Thunder Bay Business August 2020

Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.

INSIDE FedNor invests in young entrepreneurs across Thunder Bay Region Thunder Bay Counselling Changes Service Model to Support Local Mental Health Needs during Ongoing Pandemic North Superior Publishing

@tbay25

2019 Thunder Bay Bluesfest Best Ever

The Humility Advantage

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner We have talked about three major areas of mind, money and finances in the CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE series,which you have seen in past issues of Thunder Bay Business. (www.scottsumner.com) In the last articles we have discussed, your mind, reading, making a personal plan/ dream, exercise both aerobic and anaerobic, sleep , your finances, making a current financial snapshot of you, budgeting and now it's time to conclude.

They are extremely important to making your dreams come true. When you crystallize your dream in your mind in as much vivid detail as possible, you will accomplish it in real life. This is the first step and the most important one. Your mind is as powerful and as versatile as any computer ever will be. You must maximize it though, to focus your direction and your plan.

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You Can Make Your Dreams Come True!

After the goals are firmly entrenched in your mind you can start on the journey to achieve them. This involves all vital aspects of your life such as your health, including spiritual, emotional and physical, as well as finances and career. We know that our health is the most important thing we own. Without it all else is insignificant. Our sections for diet and exercise are clearly critical to a positive successful life. Considerations regarding this area will pay off with big dividends in how you feel and how much you can enjoy life.

Financial matters can create a very positive lifestyle if handled The section has helped you to acquire the knowledge to pin point where you stand now, and for future directions.I hope that this section will make a difference in your financial future. Use it as a beginning. I am sure that by spending time reading more

advanced material, meeting with advisors that you trust, such as your banker, your accountant or perhaps your lawyer, you will begin to take charge of your financial future.

This may be the most thought you have ever given to your financial affairs and is the beginning of great improvements.

This will help your lifestyle and can move you towards you dream.

I hope you have enjoyed taking a hard look at you life and where you would like to take it over the upcoming years. Your potential is INCREDIBLE. You have the ability to achieve more than you ever dreamed.

In fact you will achieve your dreams, little by little, because you now know your future direction and how to get there.

YOU WILL CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE!!!

About The Author: Scott Sumner grew up in Northwestern Ontario and is a graduate of Lakehead University's ( Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada ) Honour Bachelor of Commerce Program as well as York University's ( Toronto, Ontario Canada ) Master of Business Program. He founded North Superior Publishing Inc, a regional specialty publishing company almost 38 years ago in 1982. This company has published 10 titles in the areas of real estate, business, lifestyle, travel, golf, snowmobiling, automotive and family.

His book Create An Exceptional Life: Mind, Body, Money can help you look at ways to accomplish more in your life that you ever thought possible. It will start you on a process of living your life to it's fullest potential. www.scottsumner.com

Thunder Bay Counselling Changes Service Model to Support Local Mental Health Needs during Ongoing Pandemic Community donations to the United Way of Thunder Bay provide the needed financial assistance to transform local counselling services.

Since March, Thunder Bay Counselling has supported over 850 individuals in Thunder Bay through virtual care and remote access services — a number that agency representatives say wouldn’t have been possible without community assistance.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded earlier this year, funds from the United Way of Thunder Bay were quickly mobilized to help Thunder Bay Counselling transition all of its community programs and services to virtu-

al care and remote access models. The agency established remote offices for clinical and financial counselors, purchased ZOOM Telehealth virtual as well as emergency supplies for clients in need such as groceries, transportation, phone access and other basic necessities.

age of 18. A large number of people continue to reach out for financial counselling and advisory services as they struggle against job layoffs, losses and business closures. Others report significant stress related to returning to work, as well as balancing working from home with child care needs.

“The United Way of Thunder Bay supported Thunder Bay Counselling as our team charted unknown territory and devised a crisis plan to be able to continue to deliver services. This crucial funding allowed us to make rapid changes to become a virtual service provider within a matter of days.

Without their support, our agency would not have been able to maintain our services to people with mental health and wellness challenges,” says Nancy Chamberlain, Executive Director of Thunder Bay Counselling.

“As many businesses reopen and people return to work, there is a considerable amount of uncertainty and anxiety being felt across the community. These feelings span across diverse ages, socio-economic status and backgrounds. We are working with individuals and families, but also with employers to help the community continue to access counselling and support

Thunder Bay Counselling was also able to shift from weekly Walk-In Counselling to daily Talk-In Counselling utilizing new technology and employing additional staffing. It also enhanced financial counselling services that continue to be in high demand. “New and existing clients experienced continuity of care for issues such as violence against women, mental health and addiction, victimization, financial concerns, human trafficking, stress, grief, and depression. In some circumstances this funding not only curbed the threat of the virus, but kept families and loved ones healthy and safe,” continues Chamberlain.

Thunder Bay Counselling continues to be a strong resource to people from all walks of life as well as partners in social services, school systems, the justice system and health service providers. Almost 200 of the clients supported to date have been under the

services when they need them. If people need to talk, we are ready to help,” says Chamberlain.

The United Way of Thunder Bay raises money annually to support local organizations address issues of poverty. This year, the United Way of Thunder Bay has allocated significant community funds to assist local organizations in tackling the impacts of COVID-19.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

FedNor invests in young entrepreneurs across Thunder Bay Region Government of Canada announces more than $3.9 million to expand entrepreneurial opportunities and create more jobs for Northern Ontario youth, including $894,675 in the Thunder Bay region.

entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario, including $894,675 for projects in their ridings.

Delivered by FedNor, this funding will support the following projects in Thunder Bay Rainy River and Thunder Bay Superior North:

- Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The future of Northern Ontario’s economy relies on the talent and skills of our young people. From high school students starting small summer enterprises to college and university graduates leading promising start-ups, youth in the region are critical to continued growth and success, and the Government of Canada is there to support them.

As nations around the world celebrate World Youth Skills Day, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, along with Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay Rainy River and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, MP for Thunder Bay Superior North, today announced more than $3.9 million in federal investments to support youth initiatives and young

Group of Seven Lake Superior Trail Association $31,500 Hire a youth intern as a business development coordinator to help increase tourism for the Group of Seven trail system.

Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre Inc. $366,300 Support for the Youth Effect project, a three-year initiative designed to provide entrepreneurial youth with a 15week experiential learning and training placement with an innovative business. Participating youth and firms are strategically matched based on skill, interest, and need.

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Lakehead University $465,375 FedNor funding will enable Lakehead University to establish a student entrepreneurship hub and related programs.

This three-year initiative will support student-based start-ups through business mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and partnerships.

Northern Policy Institute $31,500 FedNor funding will enable the Northern Policy Institute to hire a youth intern to track immigration assets and growth across Northern Ontario.

This will help young people build the skills and gain the knowledge needed to reset the negative impacts of COVID-19 on this region’s economy and prepare them for future career opportunities.

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through this difficult time.

Helping young people acquire essential on-the-job training or navigate their way through a career in entrepreneurship will help set Northern Ontario on a course for future prosperity.

Initiatives like these will only become more important as our economy rebuilds and evolves in the years to come.

Quotes “The energy and ingenuity of young Canadians are critical to the success of our economy. We know that young entrepreneurs have been hit hard by

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COVID-19, and we stand with them.

Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll work with you to create more jobs.”

• The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor “These investments will provide our youth with the supports and skills they need to be successful. Creating meaningful opportunities in Northwestern Ontario for youth to grow and prosper will help ensure they plant roots here and contribute to the growth of our economy.

• Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River “When young people are given the tools to succeed, their whole communities will benefit. These investments will help young Canadians in our region find mentorships and resources, and help them build careers for themselves and others. We're continuing to invest in more and better opportunities for young people in Northwestern Ontario, and across Canada."

•The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder BaySuperior North, and Minister of Health Quick Facts • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

• FedNor is contributing more than $3.9 million to support 28 initiatives led by organizations that focus on increasing entrepreneurship skills, awareness and opportunities for youth in Northern Ontario.

Related Products • Backgrounder: FedNor investments support young entrepreneurs and youth initiatives across Northern Ontario

Stay Connected • To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca • Follow us on Twitter @FedNor • Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

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Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.,‘providing integrated business strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.’

By Sherry Hanes (Aug., 2020) Looking for that one company that can provide superior business management strategies, not to mention, corporate and business supplies? Look no further! Superior Strategies Supply and Service Inc., is here for you and they have one primary purpose, and that is to help you strengthen the success of your bottom line?

If your company is receiving or is thinking of acquiring a strategy planning/service company for Business Support, Health and Safety Management Systems, Health Management Consultants, Human Resource Management, Occupational Health Training, Project Consultation, Project Management Consulting, Project Management Training, Safety Management System, or Safety Training Solutions, to mention a few, then Superior Strategy and Supply Inc.

IS the ‘diamond in the rough’ you’ve been looking for!

As we all know, choosing the right company to provide the right services for integrated strategies, practical solutions and measurable results can save hours of frustration AND improve your bottom line. And, in a lot of cases, having the right programs and systems in place, can save you $$$$.

Superior Strategies Supply and Service Inc., which is a 100% Indigenous owned business, specialize in the delivery of successful project management, human resource, business, and economic development solutions. Their versatility in delivering the services their customers have come to count on include, client specific & value-added Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and Business Support. The services provided by Superior Strategies Inc., offer an insurmountable range for industry and corporate sectors, which involve an impressive list of partners.

These are containers of Sanitizing Wipes.Left - Rosanna Kawtiash Trainer/Instructor Right - Paula Bernier- Executive Assistant

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your tremendous growth!

Zechner’s Foodmarket 155 Railway St, Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0 Phone: (807) 887-2910 zechners@shaw.ca

Jason Thompson, owner showcasing their acquisition of The Office Supplier Business, which ultimately means Shares in Hamster.

So, let’s meet the man who, not only Following the move to Ear Falls, I created this very successful and then moved to Thunder Bay, where I resourceful company but, is also a resi- worked at Bowater Inc., now known as dent of our great city, Thunder Bay! Resolute Forest Products, as a Lead Meet Jason Thompson, owner of this Operator.” great company!

Jason became involved in Health and The young, forty-six, year old, Jason Safety purely as a passion, but his Thompson, is a very proud member of main background lay in Human the Red Rock First Nations, and he Resources and as he states, he was shares, “I was born in Lake Helen always enticed in health and safety, in Reserve and grew up in the community his earlier days, when he was there and until I moved away for work employed with MacMillan Bloedel, purposes. I am also proud to located in Nipigon. announce that in 2006, I graduated (MacMillan Bloedel Limited, somefrom Confederation College from the times referred to as "MacBlo", was a Human Resources Program. I comCanadian forestry company headquarmitted myself to studying while I tered in Vancouver, British Columbia. worked in Ear Falls for two years, at It was formed through the merger of the Weyerhaeuser Company. three smaller forestry companies in (Weyerhaeuser Company is an 1951 and 1959. Those were the Powell American timberland company which River Company, the Bloedel Stewart owns nearly 12.4 million acres of timWelch Company, and the H.R. berlands in the U.S. and manages an MacMillan Company. It was bought by additional 14.0 million acres timberWeyerhaeuser of Federal Way, lands under long-term licenses in Washington in 1999.)

Canada. The company also manufactures wood products.

Continued

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.,‘providing integrated business strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.’

Continued Jason explains that he is very much a ‘people person’ and a very social person so, the Health and Safety and Human Resources just seemed to blend in very well with him personally and professionally. When asked about what his greatest strength is, personally, his reply was interesting and light hearted, “I think I am a very approachable person. Integrity is a very big part of who I am and what I’m about. You know, … family, … values, …these are near and dear to me. I value people probably more than anything. I am of the opinion that, you can have all the things in the world…all the equipment, you can have the latest gadgets here and there, but if you don’t have people, your business will not survive. I treat my people with respect and I try to be as fair and honest with our employees as much as possible. Obviously, my ‘face’ is there a lot, but I would really like to see my employees ‘showcased’ because they are the drivers of this

business and I never lose sight of that.

Having worked in Health and Safety and having worked in construction and in forestry, they are a little bit more hazardous but, I’ve always said to my employees, ‘Nothing we do here, is worth getting hurt over or killed over. I never, ever want to jeopardize safety for a dollar and I never want to have to tell somebody that their husband or wife, will not be coming home, because they got hurt on the job.’”

The company employees twelve personnel currently, who can attest to the fact that Jason is an excellent owner and leader of his company and treats everyone like family. Loyalty works both ways, according to this driven and highly successful entrepreneur. Also, Jason reports, it is in the works for recruiting more employee in the very near future.

Jason is currently working on some very large opportunities, that will lead to some significant growth, not only for them, as a business but, also from a

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your growth!

1111Victoria Avenue East Thunder Bay, Ontario 807-598-1088

www.northstreamsafety.ca

Some members of our Contract Administration team, doing work for the MTO a project is being done in partnership with Aroland First Nation. regional perspective. least in Ontario, each company operates within its own agreement with In partnership with other viable comwhomever they partner with. The panies, it is the top concern that each companies set their own arrangements partner, share the same intense focus, and conditions, with each other, to the ‘quality services for every customer!’ benefit of each firm. There are many When it comes to partnerships, each Ontario laws governing agreements so, partner is definitely unique. Each one choosing the right partner is one of the being specifically designated in a difmost important aspects at the onset of ferent type of service. the process. Understanding Ontario’s governance of Partnerships, in itself, “Early on in the business, we relied requires critical thinking in the process heavily on third party contractors and for vetting a proposed prospect for an over the years, as we became more intended partnership. Endorsements independent, we’ve doing a lot of can make or break the reputation of things ‘in house’ and becoming a lot any company AND rest assured, the more self-sufficient. We are competi- prospect for partner is also performing tive economically and we deliver the same vetting process about their exceptional service.” intended partner, and if not…they should be.

As with any business partnership, at Continued

We would like to thank Jason Thompson and the staff at Superior Strategies Supplies and Service for the great service provided supplying Protective Personal Equipment to our First Nation and Métis communities through out Northern Ontario during this Covid pandemic.

TC Energy 190 Compressor Station Road Shuniah, Ontario

www.tcenergy.com

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

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Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.,‘providing integrated business strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.’ but I am not at liberty to impart that information at this time until it’s official. There is a lot in the works and that speaks volumes as to who we are as a business and our values and what we’ve been demonstrating over the years.”

Continuing in the interview, I ask Jason, “Why should companies/businesses, want to contact Superior Strategies Supplies and Service Inc.?”, “We want our customers to be happy, bottom line! We want our partners to be happy so, it’s a win-win for every-

Superior Strategies Supply & Service making a delivery of Hand Sanitizer to Staal Contracting.

Continued Jason and his team are genuinely com- And, when it comes to integrity? mitted to each and every customer, and “Integrity is a huge part of our busihe explains: “We are very conscious ness and people have a choice about about ensuring that we examine all working with us and we have a choice expectations for each client/customer as to if we want to work with them and and we ask each customer, ‘“What are at the end of the day, there is nothing you hoping to achieve?”’ We don’t left but your integrity, and that is want to have anybody not sure of what important for us!” they are getting into, so we identify expectations to meet those expectaAs far as future partnerships with other tions and, in most cases, we believe we companies, Jason is excited to make have exceeded the expectations.” mention, “There is a lot of potential,

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your tremendous growth!

Landmark Hotel 1010 Dawson Road Thunder Bay, Ontario

807-767-1439 landmark@tbaytel.net www.landmarkinn.ca

one. I have a great team working for me and we try to keep it very family orientated and family based, and our game plan is to be around for a long time, so we want to create something that has a positive legacy. One of the things that I heard from one of my clients here before, is that, ‘Everybody locally, fights for business but, we’re not doing a great enough job servicing our customers’, and this came from a customer of mine.

Continued

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your success!

Debra Donovan IPM Integrated Project Management Inc.

www.integrated-pm.ca

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.,‘providing integrated business strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.’

Continued I said to myself, ‘Well, you know what? I’m going to change that!’…I want to ensure that our customers have a great experience and we want them to keep coming back to us. I truly value everybody in the community from, competition, to colleagues to whomever…it is all needed, and it’s

going to take us all working and corroboration to ensure the success of our community and the region.”

Jason created the company about ten years ago and as Jason explains, “When I first started the company, I started it as a way to help to cover some costs, as my wife was looking to go back to school following the col-

lapse of the forestry industry at the time. My wife and I, both worked in the forestry industry and also, the unfortunate thing too was, that we were seeing some of our friends scrambling to find work when the collapse happened. So, it was kind of a way to subsidize for her return to school and I was working in a field that I enjoy, as a First Aide Instructor in Health and Safety, and it had just taken off from there.”

Today, Jason is adding to his company and tells Thunder Bay Business Magazine, “Two years ago, I also started the supply business as one of very few 100% Indigenous owned and operated supply businesses. This ultimately came as a result of me being very active in the Chamber of Commerce and other governing events, where

much of corporate Canada, had been putting a call out for Indigenous businesses. My experience, working in construction, forestry, and or even in the public sectors, meant I saw that there is an opportunity in this market place for Indigenous business in consumables. That kind of tied in nicely to our training and consulting business so we realized that about two years ago. I am very proud to say we recently acquired the office supplier business from TBXI, offering office supplies, industrial supplies and custodial supplies. And again, it is another element of what we bring to the table in business.”

Yes! It is true, this much needed, strategy service and business supply company, is still young by way of comparison but, the expertise and quality of what they can offer you, is everything your company should expect and more!

What are you waiting for?

Contact them today!

Superior Strategies Supply and Service Inc., it just might be the most important thing you can ever do for your company. Check out their SERVICES, COURSES, PRODUCTS, TRAINING, ONLINE TRAINING and PARTNERSHIPS at, https://www.superiorstrategies.ca/pages/services North Western Ontario Jason Thompson Owner Mobile: (807) 621-5726 jthompson@superior-strategies.ca Kirstine Baccar Office / Business Development Manager Mobile: (807) 889-0812 kbaccar@superior-strategies.ca Tara Thompson Office Administration administration@superior-strategies.ca Paula Bernier Executive Assistant (807) 621-9510 pbernier@superior-strategies.ca Rosanna Kawtiash Trainer/Consultant (807) 708-9289 rkawtiash@superior-strategies.ca Phil Wawia Trainer/Consultant (807) 629-6081 pwawia@superior-strategies.ca Kendra Tocheri Finance Clerk ktocheri@superior-strategies.ca

Continued

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

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Locally Owned and Operated, Superior Strategies Supply & Service Inc.,‘providing integrated business strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.’ develop new business ventures.

We are a locally based Project Management Consulting Company committed to providing integrated strategies, practical solutions and measurable results.

Continued

Located at: 2 Gas Rd, Lake Helen Reserve, Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0

We serve clients across Ontario and Manitoba including Thunder Bay, London, Nipigon, Toronto, ChathamKent, Cambridge, Sarnia, Kenora, Dryden, Timmins, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Winnipeg.

1795 Dawson Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7G 2E7 875 Tungsten St, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6H2 Phone: (807) 887-0777 Thunder Bay Office: (807) 623-2004 Toll Free: (844) 881-0777 Fax:807-887-0077 Email: jthompson@superior-strategies.ca Business Hours: Mon- Fri- 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM Weekends- Available by appointment.

Working together, Thunder Bay is well known for supporting locally owned and operated businesses, as it is key for the vital growth in sustaining, an economically healthy community AND region!

ABOUT SUPERIOR STRATEGIES SUPPLY & SERVICE Project Management Consulting Company in Nipigon, Thunder Bay, ON

organizations.

Our Project Management Consulting Company name reflects our unique capabilities in strategically building (developing improved trust and business relationships) between Aboriginal peoples and the government, industry and corporate sectors to successfully

For Project Management, Consulting and Training Services, Contact Superior Strategies Supply & Service Today!

Superior Strategies is a 100% Indigenous owned business that offers quality Project Management Consulting and Training services. We specialize in the delivery of successful project management, human resource, business, and economic development solutions. Our versatility in delivering the services our customers have come to count on include client specific & value added Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and Business Support.

We strive to serve a variety of different sectors operating in Northern Ontario.

Our clients include corporations, government, business, not-for-profit entities and First Nations/Aboriginal

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your excellent progress!

105 - 920 Tungsten St,Thunder Bay 807-333-3999

Congratulations Jason Thompson and team at Superior Strategies Supply & Service on your growth!

From Sylvia, Sherry, Miranda and Scott The team at North Superior Publishing Inc.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

St. Joseph’s Foundation Receives Bed Donation from Dufresne Furniture Twenty (20) new beds have been donated to St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay

by Dufresne Furniture. The new beds were funded by Dufresne Furniture’s ‘Play for a Purpose’ golf tournament. The beds will provide renewed comfort for clients in the residential program at Sister Margaret Smith Centre and for clients living in mental health supportive housing.

The residential program at Sister Margaret Smith Centre is an eight-week program that supports clients to make healthy and positive changes in their lives with a focus on mental health and addictions. The

Mental Health Supportive Housing program helps clients with persistent and serious mental illness be successful living in a community setting while achieving their personal wellness goals. Getting the proper amount of sleep is a part of a healthy lifestyle and having a comfortable bed will make a difference to our clients.

“St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay was happy to receive the new beds,” says Gail Brescia, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Foundation. “We can all appreciate the benefit of a good night’s sleep, and we are grateful to Dufresne Furniture for

making a difference for people in our community who are making positive change in their lives.”

Rob Coffey of Dufresne Furniture is happy to be providing the support, “On behalf of the Dufresne family we are thrilled to provide the beds to Sister Margaret Smith Centre and supportive housing in Thunder Bay. Dufresne Furniture started in northwestern Ontario and we are proud to be supporting the quality care St. Joseph’s Care Group is providing to our region”

Joseph’s Care Group, added: "We offer our sincere appreciation to Dufresne Furniture, who have again provided a warm and welcoming space for clients as they focus on their recovery journey. The work of St. Joseph’s Foundation is meaningful to clients of St. Joseph’s Care Group as they, through the generosity of organizations like Dufresne Furniture, are able to provide items for the comfort and care of our clients that would not otherwise be funded.”

Tracy Buckler, President and CEO of St.

Masks Are Now Mandatory for Everyone at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre The health and safety of patients, staff, professional staff, scientists, learners and the community is Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s utmost priority.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective Wednesday, July 15, masks are mandatory for all patients and Care Partners while inside our Hospital. The term ‘mask’ refers to all face coverings.

Hospitals throughout Northwestern Ontario are making masks mandatory for all people entering their facilities. This collaborative approach enhances successful infection control in our region and helps to normalize the use of masks.

COVID-19 may be transmitted by asymptomatic persons. Wearing a mask can help

to prevent this asymptomatic spread to others, especially in areas where physical distancing is not possible. Individuals who refuse to wear a mask inside the Hospital and do not require urgent care may be denied entrance.

A mask must cover the nose and mouth and is intended to protect others from the spread of airborne droplets. Wearing a face covering or mask is in addition to maintaining physical distancing and practicing proper hand hygiene. People who are unable to wear a mask due to a health condition should advise the entrance screening staff, who will provide options.

All people entering the Hospital are encouraged to wear their own mask from home. Inpatients who require a test or pro-

cedure outside of a designated care area and are unable to bring their own mask will be provided a procedure mask, which will be changed if/when it becomes soiled while in the Hospital. Outpatients and Care Partners who do not bring a mask will be required to obtain a disposable procedure mask from the screening stations located at the Hospital’s West entrance or Emergency Department entrance for a suggested $2 donation to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Only one mask will be available for personal use during the current visit due to limited inventory.

Reusable cloth masks will also be available for purchase at Season’s Gift Shop within our Hospital when they reopen on July 27.

Donations to the Health Sciences Foundation and profits from Season’s Gift Shop support patient care at our Hospital.

As patient care service volumes increase during our Hospital’s recovery phase, more patients and Care Partners will be entering the Hospital. This, combined with people traveling to Northwestern Ontario from outside of our region and a re-opening economy, increases the possibility of community spread. Mandatory masks at our Hospital is for the protection of all.

Please be reminded that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a scent-free environment and smoking/vaping is not permitted on the property.

For more information about our Hospital’s COVID-19 response, please visit https://tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020

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2019 Thunder Bay Bluesfest Best Ever

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Great Outdoors 2020 has been a big change for everyone on the planet with COVID 19. I thought it would be nice to remember some different times that were fun from 2019. I hope we can get back to these days again someday!

In July 2019 it was a sea of people when I entered the Bluesfest held at the waterfront in Thunder Bay, an absolute sell out early with 21,000 people set to experience some live music. Prince Arthur’s Landing was a buzz with people most arranged with their portable chairs or near the VIP tent location. The atmosphere was upbeat and happy. You could easily see this was a annual tradition for many of the people in attendance.This event is one where you meet people you know,very social.

The setting on Lake Superior is a good one for this event. In sunshine it is spectacular with our famed Sleeping Giant in the background. The festival set up included a VIP area at the front, many excellent food vendors around the edge of the fan area, as well as a large bar area at the back. It works well and allowed you to wander around and meet so many people you knew!

There is quite a team that puts on the Bluesfest from the technical staff, the box office staff whom handle the gate and many other people behind the scene.

Volunteers manage the bar and do they do a fantastic job, The major improvement for the Thunder Bay Bluesfest again this year was the new $1.6 million two stages and sound system. The nice thing about the sound system is the city can use the sound system components in the summer and they will

come to the Auditorium for the winter.

This year was an amazing line up of acts for the Thunder Bay Bluesfest with headliners Johnny Reid, BRYAN ADAMS and Burton Cummings! Also my favourite artists Amanda Marshall,Tom Cochrane and Jann Arden were just before the headliners each day. I always enjoy 54 40 as well with their cool rock songs.

Bryan Adams had a crew of 30 to set up his large screen from 6 transports. This

process takes 12 hours each time. Bryan Adams is on a world tour and upped the bar at this years Bluesfest!

The Thunder Bay Bluesfest was fun to experience this year. My favourite artists were Bryan Adams, Amanda Marshall, Tom Cochrane and 54.40. It was great to talk to Ariel Posen who our team interviewed as well.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2020