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Feature
7 The Challenges for the New Ford Administration Art Sinclair
Jenna Petker
editOr: Heather Hutchings
29 Leading By Example: A Look at Economic Growth for Waterloo Region Amid National Uncertainty Matthew Bondy
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Heather Hutchings - hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com
4 " A smooth sea never made a skillful -Franklinsailor"D.Roosevelt
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Feature
23 How Businesses can Push Back Against the Pinch of Inflation
perSpective On health care 8 24th Annual Family/ Emergency Medicine Resident ShowcasesWeekendK-W
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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
Tony LaMantia
19 Post Covid: It’s Time To Focus More On Our Kids Scott Higgins
advocate September | OctOber 2022 www greaterkwchamber cOm 3advocate September | OctOber 2022
12 Mark Your Calendar netwOrking
Feature
6 Continuing Challenges for Local and National Business Owners Ian McLean
meSSage FrOm the preSident
15 Event Highlights
20 Changing Attitudes and New Workplace Realities with Covid-19 Could Impact Businesses This Fall Julie Garner and Doug Anderson
25 Tourism Benefits Everyone
advertiSing and SaleS: bOnnie Frank - bFrank@greaterkwchamber cOm dana waltOn - dwaltOn@greaterkwchamber cOm liSa mcdOnald - lmcdOnald@greaterkwchamber cOm
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cOver StOry
Jason Kingston
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Adam Smith
Doug Anderson, Matthew Bondy, Julie Garner, Scott Higgins, Jason Kingston, Tony LaMantia, Carolyn Marsh, Ian McLean, Mhari Reid, Gwyn Peters, Jenna Petker, Michele Saran, Art Sinclair, Adam Smith, advertiSing and cOpy deadlineS:
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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.Printedon recycled paper
departments
27 What's Next for Business Investment in Waterloo?
member nOtableS 34 Chamber Members Achieving Success
deSign and prOductiOn M&T Printing Group
10 April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022 eventS
I do believe that creating a formalized nominations process that seeks to reach out to nominees beyond our traditional circles, and to encourage their participation and perspectives
Again, our Executive and Governance committees continued our behind-the-scenes work on establishing and documenting the processes and schedules that keep us all on course. I am pleased with how we have organized those resources into an independent Board repository where it will remain accessible for subsequent boards and their Chairs, hopefully sparing any further “uh oh” moments.
message from the chair 4EveryWWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COMoutgoingBoardChairisasked
around the board table, will greatly benefit our Board, the GKWCC, our members, and our community.
Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adam Smith CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As the new Board Chair, that thought was weighing on me early into my two-year term. It had unofficially started sooner than planned, by about six months, along with the arrival of the pandemic in early Spring of 2020. Not only was I stepping into a role that was new to me, but a role for which there was no instruction manual for the countless new challenges that awaited every single one of us. There would be no travelling to Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce Conferences to meet, engage with, or learn from other Chambers’ board members. Our board was also adjusting to both planned and unplanned departures of some of our longest-serving and most experienced Directors; the previously abundant and readily available pools of knowledge were quickly shrinking.
Yes – definitely! Did any of us really have extra cycles to spare in 2020???
Founder & CEO of My IT Guy Corpproviding Managed IT Services to SMEs. Adam is an involved community advocate, and co-hosts 100 Men Who Give a Damn.
Firefighting was necessary through the first year: Our board meetings devoted a lot of time to COVID themes, doing our best to support Ian and the rest of the GKWCC staff where we could, and of course celebrating their crucial successes along the way too. Behind the scenes, I brought together our Executive Committee and Governance Committee to collaborate on the important foundational pillars we needed to bolster, so that they wouldn’t get left behind.
As for my own “uh oh” moment: Had I bitten off more than I could chew?
and succession planning were immediately top of mind for me. I felt that by addressing those foundational pillars, and establishing and documenting processes where they were lacking, we could make measurable improvements to how well we operate, provide some level of transparency to Board nominations, and make sure that whoever follows as Chair would have the resources they needed to successfully “steer the ship”.
Work through the second year became far less chaotic as “pandemic life” became more predictable, enabling our full Board of Directors to bring their focus back to our 2020-2023 strategic plan – finalized in January 2020 – to re-evaluate what still made sense for the remaining year, and to begin reflecting on what might next be in store for 2023-2026.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Without a doubt, challenging times laid ahead, and it was clear that time and energy would have to be directed Boardinternally.governance
I turned my eye to the nominations process. Like all organizations, the GKWCC is vulnerable to systemic racism.
“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”
The difficult decisions that followed George Floyd and Regis Korchinski-Paquet shone a very bright light upon the GKWCC Board. With more than 1-in-5 people in Waterloo Region selfidentifying as a visible minority, and none participating on our Board, it was painfully obvious that we had not yet done the important work we needed to do.
While I appreciate the contributions of all our Directors over these challenging years, I would like to extend a special thank you to the truly dedicated and knowledgeable people I was fortunate enough to work most closely with: Scott Gilfillan, Gina Hudel, Wendi Campbell, and Sean Sullivan. I am sincerely grateful for all your contributions of time, energy, knowledge, and guidance. The progress and successes we’ve had would not have been possible without each of your considerable efforts.
But that’s not the point because none of this was about me. It was about doing the right things to build a better, more resilient Board of Directors for our Chamber, and I believe we’re on the right course. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to serve the board. I have more confidence than ever that the GKWCC will continue to evolve and adapt, for the benefit of everyone who lives in this wonderfully diverse and growing place we call Waterloo Region.
to write a final “Message from the Board Chair” – a summary of their past two years. Like most things over the past two years, this look back will probably be quite different than those before 2020.
“Uh oh. Have I bitten off more than I can chew?”
Of course, it’s no easy task to focus on “better ship steering instructions” when the rapidly and frequently changing tides of the growing pandemic made it feel at times like the ship –or in fact, the ocean – was on fire.
The local development industry has assumed the position for many years that residents in the region or individuals and families considering a relocation to our community – often related to job offers from many global leading employers – are seeking choice across various housing options. A variety of housing choice is critical and required across all communities including the transit corridors. The current and future population is not uniformly seeking residency in highrise developments. People want viable work and housing Matthewoptions.
the attraction of jobs and investment to the Region of Waterloo is highly dependent on the availability of abundant and affordable housing. A shortage of supply and inflated prices will not attract employers or employees.
One of the areas of most intense scrutiny has been in the Ontario health care sector. In July of 2022, many stakeholders proclaimed a system staffing crisis and demanded immediate action from the newly elected Ford administration. Prior to the August holiday weekend, the Ontario Nurses’ Association indicated that closings and service cuts are not the fault of individual hospitals but a symptom of the provincial neglect of professionals before and during the pandemic.
message from the president
Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Housing and related issues are just not local but extend across Canada. Federal and provincial elections over the past year demonstrated an urgency for solutions and local businesses with our federal and provincial colleagues will be seeking direction and leadership from all three levels of government to address availability, affordability, accessibility, and Healthchoice.care
When the pandemic first appeared and necessitated mandated business closures, many observers optimistically predicted a fast and inexpensive resolution. This sentiment was most accurately represented by former United States President Donald Trump’s assertion that his country would return to normal and re-open completely by Easter of 2020.
Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones has been cautious during her first month of governing the massive ministry, noting they are working with “all partners” including hospitals and unions to address the challenges of maintaining required staffing and operating levels. This is generally a problem impacting all jurisdictions across Canada. The government’s cautious approach to managing the health care system has resulted in negative responses, from opposition parties and others, and stakeholders pleading for provincial government leadership on the staffing crisis. However, no immediate obvious solutions are apparent and so the debate will continue on what to do.
Continuing Challenges for Local and National Business Owners
Another area of tremendous concern as the fall 2022 municipal election approaches, is the new Region of Waterloo Plan. This is also generating a high level of intense and contentious debate. Local businesses are fortunate to operate in a community with a growing population base and accompanying increase in economic activity. Decisions currently being analyzed and discussed by Regional Councillors will impact the Region of Waterloo for decades into the future. Mistakes cannot be made as they fundamentally cannot be reversed, both for the employment lands needed for new jobs, but the land required to house almost 300,000 new citizens to Waterloo Region by 2051.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ian McLean
Cory of Schlegel Urban Developments recently advised Regional Council that the proposed regional plan is a significant deviation from market demand. The focus on higher density such as more condominiums and apartments is ignoring what buyers on the market are seeking. Higher densities may be appropriate for seniors and singles but not Overall,families.
Over the past two years, local and national businesses have been attempting to forecast what the next stages of Covid will mean for openings, re-openings and getting to a new normal. This process has been challenging and frustrating as the COVID-19 pandemic persists with a tremendous cost for employers and governments.
As the second half of the 2022 calendar year proceeds, COVID-19 with accompanying impacts still dominate media and public discussions. Covid will be with us for a long period and the task before us is to manage the virus while moving ahead.
and housing are but two of the major issues that require innovative solutions to challenging conditions. The participation of business and employers in all decisionmaking is critical to ensure an immediate and long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
advocacy
in rural and urban centres witnessed an increase in emergency room visits during the August long weekend, the Ontario Nurses’ Association reported more than 20 institutions experienced closures due to catastrophic staffing shortages. On August 2, 2002, newly appointed Minister of Health Sylvia Jones informed CP24 News that while any closings are disturbing, the province is partnering with health organizations to formulate solutions.
Matthew Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health, informed The Toronto Star that the current priority among many challenges across the system is the “here and now” or more specifically solving current issues while looking forward into the future.
The most intriguing project was Highway 413, planned from Milton to Vaughan through the Region of Peel. The Liberals and NDP carried an historical opposition to the highway into the campaign while Progressive Conservative support resulted in the Party winning all seats in Brampton where residents favour convenient transportation by automobiles. Many political analysts designated Highway 413 as a wedge issue that clearly commanded voter support for the Ford position.
Asperspective.hospitals
7advocate September | OctOber 2022
Those major issues include record wait times in emergency rooms, patients remaining on surgical wait lists, and staffing departures. While some stakeholders have envisioned a massive collapse, Anderson alternatively perceives a system under tremendous strain. Many current issues are chronic challenges which require resolutions within a very condensed time frame.
The public transit debate during the election campaign provided few variances in commitments between the major parties. A Global News report from May 10, 2022 summarized the political climate as unity on transit and significant differences for highway construction.
The second major challenge for the Ford administration will be delivering – in a timely fashion – on their heavy volume of infrastructure commitments prior to and during the election campaign.
The Challenges for the New Ford Administration
Approximately $158 billion was committed to projects over the next decade, with $20 billion in 2022-2023. Major highway initiatives, at $25.1 billion, included Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and a new Highway 7 between Waterloo Region and Guelph. Also prominent were $61 billion for public transit and $40 billion for health care facilities.
Following a turbulent two years of mandated closings and other restrictive measures, a June election returned the incumbent Ford administration with a larger majority and higher level of regional representation across the province. During the campaign, opposition parties presented health care agendas to convince voters their approaches would be significantly more effective. Election results suggested residents strongly supported the past performance and commitments of the incumbent administration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Art Sinclair
Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
The return of the Ontario Legislature during the summer and fall of 2022 should deliver some interesting perspectives on a provincial response to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, managing a health care system under increasing pressures, and meeting voter expectations.
As the Ontario Legislature returns for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year, a major challenge for the Ford administration is meeting heavy expectations from the electorate. Their slogan for the election campaign was quite simply “let’s get it done.” The voting has concluded and it is time for the Progressive Conservatives to start governing Ontario and delivering on their commitments.
In late April, Cameron Anderson of Western University noted the Progressive Conservatives were trying to proceed as though the pandemic was in their rear-view mirror through the removal of many restrictions. By mid-summer health care conditions across Ontario were presenting a different
An April 28, 2022 CBC report indicated the Ontario Budget tabled on that date by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy bet heavily on large infrastructure projects. The Budget was not debated in the Legislature prior to the May 4 election call and alternatively the content served as the Progressive Conservative Party campaign platform.
Emergency medicine residents will be taken on private tours through Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital. These residents will participate in the rest of the weekend’s activities, in hopes of recruiting and retaining new emergency physicians to our hospitals.
past two years of this event have been held in a virtual format, we are excited to welcome back residents in person again, November 4th-6th. This weekend brings first, second and third year family and emergency medicine residents from all over Ontario along with their partners, allowing us to showcase Kitchener-Waterloo as a great place to live and work. This weekend is planned, organized and hosted by the dedicated members of the Chamber’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force.
Jenna is Physician Recruitment Lead for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Partners/spouses of our visiting residents will be taken on tours of our rural and urban communities including visiting the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market and will have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities. Throughout this weekend, our visitors will discover the region’s diverse,
8 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
This eventful weekend includes touring the family medicine residents through Grand River Hospital and the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk as well as showcasing a couple of well known community organizations. Residents will also be introduced to local family physicians and other health care professionals, learning more about the different range of practice opportunities available here in Kitchener-Waterloo.
strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.
This weekend has been well received in previous years by the visiting family medicine residents and their partners and it has been our best recruitment tool over the last 23 years. We know from past Resident Weekends that this event is a key driver to the success we have had in recruiting family physicians to our community. The residents that will be participating in this year’s weekend will be ready to begin practice in summer 2023-2024.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenna Petker
Our efforts continue throughout the year to recruit new and established family physicians through personal community visits. These tours allow us to explore what the physician is looking for and find a practice opportunity that meets their
24th Annual Family/Emergency Medicine Resident Weekend Showcases K-W
Ourneeds.successes
AlthoughWeekend.the
and efforts would not be possible if it wasn’t for our generous corporate, municipal and personal sponsors and volunteers of this program. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners for their generous and continued support as we continue to strive to eliminate the physician shortage in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Having access to health care professionals is very important to the lives of those who work and live in Kitchener-Waterloo. Unfortunately, the reality is that many residents still do not have access to a family physician. The objective of the Family Physician Recruitment Program is to recruit family physicians to Kitchener-Waterloo & Woolwich to meet the primary care needs of residents living and working here. One of our key initiatives is our Annual Family/ Emergency Physician Resident
perspective on health care
our dedicated sponsors for helping the Chamber continue its goal of eliminating the doctor shortage in Waterloo Region.
ThankMCLEANyouto
PLATINUM SILVER COMMUNITY GOLD BRONZE
Individual Contributors AL HAYESIAN
Envirolum Consulting Inc.
Billyard Insurance Group Kitchener Insurance Agents & Brokers
AM Group of Companies
new members
Braxton Carter, CEO, Business Owner 358 Joseph Street New Hamburg, ON N3A
Done Right Decks
Jolene MacDonald, Founder/Creative
Phone:21tourseventsco.ca21tourseventsco@gmail.comCo-Founder(519)574-9101
Realty
Fax:Phone:eringetsitdone.cominfo@eringetsitdone.com2B2(519)721-4606(519)888-6117
Phone:baumancustoms.comcameron@baumancustoms.com3E7(519)576-1060
Erin Parsons, Realtor 180 Weber Street South Waterloo, ON N2J
Abby Wong, Manager Operations & Grant Administration
Phone:visitantiguabarbuda.comtwharton@visitaandb.com1N5(437)922-3001
171 Queens Avenue, Unit 101 London, ON N6A 5J7
Phone:definityfoundation.comabby.wong@definityfoundation.org2T5(416)830-3168
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Investment Board
Connie Lum, Phone:envirolum.comconnie@envirolum.comOwner(519)635-2286
Phone:visiontravel.ca/vacations/eninfo-ont@visiontravel.ca1R3(519)741-0770
Charitable, NFP & Community Services
Justin Loucks, Vice President
Guy Carriere, Outreach Co-ordinator
2 St. Clair Avenue East, Unit 300 Toronto, ON M4T
Phone:accessibrand.comjolene@accessibrand.comDirector(519)580-7967
100 Drumlin Circle, Suite 101 Concord, ON L4K
Phone:donerightdecks.casales@donerightdecks.ca1G3(226)972-3755
21 Tours + Events Co Inc.
Eric Friesen, Phone:ericsmobileservices.caeric@ericsmobileservices.caOwner(519)778-4209
6 Forwell Road, Unit 3 Kitchener, ON N2B
Direct Travel Travel Agencies
Phone:creeksidehearing.cainfo@creeksidehearing.ca0A2(519)885-0006
Eric's Mobile Services
Tourism
Construction
Real Estate
Christie Nahrgang, Office Manager 230 Gage Kitchener,AvenueONN2M 2C8
Roofing Contractors
Alia Henderson Real Estate-Royal LePage Grand Valley Realty
Tourism
Erin Parsons - Re/Max Solid Gold
Phone:thebig.cajustin@thebig.ca(519)969-2929
Real Estate
April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022
Cameron Wilkins, Owner
Robin ReginalDunnManager, Western Ontario 234 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J
Bauman Customs Autobody Repair & Painting Shops
Boardwalk Insurance Insurance Agents & Brokers
CNIB Charitable, NFP & Community Services
Definity Insurance Foundation
Phone:myboardwalk.caherb@myboardwalk.ca3E5(416)477-9771
Automotive Mobile Services
Eminence Group Inc. Construction Matt MacDonald, Phone:eminenceGroup.carenovations@eminenceGroup.caOwner(519)897-8977
500 Fairway Road South, Unit 201, Kitchener, ON N2C 1X3
Alia Henderson, Phone:aliahenderson.caaliah@royallepage.caBroker(226)898-5927
Teri Egerdeen, President +
Phone:cnib.cainfo@cnib.ca(519) 685-8420
Tameka DirectorWhartonofTourism Ag. - Canada
Environmental Consultants
accessibrand Marketing Consultants
Creekside Hearing Hearing Aids
10 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
60 St Clair Avenue East, Unit 601 Toronto, ON M4T
Michelle McDonald, Owner 600 Laurelwood Drive, Unit 205 Waterloo, ON N2V
Phone:amgroupofcompanies.cainfo@amgoc.ca(877)281-6900
Herb BusinessMoreiraDevelopment Manager
National Service Dogs
Fund Development Specialist
Phone:sheryll@northstartravel.caAgent(519)654-0238
J. Smolders, CPA Accountants, CPA-CA
Charitable, NFP & Community Services
Amani Hassani, Co-Owner 1561 Victoria Street North Kitchener, ON N2B
Fur Babies Pet Care Pet Services
Phone:kidspired.caron.carpentier@kidspired.ca0G5(647)262-6438
Phone:jessdixonmpp.cajess.dixon@pc.ola.org2E9(519)650-9413
Phone:northern-devs.castephen@northern-devs.ca3R2(519)242-0112
Internet & Technology Products & Service
Joshua Gibson, Owner
Lindt Chocolate Shop Kitchener Chocolate
4676 Huffman Road Burlington, ON L7M
Morgan DirectorSimsofMarketing & Sales
Maria Fearnall, Owner/Trainer 401 New Dundee Road Kitchener, ON N2P
Johanna
new members
Lynne Davidson
F45 Training Doon Fitness & Exercise Service
1440 King Street East Kitchener, ON N2G 2N7
Phone:JacquelineWattyConsulting.comjacquelinewattyconsulting@gmail.comPrincipal(519)574-3995
JJMFG Contracting Inc. Painting Contractors
Homes Plus Magazine Magazines
Phone:forbesmazda.comksholdice@forbesmazda.com6K1(519)746-2777
151 Charles Street West, Suite 100 Kitchener, ON N2G
Government
Jacqueline Watty Consulting Consultants
Northern Devs
Phone:nsd.on.calynne@nsd.on.ca(519)623-4188
KIDspired Media Sports Media/Sponsorship
Phone:homesplusmagazine.combrad@homesplusmagazine.com2B1(519)725-1631
Stephen McCabe, CEO 33 Kent Kitchener,AvenueONN2G
115 Northfield Drive West Waterloo, ON N2L
Brad McGill, President 160 Frobisher Drive, Unit 6 Waterloo, ON N2V
Phone:jsmolderscpa.comjsmolderscpa@gmail.comOwner/ChiefSmoldersAccountant(226)581-2030
Phone:northguide.cavalarie@northguide.ca1H6(226)989-3205
Sheryll Donovan, Travel
Perry Cadesky, Vice President/Sales
Northstar Travel Travel Agencies
Carrie Bernardo,
Phone:furbabiespetcare.cafurbabiespetcarekw@hotmail.comOwner(519)878-3047
Samantha Pagliaro, Retail & Corporate Sales Manager
April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022
Nedal's Flowers
Jacqueline Watty,
4500 King Street East, Unit 4 Kitchener, ON N2P 2G4
Phone:nedalsflowers.comcontact@nedalsflowers.com3E4(519)729-6862
Phone:lindt.caretail04@lindt.com(519)650-9141
4281 King Street East, Unit 4 Kitchener, ON N2P
Florists
cont'd on page 14 11advocate September | OctOber 2022
Jess Dixon, MPP
Iain Klugman, Partner
Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener SouthHespeler
Phone:f45training.comdoon@f45training.com2N7(519)748-4545
Sabrina Sgandurra, Phone:knowledgebump.catutoring@knowledgebump.caOwner/Operator(548)994-5984
NorthGuide Consultants
Forbes Waterloo Mazda Automobile Dealers
Lush Woodcraft Furniture Manufacturers
Kevin Sholdice, General Manager
106 McBrine Place, Unit 1 Kitchener, ON N2R Phonlushwoodcraft.cainfo@lushwoodcraft.ca1J2e:(519)573-5874
Phone:jjmfgcontracting.comjjmfgcontracting@gmail.com2C5(226)220-9844
Knowledge Bump Tutoring Tutoring
75 Hillmount Street Kitchener, ON N2C
Annual General Meeting
Mark Your Calendar
12 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
Location: National Service Dogs, 1440 King St E, Kitchener Member: complimentary, recommended $10 donation to our Feature Charity, House of Friendship Future Member: $40 donated to our Feature Charity- House of Don'tFriendshipmiss our season kick-off for our Business After 5 series. Come out to network with local business professionals and connect with
September 27th
Sponsor:VolunteerSponsors:Appreciation
Libro Back to Business After 5 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
CYP Kick Off Event
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Event
Chamberfest
FeatureHostSignSupportingGoldTitleexhibitors.Sponsor:Sponsor:Sponsor:&PrintSponsor:Venue:Charity:
Location: Concordia Club Member: $70 • Future Member: $100
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Concordia Club with world-class networking alongside keg-tapping, schnitzel, and traditional dancing. Each ticket includes a German-style dinner, a drink ticket, and entertainment.
22nd
Location: Sugar Run Bar Members: $25 • Future Members: $40
& PRINTING
3:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Kitchener Public Library Theatre Member: complimentary • Future Member: complimentary
September 29th
Septemberevents
Vote on the 2022-2023 Board of Directors and hear how your chamber has been performing for you and your business. A reception to show appreciation for our volunteers will follow the meeting, with light refreshments and drinks provided by ChefD and sponsored by Cowan Insurance Group.
Our first CYP event of the season will be held at Sugar Run, the best kept secret of Kitchener Waterloo. Network with other young (and young at heart) professionals over creative prohibition era cocktails and surprise live entertainment. Before the event, you’ll receive a password to enter this hidden bar in downtown Kitchener, as well as the address.
October 13th
Location: TBA Ticket: $185 • Table for 8: $1400 • Virtual Ticket: $50 VIP Virtual Ticket (includes meal and swag bag): $95
13advocate September | OctOber 2022
Hear from Canadian women on how they've shifted their mindset to refresh, reset and refocus their lives - personally and professionally.
Chamber Young Professionals: 60 in 60 Entrepreneur Edition
Hear from six different speakers in sixty minutes, as they each share ten of their top tips related to entrepreneurship.
Location: Courtyard by Marriot Waterloo St. Jacob’s Member: complimentary, recommended $10 donation to our Feature Charity- Food Bank of Waterloo Region
November 2nd
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!
October 27th
November 17th
Title Sponsor: Gold
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mark Your Calendar PRINTING
&
Libro Business After 5: Holiday Edition
Location: hybrid Member: $15 • Future Member: $30
Future Member: $40 donated to our Feature Charity- Food Bank of Waterloo Region
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cybersecurity: Part 1 Location: Virtual on Hop In Hear from professionals on emerging topics related to cybersecurity through fireside chats, panels, and more.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
November 30th
FeatureHostSignSupportingSponsor:Sponsor:&PrintSponsor:Venue:Charity: events
Bronze Sponsors:
Inspiring Women Event: Refresh, Reset, and Refocus
Sobriety Center Charitable, NFP & Community Services
Stephen Harrington,
Phone:plumingo.caplumingo.info@gmail.comOwner(519)279-8380
Phone:rileycoopergroup.comrostofe@rcgrp.co1E0(519)212-8884
Simenpal Kainth, Lawyer 50 Queen Street North, Unit 904 Kitchener, ON N2H
Phone:rsmcanada.comkate.phillips@rsmcanada.com4X8(647)206-3725
50 Westmount Road North Waterloo, ON N2L
Plumbing Contractors
Phone:prideingrooming.cominfo@prideingrooming.com2H1(519)745-0326
Social Bean Marketing Marketing Consultants
The Munch Box Restaurant (Take-Out) Stew, Donut Daddy 667 Belmont Avenue West Kitchener, ON N2M
Pride in Grooming Dog Grooming
Rego Realty Inc.
RileyCooper Group Transport Services; Marketing Consultants
Simenpal Kainth Lawyers
Phone:westmountplacepharmacy.comsatish@westmountplacepharmacy.com2R5(519)886-7670
Phone:eatmunchbox.comeatmunchiebox@gmail.com1N8(226)647-0130
cont'd on page 17 April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022 cont'd from page 11 Management Systems Certification Website: www.bcicb.com Phone: 1-844-224-2378 Your local source of certification for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or related training needs Our audits are practical, user friendly, and simplified to help you streamline your operations while lowering risks We help you to identify risks & opportunities while achieve certification to any ISO standard Transfer your certification to BCI Global free of charge and save with local Canadian and fully accredited registrarNeed Consultation? Please feel free to contact us at admin@bcicb.com
Tracy Teskey, Chief Sales Officer
Cliff Rego, Founder/CEO
618 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1C8
Ryan Ostofe, Founder 87 Challenger Avenue Ayr, ON N0B
Terrible Toby's Pet Depot
Satish Mistry, Owner
137 Glasgow Street, Unit 210, Suite 104 Kitchener, ON N2G
Plumingo
Pharmasave Westmount Place Pharmacy & Home Health Care Pharmacies
440 Phillip Street, Unit C Waterloo, ON N2L
Pet Shop & Supplies
Real Estate Brokers & Agents
Phone:regorealty.cacliff@cliffrego.com(519)804-4000
Phone:kraemerllp.comsimenpal@kraemerllp.com6P4(613)883-7442
Owen Fleming, Owner 501 Krug Street, Unit 123 Kitchener, ON N2B
Kate Phillips, KW Market Leader
Swivel.ca Investments
Phone:swivel.catracy.teskey@swivel.ca5R9(519)500-6646
49 Waldau Petersburg,CrescentONN0B
RSM Canada Accountants, CPA-CA
Dillion Benoit, Owner 19 Scott Street South, Unit C Kitchener, ON N2H (519)Phone:thesobrietycenter.comsobrietycenter@rogers.com2P6(519)342-6217513-9954
Daniela Salazar, Phone:socialbeanmarketing.cominfo@socialbeanmarketing.comFounder(226)750-7893
Gina Hudel
Phone:terribletobys.comtoby@terribletobys.com1L3(519)729-8639
new members 14 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gwyn Peters
15
Gwyn Peters is Events and Marketing Coordinator for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Event Highlights
Carolyn is Events Manager for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Thanks to generous donations from local businesses, our raffle raised nearly $700 for our Healthcare initiatives, including Physician Recruitment in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. These initiatives have been a critical effort for the Chamber for the past decade, as we seek to support our growing community in their primary health needs.
Asevent!always, we’d like to thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible.
On Monday, August 8th, we hosted our 30th Annual Golf Scramble, bringing over 100 golfers together for a fun-filled day of camaraderie and networking. While weather warnings threatened to interrupt the tournament, the rain held off for an overcast day, allowing teams of golfers to enjoy 18 holes of golf on the beautiful Rebel Creek course.
event highlights
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mhari Reid
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carolyn Marsh
Mhari is Events Coordinator for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
The day’s peak came when local golfer, Jonathan Bosman of Henson Shaving, scored an impressive hole-in-one that won him a brand new 2022 Toyota Rav4 courtesy of our tournament sponsor, Heffner Lexus, Heffner Toyota. It’s been a decade since this big-ticket prize from Heffner Lexus, Heffner Toyota was last claimed, and it was an exciting first for the Chamber of Commerce in our 30 years of hosting this
Public Health Vaccine Clinic
new members
16 Manley Street
Phone:woodworksrefinishing.comben@woodworksrefinishing.comOwner(519)721-2776
Worm Wrangler
Matt Martin, CEO
Ayr, ON N0B
cont'd from page
14 255 Bathurst Drive Waterloo ON N2V 2E4 519-888-9111 www.waterloogaragedoors.com Garages aren't just for cars We offer the following garage customizations: They're where we live and play Garage Flooring CabinetsSlat Walls Hoists Heated Furniture
Tundra Construction Inc
Ben Locke,
Woodworks Hardwood Refinishing
17advocate September | OctOber 2022 April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022
198 Courtland Avenue East Kitchener, ON N2G
Composters & Composting Services
Phone:wormwrangler.orginfo@wormwrangler.org2B5(519)577-8205
Vivien Dadds Creative Writing & Project Management Inc. Consultants
Ann Merritt,
Phone:vdadds@sympatico.caOwner/Director(519)577-6644
Entertainment
Contractors - General
Ticket Shield Legal Services Legal Services
Vivien Dadds,
Phone:youandipaint.comyouandipaint@gmail.comCo-Owner(289)808-9351
Matt Hazell, mhazell@ticketshield.caCEO
Phone:tundraconstruction.cainfo@tundraconstruction.ca2V4(519)755-8768
You & I Paint Inc.
154 Victoria Street South Unit V8, 2nd Floor Kitchener, ON N2G
Phone:vanderrockhvac@gmail.com1E0(519)219-1141
Amanda Hunter, Owner
VanderRock Heating & Cooling Heating Contractors
Wood Floor Refinishing
Peter Vanderhorst, Co-Owner
When do I need this policy in place?
Asked and Answered with Lerners LLP
Interestingly, the ESA doesn’t specify the information that you must include in your policy, other than the date the policy was prepared, and the date any changes were made to the policy. While you have the freedom to determine the content, some questions you should consider are:
What do I need to include?
Yesterday! If your business had more than 25 employees as of January 1 2022, and you have not yet implemented a disconnecting from work policy, you should do so as soon as possible – the Ontario government deadline to have your policy in place was June 1 2022
Is There a Right to Disconnect from Work in Ontario?
What does this mean for me?
• Do these communications require an immediate response, or can they be addressed during regular work hours?
This means that if you have 25 or more employees in Ontario, you are required to have a written policy on “disconnecting from work”. This doesn’t mean that you must create a right for your employees to disconnect from work, or refuse to respond to work-related communications, just that you have a policy outlining your organization’s position on those issues in place and communicated to all employees within 30 calendar days of the policy being prepared.
George Hamzo George is an associate focused on labour and employment at Lerners.
Working from home has become far more prevalent in the past few years; some employees have welcomed the change to the traditional 9 to 5 work day but, for some, it has also led to burnout. When your home is your office, it can feel as though work never stops. In response, the Ontario government has mandated that businesses implement a “disconnecting from work” policy.
• What kinds of after-hours work-related communications are required from your business?
Remember to be clear about your expectations, and consistent in acting according to those guidelines.
• Are there certain employees who are required to respond after hours, while others are not?
There will likely be other relevant questions for you to ask and consider, depending on the nature of your business. If you need additional guidance, reach out to one of our experienced lawyers for advice.
What’s next for business post Covid is what we should have been doing all along.
History is full of brilliant new ideas that were born out of surprisingly unexpected situations. That’s why the Youth Creativity Fund is set up to eliminate all the barriers to our kids growing their creative confidence and adaptability. The fund reaches out to the farthest corners of our community and gives all kids the chance to work on their unique ideas. All the fund asks of our youth is to push their ideas and tell us what they have learned from their experimentations whether they are successful or not. All the fund asks of you is to make a financial donation as an act of confidence in the next generation. Through this open and honest process, the Youth Creativity Fund demonstrates that Waterloo Region really does believe in our kids and their ideas.
Donate at www.youthcreativityfund.ca
feature
Post Covid: It’s Time To Focus More On Our Kids
19advocate September | OctOber 2022
I firmly believe that our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children. I want them to feel that they are supported by the community and that they can change the world without having to leave home. If we want our global reputation for invention to become a “creative lineage” passed on to, and grown by, the next generation then now is the time to help our kids see that their contributions and creativity are not only valued but necessary for the continued success of our entire community. That’s why I have been talking about, and financially supporting, The Youth Creativity Fund; a new
Scott Higgins is a passionate community builder who is helping HIP Developments play a leadership role in Waterloo Region. Scott is a strong believer in celebrating the Region’s creative DNA and ensuring that our youth have opportunities to build a creative confidence.
program designed to foster our next generation of creative problem solvers by providing mentorship and micro grants of up to $1000 to help local grade 5-12 students experiment with inventive solutions for the needs or problems they identify around them.
It’s clear that the post Covid era is going to be as tricky to navigate as the pandemic itself. At a business level, the impact of a changing workforce is easily felt. For some, the pandemic allowed them to reconsider the type of jobs they were willing to accept. For others, “work from home” has allowed them to choose different cities to live in. We can now see that our community’s economic prosperity is tied to the skills and talents that choose to live here.
I wrote about these trends in The Joy Experiments, a book I co-wrote on city building during the pandemic. I discussed the idea of “bring your own city” to work. Waterloo Region, like most cities in the innovation economy, has to attract individual talent perhaps more so than attracting business. That’s a whole new ball game in which stable infrastructure and tax breaks don’t make the difference. And as we all know, our affordable housing isn’t as affordable as it once was.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Higgins
When we donate to the Youth Creativity Fund we ensure that the mental health and creative confidence of our children are prioritized in the building of a prosperous Waterloo Region. It is an act of today’s business community building the community of the future.
The flip side to competing in a Bring Your Own City market is ensuring we do well in the “Keep The City You Have” game. In this strategy, we have to ensure people choose to stay in Waterloo Region even as their options continue to grow. Most research shows that the key factor in staying where you are involves feeling meaningfully connected to the community. You would think that our kids, who have called our Region home their whole lives, would be easy to keep within our future workforce. However, the most recent Youth Impact Survey by Waterloo Region’s Child and Youth Planning Table shockingly highlighted that only 55% of children and youth in Waterloo Region feel like a valued member of their community and only 64% feel a sense of belonging.
Over the summer, we have resumed life and are starting to function once again as we did pre-pandemic. We gather for backyard barbecues and are no longer afraid to hug our friends and relatives. All the while, we know that there is a dark cloud overhead – COVID wave 7/8 and the prospect of the next pandemic. While businesses and people take time to enjoy the summer, we need to prepare for what’s coming. We simply can’t go back to the way things were.
Businesses need to recognize that Canadians and their attitudes have changed. Two years ago, surveys by Earnscliffe Strategies and others found that Canadians were largely deferential to public health officials, giving high marks to politicians who were seen to be listening to the science and soundly criticizing those who were not. Canadians wanted actions from governments to protect people and the economy from the consequences of a pandemic that was threatening to overwhelm the healthcare system.
Public attitudes are dramatically different today, for a variety of reasons both rational and emotional. Over much of the past two years, the vast majority of Canadians were wearing masks when indoors but not while at home. Over recent months, successive jurisdictions have shifted from requiring masks in certain circumstances to only recommending they be worn, with the resulting use of masks plummeting to 22% as
Changing Attitudes and New Workplace Realities with Covid-19 Could Impact Businesses This Fall 20 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM Canadian support for provincial mandates eroded significantly 74% 86% 72% 51% 55% 59% 70% 25% Jul-20 Nov-20 May-21 Jul-21 Sep-21 Feb-22 Jul-22 Support for a provincial vaccine mandate Support for a provincial mask mandate Source: Angus Reid Institute (ARI), July 2022 https://angusreid.org/covid canada seventh wave restrictions masks vaccine passports/
Surveys such as a recent study by the Angus Reid tofirstusedWhatmitigateappearlevelssupportrisksCanadiansemergingactionismaskrealityEven2022,alsoCanadians.mandatesmasks-vaccine-passports/)(https://angusreid.org/covid-canada-seventh-wave-restrictions-Institute,haveshownsupportformaskdroppingfromover70%toroughlyhalfofThelevelofsupportforvaccinemandateshasdeclinedfrom70%inSeptember2021tojust25%inJulybasicallyinparallelwithattitudesonmaskusage.ifwedoseemorepressureputonICUs,thesoberingisthatonlyhalf(51%)wouldsupportthereturnofamandate.Supportforother,morerestrictivemeasuresevenlower,withfully38%ofCanadiansfeelingthatnoshouldbetakenatall,notwithstandingaseventhwaveintheirhomeprovince.havebecomemuchmorecomfortablewiththeassociatedwithCOVIDandmuchlessinclinedtothekindsofmeasuresthatkeptcaseloadstotheCanadaexperiencedoverpreviouswaves.Canadianstobeunwillingtodoasmuchastheyoncedidtotherisktopeopleandbusinesses.thismeansistheevidentiary-basedapproachthatwastoinformdecisionsonrestrictionsthatwastakeninthetwoyears,notwithstandingtheirmerits,willbedifficultrepeatiffurtherprotectionmeasuresarerequired,an
cover story
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Doug Anderson
While having sick days paid in your workplace may not qualify as a necessary precaution at this juncture, we expect some will argue that such provisions are essential to preventing symptomatic individuals coming to the work and causing an outbreak in the workplace. Premier Ford has extended the current program providing three days of government paid leave, but it is likely that more will be expected. Who and how this will be managed going forward is still unclear, but employers are increasingly concerned that this issue is evolving from one that was more about individuals and is becoming a major issue for businesses as well.
Julie Garner is a Principal and Partner with the Government Relations practice at Earnscliffe Strategies.
This is an issue that not only challenges individuals, it also could come with significant risks for business. A farming company in Ontario, was recently convicted for failing to take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect against the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace, despite having protocols in place. The company had protocols in place and had consulted with public health but was fined $125,000 because they failed to take “every precaution reasonable in the circumstances.” The enforcement of the protocols has not been strictly adhered to in this case and while the fine was significant, it is expected that employers who have not been as diligent will face more significant consequences. Further Occupational Health and Safety fines have increased in Ontario. As of July 1, 2022, Ontario Health and Safety Act fines against officers and directors are now set at $1.5 million while fines for other individuals involved are now $500,000.
Another key issue is paid sick days. Prior to the pandemic, most cannot remember the last day missed of work due to illness. The general rule was that if you felt well enough, you went to work or school. Now, we are at a point where the expectation (unless you are in health care or some similarly critical field) is that you must stay home if you are showing any signs or symptoms that could be spread to co-workers or customers. While Canada enjoys free health care, with ample
Anotherempathy.top
21advocate September | OctOber 2022
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Garner
While working with government in a collaborative manner will remain important, businesses are going to need to think differently about how they work with their employees and what benefits they put in place. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review highlights some findings of international research on how the pandemic has affected employee-employer relationships. One of the common themes across much of the research is a demand for more
free vaccinations and rapid testing kits being readily available in most places, there is still a significant portion of the population who are workers with little or no paid sick leave. A June 2021 study by the Environics Institute found that more than one in five working Canadians (22%) say that if they got sick, they would still go to work because they have no paid sick days.
issue for businesses will be navigating the complex issue of work from home, something which most employers are grappling with now and will need to land shortly. Data from the Amazon Business Return to Office Report published in March 2022 shows that the majority (57%) of Canadian office workers want to work from home at least part of the time. Moreover, a recent Ipsos survey found that more than one third (36%) of Canadians are willing to change to a job that pays less if it meant they could work from home instead of having to go to a workplace. Many businesses, especially those in downtown cores, want some sort of return to work but are struggling because of the attitudes of their employees. While these decisions rest with businesses right now, political parties and governments are watching closely and may choose to step in, should public sentiment demand as much.
While this does not paint a particularly rosy picture for the horizon ahead of the business community, if the pandemic has proven that when we work together and keep our minds open to how best to solve for the issues ahead, we can get through almost anything.
Doug Anderson is a Principle and Partner at Earnscliffe Strategies and leads the Public Opinion Research Practice.
day. While this may be a grim reality, it shows that businesses and individuals will need to work together with government to develop and adopt new approaches that can be implemented to navigate through the next body of uncharted waters that we will face, if we are to protect ourselves and our health care system.
cover story
Canada's Innovation Corridor Business Council
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.
SWANSON’S HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE 166 Park Fax:Phone:N2GKitchener,StreetOntario1M8(519)743-1404(519)743-0784andShopsave.
Thanks to the Greater KW Chamber partners that sponsor our efforts on this important initiative.
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.
It may also be beneficial to speak with an advisor to look for ways to reduce your tax burden and take advantage of losses. If your company has experienced losses, there may be ways that you can utilize the losses to improve your tax situation. A qualified advisor can provide guidance on how to maximize your business’ tax efficiency. But don’t wait too long—some losses have an expiry date.
Have questions? Let us help.
Reduce your tax burden
Refresh your strategies to guide growth
• divesting underperforming divisions or assets
Exceptional sales and marketing strategies are a must if you’re looking to grow your revenue – but what worked in the past may not work now. Well-designed plans must reflect the current landscape to attract new customers. The same can be said for your goals on pricing. Many businesses are already increasing prices to keep pace with their own rising costs –and this likely includes your competitors. The time is right for a bolder approach, so refresh your strategies to drive growth.
Is your technology providing you with the right information to make timely decisions? If you don’t have access to real-time data or if you need more visibility into your financial information, it may be time to upgrade. Consider implementing a digital platform such as a cloud accounting system, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a warehouse management system (MHS), or a customer relationship management (CRM) system to empower your decision making and help you grow your business.
The issues businesses in the Kitchener-Waterloo region are facing due to inflation echo the same struggles many businesses globally are dealing with. Businesses will need to build resiliency to combat the impacts of this disruptive period. Wage inflation will continue to see businesses paying more to find and retain talent. Higher supplier costs will drive a trickle-down spike in prices, which in turn squeezes the purchasing power of consumers. And profit margins and dealmaking may also be affected.
feature 23advocate September | OctOber 2022
With inflation at a high not felt for decades, many businesses including those in the Kitchener-Waterloo region are feeling squeezed as the cost of goods and services continues to rise. And while interest rates are being hiked to tame surging prices, inflation is expected to remain elevated until 2024.
better grip on your cash flow
Needlessly complicated processes can break your bottom line regardless of the best intentions. If your people, processes, or technology are working in silos, it may be time to transform your operations. Even small changes can make a big impact. Look for ways to simplify your processes to run leaner, reduce costs and increase profitability.
• tightening up invoicing and collection policies
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jason Kingston
Embrace digital transformation
In times of inflationary pressure, it’s more important than ever to have a solid grasp of your financial situation. Understanding your cash flow and working capital needs should be an essential part of your plan. Do a financial modelling exercise to map out your situation. From there, you can look at various levers to improve your cash flow,
How Businesses can Push Back Against the Pinch of Inflation
Getimpacts.a
Align your operations
• prioritizing your resources in areas that are performing well
• looking to refinance existing debt
Doing business in an inflationary period isn’t easy, but we’ll work with you to find the right solution for your business. Whether you’re looking to improve your cash flow, reduce your tax burden or streamline your operations, our advisors can help you find the way forward.
Jason is a partner in the Waterloo office at Grant Thornton LLP, helping ownermanagers and individuals address their tax, accounting, and operational needs.
•including:extending payments to vendors
With interest rates expected to continue to rise, the cost of borrowing is set to follow. With this in mind, it may be wise to review your debt and future capital needs. No matter your situation, a proactive approach is the best approach. Reach out to your lenders sooner rather than later, particularly if you’re:
• assessing your ability to meet current debt obligations
• considering an expansion or an investment in new technology
Rising inflation may be a headache but doing business doesn’t have to be. Taking decisive action to strengthen your growth plan can help you deal with the pressures of an inflationary period. Here are six strategies to help you deal with the
Reach out to your lenders
© Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd. All
For more details, please contact Branch Director Mark Hodson at 519-747-7790 or mark.hodson@rbc.com.
RBC Dominion Securities in Waterloo is seeking motivated individuals for a fulfilling career in the wealth management industry.
To learn more, visit grantthornton.ca
24 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
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If you’re looking for the support you need to build a successful career, RBC Dominion Securities offers several advantages:
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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
In 2019, before the pandemic, visitation to Waterloo Region was almost five million, with tourism spending valued at an estimated $372 million. There is no other sector that benefits communities and the local economy quite like tourism. Not only does strong tourism activity support business viability and growth, but it also generates pride of place and investor confidence in a destination.
Obviously COVID has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in our region and around the world.
The mantra in the tourism industry continues to be, “reopening is not recovery.” There are still many issues to address and it’s clear the sector cannot afford another lockdown. Ideally free antigen tests will continue to be provided to the public past December 31, 2022. These tests are an important safety tool, but also assist in reducing worker Advocacyabsenteeism.effortsinthe
Federal and provincial financial aid programs have provided critical life support over the past two years and are still needed to bolster the industry. Tourism businesses have taken on serious debt, and it’s hoped that loans can be retooled as grants. As of July, YTD debt accumulation for 2022 is already 10 percentage points higher than at the end of 2019 in Ontario. While more than half of the businesses surveyed by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario received some form of loan relief during the pandemic such as interest-free payments, loan extensions or payment freezes, 69% reported their primary lender is no longer continuing to provide these options and is currently requiring full principal, interest payments and personal collateral for refinancing. There is an immediate need for continued debt relief to support the economic vitality of the sector as it recovers.
Waterloo residents are encouraged to continue to “support local.” Tourism businesses employ friends and neighbours and make up the fabric of our communities. Destinations that appeal to visitors are most often wonderful places to live, as everyone can enjoy the attractions, amenities, and Nowinfrastructure.thatyouhave
an even greater understanding of the importance of tourism to the region, we hope you will wear your ambassador hat and invite your friends and family to visit. Post your favourite spots on social media and tag us at @exploreWR so it can be amplified. Everyone can be part of helping the local tourism sector to recover! www. explorewaterloo.ca
Michele Saran
Michele Saran is the CEO of Explore Waterloo Region. She has over 30 years of experience in the Tourism industry at municipal, provincial and federal levels. Explore Waterloo Region markets the area as a destination for Business Events, Sport tourism and leisure travel.
feature 25advocate September | OctOber 2022
Full recovery to pre-pandemic levels is not expected until late 2023/early 2024. On the bright side, challenges with international travel such as airport service reductions, border restrictions, and confusion around COVID-19 public health orders have proven to be positive for this area. Many Ontario residents are enjoying “staycations” closer to home, and most hotels and attractions are reporting a strong summer season in Waterloo Region.
Tourism Benefits Everyone
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The definition of “tourism” is broader than most people realize. It isn’t just people visiting an area for a fun-filled vacation, it’s individuals coming for a meeting or convention; it’s people attending a sporting event or festival; it’s people coming to shop at a farmers’ market; it’s people bringing their kids to a hockey tournament; it’s even people coming for a medical appointment. Tourism is defined as any travel outside of one’s normal environment for a non-work-related reason that is more than 40 kilometres away.
sector are focused on debt relief and labour. Progress has been made on the latter. The industry is grateful to the federal government for increasing staff resourcing to process immigration applications to alleviate labour constraints. There continues to be a push for a “trusted employer” program and government is encouraged to expand skills-based immigration programs to include work in lower wage jobs.
26 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM Don’t let your profits away! Take charge of your water costs and invest in efficiency. The Region of Waterloo offers funding to help landlords and property managers cut water waste. You can benefit from: • $15 rebate for each toilet flapper replaced • free showerheads and aerator upgrades • funding for building‐wide upgrades to toilets, showerheads and aerators • funding for audits or sub-metering to bill fairly and encourage conservation • water softening and water conditioning solutions Do you manage an apartment building? Townhouses? A duplex or triplex? Contact us to learn www.regionofwaterloo.ca/conservationmore. | 519-575-4400, TTY: $250haveLandlords519-575-4608saveduptoto$500perunitperyear.
Weinvestments.areapproached
Our community is a thriving hub of economic development and we have had an influx of people and businesses moving to our region over the past few years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony LaMantia
feature
You can’t grow the economy if people can’t live in your community.SocialJusticeIoftentalkabout“good
Looking to the future, Waterloo EDC will be laser-focused on addressing three prominent challenges: industrial land readiness, housing and affordability and social justice.
What's Next for Business Investment in Waterloo?
with these investment opportunities more often than you may think, but investors won’t even glance at Waterloo Region if we don’t have the simplest part of the deal ready: serviced, shovel-ready land.
Waterloo Region is part of the world’s second-largest innovation cluster. We are the #1 small tech talent market in North America and the largest robotics and automation cluster in Canada. Companies like Toyota and ATS Automation make us the envy of the Canadian manufacturing ecosystem. However, there are challenges to business growth in Waterloo Region, too.
Affordability
The population of Waterloo Region is projected to increase 45% over the next 20 years and our private sector and municipal leaders need to be proactive in ensuring our infrastructure is prepared to accommodate this growth.
This challenge is two-fold. First, we need more housing. There isn’t enough for how fast our community – our businesses – is growing. Second, we need to put an emphasis on affordable housing, because people working in manufacturing, or services, or warehousing, or any number of other professions simply can’t afford rent for a two-bedroom apartment here.
Tony LaMantia is President & CEO of Waterloo EDC. A community builder, he relishes the opportunity to help build a strong, sustainable economy for Waterloo Region. Tony is the Past Chair of the Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region (BESTWR) and is currently a member of its leadership team.
Housingissue.and
FDI” – that’s investment that aligns with a community’s strengths and contributes to continued growth and prosperity. “Good economic development” – to take the concept one step further – is to ensure that we have a strong community and that everyone has the opportunity to share in that growth and prosperity.
Created to help businesses of all sizes and types cope with COVID-19, BESTWR has done its job. We’ve helped more than 90,000 workers and 3,500 businesses with their pandemic-related challenges in the last two years. As restrictions lift, BESTWR offers a unique opportunity to tackle some of Waterloo Region’s most substantial challenges in a collaborative manner with strong support from all local municipal, provincial and federal governments.
As the Chair of our Board wrote last year, the lack of shovelready land in the region “can only be solved if all levels of government and the private sector work collaboratively” to address the
I believe with all my heart that Waterloo Region has a fantastic future ahead of it. We’re a premier place for business investment, a wonderful community to live in and a progressive place that gets things done. To maintain these qualities takes commitment. It takes contributions from all of
Waterloo is in an excellent strategic geographic position, with affordable land and close proximity to Toronto. The problem is that we simply don’t have the land available to attract truly transformative, multi-billion-dollar manufacturing
Industrial Land Readiness
When we speak with tech companies, the first thing they ask about is talent. Manufacturers ask about our workforce. It’s all about people.
Waterloo has been blessed with an incredible tech talent market, one of the world’s top tech and engineering schools and one of Canada’s largest manufacturing workforces. We have a great starting point, but we need to get our housing and affordability issues in order.
This means coming to terms with our homelessness issues, our historic and ongoing treatment of indigenous peoples and so much more.
Waterloo EDC is keenly aware that to reach its potential, a community needs to be concerned with equity, equality, diversity and beyond - all things that have become a key part of the investment discussion when companies consider investing here.
Let’sus.
27advocate September | OctOber 2022
get to work.
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Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister recently walked the corridors of Communitech and met with tech innovators and leaders. Facing unprecedented inflation like most other countries in the world, facing worker shortages and increased international business competition, Chrystia Freeland said, “Communitech is exactly the kind of organization our economy and our country needs. You attract world-class talent; you champion innovation and you are driving the creation of tens of thousands of great jobs for WhileCanadians.”flattering, those words underline the expectations on organizations like Communitech. Recent layoffs within the technology and innovation industries mark the preliminary signs of our contracting global economy, setting off alarm bells for workers and businesses alike within Waterloo Region. Inflation, rising interest rates and labour shortages have prompted economists at the Royal Bank of Canada to predict an incoming recession in 2023.
focus on supporting Canadian tech startups is poised to generate prosperity not only in tech, but across all economic sectors. The innovations and solutions of Communitech’s founders hold positive implications to the operations of a diverse range of Canadian businesses and individuals. From accounting solutions for small businesses to streamlined health care experiences for individuals, Waterloo Region’s innovation ecosystem is poised to improve the operation of not only Canadian businesses, but the quality of life for Canadians
While the severity of the incoming recession remains uncertain, Communitech’s leaders in collaboration with its partners and recognized economic experts, anticipated elements of these challenges very early in the pandemic. For instance, in 2020, Canada’s Industry Strategy Council identified several key challenges standing in the way of national economic growth and prosperity. Chief among these challenges is slowing investment in innovation and digital infrastructure as well as the inability of many Canadian firms to grow into global powerhouses because of scaling difficulties. As such, Communitech intensified its support of Canadian tech and innovation startups in their goals to grow aggressively and dominate their respective markets. In pursuit of these goals, Communitech supports startups with high potential for global growth and provides Canadian governments with increased opportunities to procure Canadian-made products and services.
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also recognizes that the region’s expanding tech-focused talent-pool presents unique challenges for the rest of its workforce in keeping their talents and skills relevant to the local job economy. Communitech is responding to this challenge by continuing to uphold a strong commitment to the principle of Tech For Good, requiring all businesses joining our innovation ecosystem to commit to this ethos. We believe that to do well, we must also do good by building trust, transparency, inclusivity and most importantly, leaving no one Communitech’sbehind.
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new jobs and fortification of pre-existing roles. Again, this builds on the momentum we already have. Our region has an opportunity to further demonstrate our Team Canada ethos to the rest of the nation as we continue to develop one of the world’s foremost tech and innovation ecosystems right in our own backyard. Waterloo Region’s world-renowned educational institutions have graduated many of Canada’s top performers in their respective fields. Communitech’s vision for the future of our community is aimed squarely at keeping this talent in our Region and country as opportunities for growth and entrepreneurial activity are as attractive as anywhere
Matthew Bondy, MA, is vice-president of external relations at Communitech in Kitchener.
As outlined by Canada’s Industry Strategy Council, the country’s continued economic prosperity will be bolstered by a strong “Team Canada” ethos. Our economic game plan in the coming years exhibits this ethos by calling for a stronger focus on initiatives that will hold positive impacts on all Canadians’ quality of life and the long-term prosperity of Canadian businesses. In support of this goal, in June 2022, Communitech launched our inaugural Team True North, an assembly of 35 private Canadian companies which are on track to generate revenues of $1 billion by 2030, based on data from the Silicon Valley Bank and Two Sigma Investments.
Before her visit wrapped up, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister said, “We are great at technology, we are great at tech startups, and Communitech is one of the most important engines for how that has happened and how we’re going to continue to own that podium.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matthew Bondy, MA
We are up to the challenge to help lead Canada by example, and we hope you are, too.
Leading By Example: A Look at Economic Growth for Waterloo Region Amid National Uncertainty
As we head into the fall, Communitech aims to solidify the foundation of our future by continuing to build a digital, sustainable and innovative economy in Waterloo Region to benefit our community and country through the creation of
A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors. Pantone 2151 C 0RGB:64 11 100CMYK:81 30 15 #004072HEX:
Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible
30 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM If your organization would like to support the Chamber through a partnership program, please contact Heather at hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com
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While renewable energy sources are becoming more important in the energy mix, demand for oil and natural gas will continue for decades. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) most recent examination of global energy trends (released in October 2021) the world will continue to need at least 100 million barrels of oil a day in 2050 to meet energy needs.
About CAPP
Natural gas in rural Ontario
In these uncertain times, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has positive news to share: Canada’s oil and natural gas producers are committed to environmental solutions especially reducing emissions, managing water use, and strong land stewardship. This focus on responsible development ensures Canadians have access to safe, reliable, responsibly produced energy for our homes, businesses, and industries.
CAPP.CA
CANADA’S OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY: POSITIVE NEWS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Clearing the air: reducing greenhouse gas emissions
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 and associate members provide a wide range of supporting services. CAPP is a solution-oriented partner to the world’s needs for affordable, clean, safe and secure energy, and an important part of a national industry. CAPP’s mission, on behalf of the Canadian upstream oil and natural gas industry, is to advocate for and enable economic competitiveness, with environmentally and socially responsible performance. CAPP is dedicated to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and is committed to ensuring Canada is positioned as the supplier of choice in a world that demands a lower-carbon energy future.
Rising energy prices and energy security concerns, extreme weather events and the tragic conflict in Ukraine – today’s headlines raise issues and worries. Many Canadians find comfort in nature and outdoor pursuits, yet global concerns are never far from our thoughts.
In the oil sands, operators are actively cutting emissions
Oil and natural gas producers are dedicated to reducing emissions. For example, the industry is on track to meet provincial and federal regulations that aim to reduce methane emissions (methane is a potent greenhouse gas). Many innovative and practical technologies are being developed and deployed.
The IEA also noted that countries are not investing enough in resource development to meet these future energy demands. In other words, worldwide production may not keep up with demand. With the widespread ban on Russian oil and natural gas, we are already seeing energy shortfalls, supply problems, and higher prices. CAPP advocates to grow Canadian production to serve both domestic needs and to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy supplies for our international allies and trading partners.
intensity (the volume of carbon dioxide emitted per barrel of oil produced). Building on investment and innovation, overall emissions intensity is projected to decline up to 28 per cent while production could grow by more than a million barrels per day by 2035. Over the past decade, emissions intensity declined by 20 per cent – making oil sands emissions intensity comparable to other North American crudes.
sources, while the average business or farm is expected to save 30 per cent annually.
Throughout this challenging time in history, Canadians share something special. From coast to coast to coast, we have nature and beauty at our doorstep, offering a myriad of opportunities for outdoor pursuits and recreation. And as we treasure these experiences, the responsible stewardship of our country’s natural environment is a value the oil and natural gas industry shares with Canadians.
Here’s a great example: through its Natural Gas Expansion Program, the Government of Ontario is increasing access to natural gas in rural and remote communities in the province. In 2021, the provincial government announced Phase Two of the program, allocating $234 million to support 8,750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities, in addition to the 9,000 customers across 16 communities connected in Phase One. Some households could save up to $1,500 a year by using natural gas for heating instead of other fuel
Moving forward
Energy security
This year the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) turned 50. In celebration of this incredible milestone (as the second oldest BIA in the world), they have numerous initiatives rolling out throughout the year, including a photo contest, a series of limited edition collectible items designed by local artists, a video series providing a glimpse into the lives of some amazing business owners and much more.
Jeff MacIntyre is past Chair of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors where he served for more than fifteen years. His professional experience includes the insurance industry and starting several small businesses. In an August 10 release, he indicates that continually finding new opportunities will keep the GVCA relevant and growing
In a July 28, 2022, release, Ms. George noted “it has been my honour to serve the members of the GVCA and industry stakeholders for the last 16 years. The most important person in the Association is the member. I have always tried to put members’ interests first and advocated on their behalf.”
The Uptown Waterloo BIA turns 50
They invite everyone to come on up and explore Uptown Waterloo.
Martha George, President and CEO of the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) is stepping down at the end of October. Jeff MacIntyre has been announced as her replacement and commenced work on August 15, 2022.
MembernotablesNotables
New Region of Waterloo Realtor Association Announces Inaugural Board of Directors
Bill Duce, who has served as the Kitchener-Waterloo Executive Officer since 2008, is the Chief Executive Officer of the new regional association. Inaugural President Megan Bell recently served as KWAR’s President for the past nine months while Christal Moura and Val Brooks were Vice President and President respectively on the CAOR Board.
Stay tuned for incredible stories, visions of the past, present and future, amazing interactive activities and plenty of opportunities to win collectible items.
The WRAR is an amalgamation of the Cambridge Association of Realtors (CAOR) and the KitchenerWaterloo Association of Realtors (KWAR). The new entity arrives as consumers and realtors increasingly view the tri-cities and surrounding townships as a single regional market.
34 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM member
Leadership Transition at Grand Valley Construction Association
On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the Board of Directors of the newly amalgamated Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR) appointed Megan Bell as President, Christal Moura as PresidentElect, and Val Brooks as Immediate Past President.
The BIA is proud to serve the community and make Uptown Waterloo a vibrant, cultural hub for all to enjoy. The Board and Executive Director Tracy Van Kalsbeek have worked collaboratively with local stakeholders on many important projects.
The GVCA represents more than 600 companies in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors of the local construction industry. Under Martha’s leadership the organization has received numerous awards including the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal Award, the CCA Association Award of the Year, and the CCA Safety Award. Martha also received awards from the CCA and the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA). She is the 2022 recipient of the Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award from the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
member notables
School of Creative Industries Expanding in Downtown Kitchener
The expansion is expected to double Conestoga’s creative industries program with learning spaces to support emerging and in-demand fields including illustration, digital product design, game-art, artificial intelligence design, special effects, virtual reality merchandising, and motion graphics.
Toronto - Waterloo Region Corridor Recognized for Growth
The City of Kitchener and Conestoga College will collaborate to create more learning opportunities for building a talent pipeline serving a growing local creative economy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eclipse designed and produced N95-equivalent respirator and procedure mask assembly machines. In April of 2021, the company announced the donation of 1.5 million surgical-grade masks to small businesses across Waterloo Region. The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce appreciates this contribution and we subsequently assisted with the distribution of 600,000 masks to local employers.
The recent Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022 issued by Startup Genome has ranked the Toronto-Waterloo Region Corridor as 17th in the world with startups collectively valued at $46 billion US compared to an average of $28.6 billion.
Startup Genome’s founder and CEO J.F. Gauthier noted that Toronto-Waterloo is Canada’s leading startup ecosystem with many entrepreneurial incubators. The corridor’s ranking is due to an impressive growth of 128 per cent since their last report. In 2021, a record $7.7 billion was directed to startups across the Corridor.
Ireland-based Accenture has announced plans to acquire Cambridge-based Eclipse Automation, an organization that provides manufacturing and robotics systems for industries ranging from transportation and energy to consumer goods, electronics and life sciences.
One key to the region’s on-going success as a hub for innovation is multiculturalism driven by Canada’s social–democratic values which attract talent from around the world. As a hotbed for skilled employees, the region has seen a flourishing of new companies working in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, and sustainability.
Member Notables
35advocate September | OctOber 2022
Announced on May 27, 2022, Conestoga will expand their School of Creative Industries with a new campus in downtown Kitchener to prepare artists, entrepreneurs and technicians to drive industry growth. The expansion supports the city’s Make it Kitchener 2.0 economic strategy, addressing the skills shortage through investments in people and talent.
Accenture to Acquire Eclipse Automation
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