business
YOUR
SUMMER 2018 ISSUE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
full
speed ahead big changes at the
newmarket chamber
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES / NEWMARKET 16655 Yonge Street, Unit 3 NEWMARKET, ON, L3X1V6 905-898-6199
CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE 04
07
11
Career Pathways Expo
Inside Track
Full Speed Ahead
07 Learn News, Knowledge & Insights New Career Pathways Expo Life at Work Know Your Power Campaign 11 Connect Bridging Business & Community Full Speed Ahead: Q & A with Tracy Walter Smart Commute Member News Events 19 Thrive Tips, Trends & Intel Picture Perfect Economic Development Time To Incorporate? On the Cover: Tracy Walter (left) with Debra Scott. Tracy has replaced Debra as Chamber President & CEO. Read more about Tracy on page 11. Cover Photo by Jennifer Brien
19 Picture Perfect
NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SMART COMMUTE CENTRAL YORK STAFF
President & CEO Tracy Walter
Chair, Joshua Campbell Knowledge Broker
Program Manager Pat Lusink
Manager of Government Relations and Policy Abdus Samad
Secretary/Treasurer, Pierre Bonhomme Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants
Program Services Coordinators Jennifer Brien & Andrea Stephenson
Office Manager Lori Clayton Event Manager Rosanne Antunes Member Services Lauren Davie Program Coordinator Tyler Nakeff Auditor BDO Canada LLP Editor Leslee Mason
YOUR
business
1st Vice Chair, Bri-Ann Stuart Oxford Properties Group/Upper Canada Mall Past Chair, Dave Peters FFM Capital Inc. Sue Bowe Wildfire Wisdom Jennifer Buchanan snapd Newmarket
CONTACT US 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
Kyle Burgess LL.B. Minken Employment Lawyers Ron Pickett RDM Management Group Jim VanDusen NewRoads Automotive Group
Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. To advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca
INSIDE TRACK
hello from the new ceo! H
ave you ever had a job where at every meeting you sat at the same place with your co-workers each doing the same? Then one day, out of the blue, you walk in to discover people have switched seats? That’s kind of what this feels like! I’m still getting used to my new chair... and my new title. Little did I know when I first entered the Chamber office six years ago, full of ideas and determination, that one day I’d be taking the helm. Hopefully, my new role as the President and CEO of the Newmarket Chamber feels more like an evolution than a huge change for everyone. That doesn’t mean of course that it will all be status quo. The Chamber wouldn’t have survived 160 years without constantly pushing forward. We pride ourselves on
Read more in our Q & A on page 11
staying ahead of the curve so that we can deliver innovative programs, services and initiatives designed to give our member businesses the tools they need to thrive. That’s not changing anytime soon! I’m excited by what’s coming down the pipeline. We’ve got some great things in the works and I’m really looking forward to seeing them come to life. One of the biggest projects is one that I spent much of the last year working on. Coming this October, we’re launching the Career Pathways Expo, an event designed to give youth (and their influencers) a heads up about the opportunities that exist in the Region and advice on how to capitalize on them. The event is a huge cooperative effort in northern York Region between the public, non-profit and private sectors. Turn to page 7 for more info about it. PS: Change is good and we at the Chamber thrive on it, but what will never change is our commitment to you. Got a question or comment? Drop me a line at Tracy@newmarketchamber.ca
Tracy Walter President and CEO Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
A b i g t h a n k y o u t o o u r C o r p o r at e a n d C o m m u n i t y Pa r t n e r s 2018 CORPORATE PARTNERS
2018 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Newmarket
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS For a list of all events, information and registration, visit newmarketchamber.ca/events
2018 ANNUAL MEMBERS BBQ Wednesday, June 27th 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place (next to Chamber office)
474 Davis Drive, Newmarket COME ON DOWN AND JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL MEMBERS BBQ!
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 11 Know Your Power (see page 9 for details) 7:00–9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club SEPTEMBER 19 “Not-Working” Chamber/NYPG After Hours Event 5:30–7:30 pm | Treefrog Inc. SEPTEMBER 20 LEARN Seminar: How to take control and drive a sale (part 1) 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library SEPTEMBER 10 to OCTOBER 5 Smart Commute Month smartcommutecy.ca
JUNE OCTOBER JUNE 18 Discover Ability Workshop 8:00-10:30 am | Newmarket Chamber JUNE 19 Social Media Clinic: Video Apps for Mobile Take your videos up a notch when you’re on the go 1:00-2:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber JUNE 19 Entrepreneurs in Residence 7:00-8:30 pm | Newmarket Public Library JUNE 21 LEARN Seminar Series: Selling starts with understanding human nature 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library JUNE 27 Chamber Members’ Annual BBQ 12:00-2:00 pm | Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place
OCTOBER 18 Business Excellence Awards 5:30–9:30 pm | The Manor, Event Venue OCTOBER 25 LEARN Seminar: How to take control and drive a sale (part 2) 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library OCTOBER 30 NEW! Career Pathways Expo 10:00 am–4:00 pm (Student Expo), 4:00–8:00 pm (open to the public) Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall
ONGOING JUNE 27, AUGUST 29, SEPTEMBER 26 Member Orientations GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES, 15TH OF EVERY MONTH Awesome Foundation Newmarket
AUGUST
EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY Entrepreneurs In Motion Networking Group
AUGUST 14 Breakfast Networking 7:00–9:00 am | Pickering College
THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Mastermind Group
FEATURED EVENTS OCTOBER 18 october 30 Business Excellence Awards Join us October 18th for the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards where we recognize businesses whose achievements or community involvement have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Town of Newmarket. Early bird pricing of $160 per person for Chamber members, available until September 18th, 2018. Register: newmarketchamber.ca/Business-Awards
Career Pathways Expo Businesses consistently struggle to find qualified staff. Part of the problem stems from a gap when it comes to youth understanding all the career options available to them. Our new Career Pathways Expo aims to help remedy that. The Expo will be open to the public from 4-8 pm to showcase local businesses, highlight available careers and feature a job fair. Interested in getting involved? Visit newmarketchamber.ca for more info. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Get To Know The Newmarket Chamber
BOARD
STAFF
VOLUNTEER
RON PICKETT, Board Director and Policy Advocacy Committee Member
LORI CLAYTON, Office Manager
BOB MINHAS, Facilitator, Social Media Clinic
Q. What does your role at the Chamber involve? A. As the Office Manager I look after many administrative duties that involve problem solving, scheduling and organizing. Bookkeeping takes up a major chunk of my day and unexpected things pop up regularly to make sure my day is full.
Q. What’s your day job and what does it involve? A. I’m a Small Business Consultant who helps Main Street businesses revive and grow their ventures.
Q. What’s your day job and what does it involve? A. I am President of RDM Management Group, a Newmarket management consulting company specializing in business valuation, technology and innovation leadership strategy. We help organizations plan using technology and finance for strategic advantage. Our clients are market leaders that want to maintain competitive advantage. Currently, we are focusing on the ‘smart city— digitizing the urban ecosystem’ space to help forward-thinking municipalities. Q. What’s the one-piece of advice you wished you had recieved early on in your career? A. I wish I would have had advice to continue my education and obtain my MBA after my undergrad degree. I teach Innovation Leadership to 22-year-old students in their 4th year of Business Administration at Georgian College. My advice to them is to ‘chase your passion, not your pension.’ About 70% of the population hate their jobs and many are doing it for the pension. Do not become one of the daily GO Train or 404/400 rush-hour zombies. Get a post graduate degree and embrace this ever fast-changing world. 6
newmarketchamber.ca
Q. You’re a comic book hero: what’s your super power? A. Not quite a comic book hero but I have been asked numerous times to put on my “Sherlock Holmes cap” when someone needs a mystery solved. I have the super power of persistence—no unsolved mysteries allowed! This super power has been likened to ‘a dog with a bone’… Q. What’s your favourite productivity strategy? A. a) Make a To Do List b) Complete items on the list c) Cross completed items off the list—this is most satisfying part and d) Repeat regularly. Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year? A. I have learned how extremely important (and hard) it is to make time to look after myself.
Q. Tell us one thing people don’t know about you? A. I occasionally perform stand up comedy under a fake name. Q. How do you recharge? A. Epsom salts in a bath with Netflix on the laptop and a rye and Coke Zero. Not all the time. I’m not a monster. Q. What’s your favourite quote or motto? A. “Believe in the Good in people. That’s how your Good stays intact.” - Bob Minhas Q. Name one thing on your bucket list. A. I dream of going to a small town over the period of a year, helping small Mom and Pop businesses thrive in rural communities. Think Littlest Hobo meets Simon Sinek. Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year? A. Always trust your gut. If you feel like something won’t work, no amount of justification in the beginning will relieve the discouragement of not following your gut later.
LEARN
News, Knowledge & Insights
career pathways expo –coming this fall!
T
he inability to find qualified staff is a common challenge for businesses. We hear it frequently as does the Town of Newmarket’s Economic Development Office. For some, the issue is so significant that it impacts the growth of their businesses. On the flipside, we’ve learned through a number of local youth focus groups that students are unaware of the companies, industries and careers that exist in the region. They simply don’t know what’s out there and there’s an inconsistency in the type of information they receive when it comes to career options. Enter the Career Pathways Expo, a cooperative effort in northern York Region
between the public and private sectors and non-profit organizations. Aimed at secondary students (and their influencers), the Career Pathways Expo is designed to provide insight into the opportunities that exist in York Region and advice on how to capitalize on them. We’re packing it with a lot of great info, including overviews on a broad variety of job paths and the skills, education and expectations needed for various careers and sectors. What skills are in demand? What opportunities are on the rise? We’ll be talking about it and sharing info! The Expo will feature a variety of local businesses, post-secondary institutions,
training in trades, entrepreneurship and other local supports and opportunities. It will also feature speakers and workshops. There will also be interactive tools to help students, teachers and parents explore career pathways and access local labour market information. The inaugural Career Pathways Expo launches October 30th and will be open to participating secondary students and educators during the day. In the evening, parents and job seekers are invited to attend a job fair to help broaden their understanding of local businesses and available opportunities in the region. Learn more at newmarketchamber.ca
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018
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LEARN
life at work For many people, work is their home away from home. So why not make it a team effort to stay healthy? Here are a few suggestions to start.
1. Salad days. Skip the complicated
office potlucks and bond over salads instead. Pool your resources and pick up a few salad dressings to share. Once a week, bring your own base (think spinach, spring greens, etc.) plus a topping. Use it as an opportunity to up your salad game with toppers like avocados, artichoke hearts, sunflower seeds and fruit.
2. Walk it off. Mobile phones and
devices like Fit Bits make it easy to track the daily steps you take. Get buy-in from your co-workers and challenge each other to “out step” one
another. At the very least, you’re likely to become more aware of how much you move each day. Post the results in a communal space such as the staff kitchen. You can even award a small prize for the weekly winner like a free coffee (or juice or tea).
3. Energize the office. Set a timer to go
off a few times a day. When the bell rings, get up and stretch as a team. Yes, it’s a bit awkward but that’s part of the fun. You’ll find easy ideas on the blog of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (chiropractic.ca).
STAND OUT business
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YOUR
WINTER 2018 ISSUE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Celebrating
business
ExcEllEncE in nEwmarkEt
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YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2018
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Visit newmarketchamber.ca/marketing for more information 905 898-5900 | advertising@newmarketchamber.ca
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newmarketchamber.ca
LEARN
know your power T
he Newmarket Chamber, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), has collaborated with the Ontario government to lead an education campaign to improve awareness of the Province’s energy conservation and cost saving programs. The Know Your Power initiative is a one-stop shop for information about energy-saving programs and opportunities that will help businesses identify measures to help reduce electricity bills and conserve energy. As part of the initiative, the Chamber is holding the Know Your Power Breakfast event on September 11th. It will bring together representatives from the local distribution company, natural gas distributor and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), along with businesses and community leaders from the region, to share information about available energy saving programs and how to enroll. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other local job creators who are interested in giving their businesses a competitive edge through energy efficiencies and retrofits, and hear success stories from those who have already benefited. Head to our website to get registered for the event. Visit newmarketchamber.ca/advocacy for more information and watch for our newsletter for tips on energy retrofitting for businesses.
M2M Card: your gateway to local deals & Discounts
Chamber member? Break out your Member to Member (M2M) Discount Card and save! We’ve got discounts and deals on everything from great meals to chiropractic care to technical support and more. M2M cards are available to Chamber members and their employees and can be used both for work and personal purposes. Visit newmarketchamber.ca for the full list.
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CONNECT
Bridging Business & Community
full speed
ahead
Meet Tracy Walter, the new President and CEO of the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
W
ith a few years of work experience under our belts, most of us end up with some stories to tell. For Tracy Walter, the Chamber’s new Prez, one of her strangest comes courtesy of her time in the tourism industry. “I was riding on an ATV on Hudson Bay and ended up getting chased by a polar bear!” An avid traveller from a young age, Walter got her start in tourism at a small start-up tour operator. The company took off, growing from just five employees to hundreds in less than a decade and opening additional offices in Canada and Europe. Walter’s job grew with the company. Along with copious amounts of travel, her job evolved into a leadership role and she participated in decisions on growth, diversification, sales, HR, marketing, government relations and more. It also helped foster her passion for business development. After 13 years with the company, and with a young child at home (her daughter Sydney is now 20), Walter decided it was time for a career that kept her grounded. She made a move to a small business consulting firm in Markham. The firm specialized in predictive analysis so a crash course in statistics and modelling techniques was in order. The role gave her the opportunity to work with large corporate clients in a variety of segments helping them to identify and focus on the activities that drive value and Tracy Walter with Debra Scott, former President differentiation. and CEO. Though she loved the work (she was there for more than a decade), when Walter came across an ad for a apply. She was tired of commuting and Business Development Manager for the the job description, she says, peaked her Newmarket Chamber she decided to interest: raise the profile of the Chamber,
deliver value to members through programs and services, drive revenue and create strategic partnerships. Plus, the sixminute commute just couldn’t be beat! After six years in her role at the Chamber, Walter has moved on to her next adventure—this time as the leader of the Newmarket Chamber. It’s an ambitious undertaking—the Chamber is one of the largest in York Region—but one that Walter is more than qualified for. So what’s next? We turned the tables on our new boss with a list of questions we wanted answered. Here’s what she had to say. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 11
CONNECT Q: You joined the Chamber in 2012 as the Business Development Manager. What was that like? A: I quickly discovered that I was working for one of the most professional and innovative CEOs in the Chamber network and that meant I had the opportunity to learn from the best. I also discovered that we had an amazing team of talented people working in the office and I knew this was where I wanted to be. Debra gave me the opportunity to apply my experience from the corporate world to the Chamber to help differentiate it and consistently focus on delivering value to our member businesses. We made some adjustments to our programs and services, underwent a strategic review and communications plan, created a new website and re-branded the Chamber—no wonder the years have flown by! Q: Is there something you’ve done with the Chamber that you’re particularly proud of? A: As part of the communications plan, we worked on creating new promotional materials that were focused on our pillars of helping businesses to ‘Learn, Connect and Thrive’. We worked with RC Design who helped us create a brochure and a series of postcard advertisements to
help raise the profile of the Chamber. Our communications plan and promotional materials were recognized by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (Chambers across North America) winning both the Grand Award in Advertising & Marketing and the Best of Show in Communications Excellence—it was a first for a Canadian Chamber. Q: What do you think you’re going to bring to the role? A: Commitment, passion and enthusiasm—these three things are a great start to any journey or accomplishment. I’m a strong believer in collaboration and partnerships—I think it’s because I really like working with other people in teams. I can generally start up a conversation with anyone, and I do as I’m fascinated by people’s stories! This past spring, I travelled to Cuba on my own thinking I’d have plenty of time to read and relax but by the end of the trip I had been adopted by numerous groups of people and never did find that alone time! Q: What’s the biggest opportunity the Chamber has yet to explore? A: Given the advancements in technology and the pace of change going on in the world right now, it’s probably an opportunity that we don’t
Flex your business muscles. We know you want to. Join the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce and gain the competitive edge you need. Get practical and tactical advice that will help you succeed in today’s business market. Visit us online at
NewmarketChamber.ca
She’s particularly proud of this award-winning campaign created by RC Design.
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yet know exists (but we’ll be watching for it!). However, at this time we’re exploring our role in the development of the future workforce and helping employers to find the skilled employees that they need now in order to continue to grow and thrive. I’m really excited about one of our newest initiatives—an expo for youth, in cooperation with the two schoolboards, designed to help them understand the various jobs and career pathways and identify the types of jobs that are in demand and available in our region. (Editor’s note: turn to page 7 to read more about the Expo!) Q: What do you see as the Chamber’s biggest strength? A: We have a strong reputation as an advocate for business and for working collaboratively with the Town, the Region, our members, community organizations and our partners to help develop unique approaches to prosperity, economic development and social innovation to contribute to the overall sustainability and quality of life in Newmarket. Q: You grew up in Newmarket and your father was a business owner here; how has that shaped you? A: I lived in Newmarket up until high school when we moved up to Muskoka (my entire family has since returned to Newmarket). My Dad owned a hairstyling salon on Eagle Street so I really understand the “shop local” mindset. I saw first-hand how those local dollars being spent contributed to our family. For example, the sports and recreation activities we were able to do, and the community organizations that my parents supported were all dependent on the success of Dad’s business. I remember when I first took the job at the Chamber and my Dad asked me what the benefit was to a small business.... When I started rhyming off all of the benefits for businesses, my Dad said he wished he would have known that when he operated his business here. It’s kind of a personal mission for me to make
CONNECT sure that all local businesses know what is available through the Chamber and are aware of our advocacy efforts on
The FUN STUFF
behalf of all businesses in the area. Q: If you could give a business professional just one piece of advice, what would it be? A: If you are the smartest person in the room you are probably in the wrong room. Never stop learning— take advantage of professional development opportunities, talk to other business owners, network. There is a wealth of expertise, advice and resources in our community— make use of them.
Having some fun on set!
Favourite Business Book: • The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Malcom Gladwell Inspirational quote or motto you follow: “Success depends on your whole team being a single unit”– Pelé “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do”– Mark Twain Technology you can’t live without: • My iPad mini (it’s an addiction) Something most people don’t know: I’m related to Louis Cyr, the famous French-Canadian strongman who is still recognized as the “strongest man ever to have lived.” His career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries and his recorded feats included lifting 500 pounds with one finger and back lifting 4,337 pounds.
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YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 13
CONNECT
Power your commute Ever thought, “I really should bike to work”, and then talk yourself out of it because of hills, long distances and the fear of arriving a hot sweaty mess?
T
hree years ago, Todd Kyle, Newmarket Public Library CEO, decided to replace his aging mountain bike with an electric bike (e-bike) and it’s been a game changer! What motivated you to purchase an e-bike? I strive for a sustainable lifestyle and I wasn’t cycling to work as often as I wanted to. I thought an e-bike would give me the speed and ease I wanted, especially on hills.
What are the biggest benefits of getting to work on your e-bike? Commuting by e-bike takes me about the same amount of time as it does to drive alone but I get valuable exercise which keeps my weight
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Smart Commute Central York is a program of Metrolinx.
in check. I arrive at work in a great mood and don’t have to search for a parking space. The e-bike has also extended my biking season. I ride more often and further because the pedalassist motor is there when I need it for hills and hot weather. E-bikes are more expensive than a regular bike but it costs pennies to charge, and I save on gas and vehicle maintenance for my car.
have just installed a covered bike parking structure. It’s a bonus that the new eastwest cycling route goes right by the Library and is a safe way to bike across town.
How would you convince someone to make the switch to an e-bike? The biggest surprise for me was how fun it is to ride so I would suggest that they just test drive one! As the Library’s CEO what do you do to encourage staff to cycle to work? Parking in downtown Newmarket can be limited and it’s nice to save parking spaces for our patrons. We have staff incentive programs for active commuting, an emergency ride home program for bad weather and we
Todd Kyle with his e-bike Interested in an e-bike? Visit your local bike shop and take one for a spin to see if an e-bike is right for you. June is Bike Month in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area - the perfect time to try biking to work! Reduce congestion, save money and get some exercise. Visit bikemonth.ca to discover cycling events in your community.
CONNECT
MEMBER NEWS Newmarket Company Part of Trade Mission to France In April, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, led a trade mission to Paris, France, where the focus was on artificial intelligence and clean technology. (Canada’s cleantech industry ranks fourth
Anil Abrol, President of Eco Guardian with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.
globally, and France is the country’s ninthlargest trading partner.) Newmarket-based Eco Guardian, manufacturer of compostable food packaging products, and multi-purpose and industrial bags, was part of the delegation. Anil Abrol, President of Eco Guardian says the trip made sense for the company. “France was the first country to pass a law to ban the use of single use plastic tableware effective 2020,” he notes, adding Eco Guardian has a compostable alternative. “We were looking to expand our business in France and the Trade Commissioner contacted us for this Mission. We were lucky to pass the screening criteria and get accepted as one of the delegates.” Along with aiding in its export development plan, the trip provided a great platform to introduce the company to Minister Champagne, says Abrol. “He was very impressed with our company and the solution we bring as an alternative to polystyrene and plastic items.” Catherine
Delegates had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was in France for his first official visit.
McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada was also part of the trip, he says. “We will be in touch with the Environment Minister’s office, looking for solutions for Canada— especially to reduce polystyrene and plastic consumption in the country and reduce ocean pollution and solid waste.”
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YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 15
CONNECT
Events There’s always something going on at the Chamber! Check out these highlights from the last several months.
v Breakfasts
Shane McCarthy and Sher St. Kitts.
CPG Aerospace sponsored the April Breakfast. Left to right: Michael Waddington with Trudy Rudolph (Heart & Stroke Foundation – York Region), with Matthew Waddington and Joshua Campbell.
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Holly Juhola and Kayla Bunnett. Ann-Marie Gabriani, David McIvor with Breakfast sponsors David Harris and Lauren Harris of Voyageur Travel.
CONNECT
Events v Economic Luncheon
v Women In Business Luncheon
Lynne Kunica and Natasha Cicciarella, both from Natasha C Fitness.
Christine Frigo, Kathy Russell and Arlene Stephenson.
Derrol Salmon with Joshua Campbell.
Michael Waddington, Tracy Walter and Wasim Jarrah.
Joshua Campbell and Debra Scott (second and third from right) with sponsor TD Bank Group.
Councillor Jane Twinney and Darlene Murray.
Melissa Cowell-Griffiths, Jöelle Zarifi, Zalika McDermott, Hilda Crick-McDermott.
Chelsea Dell and Cindy McPhee.
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YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 17
CONNECT
Events v Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show The cold weather didn’t keep people away from the Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show. This year’s event featured tons of great booths, plus spring-focused seminars and a family-friendly Balloon Extravaganza Show from The Twisted Ones. BEST OVERALL EXHIBITOR
BEST NEW EXHIBITOR
Ripples Bathroom Boutique
My Indie Coffee Roastery
MOST ORIGINAL EXHIBITOR
BEST EXHIBITOR SPIRIT
The SoapBox Laundromat
Smiles at SummerHill Dental
Voyageur Place Hotel 17565 Yonge Street • Newmarket • Ontario • L3Y 5H6 Direct: (905) 895-2131 • Toll Free: 1(800) 575-0601 info@newmarkethotel.com www.newmarkethotel.com Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
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BARBARA SITKO KWAPIS SALES REPRESENTATIVE
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Tips, Trends & Intel
PICTURE PERFECT
Gary Collier, the owner of Collier Photo, knows a thing or two about creating beautiful photos. Here, he offers his pro tips for getting a great-looking headshot
1. The Right Background The viewer should be looking at the subject–not the backdrop. If you have a choice, choose a solid basic colour. Grey is very common for headshots. 2. Your Look Since a headshot is only from the elbow up, don’t worry about the rest of your outfit. I recommend plain, solid and strong colours. If it brings out your eyes, now is the time to wear that shirt! Studio lighting is very strong so soft colours, white or pastels, may wash you out. It’s also a good idea to avoid stripes, plaids, patterns and anything with writing on it. The viewer should be looking at your eyes, not trying to read your shirt. Today’s cameras pick up everything so be sure to give yourself a once (or twice) over. Remember to check your hair and teeth. Photography makeup is
very close to evening makeup, so if you wear it, don’t be afraid to use more than your typical daytime look. Some people splurge and get it done professionally. If you go this route, be sure to tell the make-up artist what it is for. Professional yet approachable is the look we are going for here. I always recommend clients bring a change of clothes, and many times the customer ends up picking the shot wearing the “just in case” shirt or jacket. For example, men should do some shots with a tie, some with a jacket, some without. It’s good to have choices later. 3. It’s All About Angle A photographer should seat you at a 45-degree angle to the camera, with your head turned to face the camera directly. This minimizes the nose, width of shoulders and makes the eyes look straight into the camera. It may feel awkward but tends
to produce the most flattering shots. The photographer looks for other things as well. Is one eye slightly larger, is the nose slightly crooked, is the hair casting a shadow? There are many things to consider when trying to get the most flattering image of you. I photograph everyone from both sides and take at least 15 images. Try to relax and let the photographer guide your smiles. The photographer may ask you to lean or tilt your head; just trust that it is in your best interest and gives you more to choose from. Many photographers do light photo retouching. For example, blemishes are removed, flyaway hair is removed, and lines are reduced. The end result of a great photoshoot is a headshot that makes you appear professional and approachable. Depending on the type of business you’re in, your headshot can be used for business cards, your website, social media profiles and more.
The owner of Collier Photo, Gary Collier is a professional photographer whose versatility ranges from headshots to glamour shots, from ballerinas to boats. He also teaches photography and his students come from all walks of life, including other professional photographers, fine art students, advanced amateurs and new photo enthusiasts. Both studio and location photography (and lessons) are available. Visit collierphoto.ca for more info. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 19
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the town launches two new tools
to support local businesses Town of Newmarket Economic Development Update
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he three pillars of the Economic Development Strategy for the Town of Newmarket are Innovation, Collaboration and Urbanization. Two new projects we’ve launched over the past year help bring these pillars together: the Corporate Visiting Program and our new Economic Development blog, “Where Work Meets Play” (whereworkmeetsplay.com). These initiatives build relationships between the Town and local businesses, encourage growth of local companies and drive local investment. Last year, we began a formalized Corporate Visiting Program, where business leaders meet one-on-one with our Business Development Specialist. During these conversations, businesses are introduced to programs that may support their success and are able to share their perspectives on the overall business experience in Newmarket. The Town of Newmarket has assisted with a variety of issues as result of these visits—from finding solutions for overflow parking to addressing questions about Townrelated servicing fees. The Town has also connected companies with Smart Commute Central York (a program of the Newmarket Chamber), which provides practical and environmentallyfriendly solutions to get their employees to and from work each day. We’ve gained a better understanding of some of the issues facing our local enterprises. One common theme that was identified? The need to attract (and retain) qualified employees. Our new blog “Where Work Meets
Play” is designed to help connect skilled workers with potential employers and to show future employees the quality of life that exists in Newmarket. The blog features stories showcasing Newmarket’s culture and community, and shines a spotlight on businesses offering full-time careers. The blog posts are promoted on social media and career opportunities are highlighted through a dedicated careers section. This section allows job seekers to see all of the careers that the blog has highlighted at one time. Each blog entry tells the company story in an engaging way to help promote the business and attract qualified candidates. A recent post profiled Lotek Wireless and their work in creating “wearable technology” which is being used to enable conservation efforts of the porcupine caribou in Northern Canada. Another post featured Wolfpack Packaging and highlighted their ultra-modern office
space, complete with an open concept design and an on-site fitness facility. By telling a company story through conversational-style articles, interviews and images, job seekers are able to better understand the culture of a company and what makes them appealing as a career choice. Since launching the blog this past March, it has generated over 1000 unique visitors (80 per cent based in the GTHA) and featured companies have received qualified leads from candidates seeking professional level careers. We’re actively seeking businesses that wish to be part of the Corporate Visiting Program or have an interesting story that would be a good fit for the blog. For more information on these opportunities, email ebryan@newmarket.ca or visit whereworkmeetsplay.com and fill out the “Contact Us” form.
Newmarket is home to many innovative businesses, such as Microcel (pictured above). The Town is actively seeking businesses that wish to be part of the Corporate Visiting Program or have an interesting story that would be a good fit for our blog.
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 can be reached at 905-953-5131, ext. 2 or ckallio@newmarket.ca. 20 newmarketchamber.ca
THRIVE
time to incorporate? We explore some of the benefits of incorporating your small business
T
here are many forms that a business can take. It can operate as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, joint venture, or corporation. Which form is best for your business? It depends on your situation and requires an analysis of the pros and cons of each structure. If you’re a small business owner there’s a good chance that, at some point, you’ll consider incorporating your business. There are many benefits of incorporating versus staying a sole proprietor. We explore some of them here. Separate Legal Entity A corporation is a separate legal entity. Depending on the type of business you operate, there can be liability protection achieved by incorporating your business. If you operate as a sole proprietor, you assume all the risks and liabilities of your business personally. Whether these risks are significant and if they can be adequately mitigated by insurance has to be considered on a case-by-case basis. As a business owner, you should discuss this matter with your corporate lawyer and/or insurance provider.
effective personal tax rate in Ontario of 53.53%, you will pay $267,650 in taxes.) These corporate tax savings can be reinvested in your business to buy more inventory or a new piece of machinery to help your business grow more rapidly. It’s important to note that this tax deferral is only achieved when income is earned and retained in the corporation. Personal tax will be payable when the after-tax profits of the corporation are paid out to its shareholders as a dividend.
Other Tax Advantages Another benefit to incorporating? The potential ability to claim the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) on a Tax Deferral future sale of the business’s shares if they There’s a potential for a significant tax are considered to be shares of a Qualified deferral by incorporating your business. Small Business Corporation (QSBC) at Consider this: An Ontario corporation the time of sale. The LCGE for 2018 is that earns $500,000 of active business $848,252 and if fully utilized at the top income and has a small business personal tax rate in Ontario for 2018, deduction limit of $500,000 will pay it can result in $227,000 of tax savings. approximately $67,500 of corporate taxes Where there are multiple shareholders in 2018. This is based on the combined (or beneficiaries of a family trust), there’s small business tax rate in Ontario of the potential to multiply this exemption 13.5%. Starting in 2019, the rate will to achieve additional tax savings. decline to 12.5%. (If that same $500,000 Finally, there are more incomeof business income is splitting opportunities in a corporate taxed at the highest structure than in a sole proprietorship.
For example, dividends can be paid to spouses where they own shares that are considered excluded shares or the income is earned from an excluded business. Other Considerations There are several other considerations when deciding to incorporate, including: the startup and annual compliance costs of incorporating compared to a sole proprietorship; the deductibility of losses in the early years of the business against other sources of personal income as a sole proprietor versus the losses being trapped in a corporation; and the continued existence of a corporation upon the death of the owner-manager compared to a sole proprietorship ceasing to exist. From a tax perspective, incorporation is not always the best structure. Tax deferral is only achieved if you are making profit and retaining it in your corporation. The capital gains exemption is only available if you are able to sell your business. Given the numerous considerations when choosing whether to incorporate or operate as a sole proprietor, business owners should consider consulting a tax advisor to help them choose their optimal business structure.
Joel Russell, CPA, CA is a tax senior manager with BDO Canada LLP (bdo.ca). Joel works primarily with owner-manager type businesses, supporting them with their tax planning, with a specific focus on estate and trust planning, corporate restructuring, business succession, retirement planning, and purchases and sales of businesses. BDO Canada LLP is the fifth largest accounting firm globally, offering accounting, assurance, domestic and international tax, and advisory services. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 21
ANNIVERSARIES The following companies have reached milestones as members of the Newmarket Chamber. Thanks for being members!
35 YEARS Smith Williams and Bateman Insurance Brokers Ltd.
15 YEARS CCL Financial Inc. Michael Sheridan Communications Inc. Mike’s Appliance Servicing
10 YEARS Fraktals ‘Spectacular Chocolate Cashew Buttercrunch’ Northern Alarm Protection Co., Ltd. Watershed Marketing Group Inc. The Manor
5 YEARS Big Daddy’s Rock & Roll Emporium Bosse Mechanical Inc. Eco Choice Windows & Doors Feherty Property Management Inc. GBK Financial Inc. Lasting Effect Electrolysis Massage Addict Newmarket Pita Pit – Leslie Street Location RDM Management Group TLC The Life Centre Voyageur Travel York Vein Clinic
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 services they offer.
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Glorious days, hot nights—what’s not to love about summer? Here are just some of the businesses around Newmarket that can help you make the most of the sunny season. Decked Out Hickory Dickory Decks | decks.ca Who doesn’t love hanging out on the deck? Hickory Dickory Decks builds high quality custom decks, and also constructs pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, cabanas and other backyard structures. Backyard Beauty New Roots Garden Centre | newrootsgardencentre.ca How does your garden grow? If patchy and brown are parts of your answer, you may want to check out New Roots Garden Centre. Along with offering on-site lawn and garden rejuvenation, New Roots is a full-service garden centre. Visit them for annual and perennial flowers, trees and shrubs, potting mixes, outdoor decor and more. Special offer: Text YOURBIZ to 33322 to receive 15% off your next order at New Roots. Offer expires June 30, 2018. Easy Meals Vince’s Market | vincesmarket.ca Too hot to cook? Get some help from Vince’s Market. The award-winning grocery store offers plenty of fresh meals ready to take home and enjoy. Or, up your grill game with Vince’s Own sausages or marinated beef kebabs.
New Roots also creates seasonal planters for businesses.
Photography AIMM Media | aimmmedia.com Life goes by in the blink of an eye. Take advantage of the warm weather to capture those special moments. AIMM Media does event photography, family pics, portraits and more.
SAVE THE
DATE OSPCA
FRIENDS FOR LIFE WALK SUN SEP 23
Sun May 27
NEWMARKET
FARMERS MARKET MAy–OcT
CHARITY
CLASSIC CAR SHOW SUN SEP 16
NewRoads is dedicated to caring for our community through sponsorship and participation.
www.newroads.ca/community
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2018 23
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