S e p t e m b e r | O c t o b e r 2021
Waterloo Region’s Return to Education
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advocate September | October 2021 www.greaterkwchamber.com
features
Feature
editor-in-chief:
Loretta Notten
editor:
Feature
design and production
John Tibbits
Feature
17 Re-Engaging the Path Forward for K-12 Education
Art Sinclair Heather Hutchings M&T Printing Group
19 Fall 2021 Delivery Plans
advertising and sales:
25 Laurier’s Safe and Gradual Return to Campus Deborah MacLatchy
Bonnie Frank - bfrank@greaterkwchamber.com Dana Walton - dwalton@greaterkwchamber.com Lisa McDonald - lmcdonald@greaterkwchamber.com contributing writers:
Deborah MacLatchy, Carolyn Marsh, Ian McLean, Loretta Notten, Jenna Petker, Mhari Reid, Art Sinclair, Adam Smith, John Tibbits advertising and copy deadlines:
September 17, 2021 for November-December 2021 November 15, 2021 for January-February 2022 January 24, 2022 for March-April 2022 March 15, 2022 for May-June 2022 July 18, 2022 for September-October 2022 September 19, 2022 for November-December 2022 subscription and back issue inquiries:
Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com submission policy:
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PUBLICATION OF:
departments Message from the Chair
New Members
4 An Investment in Knowledge Pays the Best Interest Adam Smith
10 April 1, 2021 to
Message from the President
12 Event Highlights
5 Vaccines Necessary for the Successful Start of New School Year Ian McLean
Carolyn Marsh, Mhari Reid Events
Advocacy
Member Notables
7 Reconciliation Starts at
Post-Secondary Education Art Sinclair
July 31, 2021 Networking
20 Mark Your Calendar 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.
Perspective on Health Care
8 COVID-19 – Finding
Opportunity in a Time of Challenges Jenna Petker
Printed on recycled paper
advocate September | October 2021
3
message from the chair
An Investment in Knowledge Pays the Best Interest As our so-called, “one-dose summer” winds to an end, we can be thankful that most Waterloo Region residents are now fully vaccinated, meaning some semblance of normalcy is finally within reach. With that healthy dose of relief, many of us are setting our sights on what’s next, and as it does every year when the crisp autumn air settles over our region, education becomes top of mind as family and friends return to formal education, while others seek out supplemental learning opportunities to improve themselves and their businesses. If you’re wondering what’s new and changing in the education space here in Waterloo Region, I encourage you to check out the feature articles in this edition of the Advocate by three of our local educational institutions: Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and The Catholic School Board. If you’re looking to boost your business acumen, you’ll be happy to know there are several organizations here in Waterloo Region that aim to equip SMB owners with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully grow their businesses. Since starting my business, My IT Guy Corp, 17 years ago I have benefited from several such organizations, and I would encourage new business owners, and established businesses looking to grow their business to the next level, to explore these organizations further to find programs best suited to your unique needs: • the Small Business Community Network (www.sbcncanada.org), • the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre (www.waterlooregionsmallbusiness.com), • Communitech (www.communitech.com), • and of course, our very own Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (www.greaterkwchamber.com) Here at the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, we are always looking for new ways to provide even more value to our members, and our educational opportunities have helped our members with selling strategies, marketing plans, advanced business planning, and other important developments and skills they might need when growing their businesses. If you are about to strike out on your own and jump into the world of entrepreneurs, you may want to start with “Start Your Own Business” at https://greaterkwchamber.com/ education/start-business/ If you’re already up and running, and looking for a little guidance from seasoned professionals, or a group to expand your network and bounce ideas off of, you might want to check out our Peer2Peer Groups.
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
The Manulife Business Success Series is a free weekly event that explores timely topics and resources for businesses, and you can find a wealth of information on topics like "Trademark & Copyright Law", "Grief In The Workplace - How To Handle It", or "Strategies To Prepare For Your Year End" in the Past Webinars posted on our site. Is your business due for a “digital transformation”? The Scale-Up Institute Toronto’s Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is an immersive, highly practical online program designed to enable your business’ digital transformation and catalyze scalable opportunities for growth through a series of seminars, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship with industry experts. Are you looking to expand into international markets? The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is designed specifically to help you accelerate the strategic development of your business and better prepare you for exactly that. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Education is crucial to our success as individuals, as business owners, and for the success of our communities. I encourage you to invest in knowledge, and share what you learn with others – who knows what opportunities you may unlock?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Smith CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Adam founded My IT Guy in 2004 and has grown the business substantially over the past 16 years. Today, Adam and his team deploy their collective expertise in helping small and medium sized businesses wisely invest in technology solutions that make them more efficient, more productive, and more profitable. Adam is also heavily involved with the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce since 2009, currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors, as well as volunteering with and co-hosting the quarterly meetings of 100 Men Who Give a Damn.
message from the president
Vaccines Necessary for the Successful Start of New School Year The key to successfully opening Ontario schools and the provincial economy is broad vaccinations for all residents that will ensure we avoid a potentially devastating fourth wave of Covid. Vaccinations are critical to safely re-opening schools this September. Something so important that the Premier has promised he will drive a bus himself if required to make it happen. Over the summer of 2021, many issues on the vaccination file will require resolution and a major debate is emerging around whether COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory for all students aged 12-17. In Ontario, it appears that it will be strongly recommended, but not mandated. This is a lost opportunity as in Ontario, school-aged children must be immunized against diptheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, and whooping cough – unless they have a valid exemption. Students born in 2010 or later must also be vaccinated against chickenpox. Epidemiologist Raywat Deonandan has said clinical trials have shown COVID-19 vaccines to be effective and safe on children. In addition to vaccinations, ventilation, masking and other public health measures should be part of the plans for this September. The Executive Director of People for Education, said a task force of health experts, parents, educators and students should be working collaboratively on a strategy for school re-entry this September – including whether the COVID shot should be mandatory. People for Education agrees the vaccine should be mandatory for the same reason that measles, mumps and rubella are on the list of very contagious diseases. Also, plans to use high schools and elementary schools as accessible vaccine clinics would increase vaccination rates and we trust this is part of the plan.
Minister Jill Dunlop wants all institutions to collaborate with their local public health units. Pop up clinics during the summer is one method of ensuring as many students are vaccinated as possible. The Ministry has informed all Ontario colleges and universities to prepare for in-person learning in the fall with no capacity limits or physical distancing rules on campus. Post-secondary institutions were also told to prepare a backup plan to keep classes running in the event of a possible future COVID-19 outbreak. While vaccines will not be mandated, the provincial government is recommending on-campus doses and rapid testing. Minister Dunlop has claimed that post-secondary institutions are legal entities of their own and the provincial government does not manage matters related to academics and administration. On July 27, the Ontario government announced that unvaccinated students will face different isolation rules compared to their vaccinated peers. The outbreak management plan for the new school year applies separate sets of rules based on vaccination status and cautions those who have yet to receive a dose they will be forced to learn from home if they are exposed to the virus. A more fully immunized student and staff population will face minimal interruption from work or school if they come in contact with a “high risk” carrier of the virus and test negative. Moving forward, government decisions around education must be based on science, with the first priority being protection of the people in the schools. Anything short of a staged re-opening of schools is unacceptable.
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation wants the Ontario government to take direction from health experts. The teachers’ unions also want masking, improved air filtration, and smaller class sizes in order to safely re-open. The Ontario Ministry of Education said it continues to strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect schools and help end the pandemic. However as Premier Ford has repeated many times over, Ontario will not make vaccines mandatory. Vaccinations will also not be mandatory at post-secondary institutions across Ontario. Most are requiring students staying in residence to have at least one dose but will not mandate vaccine policies on campus. While the provincial government will not require shots, Colleges and Universities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
advocate September | October 2021
5
Access Student
Talent
Connecting small businesses with post-secondary students
Work with students in a variety of ways: co-op work terms field placements capstone projects and more!
Learn how students can help your business! The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s Access Student Talent program helps to connect small businesses and not for profit organizations with post-secondary students. We make it easier for small businesses to engage with students by providing resources and connections to our education partners.
In partnership and funded in part by:
www.bher.ca
Our Educational Partners:
Contact Allison Mitchell
Stay Connected Stay Connected
(519) 576-5000 ext. 6056
Access Student Talent Program
amitchell@greaterkwchamber.com greaterkwchamber.com
@AST_GKWCC & @GKWCC www.greaterkwchamber.com
advocacy
Reconciliation Starts at Post-Secondary Education Perhaps the most memorable analysis related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and their recommendations for Canadians is the quote often repeated by Commission Chair and former Senator Murray Sinclair that “education has gotten us into this mess and education will get us out.” The wording on the quote has varied but the message is consistent. The initial reference applies to residential schools. The second relates to post-secondary and other programs that will address many historic inequities in the national education system and define the future direction of and commitment to reconciliation. Senator Sinclair also observed that education is the focus of reconciliation and central to changing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. His message has also consistently advanced the belief that all Canadians, collective and individually, need to do more to address past decisions for moving forward from past inequities. Newly appointed University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel, in a July 2,2021 Globe and Mail column, noted that a successful post-pandemic university will be one that seizes technological advances to build on centuries of expertise and subsequently use technology as a tool to break down barriers to access. Universities must ensure our brightest minds obtain the same opportunities to innovate. This principle starts with ensuring every member of our community feels represented and empowered. For these institutions and the communities they serve, the outbreak of COVID-19 has made the important work of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples all the more urgent. A July 13, 2021 editorial in The Toronto Star cited a recent Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) study that documents an alarming and emerging gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians in relation to digital literacy. Indigenous youth are less confident in their skills, which originates from only a quarter of their households possessing access to quality, high speed internet. As The Star editorial board notes, another generation is falling behind at the very time when jobs and the economy are experiencing a massive technological transformation. Nearly two-thirds of jobs held by Indigenous workers are at risk of disappearing or significant adjustments as robotics and automation transform both skilled trades and resource-based sectors. Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing cohort of Canadian youth, with their numbers expanding four times quicker than the non-Indigenous population. Indigenous high school
graduation rates are improving, but only 45 percent of Indigenous Canadians possess a post-secondary education compared to 71 percent of the non-Indigenous population. The overall conclusion originating from the RBC report is that rapid expansion of high-speed broadband internet and greater access to digital tools will be critical for Indigenous youth to take advantage of the decentralized and postpandemic economy, and position them for new opportunities in online health and education services, e-commerce and digitally enabled mining, forestry and agriculture. The Royal Bank recently appointed former Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Chief Roberta Jamieson to their board of directors effective for August 1 of 2021. She is also the first Indigenous woman to earn a law degree in Canada. As Murray Sinclair noted, we owe it to each other to build a Canada based on our shared future. This cannot occur until equity of access to education and career opportunities is addressed. Waterloo Region has constructed a global profile and reputation for our local post-secondary educational institutions. The unique and innate relationship between business and universities has also been identified as the foundation for our national and global economic success. Many communities across Canada consider Waterloo Region as a model to be duplicated. We collectively have an obligation and responsibility to lead on reconciliation and Indigenous education. As UW President Vivek Goel states we have to break those barriers to equity and ensure, as the recent RBC report notes, Indigenous students can close the digital divide to acquire the skills for technology applications. Governor General Mary Simon noted in her inaugural address on July 27, 2021 that reconciliation is simply getting to know one another – a simple goal that we can all obtain. Canada has institutions of higher learning that innovate and develop global leading technologies. However the fundamental principles of collaboration and connecting are paramount.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
advocate September | October 2021
7
perspective on health care
COVID-19 – Finding Opportunity in a Time of Challenges This past year has been extremely difficult. The pandemic has affected all sectors of business, including healthcare. But it is has also proven to be a time of opportunity. A time to reflect, adapt, and change how we do things. Last year, for our Annual Family Medicine Resident Event, we shifted to an online programme engaging with family medicine residents from across the province, country and beyond. As a result of expanding our reach in this new virtual world, we found great success recruiting from outside our traditional borders. We have been fortunate enough to have recruited a number of physicians from outside Ontario who are now calling Kitchener-Waterloo home. Though traditional recruitment efforts have not been possible this year, we look forward to a time when we can connect, network and engage with physicians in person again.
in Kitchener-Waterloo would be like. They will have the opportunity to hear from community leaders, meet with local physicians, learn about the practice opportunities, and tour Kitchener Waterloo (virtually). When time permits, we are excited invite our guests to join us at a later date (hopeful for spring) in person to give them the full in-person experience. In addition to the Annual Family Medicine Resident Event, we will continue to participate/attend virtual medical recruitment fairs across Canada to continue to identify and connect with future family physicians. Our successes and efforts would not be possible if it wasn’t for our generous corporate, municipal and personal sponsors and volunteers of this program. We sincerely thank our partners for their generous and continued support as we continue to strive to bring physicians to our community.
23rd Annual Family Medicine Resident Event – Staying Virtual This year we will be welcoming back family medicine residents virtually. On Saturday, November 6th, we will invite family medicine residents to engage with local family physicians, emergency physicians, business and community leaders for our 23nd Annual Family Medicine Resident Event. During their virtual visit, family medicine residents and their partners will have the opportunity to see what life
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
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.
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
COMMUNITY
SMALL BUSINESS
Individual Contributors
VIDEO SPONSOR
AL HAYES
IAN MCLEAN
new members
April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021 AAT Accounting Solutions Business Consultants
Anu Kakkar, Principal 1075 North Service Road, Suite 100 Oakville, ON L6M 2G2 info@aataccounts.com aataccounts.com Phone: (905) 901-1311
Alexander Immigration Services Inc. Immigration & Naturalization Consultants Hemalatha Alexander, CEO 22 King Street South, Suite 300 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 info@alexanderimmigration.ca alexanderimmigration.ca Phone: (647) 773-3673 Fax: (855) 891-1122
Armodilo Display Solutions Inc. Display Designers & Producers Jack Young, General Manager 3060 Sawmill Road , Unit B St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 admin@armodilo.com armodilo.com Phone: (519) 206-5000
Benard + Associates Inc.
Investigators - Workplace Investigation (Main); Conflict Resolution Specialists Dean Benard, President & CEO 240 Holiday Inn Drive, Unit J Cambridge, ON N3C 3X4 dbenard@benardinc.com www.benardinc.com Phone: (519) 880-1917 Fax: (519) 880-0722
Blue Skies Bookkeeping Services Inc. Bookkeeping Services
Maureen Farkouh, Director blue_skies_books@yahoo.com blueskiesbookkeeping.squarespace.com Phone: (519) 404-7552
Boma Learning Centre Inc. Rehabilitation Services
Amy Domitrovic, Clinical Director/ Behaviour Analyst 900 Guelph Street, Unit 401 Kitchener, ON N2H 5Z6 domitrovica@bomalearning.ca bomalearningcentre.com Phone: (226) 581-2682
Champagne Insurance Agency Inc. Insurance Agents & Brokers
Dustin Champagne, Owner/Agent Intern 103 Bauer Place, Unit 1 Waterloo, ON N2L 6B5 dustinchampagne@gmail.com Phone: (519) 591-4612
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Clover Kitchens
Eveley International
Caterers
Manufacturers
Coaching with Kyley
Everbond Interface Technologies Inc.
Jason Doolan, Owner 620 Davenport Road, Unit 9 Waterloo, ON N2V 2C2 eat@cloverkitchens.ca cloverkitchens.ca Phone: (226) 647-6209
Coaching (Main);Business Consultants Kyley Paul, Vision Planner 32 Frankfurt Street Kitchener, ON N2R 1T5 coachingwithkyley@gmail.com kyleypaul.com Phone: (226) 346-0426
Crania Schools Tutoring
Tasreen Charania, CEO 245 The Boardwalk, Suite 301, Waterloo, ON N2T 0A6 info@crania-schools.com crania-schools.com Phone: (519) 781-8810
Diwakar Immigration Services Inc. Immigration & Naturalization Consultants Diwakar Sharma, Director info@rushtocanada.ca rushtocanada.ca Phone: (905) 317-8022
DTK Chapel Wedding Chapel/Service
Cheryl Nyusa, CFO 665 Arvin Avenue Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5R2 eveley-int.com Phone: (519) 648-3898
Technology
Ellen (Zhiyu) Gong, VP Finance 305 Karen Place Waterloo, ON N2L 6K8 everbond-interface@outlook.com Phone: (519) 998-2269
Fresh Eats Food Wholesaler
Evva Vandervoort, Local Ambassador sales@fresh-eats.ca fresh-eats.ca Phone: (519) 591-7978
Golden Gate Foam & Fireproofing Contractors' Equipment, Service & Supplies Michael Crijan, Owner/CEO 35 Trillium Drive, Unit 1 Kitchener, ON N2E 0H2 mikecrijan@goldengateltd.ca goldengatefoamandfire.com Phone: (226) 962-2711
GoRight Fleet Solutions Transport Services
Effinlazy Agency
Julie Hofstetter, Human Resources Payroll 10 Forwell Road Kitchener, ON N2B 3E7 julie_hofstetter@gorightfleet.com gorightfleet.com Phone: (519) 576-9290 Fax: (519) 576-8404
Marketing Consultants
Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Jeff Maeck, Owner 200 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 hello@dtkchapel.com dtkchapel.com Phone: (519) 498-1236
Sid Saraiya, Brand Strategist 10 Branlyn Crescent Brantford, ON N3P 2A2 sid@effinlazy.com effinlazy.com Phone: (226) 450-0870
Eldon's Painting and Decorating Painting Contractors
Eldon Watamaniuk, Owner-Operator 158 Westchester Drive Kitchener, ON N2B 3L4 eldonspainting@gmail.com Phone: (519) 572-2941
Marketing Consultants
Ellen Graf-Martin, Founder/Managing Director 40 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 1M7 ellen@grafmartin.com www.grafmartin.com Phone: (519) 342-3703
Hello Gorgeous Flowers Florists
Irene Panchuk, Owner/Operator hellogorgeousflowers@gmail.com hellogorgeousflowers.com Phone: (647) 608-5773
new members
cont'd on page 14 Highland Cannabis Health & Wellness
Owen Allerton, CEO 370 Highland Road West, Unit 15B Kitchener, ON N2M 5J9 owen@highlandcannabis.ca highlandonhighland.com Phone: (519) 742-4200
HR Enable
Human Resource Consultants (Main); Paralegals Samina Sial, President 5063 North Service Road, Suite 100 Burlington, ON L7L 5H6 info@hrenable.ca hrenable.ca Phone: (905) 483-5115
Impact Training Centre
Sports Associations & Organizations
Imad Qahwash, General Manager/Owner 10 Executive Place Kitchener, ON N2P 2N4 info@impactbasketball.ca impactbasketball.ca Phone: (226) 808-7883
Isotherm Mechanical Inc Heating Contractors
Dave Brueckner, Operations 1429 Sheffield Road Cambridge, ON N1R 8B2 service@isothermmechanical.ca isothermmechanical.ca Phone: (226) 988-7770
JT Productions
Video Production
Jeremy Travers, Owner/Executive Producer 55 Suth Drive Kitchener, ON N2M 4B4 jeremy.travers@gmail.com jeremytravers.com Phone: (226) 929-0520
Junk Hungry
Waste Management & Recycling Services Brandon Hunt, Owner/Operator 187 William Street Elmira, ON N3B 0C2 junkhungry.com Phone: (226) 979-2165
Kim Wolf Leadership Coaching & Manufacturing Consulting Leadership Development
Kim Wolf, Founder 206 Wimpole Steet Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 kwolfleadership@gmail.com kimwolfconsulting.com
Lean Payments
Motion Heating & Cooling Ltd
Financial Technology Services
Heating Contractors
Lyn Henderson - The Agency
Murphy Business Alliance - Waterloo Region
Nadir Ibrahim, CEO/Co-Founder 420 Wes Graham Way, Suite 102 Waterloo, ON N2L 0J6 nadir.ibrahim@leanpayments.ca leanpayments.com Phone: (855) 747-5326
Real Estate Brokers & Agents
Lyn Henderson, Real Estate Broker 417 King Street West, Unit B1 Kitchener, ON N2G 1C2 lyn.henderson@theagencyre.com Phone: (226) 989-8037
M.S. Mohindru Professional Corp. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Maninder Mohindru, Principal 25 Jenkings Court Branchton, ON N0B 1L0 accounting_excellence@yahoo.ca Phone: (647) 466-3897
Maid in KW Cleaning Co. Cleaning Service-Residential/ Commercial/Industrial Jen Gosling, Owner Kitchener, ON 1maidinkw@gmail.com maidinkw.com Phone: (519) 410-1062
Medical Innovation Xchange Technology Incubator (Medical)
Elliot Fung, Executive Director 809 Wellington Street North, Unit 2 Kitchener, ON N2H 5L6 elliot@medicalinnovationxchange.ca medicalinnovationxchange.com Phone: (226) 339-3587
MetCredit Collection Agencies
Brian Summerfelt, President & CEO 6860 Century Avenue, Unit E 300 Mississauga, ON L5N 2W5 info@metcredit.com metcredit.com Phone: (905) 819-8939
Motion Electrical Contracting Ltd. Electrical Contractors
Katie Pope, Owner 770 Glengarry Crescent Fergus, ON N1M 2W7 sales@motionehc.com motionelectrical.com Phone: (519) 787-6953
Katie Pope, Owner 770 Glengarry Crescent Fergus, ON N1M 2W7 sales@motionehc.com motionheatingandcooling.com Phone: (519) 787-6953
Business Brokers
Greg Wood, Intermediary/Sales Representative 620 Davenport Road, Unit 36 Waterloo, ON N2V 2C2 g.wood@murphybusiness.ca gregwood-murphy.ca Phone: (905) 320-4242
Next Level U Sports Sports Recruiters
Ryan Neceski, Head Recruiter info@nlusports.com nlusports.com Phone: (226) 600-7046
Nobi Labs Inc.
Internet & Technology Products & Service
James Leitch, Business Development 12 Guthrie Lane Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 info@nobiinc.om nobiinc.com Phone: (647) 598-8880
Only1AndyWright Photography & Design Photographers
Andy Wright Owner & Principal Photographer 900 Guelph Street, Unit 107 Kitchener, ON N2H 5Z6 team@only1andywright.com only1andywright.com Phone: (647) 768-7697
Pet Valu - Franklin Pet Shop & Supplies
Greg Querin, Owner 200 Franklin Boulevard Cambridge, ON N1R 5S2 franklinpv@rogers.com petvalu.com Phone: (519) 740-1860
Pita Pit - Stanley Park Restaurants
Martine Thomas, Owner/Operator 1020 Ottawa Street North, Unit 111 Kitchener, ON N2A 3Z3 ca203@mypitapit.ca pitapit.ca Phone: (519) 208-7482 advocate September | October 2021
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networking
Event Highlights After nearly 18 months, we finally hosted our first LIVE event – the 29th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble on Monday, August 9th at Rebel Creek Golf Club. The sun was shining on over 100 guests as we hit the links for a great day of networking and camaraderie, and raised funds for the Chamber’s Healthcare initiatives including Physician Recruitment. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a fun and successful day! As we launch another busy season of events starting in September, we hope to return to more live (and hybrid) events soon. In the meantime, refer to the “Mark Your Calendar” section in this edition of the Advocate for a list of upcoming virtual events. It has been a hard time for so many businesses, but as we work to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic, many are setting their sights on opportunities for growth once again. Here are a few opportunities to promote your business through Chamber events: 1. DONATE. Throughout the year, we have several opportunities for Chamber Members to donate a product or service to be featured in events as prizes, live auction
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items, or guest gift bags. 2. S PONSOR. There are sponsorship opportunities for nearly every Chamber event. We can work with you to find an option that meets your goals (and budget) to make sure you’re reaching the right audience. 3. S PEAK. Want to share your business story or industry expertise with other professionals? You can visit the “Speaker Portal” on our website to submit your application and be considered for future speaking opportunities at Chamber events. 4. A TTEND. And of course, the easiest way to promote your business is by networking at Chamber events and making new connections that are mutually beneficial. You can even attend as an Exhibitor, with a custom-designed (virtual) exhibitor booth to help build brand awareness. If we can assist you with any of the areas above (or offer other unique solutions!), please contact us at events@greaterkwchamber.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Marsh
Mhari Reid
Carolyn is Events Manager for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Mhari is Events Coordinator for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
networking
2021 Golf Scramble Highlights
Photographs by Adamski Photography
advocate September | October 2021
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new members
April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021 Protect Your Wealth
cont'd from page 11
Insurance Agents & Brokers
Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario
Refine Design Co.
Korey Rorison, Regional Development Specialist 1510 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 1E3 krorison@rmhcsco.ca rmhcsco.ca Phone: (905) 521-9983
Parvesh Benning, President & Wealth Advisor 50 Coreslab Drive Dundas, ON L9H 0B2 contact@protectyourwealth.ca protectyourwealth.ca Phone: (877) 654-6119 Fax: (877) 654-6120
Interior Design or Decorating Services Martina Vigini, Owner 173 Seabrook Drive Kitchener, ON N2R 0K1 martina@refinedesignco.com refinedesignco.com Phone: (519) 498-4012
Regency Sound
Audio Equipment
Kevin Kuch, CEO 461 Regency Crescent Waterloo, ON N2T 1P2 kevin@regencysound.com regencysound.com Phone: (519) 884-8254
Renata Rusiniak
Honorary Members
Renata Rusiniak, 29 Thornhill Drive c/o Green Horseshoe Solutions Guelph, ON N1H 8B6 renata@greenhorseshoesolutions.com Phone: (519) 400-7754
Rent Panda Inc. Real Estate
Hart Togman, Owner & COO 661 Balsam Street Thunder Bay, ON M5S 3B8 hello@rentpanda.ca rentpanda.ca Phone: (226) 790-4005
Roger R Foisy & Associates Lawyers
Roger Foisy, Principal Lawyer 2000 Argentia Road, Plaza 4, Suite 295 Mississauga, ON L5N 1W1 rfoisy@injurylawyercanada.com injurylawyercanada.com Phone: (905) 286-0050 Fax: (905) 286-4381
Rogers
Wireless & Cell Phone Services
Michael Camporese District Sales Manager 685 Fischer Hallman Road, Unit D Kitchener, ON N2E 4E9 sales@beyondwireless.ca beyondwireless.ca Phone: (519) 571-0910
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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs
S&V Uptown Restaurants
Jill Sadler, Owner 15 King Street North, Unit 5 Waterloo, ON N2J 2W6 info@swineandvine.ca swineandvine.ca Phone: (226) 476-4418
Schooley Mitchell:Garnet Devries Business Consultants
Garnet Devries, Owner/Operator garnet.devries@schooleymitchell.com Phone: (519) 838-6922 Fax: (647) 578-8599
Shelter Movers - Waterloo Region Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs
Courtney Waterfall, Chapter Director courtney@sheltermovers.com sheltermovers.com/waterloo
SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community Space Charitable, Not For Profit & Community Orgs
Kristy Skelton, Acting Executive Director 283 Duke Street West, Unit 210 Kitchener, ON N2H 3X7 info@ourspectrum.com ourspectrum.com Phone: (226) 779-9695
Spring Living Retirement Communities Senior Citizen Services
Cheryl Anderson, Sales Consultant 290 Queen Street South Kitchener, ON N2G 1W3 cheryl.anderson@springliving.ca springliving.ca Phone: (519) 576-1300
Tactycs
Marketing Consultants
Zack Platt, Co-Founder 295 Hagey Boulevard, Suite 100 Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 zack@tactycs.io tactycs.io Phone: (519) 998-6654
The Curator's Shop Gifts
Leah Mackie, Co-Owner hello@TheCuratorsShop.com TheCuratorsShop.com Phone: (519) 573-3119
The Gems Of Life Inc. Leadership Development
Fadhwa Yusuf, Owner/Founder fadhwa@thegemsoflife.com thegemsoflife.com Phone: (519) 277-8665
The Golden Horseshoe Hospitality Group Inc. (The Hemlock Barn) Restaurants
Josh Perovic, Owner/Operator 1217 Lobsinger Line St. Jacobs, ON N2J 4G8 jperovic@thehemlockbarn.ca thehemlockbarn.ca Phone: (226) 268-7834
The GrandWay Events Centre Convention Services & Facilities
Jenna Knox, Experiences Manager 7445 Wellington County Road #21, RR#2, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 info@thegrandway.com thegrandway.com Phone: (519) 846-5455
The Grazing Table KW Food Services
Celine Brancier, Owner 341 King Street East Kitchener, ON N2G 3L3 hello@thegrazingtablekw.ca thegrazingtablekw.ca Phone: (519) 505-4724
The Social Acre Inc. Marketing Consultants Teri Patrick, President info@thesocialacre.com thesocialacre.com Phone: (705) 923-1387
Titan Auto Glass Glass - Automobile
Bill Weckworth, Owner 561 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 5Z7 titanglass.kw@gmail.com titanautoglass.ca Phone: (519) 778-7360
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Re-Engaging the Path Forward for K-12 Education As we get ready to begin the 2021-2022 school year we are transitioning from one of the most unprecedented years in education from the past century. In the time between March 2020 and June 2021 students in Ontario spent more time learning remotely than in any other jurisdiction and everyone within the Waterloo Region community experienced an educational journey unlike any other we had collectively known. There is a tendency to frame this period of time and student experiences from the lens of loss. And while there can be no doubt that there were challenges, reflecting on this time invites deeper consideration on the true impacts and how to identify the path forward. The impacts were not uniformly felt, nor were they uniformly negative. Any plan forward needs to consider those disproportionately affected and needs to empower the necessary stakeholder voices to properly re-engage all learners and to ensure we experience “lift from loss”. Throughout the pandemic we at Waterloo Catholic articulated that student and staff wellbeing was our paramount priority. It remains so as we envision the path forward. As we return in September we will be emphasizing that it is not “business as usual”, that we need to take the time to re-establish relationships, to assess where students are at and to meet them there. It will be a time to practice patience and to resist trying to move students to quick fixes. In that spirit we know that the pandemic exacerbated a shadow crisis in both mental health and in equity. We know that many of our students have suffered from anxiety during this time and we will want to bring the joy into their learning and ensure that each student has a meaningful caring adult supporting their return to learning in the new school year; listening to them as individuals and recognizing their personal experiences. Their voices need to be heard. With a foundation of wellbeing prioritized, the next goals are connected to engagement and equity. We know that a number of students may have disengaged from learning and that in many cases, this disengagement was experienced disproportionately. Our work now is to ensure we re-engage and invite all our learners back into a
rich and deep learning experience. The process has already begun over the summer with a number of summer learning programs that are intended to help bridge any learning gaps that have presented themselves during the pandemic. But there are specific initiatives planned in the fall intended to target our youngest learners and early literacy – bridging the gaps that have emerged for them. We have also hired staff to assist us with re-engagement and specifically targeting our BIPOC population. Equity will emerge even more prominently as we begin the deep work of raising awareness about our systemic biases and our unconscious biases that impact our curriculum, our staffing, our policies and processes. It will be a bold new approach to doing better and post-pandemic is the perfect time to launch these elevated expectations. All of this happens against the backdrop of innovation. The pandemic forced all educators to see obstacles as opportunities and this is the strong momentum we wish to build upon. By truly listening to student voice, by not abandoning the gains made in virtual learning, by returning to the foundation of our global competencies of collaboration, problem-solving and creativity we can set a culture of high expectation and engagement that supports students to new and powerful possibilities. Living in the innovation hub of Canada, with the support of our parents and community partners, the future is hope-filled.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Loretta Notten Loretta Notten is the Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board
advocate September | October 2021
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For more details, please contact Vice-President and Branch Manager Mark Hodson at 519-747-7790 or mark.hodson@rbc.com. We value diversity in the workplace, are committed to Employment Equity and will provide reasonable workplace accommodation to applicants with disabilities. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2017 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 17_90561_001
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Fall 2021 Delivery Plans Conestoga’s leadership team has worked diligently to develop plans for the Fall 2021 semester in the effort to balance the safety and well-being of our college community with the desire to return to more in-person learning. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create a great deal of uncertainty given the emergence of new variants and the slowing of vaccine uptake. Conestoga is committed to delivering the best possible education for all our students. This fall, we will gradually increase on-campus activity where it is safe to do so and in accordance with Public Health guidelines. We will continue to deliver hands-on learning activities in our labs, shops and studios to ensure that students can successfully meet the requirements of their courses and programs. Many theory-based courses will continue to be delivered remotely this fall. Our faculty and staff teams have made tremendous efforts to develop a positive and engaging experience for students engaged in remote learning. A full range of services and extracurricular activities delivered remotely augment in-class learning and provide students with a positive college experience despite pandemic restrictions. While we look forward to having everyone back on campus as soon as it is safe to do so, the health and well-being of our students and employees will always be our top priority. Conestoga has followed provincial and regional public health guidelines since the beginning of the pandemic. More than 16,000 students have participated in essential, oncampus learning activities since July 2020, with no evidence of COVID-19 transmission. Strict measures that include screening, social distancing, masking and sanitizing have been applied rigorously to protect the health of students and employees. While recent case counts and improved vaccine access give cause for optimism, the pandemic is not over, and vaccination rates among the 18-29 year-old age group are relatively low. New and emerging variants are more transmissible than the original virus, while many have become less vigilant in following public health guidelines.
cannot support a safe return to campus for all students and employees at this time. We are hopeful that a higher percentage of our students and employees will be vaccinated by the start of the winter semester 2022, thereby allowing for fuller easing of restrictions and a return to full on-campus operations. Increased vaccination uptake will allow us to increase oncampus activity. This fall, students living in residence or participating in varsity sports will require vaccinations. For the winter semester, Conestoga is considering a vaccine requirement for everyone learning or working on our campuses. On-campus vaccination clinics and campaigns to promote broader awareness will contribute to increased vaccine uptake across the college community. Post-pandemic, Conestoga will have a significant role to play in rebuilding Ontario’s economy through education and applied research that will address workforce needs, support business recovery and provide opportunities for displaced workers to return to meaningful employment. We will continue to focus on building capacity, advancing quality and enhancing sustainability as we work in collaboration with our partners to support learner success, economic development and the prosperity and well-being of the communities we serve. Conestoga is well positioned to meet Canada’s future workforce needs due to our strong ties to employers, our high quality programming and our growing capacity as we expand our footprint across southwestern Ontario and develop more in-person and more remote and hybrid delivery models that will increase access to programming for diverse learner groups.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Tibbits John Tibbits is the President of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
This fall, Conestoga’s full-time enrolment is expected to exceed 25,000 students. Under existing conditions, we
advocate September | October 2021
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events
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1:00pm-2:00pm • Virtual Event (Zoom) Members: Complimentary The Manulife Business Success Series is a free weekly event that explores timely topics and resources for businesses, giving your organization the tools it needs to thrive. Sessions are hosted live every Wednesday at 1:00pm, and a recording of each session is made available online, to watch on-demand.
10:30am-12:30pm • Virtual Event (Zoom) Members: Complimentary Join us to hear more about the past year in review, and an introduction to the 2021-2022 Board of Directors! Plus, we'll hear from Scotiabank's Chief Economist! Speaker Sponsor:
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Thursday, September 9 Libro Business Around 5 4:00pm-5:30pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Members: Complimentary • Future Members: $25 Exhibitor Booth: $75 Build new business connections and have a little fun too, during these welcoming and “drop-in” style networking events. Plus, visit the (virtual) Expo to learn about small businesses located here in our community. Save the Date for other BA5’s this Fall, including: • Tues, October 19th – Small Business Week Edition • Thurs, December 2nd – Holiday Edition Title Sponsor :
Tuesday, September 21 4th Annual Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit 7:30am – 5:00pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Members: $175 (use promo code GKWCC99 to purchase your ticket for only $99) The 2021 Summit will explore key issues associated with the theme of Disruption. In particular, keynotes and panel discussions will focus on the human integration of talent and tech to capture sectordisruptive opportunities. Keynote Speaker Sponsor:
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Owning the Global Cyber Podium (Canada: A Global Leader in Cybersecurity)
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11:00am-1:30pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Members: $25 (or $40 for the Series) Exhibitor Booth: $125 (or $225 for the series) With the rapid growth of the digital economy, Canada needs to build a strong cybersecurity sector to be a global leader in innovation and talent development. Learn how you can be protected, and what this growth sector means for you and your business. This event is the first in a 2-part series. Save the Date for part 2 of the series: • Thurs, March 24th – Owning the Global Cyber Podium (Canada: A Global Cyber Talent Destination) Title Sponsor:
6:00pm – 9:00pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Tickets: $100 Cook alongside some of the Region's top Chefs as they guide you through your dish preparation (including dessert!), using the ingredients provided to you. Enjoy live entertainment, learn from a sommelier, and bid on auction items! This event helps shine a spotlight on the culinary talent in the Region, while helping raise funds for the Chamber's Healthcare Initiatives, including Physician Recruitment. Platinum Silver Sponsor: Sponsor: Bronze Design Sponsor: Sponsor:
Thursday, November 18th 15th Annual Inspiring Womxn Event
Thursday, October 7 YNCU Chamber Young Professionals 4:30pm-6:00pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Members: $10 • Future Members: $25 These events are perfect for the young (and young at heart) who are looking for professional development and networking opportunities with other business professionals in the Region. Whether you’re looking to grow in your career, or are already established, connect with other like-minded individuals, and hear from industry experts on leadership, goal setting, inspiring innovation, and more.
8:00am – 12:00pm • Virtual Event (Hopin) Tickets: $70 • VIP Tickets: $115 • Exhibitors: $225 The Inspiring Womxn Event is designed to motivate, connect, and celebrate womxn in business, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership. This year’s event will focus on Forging a Path Forward. Speakers will be announced soon! Gold & Activity Sponsor: Bronze Sponsors:
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advocate September | October 2021
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The Giddy family have been providing personalized and caring services in Fergus & Elora since 1981 and are devoted to providing their compassionate services to the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Whether your wishes are traditional or modern, a memorial service or celebration of life, we offer a diverse range of services that are personally tailored to suit your needs. If you have any questions regarding burial or cremation services, please call or feel free to stop in – we are always available.
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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.
advocate September | October 2021
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Laurier’s Safe and Gradual Return to Campus After more than a year of teaching, learning, working and conducting research in a predominantly virtual environment, we are thrilled at Wilfrid Laurier University to be welcoming students, faculty and staff back to campus this fall. Many of our employees and students have been on campus throughout the pandemic to support operations and inperson academics and research. For most employees, return to campus will be a phased-in transition from August through October; for students, the fall term begins after Labour Day. The persistence and accomplishments of everyone through the past year-plus have been extraordinary. In our fall transition, ensuring the health and safety of our university community, and the wider Kitchener-Waterloo community, is of utmost importance. Throughout the summer we have been engaged in an ambitious campaign to raise awareness of how vaccinations can help support a safe return to in-person activities. We are making it easy for students and employees to get vaccinated by offering immunization clinics at our Wellness Centre on the Waterloo campus through the summer and fall. Students who will be living in residence, a congregate setting, are required to be vaccinated. We have learned much since March 2020. Students are telling us that they enjoy the enhanced accessibility of having some supports in a virtual environment while also needing the in-person contact with peers, staff and faculty that comes with on-campus learning. To better support students, we will be offering a combination of in-person and online service appointments to suit student preference. Many employees told us that they enjoyed the flexibility of working from home during the past months. We have initiated a flexible work pilot, aligned with operational needs, in which employees can request up to three days per week of work from home. As we make these changes, we will concentrate on ensuring the culture of engagement, so important for Laurier’s thriving community, flourishes. What will fall look like on campus? To ensure our students are comfortable and well acquainted with each other, campus, and the community, we are hosting a combination of inperson and virtual orientation activities for first-year, secondyear and graduate students coming to campus for the first
time. Residences will operate at full capacity. We’re excited about the return of varsity sport, and opening of the library and study spaces, food services, recreation facilities, etc., all within public health guidelines. As part of our fall academictransition term, Laurier’s in-person classes are limited to 100 students or less and classrooms are at 50% capacity to maintain social distancing; students will be learning through a mix of in-person and virtual courses dependent on program. Our goal is to return to regular in-person classes by winter term. Laurier’s researchers, faculty and students both, have had to find new and creative ways to modify their studies during the past year. Some pivoted to make significant contributions to the nation’s pandemic response, including through novel research, public education, media interviews, and participation on pandemic advisory panels. Their contributions will continue as we build back from the many social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic. Many of us have missed the rhythms of campus life. This is a time to celebrate and enjoy the vibrancy that accompanies in-person activities at the university, while recognizing the flexibility and health protections afforded by virtual working and learning. We have done significant planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to campus. We look forward to working with our exceptional neighbours and community partners in Kitchener-Waterloo to experience a healthy fall.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah MacLatchy Deborah MacLatchy has been president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University since 2017. She was previously provost and vice-president academic and dean of science at Laurier and dean of science, applied science, and engineering at the University of New Brunswick.
advocate September | October 2021
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Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.
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If your organization would like to support the Chamber through a partnership program, please contact Heather at hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com
advocate September | October 2021
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new members
April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021 ULMA Construction Systems Canada Inc Construction
Maria Bernardou, Marketing Manager 540 Jamieson Parkway, Unit 6 Cambridge, ON N3C 0G5 mbernardou@ulmaconstruction.ca ulmaconstruction.ca Phone: (519) 658-5656
Utopia Tea Tea
Ken Preville, President info@utopiatea.com utopiatea.com Phone: (519) 562-1616
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VTC Energy Solutions Energy Consultants & Management Shemora Davy, Owner shemora@vtcenergysolutions.com vtcenergysolutions.com Phone: (226) 220-7917
Waterloo Dental Dentists
Abbas Naqvi, Director Communications 585 Weber Street North, Unit 5 Waterloo, ON N2V 1V8 admin@waterloo.dental waterloo.dental Phone: (519) 883-8764
Waterloo Independent Secondary School - Laurel Education Schools - Academic - Elementary & Secondary Leilei Cheng, Business Director 435 King Street North Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z5 info@waterlooss.ca waterlooss.ca Phone: (226) 647-8000
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services Safety Consultants & Training Jennifer MacFarlane Key Account Manager 5110 Creekbank Road Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1 jennifer.macfarlane@wsps.ca www.wsps.ca Phone: (855) 254-6165 Fax: (905) 614-1414
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advertorial
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are two categories of defaming statements that may be relied upon: libel and slander. “Libel” consists of any written or printed words or any visible or audible matter recorded in any form of a more or less permanent nature, like e-mails, newspapers, broadcasts as well as statements on social media. “Slander” consists of spoken words or other transitory forms of communication that leave no permanent record, such as sounds, looks, signs or gestures. Your reputation is important in all aspects of life, whether socially or professionally; whether personally or for your business. Once harmed, your reputation can be incredibly hard to restore. Defamation is a unique area of law. If you feel that you have been defamed, your best option is to consult with a lawyer who practices in this area of law. Christopher R. Dawson Chris Dawson practises in the areas of personal injury and defamation law. If you or someone you care about has been injured, contact him today for a free consultation. 519-640-6360 cdawson@lerners.ca
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member notables
Member Notables Local Google Executive departs for Venture Capital Firm Steven Woods, the former head of Google’s engineering operations in Canada, is joining Canadian venture capital firm Inovia as partner and chief technology officer. According to The Waterloo Region Record, Woods will help manage $1.5 billion in early and growth-stage funds and evaluate deal flow from a technology and talent perspective. Dennis Kavelman, a former chief financial and operating officer at BlackBerry is included among Inovia’s founding partners. Woods was hired by Google in 2008 and departs as the local workforce exceeds 1,300 employees compared to six when operations commenced in Kitchener during 2005. He has also been a keynote speaker at past Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce events. We commend and thank him for many years of service to both local businesses and the community.
New Dean of Social Work Appointed at WLU Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Kathy Hogarth as their new dean of the Lyle S. Hallman Faulty of Social Work effective for September 1, 2021. Dr. Hogarth is currently an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo, as well as a special advisor on anti-racism and inclusivity for the vice-president, research and international. Previously she worked at King’s University College, York University and Laurier as a research and teaching assistant, as well as at the University of Technology in Jamaica. Dr. Hogarth served as vice-president of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, chair of the anti-racism advisory working group for the Region of Waterloo and was a cofounder of the Black Faculty Collective at the University of Waterloo.
Local Business Owner Appointed to Libro Board of Directors Stephanie Soulis, founder and CEO of Little Mushroom Catering and Dining Lounge in Cambridge was recently elected as a Board Director of Libro Credit Union. She previously served for six years as an Owner Representative in Waterloo. Stephanie has held leadership positions as Chair of the Kitchener Public Library, Chair of Foodlink Waterloo Region, and the Chair of the Hospitality Program Advisory Committee for Conestoga College. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, Stephanie was the inaugural recipient of the Libro Growing Prosperity Award for Owner Representatives. In 2015, she was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award in Cambridge, and was inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as the first ever Junior Achievement Alumni of Distinction.
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member notables
Member Notables Waterloo Region District School Board Appoints New Director Trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board recently announced the appointment of jeewan chanicka as the new Director of Education to the Board effective August 3, 2021. A news release from the Board indicated jeewan brings a deep commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff and the community, and fostering collaboration across the system to advance student achievement and well-being. His experience leading equity and anti-oppression initiatives across Ontario and internationally will advance the board’s commitment to providing educational excellence to all students. During the past twenty years chanicka has held a range of teaching and leadership positions within the York Region District School Board, the Toronto District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education. He holds a Master of Education degree from York University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts from York University.
Director of Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives appointed by City of Kitchener Suzanne Charles Watson recently joined the City of Kitchener as Director, Equity, AntiRacism and Indigenous Initiatives. Most recently, Suzanne worked to mainstream equity, diversity and inclusion best practices across the Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in Toronto where she held the role of Senior Project Manager. She has conducted extensive training on equity, diversity and inclusion issues and worked with the Research Institute and Hospital’s Executive teams to embed EDI principles into the organization. In addition to her professional work Suzanne is a strong advocate of volunteerism and mentorship and sits on community and NGO boards in the Greater Toronto Area dedicated to social justice.
Thirty-Five Years of Service for Caudle’s Catch Seafood Owner Ron Caudle from Caudle’s Catch Seafood in Kitchener would like to thank all their employees, families and many customers who have made the company what it is today. They are a growing company with a strong family succession plan and strategy to diversify and move forward. The company is very grateful they are able to give back to the community and support many local charities that make Waterloo Region a better place to live. Ron’s exemplary commitment was formally recognized by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce when he was awarded the Annual Michael R. Follett Community Leadership award in 2020. Caudle’s Catch mission is to enable their employees to make any seafood dining experience the best ever. Ron continues to source products from Atlantic Canada and the Great Lakes to ensure the highest quality to local consumers.
advocate September | October 2021
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