 Frobisher Drive, Unit E220 Waterloo, ON N2V 2C9 randrews@unionbenefits.ca unionbenefits.ca Phone: (519) 725-8818 Fax: (519) 725-9362

Unique Boutique

Retail - Men's & Women's Clothing & Accessories

Gosia Jurgiel, Owner 26 Young Street East, Waterloo, ON N2J 2L5 uniqueboutique@rogers.com uniqueboutiquewaterloo.ca Phone: (519) 884-1945

Vulcan Consulting

Fall Networking

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gueStS meet with two oF NatioNal Service Dog’S ambaSSaDor DogS at the libro back to buSiNeSS aFter 5

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retiriNg Director alliSoN bourke iS PreSeNteD with a FrameD certiFicate at the 2022 aNNual geNeral meetiNg by outgoiNg chair aDam Smith

atteNDeeS at the mcaP chamber youNg ProFeSSioNalS: Night at the SPeakeaSy

Photos by Adamski Photography

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:

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For more details, please contact Branch Director 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. ©2022 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 22_90561_001

New Members of the Chamber Board of Directors

Ron

Gagnon

(he/him) President & CEO Grand River Hospital

Ron is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of senior leadership experience including 16 years as a hospital President and CEO. He joined Grand River Hospital in November 2018 as its President & CEO after 12 years as the President & CEO of the Sault Area Hospital.

He is a strategic and visionary leader who has successfully led organizational, system and cultural transformations resulting in significant people engagement, service, quality and financial improvements. A collaborative leader with a reputation for strategic alignment, influence, accountability, excellence, relationship building, innovation, and execution, he has overseen impressive strategic and operational results.

Ron has served as a member of a number of provincial advocacy and/or advisory panels and has served on a number of Boards of Directors in healthcare, public utilities, group purchasing, education and innovation related organizations.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant.

Mariam Rasool, Director -Internal Audit, Stelco Inc.

Mariam is the Head of Internal Audit at Stelco Inc, a proud Canadian steelmaker, and reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, providing assurance on governance, risk and control environments. She has over 16 years of experience in Internal and External Audit previously at OpenText (11+ years), PricewaterhouseCoopers (Audit & Assurance), and international accountancy firms in the UK and Pakistan. Her portfolio includes Financial and Operational Audits, Enterprise Risk Assessment, Internal Controls, business process transformation, managing external auditor relationships and partnerships with management on strategic initiatives. She has worked extensively in the IT sector and has been a Merger & Acquisition and Country risk leader. Mariam has a number of Canadian and international accounting, auditing and project management designations under her belt and is an Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) South Western Ontario Committee Member which supports professional development programs for accountants and auditors across the region.

Jodi Armit

Jodi is a senior professional with extensive talent management and organizational development experience. Throughout her career in Human Resources, she embraced the full impact of creating a learning and development environment for employees. Career success for others is so important to her and she has 2 coaching certifications to help source, design and implement the best solutions.

Jodi has deep experiences in all facets of HR and brings a data mind to all she does. She has honed her skills in strategy and telling the vision to help everyone become engaged and excited in the organization’s direction.

Jodi is a strong collaborator, always focusing on what will drive people’s success in the business. She is a trusted advisor and a facilitator, mediator, coach and mentor. She has been responsible for developing talent throughout organizations and has been responsible for DEI progress.

Roberto Villamar, Chief Strategy & Compliance Officer, COHECO

Roberto is an Ecuadorian-Italian entrepreneur and strategist transferred to Canada since 2012 to research best practices in Governance, Strategy and Family Enterprise Management, and to promote investment opportunities.

Roberto holds the role of Chief Strategy & Compliance Officer at COHECO, a group company of Mitsubishi Electric, located in Ecuador, keeping frequent travels abroad and a permanent teleworking practice.

Part of his private activities include owning and running a Property Management company in Ecuador, Family Enterprise Advising and becoming a Google Suite Reseller for Canada, since 2014.

With a strong community volunteering orientation, Roberto has been a member of Compass Kitchener City Hall; and the Regional and Municipal Affairs Committee and the Work Steering Group, both at the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

His Peer to Peer networking activities include the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Corporate Directors, and Family Enterprise Canada, from where he obtained his accreditation as Family Enterprise Advisor.

Providing Food and Services Through the Community Food Assistance Network

No one ever knows when they might need to visit a food bank, until they do. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation have resulted in more people needing food assistance programs here in Waterloo Region and across the province.

Costs for basic human needs such as food, shelter, and transportation have reached record highs this year and are contributing to food bank use. Since March, there’s been a 23 per cent increase in the number of people needing emergency food. In Ontario, that number is even higher. In some areas, food bank use has increased by 50 per cent in 2022.

Deciding to access a food assistance program for the first time can be hard. But we want people to always feel safe and comfortable turning to their community for support in difficult times.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) and the Cambridge Food Bank are at the centre of the Community Food Assistance Network—a system of 100+ community programs and agency partners working together to provide food and support to people in need.

The Network is the first line of support for those needing assistance, and without their care, support, and resources, people in our community wouldn’t have what they need to not only survive, but also thrive. The Food Bank acquires, coordinates, and distributes fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food across the Network. Our agency partners, through community programs, provide welcoming spaces to distribute food support to people in our community.

While food is often what encourages a person to come through the doors of our Network partners, there are many other services available for people who need them. Organizations within the Network are available to anyone and include soup kitchens, community and outreach centres, shelters, residential service providers, food hamper programs, and family resource centres. They help those who are seeking support, needing emergency food assistance, or experiencing homelessness or food insecurity in our region.

If these last three years have taught us anything, it’s that no one is immune to needing help. Hunger can happen to

anyone, anywhere, at any time. In the pandemic’s early days, our Network partners offered a sense of connection and community to people accessing food and other services.

Many people only left their homes to visit neighbourhood food programs, and staff and volunteers became a friendly face during a difficult time. Some programs shifted online, so people could still feel a sense of community even when they were keeping their distance from others. Our agency partners and community programs also made a shift to inperson deliveries, checking in on people and bringing muchneeded items that they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. We’re happy to say that community programs have welcomed people back for in-person programming.

We’re so thankful to those who have supported us during the pandemic, and who continue to support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Food and financial donations help us keep our shelves stocked and the food we acquire safe. The generosity of individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses allow us to support our Network’s community programs and agency partners and, through them, the people of Waterloo region.

Food is a basic human right. No matter where you live in Waterloo region, the Network ensures your neighbours have access to the support and services they need, when, and where they need them.

If you or someone you know needs emergency food assistance, we’re here to help. You can find a food program at thefoodbank.ca/map or by calling our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519-743-5576 extension 340.

Kim is the interim CEO for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kim Wilhelm

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, November 2nd

Chamber Young Professionals: 60 in 60 Entrepreneur Edition

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: WalterFedy (with a virtual option)

Live Ticket - Member: $25

Live Ticket - Future Member: $45

Join us as we hear from six entrepreneurs as they share a total of 60 pieces of advice related to leadership, personal branding, achieving your career goals, and much more!

Title Sponsor: Venue Partner:

Hospitality Partner:

Thursday, November 17th 16th Annual Inspiring Women Event

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: Bingemans (with a virtual option)

Ticket: $185 Table for 8: $1400

Hear from inspiring Canadian women on how they've shifted their mindset to refresh, reset and refocus their lives - personally and professionally.

Gold & Activity Sponsor: Gold Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsor:

Media Partners: Design Sponsor:

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, November 30th

Libro Business After 5: Holiday Edition

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Courtyard by Marriot Waterloo St. Jacob’s

Member: complimentary (but recommended $10 donation to the Feature Charity)

Future Member: $40 minimum donation to the Feature Charity Close out your year with some great networking opportunities in a festive atmosphere. Connect with local businesses at their booths, enjoy themed drinks and treats, and celebrate the start of the holiday season with other professionals. Holiday attire is encouraged!

Title Sponsor: Gold Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsor:

Sign & Print Sponsor: Host Venue:

Feature Charity:

Thursday, January 12th

MNP Speed Networking

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Location: Virtual on HopIn Member: $20

This Speed Networking event is always highly anticipated! Meet other business professionals in a quick (yet efficient) method of virtual networking. You’ll be randomly matched with an individual for a timed one-on-one video conversation, plus a speed round of group networking!

Title Sponsor: Supporting Sponsor:

Canaries and Hope

Around 1911, miners started carrying canaries into the mines with them. The canaries became a metaphor for warning signs – when the canary keels over, it's time to leave the mine. Every industry has its canaries to warn of danger, to tell us that if we don't alter our course, the outcome could be tragic.

For those who serve individuals grappling with homelessness, poverty, mental health, and addiction, the canaries were there for years. The pandemic simply made it more visible. Our community has been shocked to witness the extent and depth of our homelessness crisis. Driving by encampments has made this crisis all too real and that much more difficult to ignore.

It's so very hard to see this. It's even harder to look away.

Last year, the Region of Waterloo completed its most recent Point in Time count, where individuals experiencing homelessness were physically counted. Approximately 1,100 people made that list – and many of them (412, at the time of the count) were "living rough" – in tents or makeshift shelters.

It probably comes as no surprise that this number has likely grown since then.

And, of course, that isn't the only problem our region faces. While every household continues its slow and painful recovery from the pandemic, we must acknowledge that another pandemic is steadily taking lives – the synthetic drug crisis.

Sam Quinones is a journalist and author whose latest book is The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. Earlier this year, he wrote an incredibly poignant article in the Globe with the title: The synthetic drug era is here. Canada should take notice before it's too late (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/amp/opinion/article-thesynthetic-drug-era-is-here-canada-should-take-notice-beforeits/ )

His sobering article exposes the canaries we've experienced over the past five to seven years here in Waterloo Region.

Unlike ‘yesterday’s drugs’, like cocaine, synthetic drugs are not plant-based and can be produced anywhere – cheaplywith the right mix of widely available chemicals. The opioid crisis provided fertile ground for a new synthetic drug market to flourish.

Today, drugs like fentanyl and meth have devastated communities across North America. They are different from drugs of the past. The era of recreational drug use has ended.

Today's drugs are toxic, poisoning and killing family members from all walks of life.

Synthetic drugs are a triple threat: accessible, affordable, and addictive. Cartels are well-run, efficient businesses, creating and delivering their goods to communities across the globe. It has never been easier to access these drugs; it has never been more affordable. The greatest danger is how much more addictive they are and the profound, permanent damage they cause to one’s brain, affecting one’s physical and mental health. These drugs are immediately addictive and change who you are and how you behave.

In his book, Quinones asks – and answers – why communities that have never experienced homelessness before have seen it explode.

The seemingly infinite supply of synthetic drugs has created demand and is filling a need. Life isn't fair, and so many traumatic experiences happen to people every day. Who wouldn't want a cheap pill to take away the pain? The short-term relief is gratifying, but the long-term effects are devastating.

Do we have a housing crisis, or do we have a drug crisis? Staying housed with a synthetic drug addiction is nearly impossible. It's not a coincidence that encampments have exploded across North America alongside this synthetic drug era.

We are in the depths of a mine and don't know how to get out. It's enough to make it difficult to hold on to hope, isn't it?

But I want to tell you why I still believe in hope, why I believe there's a way out – and how there is a role for all of us to play. Together is the only way we can move forward.

The first reason I can hope is the incredible innovation I have seen at work these past several years.

While Waterloo Region has an international reputation as a home to innovators in the world of technology, it might be a bit of a surprise that our social service sector is equally innovative.

Our shelter and housing partners, along with the Inner City Health Alliance and the Region of Waterloo, have tried new approaches these past few years.

And the value is in the trying. If you are deep down in a coal mine, looking for a way out, you need to try every possible option before you can breathe clean air again.

These new approaches recognize how intertwined addiction, mental and physical health issues are with homelessness. Someone living with significant addiction challenges involving synthetic drugs will struggle to become healthy enough to find safe, secure, affordable housing. It will be that much more difficult for them to stay housed, without additional help.

It would be like diagnosing someone with cancer and then not providing chemotherapy or radiation while somehow expecting them to get well. It simply doesn't work.

When we take the time to help individuals become healthy, to honestly address the underlying problems that have led to homelessness, we are helping set them up for future success. And their success is a success for our entire community.

I also have so much hope because I see the caring people behind this innovation.

Whether they are in leadership roles or direct-service staff, their compassionate care and passion to walk alongside people in crisis are genuinely inspiring.

And I have also seen this compassion and care from you, our business community who are seeing the need and rising to the challenge.

Whether it is through employee groups volunteering, business leaders who advocate for change, or those who have reached out to our organization asking how to help, clearly many of you also believe in hope.

After all, hope, at its core, is an action, not just a feeling. And that brings me to my final reason for hope.

This community is filled with people of action. We've seen it time and time again. When there is a need, when there is a challenge, we have a community that will be there – especially amongst our business community.

I know the news headlines have been bleak these past few years. I know that you are grappling with your own personal and business challenges. I know that everyone is exhausted.

But I know that with our collective power, by working together, we can change the story for community members and for our region.

You can support the innovators, the change-makers responding to the homelessness and synthetic drug crises – the individuals who are stepping up and showing how compassion, thought, and creativity can change and save lives.

You can lend your own voice of hope to the story. You can be a person who believes in new beginnings, believes in new ideas, and believes in people.

The canaries have been warning us for years. It's our turn to respond.

Imagine the community you would want if your child or family member was on the street and help make that community a reality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Neufeld

John Neufeld is Executive Director of House of Friendship. To learn more about House of Friendship’s mission and services, visit www.houseoffriendship.org.

Shop and save.

SWANSON’S HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE

166 Park Street Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1M8

Phone: (519) 743-1404 Fax: (519) 743-0784

Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council

Four 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.

© 2021 Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd. All rights reserved.

The YMCA of Three Rivers: We’re Here for Good

Community. It’s a big word that carries a lot of emotion and meaning. For some, community is a physical space. For others, it’s more about a feeling of connection and belonging. When it works well, community provides safety, inclusion, support, friendship, encouragement, empowerment, and more. And, when it’s broken, it’s a hurt felt by all who see themselves as a part of it.

The thing about community is it only works when all who are a part of it engage with it and take ownership of it. It’s not something for one person or organization to own and care for.

For many, the Y is often associated with feelings of community. Because of the large offering of programs and services, for many Y users the meaning of this Y community is rooted in their personal experiences. For a newcomer seeking Immigrant Services, support from the Y community looks and feels different than what a family sees at Child Care. For many, the Y is synonymous with learning how to swim, or perhaps a summer camp memory. And, still for others, it’s where they gained new skills and found a job through Employment Services. Regardless of how our community accesses the Y, the important thing is we’re there, showing up, providing access to resources and supports, and making connections to other community services to help individuals grow and thrive.

As a charity, the YMCA of Three Rivers is committed to showing up for our communities (which include GuelphWellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region), where and how our people need us most. We’ve done this for more than 150 years – though how we’ve delivered programs and services has changed and evolved to meet current and emerging community needs. In short, we’re here for good – meaning both the active doing of good, and the longterm commitment of being here for good. Why? Because by committing to showing up and doing good in our community, we’re doing our part in helping make it a great place to live, learn, and grow.

Today, our community is adjusting to a new, postpandemic normal – something not yet fully defined. And our organizational commitment – to show up for our communities, to do good today and in our future – remains

unwavering. What does this look like? We’ve recently launched new programs to help youth find and share their voices – including 2SLGBTQ+ and Moving Black Lives Forward. This summer we piloted a Women’s Only Swim time – to provide an equity-seeking population with the opportunity to learn water safety, and connect with one another in a welcoming space. With the generous support of community partners and donors, Immigrant Services is piloting a Newcomer Journey program wherein all newcomers (including international students and nongovernment supported) play a more active role in accessing the resources they feel they need to best adjust to their new home. During the pandemic we also introduced YMCA WorkWell, which is committed to helping organizations and businesses equip their leaders to adopt a people-first, datainformed approach to workplace well-being. These programs and services don’t exist in isolation. They are embedded and work as a part of the overall infrastructure that is our bigger community. A community we’re proud to be a part of.

The Y, your Y, is here for good. Today – and for the long haul. What that good looks like and how we help bring it about may change, but regardless of what our community looks like in the future, you can count on the Y, showing up to support it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Ennis Chief Executive Officer,

YMCA of Three Rivers

Mike's passion for community connection, health, and well-being is evident in his progressive leadership work with YMCAs across Ontario. He deeply understands the complexities and emerging needs of our diverse communities, and is committed to helping make them healthier and more vibrant.

Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible

A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

A Local Solution to the Homeless Issue

The Working Centre has been on a journey to create lowbarrier shelter options for the growing numbers of people living outside. We started with a pop-up shelter at St. Mary’s Church in November 2019, and then moved to the old Tim Hortons at the corner of Frederick and Lancaster.

Throughout the pandemic, St. John’s Kitchen has been a primary location for the unsheltered as we have remained open providing meals, warmth and cooling space, showers, laundry, public washrooms along with medical clinics and outreach supports.

The encampments reflect in our society the greater use of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and meth that undermine the ability of individuals to navigate. The combination of mental health issues, drug addiction and a tight housing market with private rent above what an individual receives on social assistance is resulting in growing encampments.

The Working Centre with the Region of Waterloo created more than two hundred interim and emergency beds while also keeping St. John’s Kitchen open.

This September, we are serving almost 700 meals a day through St. John’s Kitchen and outside through meal distribution at the garage. These meals are cooked at our commissary kitchen on Queen Street and distributed to St. John’s Kitchen, the University Avenue Dorms, and the Emergency Shelter.

In the Fall of 2020, we opened University Avenue Dorms, demonstrating the model of interim housing as an alternative to the traditional shelter options. This model of housing for eighty people coming directly from the streets into housing has been widely successful.

We continue to support up to 60 rooms in different Kitchener motels, providing interim housing to almost 80 people each night with acute medical issues.

Since December 2021, we have supported a nightly emergency shelter of about 60 beds first at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Queen and Weber, then at the former Edith MacIntosh daycare. At the end of September, we now have a new home at 1668 King Street East in the old Schwaben Club, renting space from Stephen Litt of Vive and Woodhouse Properties who are working towards a condominium complex on this property with construction to start by June of 2024.

In all of this work, tremendous credit and gratitude must be offered to the workers and volunteers, who have all

responded to the dictates of hospitality in ever generous ways.

The Working Centre is also in the middle of two major downtown housing projects. The first is the 21 new apartment units being built at 44-54 Queen Street South. We are making space for safe housing for immigrant and refugee women. Much of this housing will help single refugees/ immigrants with children. Our Queen Street hub offers a wide range of supports that will complement these apartments.

The construction is slated to finish in February. These bright high ceiling loft units all have generous big windows donated by Strassburger Windows. Funding through the Federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative hosted by the Region of Waterloo has a goal of achieving occupancy within a year. We are working with general contractor Just Working Construction founded by Jeff Van Gyssel who has used this project to give new Canadians a first-time chance to learn Canadian construction skills. The on-site lead of the project, Kelvin Chatinyara came to Kitchener in 2015 as a refugee from Zimbabwe and used the services of The Working Centre and MCRS. Now he is leading the project which will help other newcomers to our community.

The final project is the Making Home site at 97 Victoria which will build 44 small apartments for those facing deep homelessness. Perimeter Development has contributed $1 million and is using its development infrastructure to move the project to completion. The project will rebuild St. John’s Kitchen while creating a courtyard for the housing and enhanced services.

The Working Centre has responded to the pandemic through over 200 interim or shelter beds. The two new downtown housing projects will create necessary long term supportive housing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joe Mancini

The Working Centre has a 40 year history building 30+ projects creating housing and affordable access-to-tools projects mainly in downtown Kitchener. Joe Mancini along with Stephanie Mancini has been part of The Working Centre since 1982.

LOTS of Options to Support Community

As I write this, I have been with Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) for about a month. I’m diving right in, looking for every opportunity to meet people through community events (such as the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce AGM) and over lots of coffee. Many common themes are emerging, but one especially resonates with me as it reinforces this community’s spirit of giving and bias for action.

“How can I help?”

“How can I collaborate with WRCF to support people across Waterloo Region?”

“How can our businesses do more good?”

To those questions, I offer the following:

(1) Donate to a campaign supporting local issues. Over the past few years, WRCF has collaborated with local community champions (both individuals and organizations) to help manage donations to support issues they care about. In 2022, Jane Arnold and Allyson Kroetsch saw a need in the region. Local charitable organizations lacked funding to buy necessities - like toothpaste, menstrual products or bus passes – for their clients. Together with a team of volunteers, supported by WRCF, Jane and Allyson created the Essentials Fund and raised over $36,000 and provided unrestricted grants to 17 organizations to provide their clients with essential items.

When partnering with WRCF, a fund is established to support the community’s long-term goals, while maximizing the immediate impact donations can have. The local business community has the opportunity to engage with these campaigns directly, or by encouraging their employees to get involved. And employee donation matching provides additional incentives by doubling the impact!

(2) For as little as $500, join others and invest in Affordable Housing solutions. Do you or your employees have money that you would like to invest and make a rate of return? What if that investment could simultaneously address the affordable housing crisis in Waterloo Region? Kindred Credit Union worked with WRCF to develop an innovative solution that has the potential to make a difference locally. Kindred launched an Affordable Housing GIC with deposits earning a competitive rate of interest for the investor, and those funds being directed to loans for long-term, owned or rented permanent affordable housing. Details, including how to purchase this product, are available at www. kindredcu.com/affordable-housing-gics.

(3) Make decisions incorporating the views of people who are affected. If your business is designing products or services that impact people in neighbourhoods across our region, include them in the process. In 2022, WRCF designed an Engagement Toolkit to help others build engagement actively into affordable housing solutions. The tools can easily be adapted to address other issues. Visit www.wrcf.ca/publications to download the toolkit.

(4) Establish a fund for your company. Once you understand what issues matter to your company and your employees, consider establishing a permanent endowment fund in your company’s name, donating now, with the ability to grant forever. Companies can select how donations are made to their fund; what percentage is directed to flow-through donations; how your employees are involved in decision-making; and what issues you want to support. Contact dan@wrcf.ca if you want to learn more.

WRCF’s mission is to bring people together to solve the issues of today and tomorrow by amplifying voices, maximizing resources, and co-creating solutions. We are committed to making it easier for businesses, organizations and individuals to do more good – and drive positive social impact. Running a business after the toll of COVID-19 is challenging. Owners, managers, and employees are re-examining their priorities, and rethinking how to engage with the broader community. If you’d like straightforward, trusted assistance navigating all the charitable and philanthropic options in Waterloo Region, we are here to help. We are your resource, your Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Reach out if you have questions, ideas or just want to chat. Let’s have a coffee and explore ways we can take action together!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Avner

Eric Avner is the President & CEO of Waterloo Region Community Foundation (KWCF), an organization focused on creating and supporting “Sustainable, Equitable, Thriving Communities.” You can contact Eric at 519-725-1806 x 201 or at eric@wrcf.ca www.wrcf.ca

Welcome to Enova Power Corp.

For more than 100 years, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and Waterloo North Hydro have kept the lights on for residents and businesses across Waterloo Region. Now, following the successful merger of the two organizations, Enova Power Corp. (Enova) will drive what’s next in energy and sustainability in the region. Enova publicly began operation on September 12, 2022. The new utility’s 311 employees are dedicated to providing the energy solutions needed to drive and empower more than 157,000 customers across the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, and Wellesley. “This merger is a natural fit. Our teams have been collaborating for several years on projects that benefit our customers and communities,”

Smart, Reliable, Ready

said Jerry Van Ooteghem, CoCEO in a media release. “By finally joining as one, we can reduce barriers and deliver cost and operational efficiencies while moving electricity distribution in Kitchener, Waterloo and the townships forward to the next chapter.”

What To Expect from Enova?

Enova customers can continue to expect the high-level of service and reliability they have counted on to keep their homes and businesses powered up. Enova is the backbone of the communities it serves and will work around the clock to ensure customers have power they can rely on.

“Our core commitment to our customers will not change. We share a strong culture of customer service, and this culture will ensure that our high standards of customer service, safety and reliability will continue even as we move into the future,” said Rene Gatien, Co-CEO.

Enova is also committed to exploring new ways to provide energy solutions to make the communities it serves more sustainable.

“Combining our strengths will allow us to do bigger and better things,” adds Gatien. “It’s an exciting prospect.”

Where Can I Learn More?

Learn more about Ontario’s newest electricity utility at enovapower.com or follow Enova on social media through the accounts shown below.

Scan this code to watch Enova Power Corp.’s welcome video and learn more about us.

TECHNOLOGY KEY TO REDUCING EMISSIONS

This method was pioneered in Saskatchewan in 1999, grabbing CO2 from a coal gasification plant in North Dakota and injecting it into mature reservoirs near Weyburn, Sask. – the world’s first project to inject CO2 from an industrial source. To date, carbon captured at Weyburn totals 40 million tonnes, equivalent to removing emissions from about 10 million cars.

ADVANCING CLEANTECH

Carbon capture is at the forefront of emissions reduction strategies for the oil and natural gas sector as well as industries such as cement and steel, chemicals, and fertilizer manufacture.

A recent poll by Leger indicates increasing public support for Canadian energy on two fronts: exporting Canadian oil and natural gas to help address global energy security issues; and the oil and natural gas sector’s innovative use of technology to lower greenhouse gas emissions – especially through carbon capture.

CARBON CAPTURE: PROVEN, EFFECTIVE

Among the major technologies the energy industry already uses, and intends to expand, is carbon capture and storage (CCS). This proven technology captures carbon dioxide (CO2) and injects it deep underground for safe, permanent storage – thus avoiding CO2 emissions.

Currently there are several operating carbon capture facilities in Western Canada, with more to come. One is Quest, which captures CO2 from the Scotford Upgrader near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The CO2 is injected into a sandstone reservoir more than two kilometres underground. Since 2017, Quest has stored more than six million tonnes of CO2

About CAPP

Elsewhere, the Aquistore facility grabs emissions from SaskPower’s Boundary Dam coal-fired electricity generation plant near Estevan, Sask. and injects that CO2 into a saline (salt water) zone three km below the surface. The project started in 2014 – the first coal-fired power station in the world to successfully use carbon capture technology – and to date has prevented about four million tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

A variation on the CCS theme is carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). In one approach, captured CO2 is used to flood a mature oil reservoir, displacing oil molecules trapped in the rock. The injected CO2 enhances production while also storing carbon.

Other technologies that are helping reduce emissions from oil and natural gas production include digitization, automation, and design and fabrication of cleantech equipment that increase efficiency, reduce energy use and mitigate leaks. And much of that expertise resides in Ontario, where leading innovators and technology developers are connecting with oil and natural gas producers to help achieve a common goal: fewer emissions.

Ongoing environmental performance improvement has always been critical to maintaining a responsible, vibrant and competitive energy sector.

Canada’s oil and natural gas industry can help provide global energy security, while finding solutions for a low-carbon future through innovation. Canada is a world leader in developing advanced technologies and spurring the growth of Canada’s cleantech sector.

Canada’s oil and natural gas producers are ensuring Canada is positioned to help meet global climate commitments as the supplier of choice in a world that demands a lower carbon energy future.

CAPP represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and oil throughout Canada. CAPP’s member companies produce about 80 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and oil. CAPP is a solution-oriented partner for affordable, clean, safe and secure energy. CAPP is dedicated to ensuring Canada is positioned as the supplier of choice in a world that demands a lower-carbon energy future. Learn more at CAPP.ca.

A perspective from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

Canadians’ confidence in emissions-reduction technology is growing. That’s good news not only for our oil and natural gas producers but also for innovators and technology developers in Ontario.

Member Notables

The Future of Electricity Distribution in the Region of Waterloo

On September 8, 2022, the merger of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and Waterloo North Hydro was officially completed to form Enova Power Corporation. The new organization commenced operations on Monday, September 12.

Rene Gatien, former President and CEO of Waterloo North Hydro and Jerry Van Ooteghem, former President and CEO of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro have been appointed Co-CEOs of Enova Power. Steve McCartney is the new Chair of the Board of Directors for Enova Power while Rosa Lupo is Board Chair of parent company Enova Energy Corporation.

Enova Energy Corporation is owned by the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, and the Townships of Woolwich, Wilmot and Wellesley. The subsidiary Enova Power is the seventh largest electricity distribution company in Ontario serving over 157,000 residential and business customers.

Communications Organization Reaches Thirty Years of Service

Windsor-based Hold Please Communications is proud to be celebrating thirty years of experience in 2022, providing both local and international businesses with messages-on-hold, auto attendant greetings, radio commercials, and a variety of other services.

President and C.E.O. Joe DiGiorgio founded Hold Please Communications in July of 1992 to serve the needs of local businesses for on-hold messaging services and quickly expanded the company to become a full-service audio marketing company assisting businesses across North America.

“Our services optimize first point-of-contact to ensure every client-business interaction is positive and memorable and builds the lasting relationships that are essential to business longevity,” says Joe DiGiorgio. “Research shows that 88% of callers prefer on-hold messages. They not only improve the overall caller experience; they also reduce hang-ups, educate callers about your business, create upselling opportunities, and build brand awareness.”

WalterFedy Partners with Toronto Architects for New Opportunities

Local organization WalterFedy and Baird Sampson Neuert (BSN) Architects recently announced a merger to advance their common goal of enhancing the world through collaborative design excellence.

Baird Sampson Neuert is a Toronto-based firm with a 50-year history of award-winning Canadian projects that advance sustainable design and technical achievements in Canadian architecture. Founded in 1972 they rapidly gained a national profile for innovative approaches to urban design across a broad cross-section of both private and public sector clients.

Garth Cressman, CEO of WalterFedy, indicated the new partnership will amplify the presence of both firms in Canada and enable enhanced services with elevated client experiences. The firms are well positioned to provide innovative and exploratory design solutions.

Baird Sampson Neuert architects

Member Notables

Constant Contact Establishes Canadian Innovation Lab

On October 4, 2022, digital marketing platform Constant Contact announced that it has opened a new innovation lab at the Communitech Hub. This strategic investment, which developed through a partnership with Waterloo EDC, will guide the company’s product evolution and represents Constant Contact’s first physical presence in Canada.

The lab will function as a hub for advanced research and product development in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company will tap into Waterloo Region’s thriving student population, which offers some of the brightest young minds in technology. Constant Contact’s highly successful Software Engineering Development Program will offer students handson experience working directly with engineers to shape the future of its product pipeline.

Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact, noted the Waterloo-Toronto region was chosen because it is Canada’s leading technology ecosystem and one of the most innovative corridors in North America. They are committed to growing in Canada and look forward to becoming a fixture in the Waterloo community in the coming years.

Conestoga President’s term renewed to 2024

The Board of Governors of Conestoga College recently announced that President John Tibbits will continue to lead the institution for another two years based on a recent agreement that extends his term until 2024.

Dr. Tibbits assumed the role of President at Conestoga in August of 1987 and recently celebrated 35 years of service. Under his leadership, the school has evolved from a small community college to one of Ontario’s leaders in polytechnic education serving more than 50,000 full and part-time students each year through a network of campuses across southwestern Ontario.

Recent achievements under President Tibbits include the opening of a new campus in Cambridge for skilled trades education accompanying the expansion of campuses in Waterloo, Brantford and Downtown Kitchener. Future plans include the establishment of a full-service site in Milton.

“This is an exciting time in the history of Conestoga as we continue to build essential capacity to meet workforce needs and prepare for a new generation of highly qualified workers to support the prosperity and well-being of our communities and the province of Ontario,” noted President Tibbits in a Conestoga news release on September 15, 2022.

• Arugula salad with roasted beets, goat cheese, spiced nuts, red onion, and balsamic vinaigrette.

• Roasted Butternut Squash with winter spice, crème fraiche, and sage.

• Roasted Turkey Breast with stuffing, rosemary garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, and gravy.

• Herb Roasted Salmon with rosemary garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, lemon, and fresh tarragon beurre blanc.

• Butternut Squash Gnocchi (vegetarian option) with caramelized onions, wilted greens, and crispy sage.

• Warm Apple Crumble with bourbon crème anglaise. ...and

ARRIVE IN THE PRESENT

THE ALL-NEW INTUITIVELY CONNECTED LEXUS NX

Reconceived from the inside out, the 2022 Lexus NX intuitively connects driver and vehicle with modernized design, thoughtful cockpit and innovations in driving dynamics. Its long list of Lexus firsts includes a Plug-in Hybrid Electric powertrain, the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Find yourself in the moment in the latest NX Series.