Business February 2017 by Scott Sumner

EATERTAINMENT is trending at… Wacky’s! EAT! DRINK! GAME ON!

INSIDE Buying Trends – the Shift to Hassle-Free

“Water: The Essence of Life”

Ontario Provides Free Tuition for Eligible Students in Thunder Bay

New BRP Power Sports Dealer in Thunder Bay: Half-Way Motors Power Sports North Superior Publishing @tbay25

New BRP Power Sports Dealer in Thunder Bay: Half-Way Motors Power Sports

PAGE 2

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

New BRP Power Sports Dealer in Thunder Bay: Half-Way Motors Power Sports BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Thunder Bay and NW Ontario will have an impressive new power sports dealer to choose from for their power recreational needs. “Northwestern Ontario is all about the outdoor experience – and we look forward to bringing Thunder Bay the full BRP selection of Can-am ATVs, Side-by-Sides and Spyder as well as Sea-Doo and SkiDoo models along with a qualified service centre”, says Peter Provenzano, General Manager of Half-Way Motors Power Sports. “The Half-Way Motors brand is one of

exceptional service, and we look forward to bringing that same experience to the outdoor recreational products market”, says John Trevisanutto, President of HalfWay Motors. You can follow updates on the progress of the new facility on Facebook. John Trevisanutto of Half-Way Motors Power Sports “Today we are announcing the new BRP Half-Way Motors Power Sports. We will be representing all the brands from BRP including and are really excited to add this dimension to the Half-Way Group of companies and bringing our commitment to service to the power sports industry in Thunder Bay.” Why powersports for Halfway?

“ We always have had an interest in power sports and when the opportunity came to look at BRP, BRP has always been the largest manufacturer with 50 to 52 % of the market in North America. Also BRP has products for all year round and is not just a seasonal business. There is a semi motorcycle in the Spyder so we will be able to have an operation that will be busy and running all year round.” The new facility for Half-Way Motors Power Sports will be large at 9000 square feet on Balmoral Street and they will be starting with 10 staff in early January. The staff will include some very experienced people in the industry and some new people. “ The general manager will be Peter Provenzano, a new environment for him but we know he will step up to the plate. We have a strong team at Halfway now

with my sons, daughter and son in law involved in the business. At the beginning it was just mainly myself but now we can spread the work around.” “ I learned about treating customers properly, not that we are perfect but if we make a mistake we show the customer how good you are by fixing the mistake. My children and son in law live by that philosophy.” “ It is a big investment for us. We just unloaded a truck load of purely fixtures for the showroom and that is $200,000. I think people will find the facility a little different than they have experienced before. We will be a Platinum BRP store which means we will be a top of the line store. People can come and meet and greet, have a coffee and look round a real beautiful environment.” Peter Provenzano, General Manager “ We will have two full time techs, a fantastic sales staff, parts, accessories and full line of clothing. We have hired all our staff and they are training right now on line. We will carry the whole line of BRP and that requires everyone to be fully training in all the products and it helps bring you up to the platinum status. Our customer service is number one at Halfway Motors and is always first in our mind so we will do everything to make the customers satisfied.” Dan Oitzl is BRP District Sales Manager and started in 1985 for almost 32 years in the business “ I have known the Trevisanuttos for a ways back and they are a going concern. Half-Way Motors Power Sports will be a Platinum BRP dealer. The staff will start in early January and will do on site training before the opening to the public sometime in January.” “BRP is trying to change the face of power sports and give the customer the same experience in every one of our stores which means consistency. The Halfway Motors Group were right on board and feel the same way about customer experience so we are excited about that.They will be a full line dealer. It is a good physical location with all the power sports dealers located within a mile of here.”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner Recently I was on Face book and this really interesting video shot right here in Thunder Bay popped up on my screen. It was done in the downtown Thunder Bay Waterfront, an area I spend quite a bit of time. The video and song just totally impressed and I soon found out it was the first song release from 25 year old Thunder Bay resident, Chris Talarico. It was fun to sit down with Chris and find out more about his just starting music career.

Thunder Bay’s Chris Talarico Releases First Single: I’m All In Gilbert to do a video which we filmed at the Waterfront. It was awesome.” “ From conception to final product I had these lyrics and James had this little groove going on. We put that together and them took it to Mark in Toronto, composing it to a commercial space that you might hear on the radio. He put certain pieces into place. You had to make some compromises to your

You have enjoyed singing from a very young age Chris?

R&B fan, then in high school it was jazz and big bands. Crooning is really where I feel most comfortable with my style. Working with James, he is a big blues country guy. I do like country, as they are some of the songs that speak to me the most. I do want to find where I sit but right now I am kind of writing the lyrics thinking what is the signature sound and letting the song live in it’s own space. I am writing songs that all sound very different. On my upcoming EP people can expect 5 to 7 different genres such as rock, country, pop and jazz.” You have other songs written and ready to go?

“I have been singing at least since I was 10, singing along to the music that I liked in the car which ranged from Usher to Michael Buble, crooner style. I realized I was able to manipulate my voice to sound like these people and do my own thing and it just kind of went from there.”

“ We have several songs right now and it is a matter of picking the songs and getting then recorded. I love doing videos, it’s so much fun, so I would like to do another video if I could, if possible. I am hoping to release the EP by mid summer.”

You have done a first song and video yourself that was released on Face book and You Tube?

Can you get any financial help to do this as so far you have put in all your own money?

That’s right, it’s called “I’m All In” and was written by myself and someone I work closely with JC Wilkinson, my mentor and a musician. We met several years ago at a karaoke competition and he kept contacting me to work together over the next two years, asking me to come out and play with him. I finally did a couple shows with him and it was after that I decided to take music seriously, started taking vocal lessons and writing. He’s helping with the beginning of my career to get to the door that will get me to the next step.” How did “I’m All In” get completed and come to life? “We took the song to Toronto with Zedd Records and Mark Zubek who was able to give it that full production sound we couldn’t get ourselves with the10 instruments that are playing in the background. We will also go through Mark to establish my first EP to have the sound consistent. He has been great to work with.” “ We then came back to Thunder Bay and reached out to EPICA Pictures and Damien

PAGE 3

story, because a song is essentially a story. We loved the process and then took it a step further by bringing in a fourth person, Damien, to our creative process to complete the story through video to tell the full story. We even filmed a few extra things that didn’t fit into the story at first but we ended up using in the video to make it better.” The song I’m All In has a country feel to it? “It mixes some pop elements to keep it up beat but lives in that sort of space. There is a banjo and organ that bring it to a country vibe. It is almost an old school country. We added the slide guitar and ended up with this old school do op. It’s country with some weird song elements to make it different. It is my song style and no one else is doing something like this I think.” Are you interested in being a country artist? “ At the end of the day I'm a vocalist and want to sing for people whether that becomes lounge singing, jazz, big band or country. I want to be heard is really what it comes down to. My music influences have spanned. When I was 10 I was a big pop and

“ Yes one of the things Zedd Records do is to apply for things like Factor grants. I will apply to Ontario Arts grants. If the funding comes in we will record more songs and do the next video.” What’s next for you to get your voice heard Chris? “ We could have released 'I’m All In” to I Tunes already but I want to get the EP done so if you hear “I’m All In” there is a followup, something else to hear. A big job for me is writing and doing some live performances and honing my craft. In the summer I want to do festivals to have a broader audience to get that feedback. Possibly I might make the move to Toronto in the next year and a bit to expand and broaden those horizons. I definitely want to get some notice and hone my craft here before I take that big of a leap. The help from JC Wilkerson and Zedd Records have been incredibly helpful to me to see how things are done in the industry. It’s been an amazing experience.”

PAGE 4

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

“Water: The Essence of Life” The most important nutrient for the maintenance of every day normal bodily functions is water. It comprises about 60% of an adult body and an even greater amount in children. About 70% of our lean tissue is actually water. The intake of water on a regular basis is

lation, metabolism, and waste removal. It also keeps the pressure, acidity, and composition of all chemical reactions in equilibrium. When discussing body temperature, the physical effects of dehydration can be quite serious. Some of the problems include heat cramps, fatigue, decreased performance, reduced endurance, and heat stroke. Heat and humidity from the environment can also impair the functioning of our cooling system. It usually takes up to 24 hours for our true thirst to register with our body, so you should keep a regular routine for fluid intake. The average consumption of water while exercising will vary from climate to climate. You should drink one or two glasses of water ten to fifteen minutes before beginning your program and normally a glass during the workout. Water loss beyond 2% of your body weight will impair your aerobic endurance.

responsible for lubricating joints, it acts as a shock absorber in the eyes and the spinal cord and aids in maintaining body temperature. Water also plays an important role in respiration, digestion, assimi-

I mentioned earlier that the percentage for adults is about 60%. Normally a newborn is about 77%, children 59%, blood 835, kidneys 82%, muscle 75%, brain 74%,

liver 69%, and bones 22%. These percentages just give us a bit of insight on the composition and importance of water in our body. Only oxygen is more essential than water in sustaining the life of all organs. Food provides us with at least 1.5 quarts of water daily (“metabolic water is produced as a by-product of the food combustion process it yields as much as one pint per day”). Fruits and vegetables are predominantly water. Here are some of the estimates of water content in certain fruits and vegetables: cucumbers 93%, lettuce 94%, broccoli 91%, and oranges 84%. Coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are diuretics (“containing substances like caffeine and alcohol”) which when taken causes the body to lose water. It is very important to drink a little extra water when consuming diuretics.

encing a lack of concentration, check your water intake. You will be amazed at just how much better you will look and feel. So it’s very important that you make water intake a part of your daily routine! Jeff Garofalo is a certified Lifestyle Fitness Coach and former International Sports Sciences Association (“I.S.S.A.”) fitness trainer. He has over forty years of experience in helping people achieve their fitness goals through body transformations and lifestyle changes. Jeff was a top 2000 finisher worldwide and currently shares his expertise both locally and across Canada via technology. As a successful language trainer in South Korea, Jeff worked with top business professionals in leading multinational companies. He believes that everyone has what it takes to make their dreams become reality.

If your kidneys do not have adequate water made available to them, your liver is forced to detoxify toxins. The consumption of at least twelve glasses of water is essential, and even more when training. If you notice yourself at any time feeling tired, weary, or just experi-

Pregnancy, An Incredible Transformation I doubt there is anything as dramatic or life changing as a women going through pregnancy, giving childbirth and then nurturing that child through the first years of its life. The emotional and psychological rollercoaster can be enormous and beautiful. But the physical transformations are nothing short of incredible. From the moment of conception a woman’s body starts to change physiologically and then over time physically. One

of the first things to happen is that rib cage expands to allow the lungs to take in more oxygen to support the growing fetus. As the pregnancy continues the increased weight in the abdomen causes more stress in the lower spine of the mother. Further on, she takes on more of a waddle walking pattern to support and accommodate the weight and changes in centre of gravity from the pregnancy. During the first trimester and then during delivery, the mother produces a hormone called relaxin which allows blood vessels and ligaments more flexibility. This reduces excessive high blood pressure due to increased blood and also allows for stretching and widening of the birth canal.

All of these transformations can create potential biomechanical stress on the mother’s body. Conditions such as pelvic joint inflammation, low back pain, sciatica, rib misalignments, carpel tunnel syndrome, headaches and constipation are fairly common occurrences. If she is working full time or has other young children or both the physical, mental and emotional stress can compound. Proper rest, nutrition and reduction in other external stresses are essential for a healthy and happy pregnancy. Various exercises and soft tissue therapies provided by a massage therapist, physical therapist or chiropractor can also be of great benefit. Local midwives are very supportive of manual therapy in particular chiropractic care during pregnancy. They understand that by optimizing the movement of the pelvis, pressure is released off of various nerves and joints. This allows for better function of the muscles and tissues needed for an easier delivery. This then is not only easier and less stressful on the mother but also to the

emerging newborn. I can attest to this from personal experience. No I did not give birth to my children. But my wife did, and she received chiropractic care on a regular basis throughout her pregnancy and also in between contractions. Delivery times can vary for many different reasons. However, all of my wife’s deliveries were considered significantly shorter than the average. In fact, with our last child, labour and delivery happened in only a few hours. In addition to this she experienced minimal symptoms such as low back pain, sciatica, high blood pressure and headaches. Although some chiropractors may have taken extra training and or have more experience with pregnant patients, all chiropractors graduate with knowledge of how to care for women during all stages of their pregnancies. When a woman becomes pregnant, having a health practitioner highly skilled in manual therapies on their pregnancy team can ease the difficulty of this incredible transformation. 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.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2016

PAGE 5

Simple Tools to Create Healthy Relationships Have you ever heard the saying, “YOU may not always get what you want, but YOU get what you need”? There were times in my life as a single woman, where I felt I was ready for true LOVE. Yet after the relationship ended with a current person, I would always take some time out for reflection and ask myself a few questions such as: What did I learn about myself? What wound was healed? What needs were being met with this person? How am I emotionally stronger? What was I willing to do to open myself to understanding this person more intimately?

What do I REALLY need in a relationship now? I may have been in a relationship to help me grow and to see a part of myself that I didn’t know existed. Each time, I also felt like I needed to really keep working on my self acceptance! I found that by using high grade essential oils, it helped me to balance some of my emotional issues. I needed to let go of perfectionism. I wanted to give myself permission to enjoy who I was with at the time and not put so much pressure on finding TRUE love. I wanted to reduce my anxiety, let go of my need to know everything about my future and just simply enjoy the friendship or the bond that I had created. When I came to this realization I felt like I was able to let my hair down, be grateful and have fun! This was very heal-

ing for me to embrace, so that I could enjoy every day for what it was worth instead of longing for something different. The perfect person was always in my life at the right time and I was more open to enjoying the process. My biggest realization was that each relationship that I have been in the past has been a genuine mirror! What I saw in each person was a part of myself that I was proud to see or a part of myself that needed to heal. I became very grateful for knowing each person and being a part of their relationship journey. My anxiety was diminished and I fell in love with myself. What a beautiful experience to feel. If you are open to learning how essential oils can benefit you to help you find a sense of healing to experience more joy in finding

a beautiful relationship, I would highly recommend the following 3 essential oils: Lime-This will help to allow you to feel revitalized and engaged in the current situation. Geranium- This will bring in feelings of more tolerance along with more loving and openness. Ylang Ylang- A sense of more playfulness and allowing your inner child to resurface. For more information on other essential oils to add to your daily lifestyle to create a stronger sense of emotional balance, please contact Tammeron at tammerontv@gmail.com or join my FREE weekly Facebook Classes online under Tammeron’s Place.

UCCI Wellness Centre, “Minowaadiziiwin” Named at Recognition Event for Student Union’s $8.5 Million Contribution – Confederation College formally recognized the $8.5 million contribution from its Student Union (SUCCI) to its new Wellness Centre recently. The event highlighted the significant support of students, and together, Confederation College and the Student Union announced that the name for the new facility would be SUCCI Wellness Centre, “Minowaadiziiwin”. Officials noted it was important to honour the incredible student contribution and to incorporate an Indigenous name to respect the traditional lands the facility is built on, as well as to represent the College’s longstanding ties to Indigenous education. The name Minowaadiziiwin means “Lead a Good Life” which perfectly reflects the values of the facility and is hoped to inspire students and community members to do just that. “A contribution of this size is unprecedented from our Student Union, and their commitment to students and the continued development of our campus is deeply appreciated,” said Jim Madder, President of Confederation College. “This new Centre will work to meet the evolving wellness needs of students and be a legacy our students can be proud of for decades to come.” “The Student Union felt it was important to support a new Student Wellness Centre to ensure the future of wellness on campus for all students,” said Jodi Connor, President of the Student Union (SUCCI). We are proud to be a key partner in this project and honoured to have the Centre named with us in mind. This new facility will focus on more than just fitness, providing an opportunity for students to destress and unwind, get healthy, socialize or simply engage in quiet reflection.” An additional $2 million of funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) was previously announced in May 2016. The remaining

$2.9 million of the $13.4 million project will be financed by Confederation College. Highlights of the new facility include a gymnasium, running track, cardio and strength training rooms, as well

as space designated for academic needs. Tom Jones Corporation and FORM Architecture Engineering are leading the construction and design of the SUCCI Wellness Centre, “Minowaadiziiwin.”

The project is slated for completion in the fall of 2017.

PAGE 6

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

EATERTAINMENT is trending at…Wacky’s ! EAT! DRINK! GAME ON! By Sherry Aalto Wacky’s, located at 540 High Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario is the place that should be on everyone’s ‘places to enjoy’ list! The 15,000 square foot building features one mammoth size T.V., an interactive games zone, sports bar, a full restaurant menu, and billiard tables. With the capacity to seat 600 guests, you can be sure the fun starts here in this now trendy eatery and entertainment venue! Or should we say Eatertainment venue! “One of the biggest features is the largest (Wacky’s ) licensed sports television viewing screen north of Toronto,” Burgess said. “It’s basically a one stop shop for fun.” Craig Burgess is proud to be Thunder

Bay’s newest restauranteur of such a successful franchise! Along with offering popular menu selections, Craig is also happy to be encouraging economic growth in the region, in job opportunity options! Wacky’s is a well – received addition for restaurant-goers in Thunder Bay and region and with welcoming our neighbours from across the U.S. Border, the place is a buzz! With over 100 exciting seasonings to be enjoyed when ordering wings, not to mention the casual, relaxing, yet FUN atmosphere, it is no wonder that Wacky’s is gaining in popularity! Wacky’s opened on November 10th, 2016 and has already been established as ‘The place to meet’ by the masses! Along with accepting reservations for parties of 10 to 75, Wacky’s can help make your special occasion just that…SPECIAL! Mixing business and pleasure? You can host your next business meeting at

Wacky’s and have their staff look after you and your guests while you look after business! And don’t forget! You can stay as long as you like! As a matter of fact, Wacky’s encourages all their patrons to come in stay a while! Eat! Drink! And Game on!! Enjoy the hottest sports on the massive big screen T.V! Play games in the interactive gaming zone or, have a social game of pool

with your friends! If a non-alcohol drink is what you prefer, Wacky’s Mixologist can prepare almost any beverage, non-alcohol, for those patrons who prefer this for their beverage choice. And since they can prepare non-alcohol beverages, one can get their drink preference to go when making a take-out order! Continued

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

EATERTAINMENT is trending at…Wacky’s! EAT! DRINK! GAME ON! another renovation project at the wellknown Maltese Grocery at 301 Pearl Street, here in Thunder Bay. Wacky’s and everyone there are very happy with their new home of business and invite everyone to stop in for Eat! Drink! Game on!!

Continued Wacky’s underwent some interesting navigations to have their present site established and like any other business, determination was key to the success for opening their doors. Aurora Construction was the contractor for the renovation of the site (540 High Street, formerly the Port Arthur Prosvita

Cultural Centre). Peter McCart, Gino Sonego owners, and Nick McCart Foreman, delivered expert results in construction to the finale! As said in a brief interview with Peter McCart “We couldn’t be happier with the results! Everyone was onboard and I can’t say enough about the whole project and those who worked on it!” Aurora Construction has also recently completed

As for Wacky’s , being a part of the community is essential. ‘For that reason, do not be surprised when you see us in local parades, supporting local fundraising initiatives, or find our mascot Wally standing on a street corner waving to you just because! Wacky’s has also

designed great fundraising formulas to help non-profit charities, sports teams, schools, stag n does, etc. raise much needed funds to support your fundraising needs. Stop by any of our locations to see how we can help you raise money.’ It is our teams mission to ensure every Wacky’s guest leaves satisfied and we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to complete customer satisfaction. Wacky’s , located at 540 High Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Call or visit their store, 705-767-2000. EAT! DRINK! GAME ON!

PAGE 8

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

Wacky Wings Eatery & Beverage Co. History Wacky Wings Eatery & Beverage Co. was established in December of 2007 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Being from Northern Ontario, we wanted to ensure we gave our customers the “Northern Ontario” feel as they dined with us. We covered all our walls in cedar logs, designed all our own custom wooden tables, chairs and bar top and accented the

room with full character logs. We use mostly Northern white cedar to achieve this beautiful cozy Northern Ontario look. Our vision at Wacky Wings was to build the perfect relaxed atmosphere where you could enjoy a meal in a fun environment. We pride ourselves on having the friendliest, most caring staff around who will go above and beyond to ensure your dining

experience with us is nothing short of a treat. We cater to families, large groups, sporting teams and sports enthusiasts alike. Come for the food, stay for the fun! Families flock to Wacky Wings for great entertainment! From a variety of interactive entertainment games where you can test your skills in a fun competitive nature, to rewarding yourself with great prizes, it's all part of the interactive family experience at Wacky Wings. Our menu items are family favourites and we have ample options to choose from no matter what your appetite desires. We believe family interaction is very important, hence why we created the perfect balance to please the entire family. See for yourself, you will not be disappointed! Wacky Wings also believes that being a part of the community is essential. For that reason, do not be surprised when you see us in local parades, supporting local fundraising initiatives, or find our mascot Wally standing on a street corner waving to you just because! Wacky Wings has also designed great fundraising formulas to help non-profit charities, sports teams, schools, stag n does, etc. raise much needed funds to support your fundraising needs. Stop by any of our locations to see how we can help you raise money. When designing the Wacky Wings concept we knew we had to keep our wing fans in mind. What better combination for wing fans than ice-cold beer with many options to choose from! In addition, we have big screen TV’s on all the walls surrounding the entire premises help capture all that great sporting action. There is no better place to catch your favourite games then Wacky Wings. We carry a full menu consisting of burgers, ribs, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, wraps, pizza and of course chicken wings. With

over 100 flavours of chicken wings on our menu we had to be creative! So mouthwatering, sticky, messy wet sauces and delicious dry seasoning flavours was called to action! Ask your server about our Flavour of the

Month wings to try something new and tantalize your taste buds! Our future plans are to build Wacky Wings Eatery & Beverage Co. restaurants in communities all across Ontario and Canada. Our growth plans include both franchised locations as well as corporate stores developed with unique partnership opportunities. It is our teams mission to ensure every Wacky Wings guest leaves satisfied and we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to complete customer satisfaction. We look forward to having the pleasure of serving you! The company has recently changed their name to Wacky’s.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 9

Buying Trends – the Shift to Hassle-Free Why credentials don’t stand out By Jeff Mowatt You may have noticed a shift in recent years in what it takes to satisfy customers. Customers are now making buying decisions less on the quality of an organiza-

tion’s products and services, and more on the quality of the buying experience itself. If you’re a business owner or manager, this trend offers both risk and opportunity. To ensure that your organization profits from this shift in customer loyalty, consider a recent history of buying behaviors… Why quality is no longer top-of-mind When it came to satisfying customers in the era immediately following World War II, no one could beat the USA. With the development of the atomic bomb they had demonstrated that they had the most advanced technology on the planet. The fact that they had developed such a terrifyingly sophisticated product gave American businesses an unrivalled reputation for innovation. That reputation resulted in a ‘honeymoon’ demand for US products that exploded throughout the 1950’s.

Fast forward to the energy crises of the 1970’s. People begin turning to smaller more fuel efficient vehicles made overseas. At first the vehicles are perceived to be of poorer quality. Yet in Japan in particular they embrace the concept of Kaizen – the

practice of continuous improvement that had been introduced to them, ironically, by an American, W. Edwards Deming. Eventually, the quality of foreign vehicles and other consumer products – particularly electronic equipment, is perceived by consumers to be better that the stuff produced in North America. Domestic manufacturers are forced to improve quality. So, throughout the 1980’s and early 1990’s North American manufacturers join the movement towards “Total Quality”. It works. Quality improves significantly. So much so, that now in the twenty first century, it’s not that consumers no longer care about the quality of manufactured products – it’s that quality is now taken for granted. So much for products. Interestingly, the same assumption about quality also applies to services. Consider the following…

When it comes to hiring services, consumers now simply take it as a given that the person is ‘qualified’ to be providing the service. When we call a company to send a plumber we don’t ask to screen candidates. We figure the person must have some sort of a ‘ticket’ or the company wouldn’t be hiring them. The teacher who instructs our children is assumed to have the proper certification. In other words, the technical capabilities of the person providing the service is generally taken for granted. Where we’ve ended up then, is a point where consumers now assume that when they buy a product from any large wellknown manufacturer the product quality will be just fine. Or, if they use a service from any reasonably sized firm the service person will be technically competent. In other words, quality itself no longer impresses consumers as much as it used to. Meanwhile, there is something more important that consumers are clamoring for. What customers will now pay a premium for Consumers want to be appreciated. They want respect. They want it badly because in recent years they’ve lost so much of it. They’ve gotten fed up with phoning a large company and being told to, “Press 1 for… press 6 for …” (One of my seminar participants described this as being caught in

“voice-mail-jail”). They’re tired of return policies that force them to find the original packaging and paperwork, spend time and postage, waiting and hoping. To create loyal customers, business owners and managers need to recognize that your quality alone won’t impress people that much. As we pointed out, quality is now assumed. Instead, there’s a huge opportunity to create loyalty when, in addition to solving the customer’s obvious immediate problem, you go the extra step to make the buying experience more humane. That means a hassle-free buying experience, and competent service professionals that understand how their product or service fits into the buying context of the customer. By context I mean how this purchase fits in to the customer’s overall needs, and how this transaction must be impacting the customer’s day. Bottom line – you may have reliable products and licensed service providers, but the question customers really care about now is, “What are you like to do business with?” Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist, Hall of Fame speaker, and bestselling author. For more tips, training tools or to inquire about engaging Jeff for your team visit www.JeffMowatt.com

Crees In The Caribbean, by Drew Hayden Taylor at Magnus Gary Farmer is the epitome of the traveling artist. He has performed all over North America, acted in films with luminaries such as Marlon Brando, Robert Redford, Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep. He recently drove from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Thunder Bay to work on Crees In The Caribbean by Drew Hayden Taylor. The light-hearted comedy plays at Magnus Theatre from January 30 to February 11. Farmer is no stranger to Thunder Bay or to Magnus Theatre. He last performed here in 1983 in Of Mice and Men. Of course, that was before Magnus moved from the east end to its current location in Waverley Park. While Farmer has had a long and varied career in film, television and on stage, he states unequivocally that he prefers to work in front of a live audience. “It’s a lot more work, but it’s a lot more rewarding. It has the most pay-off.” He also is the frontman of the blues band, Gary and the Troublemakers. When asked about the name of the band, he laughs. “I am a bit of a troublemaker - it’s the perfect name!” Gary Farmer was born in Ohsweken, Ontario and has family in the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. He is not just an actor/singer; he has also been a publisher, a broadcaster an advocate and an Indigenous activist. He is probably best known to Canadian audiences for his roles on series such as Forever Knight, The Rez and Spirit Bay. Many people will certainly recognise him from Hollywood films such as Dead Man, Adaptation and The Score and from his appearances on countless American TV shows, from The West Wing to Easy Money. Farmer has won many awards in his career, including a Best Actor award for Powwow Highway at the American Indian Movie Awards and a FAITA (First Americans in the Arts) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor

in a Film for Dead Man. So what brings Gary Farmer to Magnus Theatre? Crees In The Caribbean, by Drew Hayden Taylor. Farmer and Taylor have known each other since they worked together on Spirit Bay. In the play, Farmer plays Cecil Poundmaker, a sixty-something Cree man who is not too happy with a vacation in Mexico. “This play is the ultimate fish out of water story; Indigenous people of the north tend not to travel too much, so it’s

Next Issue Deadline

Thunder Bay Business February 24th, 2017

Contact Jeff @ 623-7297 or Sylvia @ 629-7599 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com

very funny, one of Drew’s more humourous plays. It’s also a bit tragic, like life. Drew is a master at that.” Thom Currie, Magnus’ Artistic Director, agrees with Farmer. “This is a really funny show, a universal story about a retired couple taking their first trip to the Caribbean. I am thrilled to have Gary

joining us for this wonderful show at Magnus.” For his part, Farmer has been looking forward to coming home. “I love Santa Fe, but I am most at home in the north. It’s where my heart is.”

PAGE 10

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

If you sold your home or cottage in 2016, or will be selling, you need to be aware of

Legal Matters

taxpayer (and spouse if applicable) must designate that property as a principal residence for each year that the exemption is claimed (usually each year it is owned). The property must be ordinarily inhabited by the taxpayer, spouse, or their child. A “plus 1”designation rule allows the exemption to be claimed for two properties in a year of sale.

significant changes to the tax treatment of principal residences.

The exemption is not available if the taxpayer is in the business of buying and selling properties, as this would be income, not a capital gain.

Canadian resident individuals may still claim a “principal residence exemption” to reduce or eliminate the tax arising from the capital gain arising from the sale. The

Technical changes made in 2016 significantly affect taxpayers who change their resident status, and where the taxpayer is a trust. If you fall into either of these groups,

you need specialized advice. The most notable change will be that historically, CRA has not enforced rules requiring the reporting of the gain and the filing of a designation form to claim the exemption. For tax years starting in 2016, you will now have to comply with these requirements. Although CRA may still allow a late filing of the designation form, you can expect to pay penalties. Failure to file the form in a timely fashion (with your return) may also result in the exemption being disallowed, and tax being payable on the gain. Because the designation of a principal residence may need to be joint, we are told that if you sold due to marital breakup, or

you and your spouse do not have your tax preparation well-coordinated, CRA will treat the first designation filed as binding upon both spouses. If you both sell and then buy different properties, or buy out your spouse this should not be a problem. If your spouse sells the cottage and designates it on their return, you may not then designate the house in town for those years. The result is that when you sell the home, you may face a tax bill. We at Weilers do not pretend to be tax experts, and this information is no substitute for expert tax advice- we just want you to know that you might need that advice.

A Unique Way For Canadians To Save Money And Pay Less Tax Tax-Free Savings Accounts, or TFSAs, have been available to Canadians since 2009. TFSAs allow users to invest large sums of money tax-free using almost any investment possibility such as mutual funds, individual stocks, Guaranteed Investment Certificates or bonds. Tax-Free Savings Account can benefit Canadians across all age groups For people in their 20s and 30s using a TFSA strategy can help to afford home, cars, vacations, or recreation while still saving for the future. For people in their 40s and 50s TFSAs can compliment saving for retirement or saving for children's education. TFSA can help increase tax-advantaged savings. For those in their 60s and older who are retired, the withdrawals from a TFSA will not affect eligibility for Old Age Security or Guaranteed Income

Supplement. Also, TFSA cash flow can also help you delay taxable RRSP withdrawals until age 71. TFSA at a glance · Investments grow tax free inside the account · Withdrawals are completely tax-free · Withdrawals do not count as income for tax purposes, so they do not raise your tax rate or affect eligibility for income-tested government benefits, such as Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. · Withdrawals can be re-contributed · You have to be a Canadian resident 18 years or older · Unused contributions can be carried forward and are cumulative · TFSA assets will be transferred to your spouse in the event of death tax-free

If you don't contribute the full amount each year, you can carry forward the unused amounts based on the contribution limits for each year. By the end of 2016 the cumulative contribution total was, $46,500. Current rules have the total annual contribution amount increasing by $500 each year. Your 2017 contribution limit is $52,000. The contribution amount for each year is as follows: · 2009: $5,000 · 2010: $5,000 · 2011: $5,000 · 2012: $5,000 · 2013: $5,500 · 2014: $5,500 · 2015: $10,000 · 2016: $5,500 · 2017: $5,500 Grow your savings faster than a regular sav-

ings account Tax-Free Savings Accounts are an excellent complement to your current financial strategy. However, since the TFSA was introduced in 2009 only about half of Canadians are taking advantage of its benefits of earning tax-free income for life and paying no taxing on death of the accumulated TFSA's value. Michael Morrow, CFP Michael is a Certified Financial Planner and President of Morrow Financial and The Benefit Experts. For more information, please contact Michael @ 807 684 1805 or visit: www.thebenefitexperts.com l www.morrowfinancial.ca

$AVE THOUSAND$! Choose an Independent Mortgage Brokerage for YOUR new or existing mortgage! By Sherry Aalto When it comes to mortgages, choosing WHERE you get your mortgage can save you thousands of dollars over time! That

is where your Mortgage Broker has help you greatly! With financial options that major banks offer, your personal Mortgage Broker can offer you the same options as well, but with one exception, they can usually get you a much lower rate than those offered by the larger banking institutions! Mortgage Brokers specialize in mortgages and have access to hundreds of banks, financial institutions, credit unions, trust companies, investors and private lending companies. Mortgage financing IS the brokers primary business, and they depend on referrals and repeat business.

Choosing wisely: Mortgage Brokers have to be licensed when working under a Mortgage Brokerage Firm and they have to adhere to stringent educational requirements, where other financial institution representative do not have to be licensed or meet the higher set educational requirement standards. Banks are only going to offer you their products. They are not going to look for other sources for best rates and options for you. A Mortgage Broker does not work for a bank or credit union or any other financial institution. They are not salaried by any financial firms. They work for YOU, the customer. They have access to hundreds of lenders. Easy application for you anytime! With technology, today, you can choose a

Mortgage Broker in your own home town, and they can send you a mortgage application at the click of a button. They take care of you from the start to the completion of your application and into the future on renewals. When working with a Mortgage Broker, most often, you can apply for your mortgage from the comfort of your own home electronically a time of day that suits you. That’s option one. Option two is, you can make an appointment at a bank, where you have to work within their hours of operation, away from the comfort and security of your own space, take time out of your busy day, drive to their institution where you will more than likely wait and then sit in someone’s office and fill out papers. Then wait to see if more information is required and then wait for head office to respond. The Mortgage Broker you choose will work on your time table. You can meet them if you so choose, but you don’t have to schedule an appointment to get the process started. They work beyond what is considered normal business hours and they work at the speed of business! They don’t have to call another expert for answers about your proposal because, they are the experts! And you can call them, email or text them at any time you have any questions or concerns. Can you do that with other financial institutions? Mortgage Brokerages can save you thousands! Check one out today!

www.hatch.com

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 11

Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in public transit in Thunder Bay 47 new projects across Ontario to benefit from the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The governments of Canada and Ontario are making investments to create jobs and grow the middle class, while building a foundation for a strong, sustainable economic future. Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians to safely get to and from work, school and other activities on time. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, announced 21 newly approved projects that will benefit Thunder Bay under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding for these projects-just over $6 million- and the municipality will provide the balance of funding. The City of Thunder Bay will see the transit fleet renewed which will improve public transit access and safety for all passengers through the purchase of diesel fueled buses and specialized transit vehicles. Across the city, there will also be improvements to bus stops and shelters to make them more accessible, upgrades to transit facilities, and the construction of a multiuse trail, a new bike lane and pedestrian crossovers. Minister Hajdu and Minister Gravelle also announced 26 other transit projects across Ontario-to benefit an additional seven communities for a total investment from the PTIF, including Thunder Bay, of more than $8.46 million in federal funding. These investments are part of the bilateral agreement between Canada and Ontario, announced on August 23, 2016, and are in addition to the 168 projects announced that day for public transit projects. As of today, 215 public transit projects have been approved across Ontario under PTIF. Quotes "The Government of Canada recognizes how important affordable and efficient transit infrastructure is to growing the middle class and getting kids to school, employees to work, and seniors to the services they need on time and back home quickly at the end of a long day. We are very pleased to announce new public transit projects here in Thunder Bay and across Ontario which will help make municipalities stronger, more inclusive and sustainable, while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family." The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities "This partnership between Ontario, our municipalities, and the federal government builds on our government's historic infrastructure investments we are already making as part of our economic plan for jobs and growth. The projects supported through this new agreement here in Thunder Bay and across the province will improve the transit experience for riders and help them support our low-carbon economy for decades to come." The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario

Minister of Northern Development and Mines, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure "The City of Thunder Bay is pleased to

Associated links Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-

Canada and Ontario have approved a new list of transit projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), which is designed to address key infrastructure

Photo from last years visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Thunder Bay Transit receive the $6 million in Transit related funding. We appreciate the commitment of the Federal Government, which leverages investments from the Province of Ontario and the municipality to enhance the public transit service that citizens rely and depend upon every day and take us a step closer to being a fully connected and sustainable City." His Worship Keith Hobbs, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay Quick Facts • This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's historic plan to support public infrastructure across the country. • The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities. • Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province's history. To learn more about what's happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructureen.html FBACKGROUNDER Canada and Ontario announce funding for 47 new public transit projects across Ontario

priorities with a focus on repairing and upgrading existing facilities and assets. The Government of Canada is providing the Government of Ontario with $1.49 billion under PTIF, and will fund up to 50 per cent of the eligible project costs.

PAGE 12

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS FEBRUARY 2017

Ontario Provides Free Tuition for Eligible Students in Thunder Bay New OSAP is Removing Financial Barriers to College and University

ence between the sticker price for tuition and what students would need to pay. § In 2014-15, Ontario issued almost $1.3 billion in grants and loans to students.

Ontario is making college and university more affordable for students and families in Thunder Bay and across the province by making tuition free for over 150,000 students. Recently, MPP Bill Mauro met with community members at Confederation College to talk about how the province is transforming the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The new OSAP will make average tuition free for students whose families make less than $50,000 a year. Students from families that earn more will also benefit from more generous grants and loans, and about 80 per cent of all OSAP recipients will graduate with less provincial debt. More Ontario students are now graduating from postsecondary programs than ever before, but some people hesitate to apply for college or university because they worry about the cost. The new OSAP will help more students seek an advanced education, regardless of their family's income. By entering basic information at Ontario.ca/osap, in just a few clicks students will learn whether they qualify for free tuition and how much aid they could receive from the new OSAP. Expanding access to college and university is part of our government’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. QUOTES “Affordable access to postsecondary education is crucial to success in today’s knowl-

edge based economy. This announcement of a reformed Ontario Student Assistance Program will enable 150,000 students across the province to attend college or university for free including students here in Thunder Bay, Atikokan and Northwestern Ontario.” — Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder BayAtikokan “I am very proud to be part of the most generous reform to postsecondary education in North America! Education is vital to our growth and development in our province. By broadening access to postsecondary education today, we will build a bright and prosperous future tomorrow.” — Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North “We’re moving forward with the most ambitious reform of student financial assistance in North America because our government believes that a person’s ability to access postsecondary education should be based on their ability to learn, and not on their ability to pay. The new OSAP will provide over 150,000 students across the province with

free average tuition.” — Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Digital Government QUICK FACTS § Students applying to college and university for September 2017 will be the first to benefit from the new OSAP. § The new OSAP will allow mature students to qualify for more grants so they can go back to school to upgrade their skills. § If you are a single parent, have three children and earn $60,000 a year, for example, the new OSAP calculator will tell you that you are eligible for over $16,000 of non-repayable aid, making average university tuition free with money left over for books and fees. § Ontario will work closely with colleges and universities in Thunder Bay to ensure that families clearly see upfront the differ-

Jim Madder, President “ One of our pillars at Confederation College is access. This program increases access and removes one more barrier and opens a door. It is worth several thousand dollars for a student. Employers today want a good solid skill set when you walk in to their work. Many of our students currently work 15 to 20 hours per week to afford college so this may allow them to work less hours per week.” “We hope this program will increase the enrolment at Confederation College.” Jodi Connor Student Union President. “ It means more access for our students from a different demographic. It opens a pathway for many first time students and their families. If you have a part time job, books, tuition, rent it means it helps access for students. The average tuition is $2200 per year.” Bill Mauro “Education is a game changer and the new economy requires post secondary training more than it ever has before. Today’s announcement lessens financial obligation for students. Under $50,000 family income means tuition will be free , over $50,000 will also have significant benefits. It will make students more attractive to employers. Go to the link at the website to apply.”