Business April 2015

Port of Thunder Bay Optimistic For Another Great Season!

INSIDE ALMOST $485,000 IN NOHFC FUNDING ASSISTS LOCAL BUSINESSES iPosture, the Evolution of Your Posture in the Digital Age 10 Common Misconceptions about Homemade Wills WARM UP THAT BODY BEFORE SPRINGING INTO ACTION DO YOU HAVE A SENIOR IN YOUR?...THEN READ THIS!

Forum for Youth in Agriculture

The Award Winning 2015 Chevrolet Colorado!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

LIFES’ LITTLE TEACHERS

By Sherry Aalto Life’s’ little teachers are everywhere and such is so in the case of 6 year old Donna-Lynn Laughton, daughter of Shelley Laughton of Thunder Bay. Donna-Lynn is a real firecracker of a youngster and is extremely talented, plays piano, sings, and like any other child, likes to ride her bike and models for her mom when her mom has completed a crochet project. But what really makes Donna-Lynn special and one of life’s’ little teachers is that, she has decided, all on her own, to donate her beautiful, long, brown, shinny hair to Cops for Cancer, for wigs that are

made for children who have lost their hair because of cancer and cancer treat-

ments. Donna-Lynn wants to do this in honour of her grandmother who passed away with cancer before she was born and also because, this is her way of showing her love for children who suffer from cancer and who could use a friend. Donna-Lynn herself has made many, many friends through the years during her own trips to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto because DonnaLynn was born with microphthalmia.

Micorphthalmia is a developmental disorder of the eye, pre-birth, in which one or both eyes are abnormally small. In other words, Donna-Lynn hasn’t any eye sight…she is legally blind.

Donna-Lynn will be present at the Intercity Shopping Mall, where she will donate her beautiful hair, along with others, in the Cops for Cancer in Thunder Bay 2015, May 9, 2015, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Cops for Cancer - police officers across the province play a leadership role in organizing the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Events by involving the community in fundraising and cancer awareness activities. The events range from head shaves in public place to participating in bike rides, such as Pedal for Hope, to organizing various school-based fundraising activities. To raise funds in the fight against cancer, event participants collect pledges from their co-workers, friends, families and community members.

Shelley Laughton (mother) decided at the time of Donna-Lynn’s birth, she would raise her daughter as normally as any other child and not treat her condition as a handi-cap. Shelley, who is

very proud of her daughter, insists that she is the one learning more each day about her daughter’s abilities and life, than, her daughter is learning from her.

It is true, they say, that one’s other senses become more acute when there is loss of one’s eye sight. Donna-Lynn is certainly a testament to that. She reads Braille and can quickly surmise the demeanour of a person upon introduction or proximity. But mostly, Donna-Lynn lives life through her heart and she would like everyone who reads this article to know that “I love you!”

Donna-Lynn believes that her small contribution, (donating her hair), will make some child feel better about themselves and she plans to continue to donate her hair each time it reaches the proper length for cutting.

As with anything in life, we can all learn something if we have the presence of mind to think outside of ourselves.

It is said that ‘we always get the test first and the lesson later’ and there are many that will attest to that. As for Donna-Lynn and her mother Shelley, life’s’ lessons of the heart are best taught by ‘life’s’ little teachers’. There are angels among us! If you can’t find one…be one!

To donate to Cops for Cancer 2015 in Donna Lynn's name, please go (google) Cops for Cancer 2015 ThunderBay and then find participant Donna- Lynn and then donate now.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner Submitted by: Tara Monteith, Area Manager, Heart and Stroke Foundation Regular physical activity is a great way to keep your heart healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. But if you're not active now, don't worry, you don’t have to suddenly embark on an Olympic-training program.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. The activity doesn't have to be non-stop, such as an aerobics class. You can do 10 minutes or more at a time throughout the day to reach your daily total. For example, take a brisk 10-minute walk during lunch hour, play for 10 minutes with your kids after work, and then spend another 15 minutes walking the dog in the evening.

If you're short on time, remember that any physical activity is better than none.

However, the more active you are, the greater the health benefits.

Endurance activities are continuous activities such as walking, cycling and tennis.

They’re especially beneficial for your heart, lungs and circulatory system.

Strength activities, such as carrying groceries (or toddlers!), heavy yard work or weight training, strengthen muscles and bones and improve posture. Aim for at least two times a week. Click here for easy strengthening exercises that you can do at home.

Flexibility activities, such as stretches, yoga, housework or golfing keep your muscles relaxed and your joints mobile.

Be sure to vary your activity from light, moderate and vigorous effort. Here are some suggestions: Light Effort Effort Light walking Aerobics

Moderate Vigorous Effort Brisk walking

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Regular physical activity is a great way to keep your heart healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle Volleyball Biking Basketball Easy gardening Raking leaves Fast swimming Stretching Swimming Fast dancing – Zumba Dancing Hockey Water aerobics Jogging

Physical activity can: · dramatically lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer · help prevent and control risk factors such as: high blood pressure and cholesterol · reduce obesity · reduce stress levels · increase energy · improve sleep · improve digestion You may see benefits within the first week of regular activity! For example, your blood pressure may improve and you could start to feel more energetic and relaxed. After three months, you may experience better health, improved posture and balance, stronger muscles and bones, more confidence and a more positive outlook on life.

If you're just starting out, go slow and work up gradually. Make sure you have an action plan for each season, so that the weather doesn't get in the way. Work physical activity into your daily life. Take a walk around the block, play with your kids, or dance to your favourite music.

List the activities you like (swimming, bowling, biking) and the rewards you hope to gain (better heart health, reduced stress).

Then plan how to make them part of your daily routine. At work, carve out 10 minutes to walk during lunch. If you have children, ask your family, friends or neighbours to pitch in to watch the kids while you take that dance class you've always wanted to sign up for.

Involve family and friends in your physical activity program. You'll gain support and companionship. You don't need to go it alone!

Keep at it, and within three months or less, you'll notice a big difference in your fitness

level. You'll feel better, have more energy, sleep more soundly and reduce your stress.

Here are some physical activities to try throughout the year: Spring and Summer Fall and Winter Other Biking Bowling Cycle or walk to work Gardening Dancing Climb the stairs instead of elevator Golfing Mall Walking, Hiking Get off bus a stop earlier Walking, Hiking Skating, Skiing, Sledding Walk the kids to school Inline skating Snow shoeing, Snowboarding Walk to the corner store,

bank Baseball, basketball, Frisbee, soccer, volleyball Wash and wax your car by hand Tennis Swimming

Kick start your plan to be more physically active by joining a team and riding the Big Bike, coming to Thunder Bay May 12-23, 2015. This is a FUNdraising event supporting community health promotion, research projects and advocacy efforts. Be part of the efforts to raise $125,000! Contact Mimi Zugic, Area Coordinator at 623-1118 ext.

4340 or mzugic@hsf.on.ca

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2014

DO YOU HAVE A SENIOR IN YOUR?...

THEN READ THIS!

By Sherry Aalto The gift of getting and giving… a NEW peace of mind!

Clearly! If you look around you, you see the baby boomers are coming of ‘age’, so to speak. Many family members that have been nurtured and raised by the hands that now grow older have families of their own to raise. But there is one thing that is in the back of their minds and that is, ‘needing TIME to spend time with their parents’ which was so generously given them growing up.

Aging is not an option but having someone

to be there and help with the important things like visits, outings, shopping, gardening, playing cards, going to the hair dressers or barber shop…that would be a God send!...That is why, Katrina Sutherland has proudly and compassionately opened her doors, Brighter Days Elderly Services, to provide non-medical, compassionate services to families who want to give back to their senior parents and show that sense of the human element we call…love!

The new services were inspired by Katrina’s love of her own aging grandparents that she is extremely close to and she believes this is her true calling. She has always loved the older folks and since she

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was 12 years old, she volunteered working with the seniors in the Bethammi Nursing Home (Thunder Bay). A graduate of Lakehead University with B.A. in Gerontology (aging) paired with a Recreation Diploma from Confederation College, Katrina has customized her education that expresses her personal compassion for seniors. According to Miss Sutherland, seniors often live in a world of isolation in varying degrees--loss of spouse, families who are busy, certain debilitating conditions--but that can all change through her new services. It doesn’t take much to bring a smile to the faces of seniors, even the difficult ones, when they have a ‘friend’

who comes to not only visit, but spend quality time with them, playing cards or crossword, baking, having a few laughs or just sitting and enjoying the silence together. That in itself lifts their spirits.

It is true that we all thrive mentally, emotionally, live longer and feel better when we have a positive and fulfilling exchange with another human being. When one is young, one can go out and about in the world and in the neighbourhood, raising a family, enjoying life and talking to people on a daily basis. But when one gets older that is not always the case any longer. One cannot go out into the world as one once did and experience what one once enjoyed so much! So, Brighter Days Elderly Services will bring that joy into the home of the senior in your life and they will hear…‘Hello!

Nice to meet you!’

Brighter Days Elderly Services provides compassionate, non-medical services that help seniors maintain a healthy well-being by staying physically, socially and mentally active. Whether a senior in your life has lost a spouse, needs to be re-energized or faces cognitive or physical limitations, the team will help them get back on track to enjoy all of life’s pleasures and opportunities. Brighter Days Elderly Services treats all their clients like family and ensures seniors stay active. The clients experience immediate benefits in their daily lives and that is the NEW peace of mind that you get and you give to the senior in your life when you have Brighter Days Elderly Services in theirs.

Contact them today and learn more about the great care and services they offer.

Brighter Days Elderly Services by phone (807)620-4543, email – info@BrighterDays.ca, internet – www.BrighterDays.ca, or Facebook – BrighterDaysElderlyServices.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL2015

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IT’S YOUR TURN TO… STAND UP AND TAKE A BOW!

by Sherry Aalto Employee/Employer Recognition – 2015 It is a fact that one third of our lives is spent performing our daily employment duties for our business or for our employer.

Exhibiting ‘above the call’ accomplishments is what pride is built on!

A company, an owner, a manager or department manager/supervisor, who believes in the value of this, must then also believe in the importance of recognizing such unrequested, not to mention unexpected devotion. One cannot instill pride in performing any task...one can only teach the operations of the task...the rest is purely personal devotion and loyalty! Being humble...is...doing something and expecting nothing in return! And if you are fortunate enough to have such a team member or members, as the case may be...then it is time to ask yourself three simple questions!

Has someone or some members in my organization gone above and beyond what was expected of them? Do I have good news that would be exciting to share with the business community? Will I, or any member of my staff be celebrating any special dates this year, such as years in business, anniversaries of long time employees, new locations, grand openings, new management? If you have answered yes...to any one of these questions then it is time to, ‘LET THE BELLS RING OUT AND THE BANNERS FLY’! Because when you share good news...everybody

gets to feel good!

So...go ahead! Recognize those who deserve this appreciation! Let them...Stand Up and Take A Bow! The Thunder Bay Business Magazine Publication – Northwestern Ontario’s Business Publication – produced and published by North Superior Publishing, will feature May as “Employee/Employer

Recognition” Month. This is YOUR opportunity to place a ‘good news’ ad and openly brag about your special achievements! Tell the business community about the good news! And then, one final question…Who doesn’t want to hear or read about GOOD NEWS?

So, share your justifiable pride and accomplishments. ...It is a fact that one third of our lives is spent performing our daily employment duties!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

Port of Thunder Bay Optimistic For Another Great Season

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Last year was a turn around year and very encouraging for the Port of Thunder Bay. Grain was the most in 16 years and over 9.4 million tons in total were moved through the port. “ We are very, very optimistic that this will continue this year as well. There were many factors that all went in our favour last year including the record harvest of grain, as well as a record winter that delayed the opening of the seaway by 1 month. At that point you had grain stored on the ground in Manitoba and the rail-

ways couldn’t move it as the seaway wasn’t open yet. There was the fear of flooding which could ruin the grain. All these things lead to the railways being ordered to move the grain and Thunder Bay was really the only place you could move it.” said Tim Heney, CEO- Port of Thunder Bay. “ We started to see a lot of rail action to Thunder Bay and continued throughout the season. It changed the outlook of the seaway as being a very capable and efficient way of moving large amounts of grain which it always has been. There was also the big steel imports into the US, more steel than anytime in history last year. That brought a lot of ocean ships in and they

Tim Heney, CEO- Port of Thunder Bay came here for grain for the trip back, Thunder Bay is one of the largest harwhich helps as well.” said Heney. “ We bours in Canada, mostly because of the used to say the Thunder Bay economy is natural bay and the two previous cities of effected by $45 per ton of grain shipped Port Arthur and Fort William. There is a as an economic impact. At 8.2 million lot of distribution and trucking companies tons of grain shipped it means $400 milon the port property as well as some other lion annually to our economy.” businesses. The Port of Thunder Bay has There has also been recent investment in the largest warehouse complex between the elevators in Thunder Bay. Richardson Toronto and Winnipeg, some 550,000 opened another elevator last year which square feet. This space is used for forest doubled their capacity. That meant an addi- products, for Bombardier and supporting tional 50 people working there. Inspection regional industries. There are also a couple and services added more people and there of manufacturing business and some priwas quite a bit of overtime. Some of the vate warehousing operations. elevators have also been doing some capital work this winter according to Heney.

Continued Next Page

“ Working with business for a sustainable and prosperous future!”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

Port of Thunder Bay Optimistic For Another Great Season

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Continued From Previous Page Very visible on the Port of Thunder Bay site is a large crane. “Our large crane was used on many different cargoes last year including wood pallets and wind turbines.

This year we have a liner service starting from Europe once a month which may need the use of the crane. There are some interesting development on diversification.” said Heney. “ We are complimentary to rail with our product mostly being to and from Western Canada. The railways favour Thunder Bay to allow them to get the cars back in service quickly. We are mandated to be financially self sufficient and operate like a private sector business.”

The winter was cold in Thunder Bay this season but the conditions are good to have an earlier start to the shipping season this year. “ The ice breaker will be here March 18th.

The seaway opening has been delayed a week but we will see ships about April 7th at the Port of Thunder Bay with lakers coming up for grain. The ice isn’t as bad as last year and we have had quite a warm up in the last week or so. This will be a quicker start to the shipping season by 3 weeks than last year.”said Tim Heney.

This 2014 season was the second largest grain shipment in history and the year before the largest according to Heney. “ In 2015 we see a lot of grain coming again and expect to get close to last years numbers. It is hard to predict another record but it could happen. We are going to see some wind turbines and some wood pallets. In addition there will be some steel shipments to Western Canada which we haven’t done recently. We have 6 ships lined up at Keefer before June so will be pretty busy. There are two ships in port this winter positioned for repairs which is traditional.”

On the Canadian side of the Great Lakes the Port of Thunder Bay is a close second to Hamilton but could regain number 1 position again according to Heney. In Canadian ranking the Port of Thunder Bay is about 12th. There is a direct employment of about 700 people at the Port of Thunder Bay. ‘ The port is coming back into it’s own and rebounding. It is very encouraging to see after the change in the Wheat Board organization which nobody really knew would happen. Hindsite is showing it was a positive thing.” said Tim Heney.

PORT OF THUNDER BAY HANDLED 9.3 MILLION MT IN 2014 The 2014 shipping season will come to a close next week when the final threeLakers depart Thunder Bay with loads of grain. The Port handled 9 .3 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2014, an increase of 43% over 2013 and 29% over the 5-year average.

Despite record-breaking spring ice conditions that set back the port's opening date by an unprecedented four weeks, the port had its best year since 1998.The season featured a remarkable rebound for grain shipments in the Port of Thunder Bay. Strong December volumes were led by 1.1 million MT of grain, bringing the final annual grain volume to 8.3 million MT- more than any shipping season since 1997.

There were 438 vessel calls to the port in 2014, compared to 331 in 2013 and the 5year average of 374. This included 127 ocean vessel (Salty) calls - the most in a decade. Thunder Bay port facilities loaded more than 2.2 million MT of cargo onto Salties for direct export to international ports. This is more than twice the 5-year average of 950,000 MT.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL2015

Mileage Automotive Puts Customers First

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS As a journalist it is always fun to meet someone who loves his work and is really doing something they were born to do.

Leon Giardino, age 51, has grown up in the automotive repair business. His father Joe, was a mechanic and operated his own shops in Atikokan, Joe’s Esso Service and then Atikokan Motor Sales. “ Growing up we lived above the garage in Atikokan and I remember being in the shop at a very young age.” said Leon Giardino. “ I started riding little snowmobiles and mini bikes.

My dad then sold Sno Jet and Yamaha motorcycles. I was always exposed to

everything from small to big engines.”

Leon moved to Thunder Bay, finished off his apprenticeship and began his life long career in mechanics. He worked at Thunder Bay Volkswagen, Dominion Motors and then Downtown Volkswagen.

Mileage Automotive Inc. was started in 2011 after city approvals were received to operate from their home site location with a large shop that is 100% up to date with all the tools. “ In the later part of my life I thought it was time to do it on my own so started the business. I can control the quality of everything we do. I have a passion for mechanics and am enthusiastic about the work. When something new comes up such as a new procedure or tool we obtain it because you need the proper tools and

training and knowledge to do the work well.” said Leon.

Mileage Automotive have another licensed mechanic working with Leon to help the customers. They are fully computerized, using tablets that have all the vehicles manuals. If the customer is not present at the shop they can email or text a picture of the known defect or the problem and keep them up to date with what is happening. Also they can show the customers when they come out to get their vehicle. “ If you spend time with the customers and explain the repairs it helps everyone learn more,” said Leon. “ All the suppliers deliver parts here and we can work on any make and model. We do all repairs here except for wheel alignments which we sub out. We can do safety checks on cars, trucks and motorcycles. We will work on cube vans, 1 and 2 ton size trucks but not larger.”

Mileage Automotive will do preventative maintenance programs, called PM’s which are really important. When they do an oil change and service it means the customer gets a way more thorough look at their vehicle. The hourly rate at Mileage Automotive is $85 per hour which is good value in todays market. They strive to do the job right and in a timely manner “ Our shop is on the Kline Road Ext and we are busy here. The shop is in the city limits and not far at all from the city centre. We are thinking about obtaining a second location in the city to serve more customers.” said Leon. “ Every car has its own unique character. Then there is the people behind the car who designed it.

You meet interesting people in this business and I just like working on and driving cars.”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

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Forum for Youth in Agriculture about some of the opportunities available for young people in agriculture and the support systems in place for them. It is my opinion we need more farmers and people involved in the food industry in general here in Thunder Bay.” “ I have a small farm operation in Thunder Bay with pork, eggs and some vegetables. For me it is about feeding a small crowd of people. Our product is sold farm gate which means people come into our yard to buy our products. We have 18 pigs running around right now.”

Stacia Kean CEDC, Development Officer “ Today we held an ideas forum for youth in agriculture funded by the Youth Jobs Strategy through the Government of Ontario. The intension was to bring people together to support young people starting and growing businesses and finding jobs.

We did an event last year as well and out of that came more of a demand for services. So today we have different role models making presentations as well as funding available to help youth get started. We used video conferencing to connect with Dryden, Fort Frances and Kenora so this year we have 35 people here and more viewing in the region. Listening to more established businesses like Belluz Farms and DeBruins Greenhouses and how they grew their businesses has been helpful. We have a growing agricultural sector in

Kendall Kerbashian, NOIC

Raili Roy Beanstalk Consulting, Stacia Kean CEDC, Development Officer and Kendall Kerbashian, NOIC on front page Thunder Bay and strategies like the Local Food Iniative is helping increase demand. Raili Roy Beanstalk Consulting There are more local restaurants with local grown products now.” “ Today we have came together to talk

“ We partnered with the CEDC to do this event. NOIC has a strong focus on Youth Entrpreneurship right now and saw this as a great opportunity to give youth another option for a job and starting a business they may not have been looking at doing.”

Bay Credit Union and Apple Community Credit Union Members Approve Merger Richard Atkinson, Chair of Bay Credit Union, and Lorne Kellar, Chair of Apple Community Credit Union, are pleased to announce that their members have voted at well attended Special Meetings to overwhelmingly approve a merger combining their Credit Unions into a new, truly local Credit Union.

“This is an exciting opportunity; the only two locally managed financial institutions with head offices in Thunder Bay are coming together to better serve our members and strengthen our community,” states Mr. Atkinson. “Our Credit Unions recognize that our members and staff are our greatest assets, and our organizations share common

values. Together, we will have the opportunity to expand products and services while continuing to provide the high level of quality service that our members have come to expect,” adds Mr. Kellar.

“With this merger, decisions will continue to be made locally. And, I also believe this merger will be an excellent strategic fit for both Credit Unions,” says Lea Matyuska, CEO of Bay Credit Union.

al products.”

The legal name of the new credit union will be Bay Credit Union Limited. Lynne LeGros added that “although all official business transactions will be done under the Bay Credit Union name, we recognize the history of both credit unions and will honour and preserve the legacy of Apple Community Credit Union.”

The merger is effective May 1, 2015.

Lynne LeGros, CEO of Apple Community Credit Union, states, “This merger will enhance career opportunities for all employees as well as increase the ability of both organizations to improve member service with increased operating hours and addition-

Bay Credit Union was founded in 1946 as People’s Co-operative Credit Union Limited. It began its operation to serve the large Finnish-speaking population of Port Arthur. Once it started serving all of

Thunder Bay in 1975, it became Bay Credit Union. It has grown to serve 3,400 members, employs 17 staff and has $45 million in members’ assets.

Apple Community Credit Union was incorporated in 1951 as Provincial Paper Mill Employees’ Credit Union Limited. In 1998, the Credit Union attained open bond status and the name was changed to APPLE Community Credit Union. Over the years, two other Abitibi credit unions, two Elevator credit unions and the CNR credit union joined Apple Community and currently it serves 1,580 members, employs 6 staff and has members’ assets of $13 million.

Northwestern Ontario labour market is stabilizing, and some good news for young people too Thunder Bay, ON – Northern Policy Institute, in partnership with the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, released a report on the labour market in Northwestern Ontario that details some of the unique characteristics of the region.

First, while the overall youth population is still facing challenges of out-migration, youth participation in the workforce and youth employment numbers are doing fairly well.

Second, while employment numbers in primary and manufacturing industries have obviously declined, there is some indication that the overall labour market is stabilizing and sustainable.

The report, Settling Down in the Northwest: Stability and Opportunity in the Northwestern Ontario Labour Market, was written by James Cuddy, Research Coordinator with Northern Policy Institute, provides an overview of the underlying trends of the regional labour market and how they differ markedly from those of the province as a whole.

“There is a strong case for continuing to connect youth to our communities through partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions.” says Cuddy, “We need to recognize, however, that resource

industries traditionally connected to Northern Ontario, industries that presented lucrative employment opportunities, may not have the competitive advantage that they used to.”

“This means getting creative about how we build a new plan for enhancing the region’s labour market. Keeping them here, keeping them employed, and building northern human capital.”

The paper explores population, employment, participation, unemployment, and trends specific to the youth labour market here in Northwestern Ontario.

Some of the key findings from the report include: · Since 2001 the Northwest has continuously experienced annual youth out-migration. In 2013, there was a net decline of nearly 400 individuals aged 15 to 29, the majority of which were 20 to 24. · For the youth that have remained here, however, participation and employment rates have been higher and unemployment rates lower than provincial and national levels. · Employment rates in Northwestern Ontario have tended historically to be more volatile than for the province generally. · Nevertheless, since 2008 and the last steep decline in the percentage of

primary sector employees in the region, the Northwestern labour market has delivered very stable employment levels.

The report also examines the structure of the labour market, focussing on the distribution of employment among sectors and industries: · There is a lack of employment growth in the goods-producing sector across Ontario since 1987. However, beginning in 2003, growth in this sector became considerably worse in the Northwest. · Employment in primary industries has not been able to recover from a major decline experienced from 1989 to

1993, where the region shed nearly 80 per cent of jobs in primary industries. · Employment in the Northwest’s services-producing sector has experienced modest growth, increasing by approximately 15 per cent from 1987 to 2013. · Trade and healthcare industries have remained the top two employers since 1987. As of 2013, health care and trade made up 19 per cent and 16 per cent of total regional employment, respectively.

To read the full report on the Northwest labour markets, visit www.northernpolicy.ca.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

WARM UP THAT BODY BEFORE SPRINGING INTO ACTION It’s that time of year again when most of us come out of hibernation and make a more honest effort to get active. It’s also the time of year when we often take on the major tasks of spring cleaning our homes and yards.

Staying active is one of the key ingredients to a long a healthy life. No surprise here.

We all know that.

Another well known fact is that it is

important to warm up the body before starting a physical activity. Most of us will think of stretching before doing some type of sport or exercise. However, did you know that it is just as important to warm up our bodies before: sweeping the garage, raking the lawn, vacuuming the floors and rugs, doing the laundry, and bending, reaching, lifting to put away groceries and clean dishes in the cupboards.

You probably didn’t think of that. The trend in exercise these days is to do high intensity movements in circuits that often mimic daily functions. The important thing is to not only do the movements ergonomically correct but also to be warmed up sufficiently so as to not strain or sprain your body. The same concept should apply when performing daily chores and activities. Many a time I have heard patients say things like “All I did was bend to pick up a piece of paper and my back went out” or “I was just carrying the laundry basket up the stairs and pulled my hamstring” or “I was reaching to put something on the top shelf and felt a

pinch in my neck or shoulder”. A short proper warm up can help to reduce these occurrences.

Even before we start stretching we need to get warm. Trying to stretch first thing out of bed is not easy or advisable. Start by doing one or all of the following things: have a warm/hot shower, walk for 10-15 minutes, easy jumping jacks and marching in one spot. Only then should you commence some stretching exercises. Daily stretching should include the following: hamstrings, thighs, back, shoulders, neck and wrists. There are many resources to find these basic stretches a few of which I have listed below.

The Ontario Chiropractic Association www.chiropractic.on.ca , look under the community outreach tab The Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/multimedia/stretching/sls-20076840

Some helpful safety strategies to think about when doing activities: Alternate loads and activity from heavy to light back to heavy.

Change hands and leading legs regularly, whether you are raking, vacuuming or sweeping.

Change your positions often from standing, sitting, kneeling ect.

When lifting keep your back straight, bend at the knees and carry the load close to your body.

Just as the new spring plants need heat to grow, so our bodies need to warm up if we hope to continue daily activities efficiently and safely.

James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr DiGiuseppe visit www.portarthurchiropractic.com.

10 Common Misconceptions about Homemade Wills © 2015 Brian Babcock 10. You don’t need a lawyer to make a will. Homemade wills MAY work, but we still recommend having them done by a lawyer - would you do your own brain surgery?

9. Homemade wills are always valid.

One simple mistake may make the whole will invalid. Also they aren’t valid everywhere.

8. If a farmer could scratch his will on a tractor fender, I can write my will at the last minute. If you have the strength or the capacity to do so. Don’t wait. Do it now.

Legal Matters 7. Lawyer made wills are expensive.

Nine out of ten couples spend less than $1,000 on a package of two wills and four powers of attorney. Individuals are priced lower.

6. I’m married, so I don’t need a will.

Even if you want your spouse to inherit

everything, the will makes it easier and cheaper to deal with your estate. Also what happens if you die together?

5. I’m about to get married, so I’ll just handwrite one for now and get a new one later. Getting married invalidates a will unless expressly made in contemplation of that marriage. If you chose this plan, stop at your lawyer’s office before leaving on that honeymoon.

4. I might want to change who gets which heirloom, so that will cost more money for a lawyer to change my will.

Unless the heirlooms have real value, a non-binding note with the will can be changed as often as you like at no cost and works well.

3. I know what needs special attention in my will. Executors? Alternates? Joint bank accounts? Children with special needs? Guardians? Gun ownership?

What age should children or grandchildren get control of their inheritance? A lawyer can walk you through questions you would not think of.

2. I can just fill in the blanks on a will form. If you know what goes in which blank, and know how it must be signed and witnessed. A holograph will needs to be entirely in your own handwriting,

and signed. Do you know where?

And the number one misconception about homemade wills…

1 They save money.

Every estate lawyer will say they make more money fixing botched situations than preparing wills. The modest cost of

a properly drawn lawyer made will is a sound investment in your family’s security.

And Weilers Saturday morning Wills Clinic makes it even easier.

Your Northern Voice!

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2015

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The Award Winning 2015 Chevrolet Colorado!

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS The just released 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is a brand new mid sized truck from General Motors. It has already won Truck of the Year status and has proven to be wildly popular with the truck buying audience everywhere! “ The Colorado has been totally redesigned from ground up. The truck is smaller than the Silverado but now has a 6 foot box available which appeals to a much larger market segment.You can get the crew cab with a 5 or 6 foot box which makes it a bigger truck, kind of a mid sized truck. The full sized Silverado can also come with a 6 foot box.” said Pat Spina, Sales Manager at Badanai Chevrolet Cadillac, Thunder Bay. The Colorado has a 3.6 litre V6 available while the standard engine is a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder. The mileage is very good on both engines.

“ I like that the Colorado is a beautiful looking truck that will appeal to younger people who like the look and an older demographic who don’t want to be parking a bigger truck. You have the use of a truck like a car! As we get older the smaller truck can be easier to maneuver but you still have trailering capacity and could put a snowmobile in the box as well.” said Spina “ There is limited production for Canada, they are hard to get. We have sold 3 so far and another 3 sold on the order bank being built. The US is gobbling up as many as they can which makes it harder to get in Canada. The presolds are being built first.”

On the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado there is back up camera and Wifi 4 g network - a hub for your computer. The pricing is a little under the Chevrolet Silverado similarly equipped. It is a totally different market than Silverado though. The Colorado starts at $23,000 and can go

30th Anniversaty Celebrations of Thunder Bay Business at the Fireside room - Valhalla Inn

to $42,000. You have regular cab, extended cabs and crew cab versions with the 5 or 6 foot bed. You can go from a base to fully loaded version. “ The Dodge and Ford trucks don’t have a model in this segment. The only

others in this market class are Nissan and Toyota. We have 2 on ground right now and 5 in the ship cycle coming at us so will have a good selection!.” said Pat Spina.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2014

ALMOST $485,000 IN NOHFC FUNDING Mauro announces Ontario Government investment in five local businesses Ontario is supporting five local businesses through approved funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) • Murillo Millworks • Thunder Bay Hydraulics

Limited • • •

Skyline Falconry Andrea’s Art As You Sew . . . Longarm

Quilting A grant in the amount of $175,000 was received from NOHFC by Murillo Millworks to upgrade and expand the existing mill, and to install a heat treatment chamber to heat treat wood packaging products which are manufactured by the company, including pallets and crates. This project will create 10 full-time jobs.

NOHFC has approved funding in the amount of $270,216 to allow Thunder Bay Hydraulics Limited to construct an additional new 1,600 sq. ft. building, and to purchase equipment to facilitate the expansion of a machine/fabrication shop in Thunder Bay. This will allow for the implementation of lean manufacturing process which will increase the company’s ability to take on new and larger projects, and to meet the demand for increased custom fabrication. This project will create 8 new jobs.

Skyline Falconry has received $11,820 to establish a new business to provide bird control and management services with the use of trained falconry birds. Other services offered by Skyline Falconry will include educational demonstrations for colleges and universities and wedding ring delivery service with the use of a trained snowy owl.

NOHFC has approved funding in the amount of $15,504 to allow Andrea’s Art to purchase office equipment and art equipment, storage containers, furniture, aluminum easels, software, lighting, framing equipment, as well as advertising and website development.

Andrea’s Art is a multifaceted venture that offers customized portraits, wall murals, artthemed party events, and framing.

As You Sew . . . Longarm Quilting received $12,250 to establish a home-based business offering longarm quilting services. This decorative sewing stitch is applied to finished quilt tops through the use of an industrialsized machine. Secondary services available to customers include the sales of quilt backing fabric, batting (filler for the quilt) and occasional quilting instruction or full quilt making.

QUOTES “Our investments are creating jobs for budding entrepreneurs and further diversifying the Thunder Bay area economy. I am very pleased that the NOHFC could support these five ventures as they build their businesses and contribute to the prosperity of our region.”

– Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan “The support we have received from the NOHFC has allowed us to upgrade our mill and participate in the resurgence of the forestry industry. With the increase in demand we’ve seen for specialized wood products this year, our expansion, equipment upgrades, and additional employees, have

greatly improved our ability to service this market, and expand our business.”

– Arthur & Andreas Petersen, Owners, Murillo Millworks “Through the funding from NOHFC I was able to open this business that offers a service which meets the needs of a niche market.

Thunder Bay has a healthy number of skilled quilters who are enjoying their participation in this art, and this business offers quilters the chance to keep doing what they love and create heirlooms to pass along as gifts of legacy and treasure. This service affords anyone a chance to continue the love of this hobby without having to give it up completely because of limitations such as health or dexterity.”

– Mary-Ann Liggins, Proprietor, As You Sew . . . Longarm Quilting “The NOHFC is such a valuable program for young entrepreneurs, and I am so very thankful to have been a part of it.”

– Kym Amonson, Owner/Operator, Skyline Falconry

“Our government understands that private sector expansion is vital to the growth of our northern economy. I am delighted that, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, we are providing financial assistance to five local businesses, helping bring new jobs and economic prosperity to the Thunder Bay area.”

– Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Bill Mauro “ We are really proud of the NOHFC program and have taken the funding up almost double. We believe in it. When you hear about the small businesses that get some benefit through this program- are able to start a small business, to support or expand a business it helps. It is important and I like to hear the testimonials.”

Andrea Peterson Co Owner of Murillo Millworks “ It allows us to expand out product that we are going to be producing. We are looking into the lumber side of it, timber and speciality wood products and underutilized specie in

the forest.” “ We have been in business for 25 years and originally started in the pallet and box industry, but we have lost so many of those type of customers in the local area. Pallets are 60% air and hard to ship economically so we got into producing boxes and crates for export around the world. We ship to Afghanistan, Mongolia and Europe but that business is dying as well. There are opportunities in unique markets so we are trying new things.” “ We have 10 staff right now and could use more people as we look for efficiencies in the recovery of wood. We like to waste nothing so as we become more efficient we will need more staff to utilize all the wood.” “ It is always a chicken and the egg issue. Do you go out and get the business with out having the infrastructure in place or do you create the infrastructure and then get the business. Capital is harder to get in NW Ontario it seems. In the forestry industry the infrastructure is expensive so having programs like the NOHFC in place gets the ball rolling by getting the infrastructure in place and you run from that point.”

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2014