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Activate your commute
Main Street revival
Are you a reverse delegator?
Fall 2015 Issue
brought to you by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
Are you ready for disruption?
BRUCE CROXON
DISCUSSES WHY NO INDUSTRY IS IMMUNE Page 14
SEE BRUCE AT THE BUSINESS THRIVES CONFERENCE & EXPO ON NOVEMBER 24TH
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of d)
Contents FEATURES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
14
Q+A with Bruce Croxon
Executive
17
Reverse Delegation
IN EVERY ISSUE
02
From Debra’s Desk EVENTS
03
07
Secretary/Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
The Murdoch Group Private Wealth Management
Bateman Graham & Fitzpatrick Chartered Accountants
1st Vice Chair Veronica Williams
Past Chair Rob Chaggares
snapd Newmarket
Chaggares & Bonhomme, Chartered Accountants
Calendar of Events Directors
LEARN
05
Chair Kevin Murdoch
Joshua Campbell
Neil Moore
News, Knowledge & Insights
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre Brokerage
York Region Media Group
CONNECT
Lorne Cooper
RDM Management Group
Bridging Business & Community
Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Brokerage
Sabine Schleese
THRIVE
Gary Ryan
Ron Pickett
Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. Alana Simon
09 Tips, Trends & Intel
Southlake Regional Health Centre
12
Economic Development
Dave Peters
MEMBERS
Distinctive Alternative Investments Inc.
Members
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce Staff
20
Pickering College Leslie Yeates
Collins Barrow Durham Consultants Inc.
President & CEO: Debra Scott
Cover photo by Christopher Wahl.
Business Development Manager: Tracy Walter Office Manager: Lori Clayton Event Manager: Rosanne Antunes
2015 CORPORATE PARTNERS
Member Services: Lauren Davie Event Coordinator: Astero Prattas Auditor: BDO Canada LLP Editor: Leslee Mason
Smart Commute Central York Staff Program Manager: Pat Lusink Program Services Coordinator: Jennifer Brien Hallmark Lind Group Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated.
2015 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
“Raising the Bar”
Assistant Program Services Coordinator: Andrea Stephenson
Magazine layout and design provided by RC Design. rcdesign.com
Newmarket
470 Davis Drive (The Old Railway Station) Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P3 t: 905-898-5900 f: 905-853-7271 w: newmarketchamber.ca e: info@newmarketchamber.ca
Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. Advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca
from DEBRA’S DESK
IS YOUR BUSINESS THRIVING? No doubt you’ve met them during your career—those business professionals who just seem to have the Midas touch. Their businesses and careers thrive, they make connections with ease, they stay on the cutting edge and they make it all look so easy. Of course, the reality is never quite as clear cut. Business takes hard work and dedication, and behind the biggest success stories are usually some failures. While you can’t completely eliminate risks, the steps you take can increase the odds that your company will stand the test of time. It’s with that in mind that we’re launching the Business Thrives Conference & Expo. The event, which takes place November 24th, brings together a host of resources, speakers, breakout sessions and one-on-one opportunities with experts on a variety of relevant topics. What do you need to do to ensure your business stays agile? What tools are you missing in your marketing toolkit? From HR to technology to social media management and more, the event is designed to give you plenty of tools and takeaways to help launch your career to another level. Anchoring the day are keynotes from some very exciting speakers, including Ron Cates a digital and social media marketing expert for Constant Contact. We’ve also lined up Sean Stephens, the CEO of Treefrog Inc. Based in Newmarket, Treefrog takes an innovative approach to just about everything
they do. Sean’s contagious enthusiasm and out-of-thebox thinking is sure to get you thinking about ways to apply innovation in your own professional life. Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome Bruce Croxon. While you might recognize him from his days as a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Bruce’s impact on the Canadian business landscape goes far beyond television. Check out our Q and A with him on page 14 to learn more about this successful entrepreneur, investor and influencer. We’ll also have plenty of display tables where you can connect with both peers and potential customers. Whatever side of the table you’re on, those types of connections are key to your business and future success. What makes your business stand out? I’d love you to tell me. Share your successes, innovative approaches to business and news. You can reach me at debra@newmarketchamber.ca.
Debra Scott
President and CEO
Left Kevin Murdoch, Board Chair and Steve Hinder (past Board Chair, 2011-2013). Right Enjoying the gorgeous weather at our annual BBQ. Tracy Walter with Sabine Schleese, Newmarket Chamber Board Director.
For more event photos, turn to page 8.
On our cover
Bruce Croxon to Key Business Thrives Conference & Expo 2
Your Business
Fall 2015 Issue
Digital pioneer, entrepreneur, investor, advisor and TV host, Bruce Croxon wears many business hats. A former Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Croxon is currently the co-host of The Disruptors on BNN, a show focused on digital innovators. He’s well suited for the job; Croxon is the co-founder of Lavalife, an online dating site that helped revolutionize the way people connect (and eventually sold for a whopping $180 million). Turn to page 14 to find out what he’s up to these days.
EVENTS
Calendar of Events LEGEND
Included in Membership
Public
SEPTEMBER 21–27
Smart Commute Week smartcommuteweek.ca
SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 29, NOVEMBER 26
Member Orientation 8:00–9:30 am
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
Look for the LEARN seminar series starting this fall! For a list of all events, information and registration, visit newmarketchamber.ca/events. Fee applies
Recurring event
SEPTEMBER 22
China Trip Information Session 5:30–7:00 pm
Holiday Inn Express
OCTOBER 13
Breakfast Networking Sponsor: Newmarket Lions Club 7:00–9:00 am
Pheasant Run Golf Club OCTOBER 15
Business Excellence Awards 5:00–10:00 pm
The Manor Event Venue
NOVEMBER 10
OCTOBER 21
After Hours – Portraits of Giving Joint Event with NYPG 5:30–7:30 pm
York Region Building Great Hall
Breakfast Networking Sponsor: York Region Rapid Transit (VivaNext) 7:00–9:00 am
Cardinal Golf Club
NOVEMBER 24
Business Thrives Conference & Expo 8:00 am–4:00 pm
The Manor Event Venue EVERY MONTH
Deadline for Awesome Foundation Newmarket Grant Applications Social Media Surgery Clinic
DECEMBER 2
Holiday Mix ‘n Mingle & AGM 5:30–7:30 pm
RedCrest Cardinal Golf Club
PeerGroups (Weekly) DECEMBER 8
Breakfast Networking
FEATURED EVENTS 0CT 15TH
Business Excellence Awards 5:00–10:00 pm | The Manor Event Venue
Sponsor: RBC Royal Bank 7:00–9:00 am
St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Course
NOV 24TH
Business Thrives Conference & Expo
Join us on October 15th when we recognize businesses whose achievements or community involvement have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Town of Newmarket.
8:00 am–4:00 pm | The Manor Event Venue
Early bird pricing of $150 per person for Chamber members, available until September 15, 2015. Register: newmarketchamber.ca/Business-Awards.
Early bird price of $65 per person available for Chamber members until September 24, 2015. Register: newmarketchamber.ca/bizexpo
Don’t miss the Business Thrives Conference & Expo on November 24th. This resource-packed event is designed to give you tools and takeaways for success in business.
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
newmarketchamber.ca
3
Cardinal Clubhouse
e t a r b Cele us with
RedCrest Clubhouse
LEARN
NEWS, KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS
TWITTER Q: ME THIS A:
e
I’m just starting out my business. How much time should I be devoting to social media? “How much time you spend on each unique social media channel (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) varies depending on that platform. Before starting, it’s important to have a clear marketing strategy (including target market). Once you have this info in your business plan, a good start would be to dedicate four hours a week to your social media strategy. And by this I don’t simply mean to posting. Spend that time creating a social media editorial calendar, cultivating content for your channels and blogs, and doing overall research about what’s going on in your industry online. Make this a habit and add hours as you grow your presence.” The President of Oxygen Media Canada, Bob Minhas is also one of the coaches available at our new social media clinics (included in membership). To register or for more details, including dates, visit newmarketchamber.ca.
CHAMBER HAPPENINGS At the risk of humble bragging, there’s a whole lot going on at the Chamber. Here are just some of our offerings. Discover more at newmarketchamber.ca. GROUP INSURANCE
Available to all Chamber members, the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan provides small businesses with comprehensive group benefits, including dental and health insurance. NEWMARKET YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
Created for the under-40 business crowd, the NYPG brings together likeminded individuals during evening events that incorporate professional development, networking and socializing. CHINA TRIPS
STOP BY
Who doesn’t love a good
we’ve got candy!
DISCOUNT?
For many businesses, exhibiting at events is one of the best ways to get face to face with potential customers. But how do you stand out from the pack? The key is going the extra mile, says Rosanne Antunes, Event Manager with the Newmarket Chamber. “Don’t just set up some tables with your pamphlets and brochures—that’s not enticing.” Instead, spend some time thinking about your presence there. For example, display shots of your product on a TV or give out small token items, such as candy to draw in people. If you can, check out what others have done with their booths to get your creative juices flowing. Great ideas are everywhere and you may find some that you can adapt for your own purposes. “Whatever the size of your budget, be creative,” says Antunes.
Chamber member? Use the M2M Discount Card to get access to hundreds of discounts on the terrific local products and services you use every day, including:
FOR MORE EVENT TIPS, CHECK OUT OUR BLOG AT newmarketchamber.ca.
Goodyear Newmarket: Oil change $19.99 plus taxes, any maintenance service 10% off, tires 30% off list pricing (discount does not apply to sale prices) Just Pho-Nomenal: Receive 10% off and a free can of pop or bottled water Klein Horsman Carpet One Floor & Home: $100 off minimum $1000 purchase, before taxes The Cove: 20% off catering orders over $100 The Laundromat: Get 25lb of laundry washed and delivered for only $37 SEE THE FULL LIST AT newmarketchamber.ca/M2M
We’ve got two exciting trips to China in 2016. These four-stop excursions begin in Beijing where you’ll visit historic sites, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Get the scoop at one of our info sessions taking place September 22nd and 23rd. (Travel arranged through Naqi Ahsan, CTC, ON Registration: 1576226) THE 20TH ANNUAL NEWMARKET HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
Last year, a whopping 5,500 people attended the event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the largest home show in York Region which takes place April 1–3, 2016. MAGNET
Hiring? We’ve partnered with Magnet, an online job-matching network, to help with your search. Fast and cost-effective, Magnet connects local employers and job seekers based on skills, preferences and needs. Get started at newmarketchamber.ca/magnet. FUEL DISCOUNTS
Fill up for less; save 3.5 cents per litre with Esso’s Business and Fleet, an exclusive program offered to Chamber members (including employees).
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
newmarketchamber.ca
5
Chris Ballard, MPP Newmarket-Aurora Constituency Office
238 Wellington Street East, Suite 203 Aurora, Ontario L4G 1J5 Tel 905-750-0019 | Fax 905-750-0050 cballard.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
CONNECT
BRIDGING BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
ACTIVATE YOUR COMMUTE Meet three extraordinary Southlake Regional Health Centre employees who “walk the talk” everyday!
Smart Commute Week SEPTEMBER 21–27
Debbie,
Tish,
Pam,
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE
MANAGER, FOOD SERVICES
INPATIENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Do you walk or bike in all seasons and in all weather?
How far is your commute?
Absolutely! I have even snow-shoed in and wear cleats on icy days.
It takes me 50 minutes to walk three kilometres and when I cycle I take a longer route for more exercise. I share my commute with Canada geese and snapping turtles!
What are the greatest benefits you get from walking to work?
How would you convince someone to trade in their car for walking or cycling? Nike 101: “Just Do It!” It’s truly a mindset and I save over $1,300 a year.
Has anything interesting ever happened on your way to work? When my son was younger he wanted a goalie stick and I saw one on the curb so I picked it up and strapped it across my handlebars. As I continued on my ride to work, someone called out “Hey, do you want me to take some shots on you?!”
What do you typically carry with you? I once won a prize at a bridal shower for being the most prepared in case of emergency. You name it, I had it: toothbrush, Band-Aids, socks, umbrella, etc.
Stress relief; walking helps me relax and is good for my health. Sometimes I can even out-walk the traffic.
What would you say to inspire someone to get walking? It’s nice to be outside! It doesn’t matter what the weather is like if you’re dressed properly.
Email info@sccy.ca for more information or to sign up for our e-newsletter.
Visit smartcommuteweek.ca and enter online for your chance to WIN one of four $500 VIA Rail travel vouchers!
The annual cost of owning and operating a compact car is between $6,500 and $8,900, but it only costs a fraction of that to maintain a bike.
Walking 30 minutes per day may decrease your risk of diabetes by 30%.
A middle-aged cyclist is typically as fit as someone 10 years younger. Smart Commute photos by Jennifer Brien.
Allied Global Wins Large Business of the Year Newmarket’s Allied Global has been named York Region Large Business of the Year. The announcement was made in early June at this year’s Colossal York Region Chamber Connection at The Manor. Congratulations also goes out to Salon Decorum who was a finalist in the small business category. The Allied Global team, David R. Gallagher, Tom McCausland, Chris Emanuel (with Kevin Murdoch, far left, and Debra Scott)
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
newmarketchamber.ca
7
CONNECT
EVENTS
HONOURING EXCELLENCE
There are plenty of opportunities for Chamber members to learn, connect and thrive. Here are some highlights from the last several months.
Right
Newmarket has no shortage of exceptional businesses and every year the Chamber pays tribute to a group of them at our Business Excellence Awards. Congratulations to the 2015 finalists (listed below). Winners will be announced at the awards gala on October 15th at The Manor Event Venue. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Michael Croxon, Nikki Pett,
Sigma Promotions Inc. Sean Stephens,
Treefrog Inc. FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR Expedia CruiseShipCentres Newmarket Volvo The Pickle Barrel Newmarket INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Dairy Quality Inc. Davis Orthodontics Newmarket Group of Artists LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Benson Kearley IFG H.J. Pfaff Audi
Ajoi Landscape Design Inc. FACED Professional Makeup Artistry Khamp Media
Job Skills Women’s Centre of York Region York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE YEAR Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants
Right Shubha Karkada of Ora World Art and Patrick O’Grady of LegalShield at the May breakfast.
Murray Family Chiropractic Wasim Jarrah, Royal Lepage Your Community Realty
MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR Canadian Plastics Group Ltd.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd.
RC Design Inc.
TS Tech Canada Inc.
The Piano Studio
SE Telecom
Can’t make it to the Awards? Look for the list of winners at newmarketchamber.ca/ Business-Awards after the event.
Fall 2015 Issue
Photo: Rachel Hawtin
NOT FOR PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Nature’s Emporium
Your Business
Left Michael Croxon of NewRoads Automotive Group carries the torch at the Pan Am Games torch relay.
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
NewRoads Automotive Group
8
Suzanne Gaudet of DeafBlind Ontario Services and Mathew Jazenko of MRJ Financial Solutions at the August Breakfast Networking event.
Left Matthew Waddington of Canadian Plastics Group Ltd. (CPG) celebrates a great prize from the annual bbq—a night out at OLG Slots at Georgian Downs for up to 25 people!
THRIVE
TIPS, TRENDS & INTEL
The Launch
COUNTDOWN
Getting ready to launch a new business is a hectic time, as the entrepreneur needs to manage all of the details around customers, sales funnel, marketing, production and distribution and more. Several organizations in York Region help businesses think through these operational considerations. The Ontario Centres of Excellence (oce-ontario.org) work with industry to commercialize innovation coming from Ontario’s publicly-funded colleges, universities and research hospitals. OCE also offers entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across the province.
• • • •
INDIVIDUALS Personal Income Tax Returns Family Tax & Life Event Planning Personal Budgeting Review of Wills & Insurance
• • • •
BUSINESS Financial Statements & Reporting Bookkeeping Services Corporate Tax Returns Financial Planning & Budgeting
www.hauleyaccounting.com 222 Chambers Crescent Newmarket, ON L3X 1T1 e: : jeff@hauleyaccounting.com
p: 905-898-1421 tf: 1-855-222-4274 f: 905-898-2327
Personalized Quality Service
The Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) provide business advisory services and training seminars (on topics such as start-up regulations, business planning, marketing research, and taxes) to small businesses of all industries. The York Region SBEC (yorksmallbusiness.ca) is one of four serving the Region, and is based in Newmarket. ventureLAB (venturelab.ca) is the non-profit innovation centre that supports York Region, Simcoe County and Muskoka District. The Launch program (part of the BUILD training workshop curriculum) helps companies prepare to go live with their technology-focused (including online) businesses. ventureLAB also offers one-on-one advisory services, provided by their team of Executives in Residence. York University and Seneca College each offer incubator programs, which include courses, workshops and mentoring, to help early-stage businesses with funding and other startup activities: • Seneca: Health Entrepreneurship and Lifestyle Innovation Xchange or HELIX (senecacollege.ca/research/HELIX/) • York: Innovation York (innovationyork.ca) and LaunchYU (launchyu.ca)
Lucas Chang leads Startup York (startupyork.ca), an entrepreneur-led movement affiliated with Startup Canada, which is working to evolve the ecosystem in York Region to better support startup businesses and entrepreneurs in technology and non-technology sectors. Lucas is also a business consultant and coach who helps companies grow their operations, reduce costs and manage growth-related risks.
Celebrating our 10th year in business. Let Chaggares & Bonhomme guide your business to the next level – whether you are an established business or still working on your business plan. Our firm has received the Readers’ Choice Award for #1 Accounting Firm in York Region for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 & 2014. Awarded 2012 Business Excellence Award for Professional Services Business of the Year by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. Entrepreneurs choose us because we think like entrepreneurs. 5-355 Harry Walker Parkway North Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B3 www.cb-ca.ca
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
905-895-9922 telephone 888-353-8085 toll-free 905-954-1149 fax
newmarketchamber.ca
9
THRIVE
FOUR WAYS TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST 1
The Sign Up Form Some social media outlets such as Facebook give you options to include an email sign-up form on your business page. Simple to create and implement, a sign up form is an easy way for people to subscribe to your email communications and can help you determine who your most invested clients are.
CULTURE CREATES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Everyone wants their organization to be successful and doing so requires a particular combination that includes a supportive company culture, skill and preparation. Take the Maple Leafs. Do we have the right players? The right coach? What does it take to win?
DELIVERS RESULTS
2
Use Content Incentives
Integrity
Compassion
Courage Collaborate for results
Cultivate Collegiality
Coach for Performance
In the last issue (Summer 2015) we took a look at “Create Clarity”, the first pillar in the Character Culture framework (see table). Looking at the table, ask yourself these questions: COMMIT TO ACCOUNTABILITY Is there anyone in your organization who doesn’t know their strengths? Do they commit to using them at all times?
COACH FOR PERFORMANCE Does each team member support every other person in achieving the ultimate goal?
CULTIVATE COLLEGIALITY Is there constructive feedback in all directions?
COLLABORATE FOR RESULTS Winning as a team must trump everything else. Not totally obvious, is it?
Run a Promotion Along with value-added content, other incentives such as contests, sweepstakes and giveaways are terrific ways to achieve your list-building goals. Don’t forget to include a sign-up form that allows participants to opt-in to additional email communications such as your newsletter.
Bonus tip: Be sure to get familiar with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation which outlines and enforces the sending of electronic messages, including emails, social networking and text-messages.
Javed S. Khan is the President of EMpression: A Marketing Service Company that helps small- to medium-sized businesses learn about the power of online marketing. An Accredited Local Expert with Constant Contact, he is a popular speaker at conferences, workshops and chamber events across Ontario. Learn more about Javed by visiting him on LinkedIn.
10
WHAT TO DO
CHARACTER CULTURE Respect
Get Face to Face to Gain Interest If in-person meetings aren’t possible, consider hosting web conferences or meet online via a platform like Google+ Video Hangouts. A lot of web conferencing programs also include a feature that allows you to add content (see tip #2).
4
WHAT IT BUILDS HOW TO DO IT
Source: Building a Character Culture by Kathleen Redmond.
Trust & Performance in the Workplace
Commit to Accountability
3
CREATES
Create Clarity
Added-value content is one of the best ways to effectively build your email list. Many businesses use short e-books but whatever the type of content you offer, make sure it complements what you do. For example, a digital marketer might offer subscribers a content schedule template to help businesses develop and track social media posts.
Your Business
Fall 2015 Issue
Next, add on the four values, how people work together: Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Courage. Does it matter that every hockey player feels valued? Even when they make all that money? Guess what, yes, it does. Our emotional state impacts our behaviour. What is the most critical engagement factor? Positive work relationships. In other words—the values. The Character Values (Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Courage) are defined in specific behaviours so that everyone knows how to treat each other and genuine trust is built. It’s important to spell out clear expectations, not just in what we are expected to do, but also how to go about doing it. Let’s just hope that the Leafs are able to create a culture for success and win that darn cup!
Kathleen Redmond, Senior Partner with The Centre for Character Leadership, is collaborating with The Character Community Foundation of York Region to offer a series of workshops that focus on Building a Character Culture. Visit charactercommunity.com for more info. Kathleen’s books, including her newest, Communicating in a Character Culture with Tact, Integrity and Courage (June, 2015), are available on centreforcharacterleadership.com/store.
THRIVE
THE ULTIMATE COMMUTE
According to the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, every day GTA residents average about an hour each way getting to and from work. That amounts to approximately 500 hours a year in cars, buses and on trains, which has significant environmental, health and quality of life impacts.
BUT HOW DO WE WIN BACK THOSE VALUABLE HOURS? For many companies and their employees, it comes down to telecommuting. An increasingly popular option, some studies have shown that teleworkers are more productive than workers who go to the office. As someone who regularly works from my home office and sells and implements video conferencing solutions, I know the benefits of telecommuting firsthand. Using video conferencing and telephony technologies my coworkers, customers and suppliers are a click away on any of my smart devices. I meet frequently on video and never have to start my car. Telecommuting has become an important part of our company culture at Phoenix Systems as well and has replaced face-to-face meetings in 80% of the cases. Inexpensive deployments in the Cloud allow for meetings with up to 40 participants that can be easily administered by office managers. For employers this means that they can also reduce the expensive travel, lunches and accommodations that might go along with important meetings. Video conferencing is a technology that has been embraced by just about every industry now and its benefits extend far beyond the bottom line—contributing to higher productivity, increased morale and greater business opportunities.
So, the ultimate commute is no commute.
Les Hoffman is the Director of Unified Communications for Phoenix Systems in Newmarket.
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Taylor Funeral Home Newmarket Chapel by Arbor Memorial
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Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
Ad size: 3.625” x 4.625”h, CLR Publication: Chamber Advertising Contact: Erik
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11
THRIVE
Main Street
The Living Room of our Community How important are downtowns to community image and civic pride? If you’ve visited cities and towns where the downtown area is awash in vacant buildings for sale/lease, unkempt buildings in need of repair, and little pedestrian traffic, then you know the answer.
TOWN OF NEWMARKET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
A healthy, vibrant community features an attractive and prosperous downtown core, one that is frequented by residents and visitors alike. Through foresight and good planning, Newmarket’s Main Street district retains its rich history and is an important community asset. Credit must be given to previous and current Town leaders who have supported and invested in our downtown to ensure it remains an important cornerstone of our community. The history and significance of Main Street to Newmarket’s development since the Town’s inception is well-documented. Main Street was its commercial heart until the retail landscape began to shift to major corridors, primarily Yonge Street, as our residential population increased. The emergence of Upper Canada Mall in the 1970s and the big-box phenomenon that followed created tremendous economic pressures on smaller retailers located in the core. This pattern of suburban development was seen throughout Ontario, and it left many downtown retailers unable to compete. In worst case scenarios, downtowns became low rent districts, a “location of last resort”, featuring bargain stores and convenience shops, perhaps with the occasional upscale specialty store able to withstand the suburban retail onslaught through quality merchandise and outstanding customer service. Fortunately, Newmarket’s Main Street area never suffered as badly as other communities’ downtown cores, but readers of a certain vintage may concur with some of the above observations. To stem further decline and ultimately reverse the fortunes of the downtown area, a number of studies were completed that objectively analyzed the downtown’s historical prominence, assets and potential. These led to a number of recommendations.
Newmarket’s Main Street in 1950
Among these completed studies was a Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which led to the designation of a CIP area focusing on the Main Street district from Water Street to Davis Drive. Under provincial legislation, a CIP allows municipalities to financially support community objectives in specific areas, including downtown revitalization.
The Town completed infrastructure and streetscape improvements while the CIP process was underway, which set the stage for funding physical building improvements through the Financial Incentives Program established under the CIP. By the end of 2005, a suite of individual grant and loan programs were unveiled to support private sector investments to enhance downtown properties. The Economic Development department manages the Financial Incentive Program through an annual budget allocation. A small committee of business and property owners within the CIP area plus the ward councillor review applications and make recommendations to Council for funding support. The primary goals of the program are twofold: to upgrade properties to current building code standards, and enhance streetscape facades to better reflect the history and heritage of the area. Has the program been successful? From 2006– 2014, approximately $1.6M in approved grants has generated over $6.6M in private sector investments. Program tracking since inception indicates that for every dollar the Town contributes, the private sector invests $3.50 into building enhancements. Even more telling is the rate of assessment growth occurring in the lower Main Street area between Millard Avenue and Water Street as recorded by the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Between 2005 (the approximate start-up date of the Financial Incentive Program) and January 1, 2012 (the last completed MPAC assessment), in the lower Main Street area, commercial assessment grew by 72%, more than double the overall Town rate! Investing in community amenities such as Riverwalk Commons and the Old Town Hall further attests to our commitment to a healthy and vibrant downtown. It also begs the question: What would the results been had we not invested in our downtown? Non-economic benefits are also numerous. Among others, we are requested to speak regionally and even nationally about our successful revitalization efforts. Hollywood continues to use Main Street for major productions and the local housing industry, including at least one currently building in a neighbouring community, regularly features the area within its marketing material. A restaurant district has blossomed in only a few short years
continued on page 18
Chris Kallio is the Economic Development Officer with the Town of Newmarket. He welcomes questions and comments on this article or overall economic development within Newmarket. He may be reached at 905-953-5131, ext. 2, or ckallio@newmarket.ca.
12
Your Business
Fall 2015 Issue
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FEATURES
Q+A with
Bruce Croxon FROM DISRUPTOR TO DRAGON AND BACK;
Bruce Croxon shares his views on what disruption means for Canadian companies, what it takes to thrive in business and what the best organizations are made of
WHO
Bruce Croxon COMPANY
Round 13 Capital a company dedicated to investment in growth stage digital Canadian companies BEST KNOWN FOR
WATCH HIM
Co-hosting BNN’s The Disruptors, a show devoted to showcasing Canadian digital innovators SEE HIM
At the Business Thrives Conference & Expo on November 24th
Photograph by Christopher Wahl.
Co-founding Lavalife. His time as a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den
FEATURES
Q + A WITH BRUCE CROXON
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce: Not every type of business falls into the disruptor category but can you apply some of those approaches to any business?
change—not necessarily looking over your shoulder but certainly increasing the level of awareness on what technologies and disruptive technologies are doing to the industry and how it’s going to impact you.
Bruce Croxon: I would struggle to find examples of industries and What do the best companies offer businesses that either haven’t been in terms of corporate culture? disrupted, are in the midst of being The best ones show evidence that disrupted or it’s just around the corner. they have given it some thought and Technology is being applied to every taken a stab at articulating what the industry and every vertical. core values of their company needs to be in order to compete effectively Are there things that businesses and the kind of atmosphere and need to be looking at to keep environment they’re trying to create. themselves forward thinking? And those translate directly: ‘These I think they have to constantly are the core values that we stand be looking. And I think how that for as an organization.’ Obviously, translates is that when you’re looking we’re looking for people that show to build your organizations and those characteristics and that prepare for change—what I would gets translated into a recruitment, call inevitable change—you need to selection and hiring process that attract employees and partners and screens for those values. For example, relationships that are open minded, curious by nature and are comfortable if teamwork was one of your core values or openness you would attract with the incredible rate of change team-oriented and open-minded that we are dealing with today. So yes, people and that’s how cultures are there’s all kinds of things you can do built. I would suggest that’s more but you need to start by accepting the important than it’s ever been before. fact that there's a very good chance that your business 10 years down the road is not going to look much like it looks like today. Are there key issues that companies consistently struggle with?
It’s very easy for companies that have been in long-standing industries to be complacent and not put the proper amount of time into looking ahead more than a couple of weeks and say “Given everything around me and given where I am today where do I want to be three years out? And what do I have to do in the next fiscal year to put the wheels in motion to effect those goals?” Doing that exercise doesn’t put food on the table a week Friday or doesn’t impact your sales in that particular month so I get why it gets back seated sometimes but I think you do that at your peril. Increasingly. If that’s the case, how often should businesses revisit their goals?
I think it’s an annual exercise to set your performance goals for the year and really try to articulate what you’re trying to achieve as a company. But I think the bigger advice is that you need to start creating cultures within organizations that are constantly on the lookout for
Are there particular business lessons that you consistently apply to everything that you do?
Increasingly, when I look back on the mistakes I’ve made most of them are linked to when I’ve ignored the core values that I set for myself in terms of the kind of people that I want around me or the types of opportunities that I want to pursue; it’s when I’ve prioritized a tactical skill over my gut telling me this person or opportunity isn’t a right core value fit with what I’m trying to do. Given that it’s a 24/7 world now, are there ways to stay strong as a business despite the hectic pace?
I think you have to be prepared to work a little harder. If you’re doing a start-up business my advice would be pick something that you really enjoy so that it doesn’t seem so much like work when you’re doing it. That will enable you to put more time in. Don’t operate in a closed environment and don’t believe naively that your industry of all the industries is immune to change. You have to be ready for it. Building performance environments through goals and rewards, putting
a thoughtful culture together based on well-articulated core values that are designed specifically to grow your company forward within an industry, and being prepared to work very hard would be my top three pieces of advice given the times.
Don’t forget about
MARKETING
From a business perspective, what are you most proud of?
What can companies do better? Marketing, says Bruce Croxon. Though he was referring to tech companies specifically, we think his advice transcends industry. We sum it up here:
I’ve developed a knack, I think, for helping small companies grow into medium-sized companies and I take tremendous pride in helping entrepreneurs take it to the next level. I’ve been able to develop my own playbook in terms of what separates good companies from great companies and I’m getting better at translating that to help entrepreneurs in a meaningful way. I’ve helped a number of companies both as an investor and a mentor do that and I think at the heart of it that’s what— I’m starting to learn, anyway—makes for a good investor versus somebody that just puts the money out and hopes everything goes well.
1/ Barriers to entry used to be about technology, these days it’s all linked to marketing and attracting and retaining customers. Understand how much it costs to get customers, know they’re worth and hang onto them.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I’m as excited today as I was when I first stumbled upon the use of telephone technology which ultimately evolved into Lavalife. And I think the next 10 years are going to be all about disruptive technologies taking a run at established, ingrained industries that are operating inefficiently. They’re either spending too much to provide a service or they’re charging too much or both.
2/
We’re in the middle of a period where it’s a wonderful time to be a consumer because there’s no excuse for overpaying for anything, it’s just you didn’t click one more time to find a better price. Marketers know you; they’re serving you up what you want when you want. You can go and stay in someone’s house in San Francisco rather than the price of a hotel. It costs me 40 percent less to drive downtown now with UberX— I’ll never drive downtown in Toronto in my life. So we’re in the middle of a remarkable time of transition. As far as Canada goes, I’m right in the middle of it as someone who is trying to put capital to work to help these small companies in this disruptive field grow into medium size companies.
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
Understand your customers are not with you because no one else can provide the service. 3/ Increasingly the priority is on marketing and being strong marketers. Put a premium on sales and customer service.
Our interview with Bruce Croxon has been edited and condensed. Read a longer version at newmarketchamber. ca/QA-BruceCroxon.
newmarketchamber.ca
15
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FEATURES
REVERSE DELEGATION Are you doing everyone else’s work?
We’ve all seen situations where managers delegate a task to an employee and then end up doing the work themselves, either because they take the assignment back or allow the employee to give it back. This phenomenon is called reverse delegation. When this occurs, organizations make lessthan-optimum use of their human resources. Bosses that delegate work and then take it back from their staff are like parents that say to their kids, “Here, I’ll do it for you” or “Forget it, I can do it faster myself.” In a work environment, this leads to two negative learning outcomes:
1
the employee doesn’t learn how to handle the task independently, and
2
the employee learns that the boss doesn’t trust him or her to do a good job.
There are managers who say they want to delegate to staff, but then insist on approving every step in the process or question every decision. When executives get sucked into reverse delegation, they end up being swamped with the small stuff instead of plotting company
strategy for the next five years. Organizations have a hierarchy for a reason. The idea is that decision making and execution are delegated to the lowest possible level, so that people at higher levels can focus on bigger issues. As Dr. Phil writes in Life Code: “Delegate to people who may not see the big managerial picture, but have enough knowledge of the parts and pieces necessary to succeed”. Some people actually like holding on to all the pieces—they love being needed for even the most mundane matters. These types fear being away from work— they’re convinced (or choose to believe) that without them the organization would collapse. A number of them are control freaks who probably don’t belong in managerial positions. They don’t really need staff—what they crave is an entourage. Their egos drive them to be involved in everything, with morale and employee development as collateral damage. Hiring people, paying them to work for you and then doing all the work yourself is counterproductive. Deploying resources this way can lead to massive inefficiencies. And it’s probably not something you would proudly explain to the Chair of the Board. After
all, the Board isn’t paying you to choose the cheese for the shareholders’ meeting. Part of the reverse delegation problem is that many people are addicted to the excitement that comes from chaos. They love telling the world that they’re in such demand that their life is out of control. When you ask how things are going, and I’ll bet their answer contains words like “nuts, crazy, crazybusy, insane, trying to catch up, exhausted, swamped, hectic, super-hectic and rollercoaster”. Heaven forbid they were to admit that they’re not busy. At best, they would label themselves as lazy or disengaged.
SOLUTIONS Two approaches may work: self-help and HR-help. Selfhelp entails acknowledging the issue, developing the self-discipline to delegate and then sticking to that decision. HR-help is needed when people don’t acknowledge the issue and comes in the form of performance management and actionable feedback. First, if you delegate a task and the employee tries to give it back with all kinds of excuses, resist the temptation to take it back. Instead, ask the employee to come to you with solutions for the issues and then
Evert Akkerman is a Newmarket-based HR professional who has worked extensively in the private and non-profit sectors and freelances in PR and communications. He founded XNL HR in 2012 and was a dual finalist in the 2014 Canadian HR Awards. Evert can be reached at info@xnlhr.com and 289-338-4001.
you can decide between alternatives. This approach will sending a crucial message to the employee and the organization at large. Second, once you’ve delegated a task, don’t micromanage. Make people responsible for the assignment and encourage them to deal with obstacles and deliver results. You can let them fall on their face a couple of times and hand them the first aid kit, but don’t do other people’s jobs. Assume that you have competent staff and give them the opportunity to prove it. Or to prove you wrong.
From an HR perspective, accountability can be established by making “delegation” part of each manager’s performance review. Take my word for it—people start paying attention when things are being measured and their behaviour will change if there is a consequence. Documenting the issue and providing meaningful feedback is crucial if you wish to address it. This is where HR has a key role and the organization as a whole can benefit.
See Evert At the Business Thrives Conference & Expo on November 24th
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
newmarketchamber.ca
17
THRIVE
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY AMENITIES SUCH AS RIVERWALK COMMONS AND THE OLD TOWN HALL FURTHER ATTESTS TO OUR COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHY AND VIBRANT DOWNTOWN.
attracting new visitors who may have never experienced the historic charms of Main Street, while for the first time, we are also witnessing strong interest in multi-residential development. Finally, Main Street is showcased as a strong quality of life attribute when Economic Development staff host foreign investors and businesses. Particularly gratifying is the recent trend of new, visionary property owners recognizing the potential of Main Street and committing to complex and expensive restorations of historic building facades. We intend to facilitate this evolution by focusing future funding assistance on these high-priority initiatives. Main Street has turned the corner over the past decade but we must be vigilant by supporting a strong balance between historical preservation of buildings and economic viability of the businesses located within them. Through extensive collaboration between the Town, individual businesses, and business support organizations such as the Main Street BIA and the Chamber, Main Street will flourish as the “Living Room of our Community.”
18
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
Your Business
Fall 2015 Issue
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® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. Home and Auto insurance products are only available to residents of Canada. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not provide auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Underwritten byrates RBConGeneral Insurance Company. Columbia. Discounted auto insurance are not available in some Atlantic Provinces. The insurance being sold is individual insurance, ® / it™isTrademark(s) of Royalrates, Bank where of Canada. Used under licence. Home and Auto insurance products are only availableowners. to residents of Canada. VPS84391 but offered at preferred it is allowed by law. All other trademarks are the property of their respective As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not provide auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British 104528 (03/2014) Columbia. Discounted rates on auto insurance are not available in some Atlantic Provinces. The insurance being sold is individual insurance, but it is offered at preferred rates, where it is allowed by law. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. VPS84391
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MEMBERS
New Members A warm welcome to the following companies: Simple Technology Solutions Inc. Print Three Cowie & Hargrave Financial Services Innovative Licensing & Promotions Wildfire Wisdom Dairy Quality
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES The following companies have reached milestones as members of the Newmarket Chamber. Thanks for being members: 15 YEARS
11 YEARS
Cintas – The Uniform People
Bell, Upper Canada Mall
14 YEARS
Molly Maid – Newmarket, Bradford & Schomberg
Canadian Plastics Group Ltd.
Murray Family Chiropractic
Fresh Water Industries Inc.
Snapd Newmarket
Homeguard Funding Ltd.
Zip Dandy (Agents) Master Fitness & Squash Complex Serenity Hair & Spa LA Fitness
Investors Group Financial Service Inc. Newmarket Office Furniture Northern Self Storage The Piano Studio
Fonelab Inc.
10 YEARS Joshua Campbell – Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre Source Point Business Group Vince’s Country Market Amica at Newmarket
Newmarket Arts Council
Upper Canada Signs & Graphics
Van Bakel Nursery & Greenhouse
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
K9 to 5 Doggie Daycare Nightcare Grooming & Training
12 YEARS
Minuteman Press
Dontex Construction Ltd.
Stephen L. Shessel C.A.
Welcome Wagon Ltd.
Total Kitchen Refacing Inc.
Personal Service Coffee of Newmarket Spartan Fitness Goodnight & Sweet Dreamzzz
93.1 Fresh Radio
Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs Ltd. Dennis Paradis Sales Rep RE/MAX Hallmark Lake Wilcox Brewing Co. Synfini Works Habitat for Humanity Re-Store Digital Hero Vacworks Pita & Grill Jenny Craig Chuck E. Cheese’s Simpsons Windows and Doors Inc. Best Eclat Dry Clean Canmark Communications Tradebank York Love Leggings York Region Ground Burger Bar
Stay up-to-date on new members—and M2M discounts—at newmarketchamber.ca. Looking for a particular business? Check out our online directory to view our full list of members and details about the products and service they offer.
20
Your Business
Fall 2015 Issue
Member Spotlight: Cintas – The Uniform People Cintas is celebrating 15 years as a Chamber member! We asked Scott Smith, General Manager of Cintas – Newmarket, to share a bit about the company. WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Rental uniforms/entrance mats, facility service products, corporate identity products, promotional products, sports/school team wear. LENGTH OF TIME IN NEWMARKET: 15 years NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT THE NEWMARKET LOCATION: 190 partners
COMPANY PHILOSOPHY: "Ensure that our customers receive the highest level of service/products at a reasonable price every time." WHAT MAKES CINTAS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK? "Our culture. Our partners (employees) are what make our business so great. We cherish them and our growth, profit and sustainability come from their passion and dedication."
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