TBB January 2021

Port projecting strong finish to active shipping season

INSIDE First COVID-19 vaccine administered in Northwestern Ontario Your Irresistible Offer Lakehead University launching modules addressing Truth and Reconciliation actions

North Superior Publishing

@tbay25

Lakeside Controls Supports Instrumentation Lab Renovation

GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO OFFERS GREAT SNOWMOBILING

PAGE 2

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

Lakeside Controls Supports Instrumentation Lab Renovation benefit from the space, using the equipment for control scenarios testing and troubleshooting.

Confederation College was excited to reveal its renovated Instrumentation Lab , made possible through the generous support of Lakeside Process Controls. As part of the College’s TEC Campaign, Lakeside made the largest single gift-in-kind to the campaign with a contribution valued at $330,500.

“It is through visionary supporters like Lakeside Controls, that we are able to continue our legacy of facilitating student success with exemplary programming in stateof-the-art facilities,” said Kathleen Lynch, President of Confederation College. “We are grateful to Lakeside for their extraordinary commitment to our students and the future of the instrumentation industry.

Their gift of equipment, their hands-on involvement in the renovation effort, and their ongoing engagement with our Instrumentation program are deeply appreciated. What makes this extra special is that this organization hires our graduates and we were pleased to see our own alumni play an active role in the renovation project. Thank you Lakeside!”

In recognition of the significant contribution, the renovated space was named Lakeside Process Controls Laboratory. The College also recognized faculty and staff for their considerable efforts to bring the renovated space to life, highlighting Colin Kelly, Chris Paci and Tim ten Have for their leadership. The upgraded lab now uses one of the most advanced Distributed Control Systems in the world and is one of

For more information about the Instrumentation Engineering Technician – Process and Automation Control program, and to apply, visit: www.confederationcollege.ca/instrumentation. Donations are still being accepted to the TEC Campaign. To learn more and make a donation, visit www.confederationcollege.ca/TEC-campaign.

Confederation College celebrated a $330,500 gift-in-kind from Lakeside Controls to renovate its Instrumentation Lab. Pictured from left, Confederation President Kathleen Lynch, Lakeside Instrumentation Technician Igor Riaboshapkin and Team Lead of Regional Services Chris Foulds, Confederation’s Instrumentation Program Coordinator Tim ten Have and Lakeside Account Manager, Mike Colaneri. the most advanced instrument labs in Canada.

to quickly and easily access forms, manuals, schematics, videos, instructions and more, while creating a nearly paperless

Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has eight regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Wawa.

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of

Designed to improve the collaborative experience for students, the lab saw the implementation of a remote configuration to support a hybrid learning model of inclass and online training and to provide increased access to lab equipment outside of regular classroom hours. The lab was equipped with a new Distributed Control System, along with new trainers and workstations, and a wide range of the most modern instruments. All equipment is tagged with QR codes, enabling students

Student Sachin Raj Sampath (centre) demonstrates instrumentation equipment for Confederation College President Kathleen Lynch and Lakeside Team Lead of Regional Services Chris Foulds.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado!

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss * Preferred Equipment Group * Leather Package * * 10 Speed Automatic Transmission * Satin Steel Metallic * Safety Package I * Convenience Package II * * Trailering Package *

Low Rate Financing Available 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4

Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915

experience. The renovation also served as a catalyst for the development of new teaching methods and resources, taking the Instrumentation Engineering Technician – Process and Automation Control program to the next level.

7,000 combined full- and part-time students per year and currently has over 850 full- and part-time employees.

Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $643.4 million annually.

“The students and faculty have been hard at work completing the technology upgrades for instrumentation, automation, and valve products to improve the experience beyond their existing facilities,” said Mike Colaneri, Account Manager at Lakeside Process Controls. “We saw the true potential of the students and their needs and we were happy to be a part of their journey.”

Lakeside Process Controls is recognized as a market leader, providing complete automation solutions to a wide range of industries, optimizing process efficiency, ensuring reliability and up-time, while maintaining and prioritizing a high standard of safety and customer satisfaction.

Its capabilities in process management, industrial automation, utilities expertise and digital transformation enable its team to solve their customers' challenges, keeping their operations running safer and delivering improved and measurable business results.

Students of the College’s Instrumentation program have already been enjoying the leading-edge equipment through the spring and fall semesters. They have been thoroughly impressed with the new space and enrollment in the program has already improved as a result of the upgraded facility. Building on the successful history of the program, the learning experience is now more reflective of current and anticipated industry trends, meaning graduates will be well prepared for their future careers in instrumentation.

The impact isn’t just being felt by students; industry partners are also able to

As a member of the Emerson Impact Partner Network, Lakeside is a long term channel partner with the global leader in automation technology. Lakeside is the single point of contact for leveraging Emerson’s integrated solutions, products, and expertise in Ontario, Manitoba, and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner Copyright (c) 2020, Scott A. Sumner

Do you know where you are financially.

What’s your net worth? How much money do you have left over at the end of the month?

The first step in a financial planning process is to analyze exactly where you are at this moment in time. This should be very detailed and cannot be done quickly, but is not difficult work, and can in fact be enjoyable. Many people, if asked the question "What is your net worth?" will not know the answer. They might have some kind of an idea about what their house is worth, maybe how much they

PAGE 3

Where Are You Now With Your Money? paid for their car, or they might remember an RRSP they bought last February. I don't think they really understand or know exactly what their financial net worth is. From my background in business, I have learned it helps to consider yourself as an actual business entity. Businesses rely significantly on their financial statements. The financial statement begins with a balance sheet which is a complete financial picture of the firm's assets and liabilities on a short term, and long term base. It is only completely accurate at one point in time, usually the year-end of the firm, but it can be very valuable in analysis. In addition to the balance sheet portion of a financial statement, there is the income statement. It simply records the revenues received by a corporation and the expenses associated with earning those revenues,

thereby arriving at a net income in order to determine whether or not the firm has met its financial goals. The conclusion is that the corporation determines how well they performed against budget or business plans.

A family's or individual's financial statement is exactly the same as a company's. It might not be graphed in the same magnitude, but it is definitely similar. You can go through the steps of determining your own balance sheet, in order to help you pin point exactly what the net worth of your family is. You can review step by step and in detail your current income from all sources and associated expenses which will allow you to grasp whether you are in a position of excess cash each month and year, whether you have any funds available

to invest or save, and whether you are living beyond your current financial means.

As individuals, we have to take a responsible view of our financial resources. We must look ahead to long- term capital accumulation,with the expectation of having enough revenue to enjoy a happy retirement.

This section can also show you how to make certain that you are maximizing your financial resources so that you can enjoy life to the utmost, right now. For some simple forms that will help you in this process visit my web site: www. scottsumner.com

Do These Common Weight-loss Claims Hold Any Weight?

It’s that time of the year again when we decide to renew our commitments to become better people, healthier people, happier people. As a majority of adults in Canada are either overweight or obese, weight loss goals are a common theme. But how do we go about doing this? There are literally dozens and dozens of theories and strategies for losing wait. After going around the circle it all still comes down to calories in versus calories out. The trick is to devise a strategy that you can stick to over the long term while not making yourself miserable. Here is the lowdown on some common weight-loss strategies.

Loosing weight slowly (1 to 2 pounds per week) is more successful at long term weight loss than rapid weight loss.

The most recent evidence says this strategy is shaky. A randomize study of 200 obese people broke them down into 2 groups. One group reduced food intake by 500 calories which allowed them to lose weight slowly over a 9 month peri-

od. The rapid group consumed less then 800 calories per day for 3 months. By the end of their weight-loss period, 50% of the slow group lost their target weight while 78% or the rapid group lost theirs.

Also significantly, 6 times more people in the slow group dropped out of the study than did in the rapid group.

After 3 years both groups had regained 75% of their weight back.

In the end your no better off either way. But drastic calorie reduction should be done under the guidance of a health professional.

Almost all health diets recommend plenty of water daily. Water is necessary for many reasons, but does it help you loose weight. The common advice is to drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before each meal.

The theory being that you will feel more full and thus eat less. Also, you may replace water with a high calorie drink.

A study on middle-aged and older adults found that in fact they did consume about 60 to 75 calories less. Although it does show promise, there needs to be follow up with a larger study to confirm these results. In the meantime, although drinking water shows only modest weight loss, it is a great idea for many other reasons. Most people do not consume enough water throughout the day.

Should you graze with multiple small meals throughout the day or gorge in larger meals? Some dieticians feel that grazing helps to speed up the metabolism to burn more calories and regular eating can suppress your feeling of over hunger. Previous studies had shown that grazers tended to be thinner than gorgers. But it may have been for other reasons than their frequency of eating.

Perhaps grazers make better food choices, perhaps they are more active. We just do not know. However, a study which tested grazing vs gorging found

that the subjects ate and burned the same number of calories per day regardless of their meal frequency. Bottom line, it is more a matter of what fits into your lifestyle and the quantity of calories you intake.

Is intermittent fasting effective for weight-loss? There are three common styles of fasting. Alternate-day fasting is when you restrict calorie intake to 500 calories on one day and then eat as much as you like on the following day. The 5:2 diet means you feast for 5 days and fast for 2. Time-restricted eating limits people to eating only between certain hours, usually an eight-hour window.

Most studies say you do not lose any more weight from fasting rather then just reducing your calorie intake daily.

However, an interesting note was that on the feast days of alternate day fasting people only ate about 10 percent more then they normally would. Also, fast-

ing is relatively simple and may be one of the easier ways to cut down on the calories.

Ultimately, it comes down to how much you consume. All the above strategies are simply different ways to help motivate you to consume less calories. So if you are trying to loose weight, the best advice would be to choose a strategy that you will be able to commit to over the long term and one that doesn’t make you miserable along the way.

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

PAGE 4

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

First COVID-19 vaccine administered in Northwestern Ontario (Thunder Bay, ON – December 22 2020) Today, Northwestern Ontario’s first COVID-19 vaccines were administered at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The first person to receive the vaccine in Thunder Bay is Sean Bolton, a dedicated Personal Support Worker at Hogarth Riverview Manor.

“This is a historic milestone and a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today I reflect on the extraordinary contributions that brought us to this moment. I am beyond grateful to health care workers – both on the front lines and behind the scenes – health system partners, scientists and political leaders for their unprecedented sacrifices, expertise and commitment. In addition to administering vaccines for Long Term Care staff, our Hospital will play an important role in preparing for the next phase, which means ensuring those who will deliver the next vaccine to remote communities are themselves vaccinated when the time comes. Planning for the next phase is still underway as the process and logistics are complex. We will share more information as it becomes available,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President & CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been designated to administer the Pfizer vaccine. Since there will be limited doses available at first, the province is rolling out the vac-

TBDHU. “While the vaccine is a reason to be hopeful, it will take time to rollout. It is very important to continue with public health measures such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home if you are sick.”

Sean Bolton, a dedicated Personal Support Worker at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, was the first person to receive the COVID-9 vaccine in Thunder Bay. The vaccine was administered by Jackie Park, Manager of Pandemic Community Collaboration, Screening & Assessment at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. cine in a phased approach with a focus on the most vulnerable populations first.

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on people working in long term For this phase, TBRHSC is working in care homes and their residents, and it is partnership with the Thunder Bay understood that staff are at higher risk District Health Unit (TBDHU). “With due to the nature of their work. That is the arrival of the vaccine, we are enterwhy this phase will focus on direct ing a new phase in our battle against this patient care staff from long term care novel coronavirus,” said Dr. Janet homes throughout Thunder Bay. DeMille, Medical Officer of Health,

“We are very pleased to have our frontline Long-Term Care staff prioritized to receive the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in our community. The vaccination brings an added level of protection in our ongoing efforts to stop the virus from entering our long-term care homes,” said Tracy Buckler, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Care Group. “This is the beginning of a new era as we work collectively to bring the pandemic to an end.”

TBRHSC and TBDHU are working with partners in long term care to identify and schedule those who are eligible to receive the vaccine. First doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered over the course of the next few weeks. Those who receive the vaccine will return for a second dose after 21 days. For security purposes, details regarding the amount of doses received and storage location cannot be provided.

For more information about the COVID19 vaccine, how it works, and how it’s being rolled-out, please visit https://www.tbdhu.com/covidvaccines and https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19vaccines-ontario#about-covid-19-vaccines.

ROTARY ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED! ticipate.

Amanda Pacholczak, a Grade 12 student at St. Ignatius High School, was awarded the $500 top prize in the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest.

She applied the principles of the 4Way Test in her essay titled “Vacationing Abroad: Ethical or Not”.

In addition to this top award, Pacholczak’s essay will be entered in the Rotary District 5580 Essay Competition for an opportunity to win another $1,100 USD. Rotary is the world’s largest and oldest humanitarian service network. There are four local Rotary clubs in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon area and a Thunder Bay Rotaract club.

Membership includes and welcomes individuals who are interested in serving their community and making a difference in our world. Our clubs work to serve and financially support local and international initiatives with a primary focus on health, water and sanitation, literacy and education, community development and peace.

Rotary Clubs around the world offer this Essay Contest as an incentive to young people to develop their skills of self-expression and as evidence of a sincere interest in the ideals of our youth. All students in their final two years of high school are eligible to par-

The essay can deal with any topic of the student’s choosing, but it must apply the principles of the Rotary 4-

businessman who was faced with the challenge of saving a major company from bankruptcy. Looking for a way to save the company, he sought a short yardstick of ethics that could be used.

tion activities, and has been the subject of countless secondary school essays.

The message has appeared on roadside billboards, bronze plaques and has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Amanda Pacholczak’s winning essay was chosen by a panel of judges from the four local Rotary Clubs and the local Rotaract Club. Her essay is now being submitted to compete against essays coming from the remainder of the Rotary 5580 District , which includes North Dakota, Northern Minnesota, and Northwest Wisconsin.

In addition to Amanda Pacholczak’s first place prize, Veronica Pacholczak was awarded a $200 prize for second place, and Spencer Lenardon was awarded a $100 prize for third place.

All three prize winners are Grade 12 students at St. Ignatius High School.

Way Test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Rotary 4-Way Test was first conceived in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression by a Chicago

Company personnel were asked to learn the test and to observe it as a guide to every aspect of business. As a result, a climate of trust and goodwill gradually developed among dealers, customers and employees, and the 4Way Test was credited with returning the company to a thriving status.

The 4-Way Test has inspired safe driving programs, crime and drug reduc-

For more information, please go to www.rotary5580.org and the Social Media channels of the four local Rotary Clubs and Rotaract, or contact Cynthia Judge, Essay Contest Chair, President, Fort William Rotary Club.

.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

Winners of the Port of Thunder Bay Let’s Sea it Your Way Photo Challenge Revealed Recently the Port of Thunder Bay was pleased to announce the winners of the Let’s Sea it Your Way Photo Challenge. The contest was launched in October and invited both amateur and professional photographers to participate by entering their favourite camerawork for judging. Over 300 images were posted for submission, capturing Thunder Bay’s vibrant maritime industry and the harbour landscape in its most vivid forms. A winning photograph was chosen in each of the four categories. The winners are as follows: 1.

Best Saltie: Jon Nelson 2.

Best Laker: Michael Hull 3.

Best Ship with the Sleeping Giant: Mike Hanchar 4.

Best Superior Sunrise/Sunset featuring the Port of Thunder Bay or Harbour: Jack Hamlin

“The number and variety of submissions were very impressive. The Port of Thunder Bay is proud to share these local images that all individually share visions that inspire, inform and awe;” Says Chris Heikkinen, Port of Thunder Bay Communications Coordinator.

“Thunder Bay residents enjoy some of the best lake views in the world, and we often overlook the exciting shipping activity that happens in our world-class port.”

known, and experienced photographers selected the winning photo submissions.

Challenge winner Michael Hull, who has previously lived in Hawaii, Florida and

ative, capturing the original photograph using acrylics and watercolours.

Colorado, explains that he really enjoys documenting the city through photography and believes that Thunder Bay is one of the most beautiful places he has lived. “The port is a huge part of our history and every day there is something new and unique happening.

Whether it be the tugs working to get a ship in or out of a dock, a bald eagle, a seaplane taking off or a majestic sunset, there is always something going on at the port.”

our harbour until I started to try and take pictures of every ship. Standing next to a ship is quite simply awe-inspiring and a very powerful experience. Some of these ships date back to World War II and there’s a silent power that can be felt while around them.

Once you factor in the history of the ships and the element that some of the Salties travel back and forth between various continents with tremendously large cargo loads, it just puts me in amazement of what humankind can accomplish,” continues Hull.

“I didn’t realize there was so much activity in

“Congratulations to all the talented photographers who entered the Let’s Sea it Your Way Photo Challenge. The Port of Thunder Bay is pleased to create a platform to celebrate local photography and highlight the port industry amidst the natural beauty Thunder Bay harbour has to offer.”

A panel of judges comprised of local, well-

Hull says his first memory of a ship was as a child while visiting the Port of Thunder Bay. His interest in the industry was recently reignited while taking photos for fun during the pandemic. His winning submission features the Saginaw arriving to the port with assistance from a tugboat.

Each winning photographer received a Superior Prize Pack sponsored by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, George’s Market and Thunder Bay Hydraulics. The prize included a painting of each winning photograph by local artist Vik Wilen. Wilen created abstract pieces that are very vibrant and cre-

“I also think our Port is a significant point of pride for Thunder Bay. This has been especially evident during the global pandemic with this year’s shipping season being one of the busiest on record. Quite literally, Thunder Bay is helping the world survive this pandemic and I believe the Port of Thunder Bay is playing an integral role.”

The paintings of the winning photography will be available for purchase at vikwilen.com with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the United Way of Thunder Bay.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

PAGE 7

Donors on Giving Tuesday Get Our Community One Step Closer to Cardiovascular Surgery Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving, taking place directly after the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a day where people rally behind and support their favourite causes. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation used

the excitement of the day to kick off the season of giving.

The goal on Giving Tuesday was to raise $49,000 in 24 hours - enough to purchase seven Pacemaker Generators to be used for cardiac surgery in the Operating Room at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. These items will help restart people’s hearts and stabilize their rhythm following surgery. Altogether, thanks to the generosity of donors, $127,815 was raised on Tuesday, of which $121,135 was donor directed to the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign to fully fund seven Pacemaker Generators for the Operating Room, two Pacemaker Generators for the Intensive Care Unit, with additional funds supporting further equipment purchases for cardiac surgery.

Having had to travel to Hamilton several years ago for an unexpected quintuple bypass surgery, Rod Morrison knows just how critical it is to bring cardiovascular

surgery to Northwestern Ontario. He said, “It’s one thing to need life-saving surgery.

It’s another thing to be told you can’t have it where you live. Let me tell you, travel can be stressful at the best of times. It’s a thousand times worse when you don’t know if you’ll survive the trip. I had my

surgery on a Thursday morning, and the result was that the surgeon had to perform a quintuple bypass. As tough as it was to be the patient, I think it was even harder for my wife Lesley. She had no one with her while I was in the Hospital to support her.

And then, when it came time for my discharge, it was completely up to her to make all the necessary travel arrangements to get us home. The whole trip home was one I could not have managed on my own.”

Continued Morrison, “No one who’s recently had cardiac bypass surgery should have to go through this ordeal. Lesley and I have made a donation to the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign to ensure we can have cardiac surgery here locally.

I’m so grateful to the hundreds of other donors who gave generously on Giving Tuesday to fund the pacemaker generators, and make cardiac surgery available here soon.”

Meaghan Sharp, Chief Nursing Executive,

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Director, Cardiovascular Sciences Program; and NextGen Cabinet Member of the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign explained, “Thanks to the donors who gave on Giving Tuesday, we’re one step closer to offering a full Cardiovascular Surgery Program. Already, we’ve grown our Vascular Surgery Program with a full complement of Vascular Surgeons who are providing 24/7 access to care and performing life-saving procedures such as aortic aneurysm repairs.

The next step is Cardiac Surgery, so we can offer options like bypass or valve replacements here in Northwestern Ontario.”

Added Sharp, “You can never underestimate the power of home. I had to leave town for cardiac surgery myself six years ago, and I know the toll the trip takes on

patients and families. It’s very difficult on the patient, certainly, but like Rod mentioned, I think it’s even more difficult on the caregiver who must accompany them.

Thanks to the generosity of those who donated on Giving Tuesday, patients will have access to surgery that can save their lives, while allowing them to have their families at their sides.”

Donations to the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign continue to be gratefully accepted: Online: OurHeartsAtHome.ca/OurTime Phone: 807-345-4673 (Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM) By mail: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, 980 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

PAGE 8

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

ONE LAWYER’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS @2021 Brian Babcock

track”.

Welcome to 2021.

Then 2020 happened.©

May it be better than 2020.

Yet, for me, 2020 was still in many ways better than 2019. After all, I am back writing here. The glass truly is half full. Or maybe even filling further.

I suppose that I could just end my resolutions there, but that would leave a

Legal Matters

So 2021 holds great promise.

A few resolutions to share, in the hopes that they bring you cheer and hope for 2021 and beyond:

lot of white space.

Last year, my only new year’s resolution was to hope that for me personally 2020 would be a better year than 2019, or 2018 for that matter. I recall using the phrase “getting things back on

1.

That this pandemic come to an end. Pretty obvious. But just thought I ought to put it out there, and to put it first, because it is most important.

2.

That the Thunder Bay Courthouse get back into operation. It

is too much building not to be fully used. Virtual justice and temporary facilities have their uses, but as much as I complained about losing the grandeur of the “old courthouse”, 2020 has shown us that the “new” courthouse has many virtues too.

3.

That Bombardier (soon to be Alstom) finds a steady stream of work and returns to ample employment.

4.

That the civil procedure reforms in response to the pandemic finally bring litigation finally into the 21st century. Replacing service of documents via fax with service via email is a good start.

5.

That the Waterfront continues to be spectacular, and the Waterfront District continues its renaissance.

6.

That Downtown Fort William find a fresh beginning. It needs it.

7.

That Small Claims Court resumes regular operations. It is the busiest branch of the civil justice system, touching the most people. We need it.

8.

That the Thunder Bay chamber of Commerce continues its great work boosting the City and assisting members.

9.

That the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law continues finding courses for me to teach. I do love corrupting young minds, er, I mean teaching.

10. That we all begin 2022 with our cups running over.

Have a Happy New Year, fine readers, I’m wishing that 2021 is another great year for you, for Weilers Law, and for Thunder Bay.

Lakehead University launching modules addressing Truth and Reconciliation actions Lakehead University is launching four of eight modules on Truth and Reconciliation to encourage open discussion among its staff, faculty, and administration, which will be available for public viewing until Friday, Dec. 18.

With the fifth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada approaching in December, the Lakehead University President’s Council for Truth and Reconciliation is posting the modules online to encourage discussions on social inclusion, Indigenous culture, and holistic approaches to dialogue in Thunder Bay and Simcoe County.

“The Covid 19 pandemic has prompted many changes in how we interact and how we will continue to do so in the future,” said Dr. Cynthia WesleyEsquimaux, Chair on Truth and Reconciliation. “A response to either crisis or opportunity has gifted us with a flexible approach to beginning and sustaining a different kind of dialogue.”

The modules include discussions in the following areas:

1.Worldviews and Creation Stories 2. What’s History got to do with it?

3. Intercultural and World Literatures 4. Addressing Systemic Racism, Stereotypes, Biases and Beliefs 5. Beyond Indian Residential Schools 6. The History and Impacts of Child Welfare 7. Ethics, Protocols and Research 8. International Protocols, National Studies and the Truth “This module series reflects the work of faculty and staff at both campuses over several years to develop relevant content geared to promote learning, relationships and reconciliation at Lakehead,” said Dr. Gary Pluim, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education and member of the President’s Council for Truth and Reconciliation.

understanding. An important aspect of these modules is their relevance to Lakehead's geographies, situating the topics in the places of Thunder Bay and Orillia and upon the Indigenous territories on which the campuses are located,” he added.

Lakehead has long been a leader in Indigenous programming and support for Indigenous learning and employment, beginning with the Native Access Program in the early 1980s, which ensured Indigenous students of all ages had a clear path to higher learning, to hiring the first Indigenous Vice-Provost in Canada in 2003, creating the first Indigenous Chair on Truth and Reconciliation in Canada in 2016, and launching the first Indigenous Content Requirement in 2016.

Indigenous or non-Indigenous,” Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux said.

“The modules comprise a comprehensive set of themes relating to truth and reconciliation in Canada, presented in a conversational format for us as staff and faculty to engage in a deep dialogue,” Dr. Pluim said.

More recently, Lakehead has signed a new Indigenous Principles Agreement with Northwestern Chiefs and Councils to strengthen its relationships across the North and Simcoe County.

· Dr. Kaitlyn Watson, Instructor, Faculty of Education, Orillia

“The series begins with a focus on worldviews, and continues with themes such as history, literature and international protocols, each building upon the previous to encourage strong

Visit www.thunderbaybusiness.ca

for business information on the Thunder Bay area!

“Ultimately, our goal is to create a Lakehead specific ‘reconciliation through education’ model,” Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux said.

“We hope eventually to be in dialogue with everyone in the Lakehead University community, from the Board of Governors, through Senate, the student body, staff, faculty, and guests through our work on reconciliation,” she added.

Through its many initiatives, Lakehead strives to have the varied and rich nuances of cultures, languages, knowledge bases, and art all carefully woven into the fabric of the university.

“We recognize there can be no room for separation when it comes to reconciliation, and each of us can be involved as Canadians, whether we are

President’s Council for Truth and Reconciliation Members: · Dr. Moira McPherson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University, Thunder Bay · Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, Orillia · Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell, Adjunct Professor, Education, Theatre & Media Artist, Orillia · Dr. Sonja Grover, Professor, Faculty of Education, Thunder Bay

· Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Professor, Media, Film, and Communications, Orillia · Dr. Gary Pluim, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, Orillia · Denise Baxter, PhD Candidate and Vice Provost Indigenous Initiatives, Thunder Bay · Jerri-Lynn Orr, Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, Thunder Bay · Robin Sutherland, Director of Indigenous Relations, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Thunder Bay · AllyshaWassegijig, Aboriginal Affairs Coordinator, Orillia (presently on maternity leave) · JasminePanacheese, Acting Aboriginal Affairs Coordinator, Orillia

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

PAGE 9

Doosan partners with ITEC 2000 Equipment to bring service to Thunder Bay region Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, is partnering with ITEC 2000 Equipment to expand its service in northern Ontario, Canada. In addition to providing increased service and support for customers, the new location will offer more access to Doosan® equipment and parts.

ITEC 2000 Equipment has been serving northwestern Ontario since 1999.

The company’s location in Rosslyn offers customers a one-stop shop with full service for heavy equipment.

Among their services are many inhouse divisions, including an irradiator and oil cooler division, hydraulic component repair division and used parts division.

The Rosslyn dealership is located at 29 Gardner Road. The location will offer Doosan equipment designed to serve the core industries found in northern Ontario — forestry, mining and construction. Doosan machines that will be available include, but aren’t limited to, log loaders, road builders, wheel loaders, wheel excavators, crawler excavators and articulated dump trucks.

The decision to partner with Doosan was a thoughtful but natural one.

“We’d been looking to expand as our company has grown,” says Ray Jarvinen, president of ITEC 2000 Equipment. “Doosan had product offerings that we felt would match up to what our customers are requesting.

They have quality equipment where customers are going to get things like uptime, production and fuel savings.”

“We’re pleased to partner with ITEC 2000 Equipment and expand our reach in Canada,” says Serge Gallant, Doosan regional director. “This dealer serves many of the same markets that traditionally purchase heavy construction equipment. We look forward to working with the dealer to serve our Doosan customers in these industries.” ### ABOUT DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA, LLC Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, markets the Doosan brand of products that includes crawler excavators, wheel excavators, mini excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, material handlers, log loaders and attachments. With more than 150 heavy equipment dealer locations in North America, Doosan is known for an unmatched dedication to service and customer uptime, and durable, reliable products. Doosan is fast becoming a global force in heavy construction equipment. For more information on Doosan® products, visit DoosanEquipment.com.

PAGE 10

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

Your Irresistible Offer Proposals that convert prospects into buyers As a customer, you’ve no doubt received scads of sales pitches from companies trying to sell you something; the vast majority of which you ignore, tune-out, or reject outright.

When the tables are turned, and you are the one making the proposal, there are three key elements that will make your offer more compelling. These three components make-up what’s known as your Unique Selling Proposition or “USP”. When I speak at conferences and for sales and service teams, this is one of the simple tips I share for converting prospects into buyers. Whether you’re making your proposal in person, through a brochure, or on your website, you’ll have more impact by including these three elements…

Translate Features into Benefits Sales often get bogged down in detail when a product or service is overlydescribed in terms of features rather than benefits. A feature is a physical characteristic of a product or service. A benefit is what the features does for

er, you save time, possible back injury, and maybe even reduce dry cleaning bills.

potential buyers fully appreciate the value you’re providing.

Describe your Difference

Translate your features into benefits with these six magic words In your proposal, be sure to translate

Chances are, there are other suppliers of your kinds of products or services so it’s important for customers to know what makes you unique. Rather than trying to explain what you dobetter than your competition, instead describe what makes you different.

That takes you to the third element of crafting your unique selling proposition…

Prove it!

the user. For example, a feature of an automatic garage door opener is when you push a button, the garage door goes up or down. A benefit is since you no longer have to get out of your car and be exposed to the weath-

your product or service features into benefits. Here’s an easy way. Briefly mention the feature, then use these six magic words: “What that means to you is…” Then describe the benefit.

Translating features into benefits helps

Provide facts, statistics, examples, and testimonials that verify your claims. If your evidence is in the form of a client testimonial, be sure to include the client’s full name and company.

Otherwise, the ‘fact’ looks like fiction.

Obtaining customer endorsements is easy when you do good work. Simply ask for permission from your happy customers to feature their comments.

Most people are flattered and will happily consent.

Finish with What’s Next If your proposal is in writing, be clear about the next step. Tell the customer what you want them to do; visit your website, phone you, stop in. If appropriate, also explain what they’ll gain by doing this sooner rather than later.

Perhaps there’s a limited supply, or the offer ends at a certain date. You can also outline options for implementing.

I don’t recommend however, getting too detailed with implementation plans at this phase. Better to do that after the customer decides they want to move to the next step.

There are lots of other pieces of information you can include proposal.

Certainly, your knowledge of your customers’ circumstances and challenges is a good place to start. Just make sure that when you get into the substance of your proposal that you add the three elements of the USP. Chances are you’ll address a lot of the buyers’ unexpressed objections and make them more comfortable doing business with you.

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

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

PAGE 11

GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO OFFERS GREAT SNOWMOBILING ADVENTURES

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Travel has become more difficult in COVID 19 times. This is my report on a snowmobile trip to Colorado afew years ago.I hope to go back again soon!

As an avid snowmobiler there have been some must destinations I have always wanted to visit. High on my bucket list was Colorado and in early March recently I had the opportunity to fulfill my dream and visit Grand County, Colorado to experience first hand some spectacular snowmobiling.

Trail Manager on the Winter Park side of Grand Adventures. He grew up in Los Angeles and has spent the last five winters in Colorado. “I love snowmobiling, the outdoors and the mountains. In the summer I ride dirt bikes- anything with handlebars and a motor is very cool,” said Lance who would be my guide this afternoon.

Grand Lake, Winter Park and Frasier. The county is about the geographic size of the state of Delaware. Grand County from Winter Park is located about 90 miles from Denver or about a 1/1/2 hour drive. “ Snowmobiling is very popular because of the snow conditions and the towns are very snowmobile friendly. We

My trip began with a quick flight to Toronto and connection to Denver arriving at 11 am. This is a pretty good connection from the east. The busy Denver Airport is one of the biggest in the US with over 50 million passengers per year and was fun to see in full action mode. After picking up my rental car I was on the road to Grand County. At the beginning you saw little snow and a large urban environment, but soon you start to climb in elevation and when you hit the Pass the snow is very evident. The roads are excellent and with 4 lanes going up the Pass it felt very safe.

In about 2 hours I arrived at my place to stay in Grand Lake, the Gateway Inn. This very snowmobile friendly hotel offered a great stay with your room including a fireplace and western motive.

Outside was a hot tub and the lobby area included a large bar where snowmobilers were discussing their day’s rides.

It was fun to have lunch at nearby Sloopy’s that is right on the trail and has a great fast food offering. The owners of this restaurant are very friendly and I enjoyed talking about the area with them.

My first day in Grand Lake began with some ice fishing on Grand Lake. This weekend the Grand Lake Ice Fishing contest was underway where anglers were participating in catch and release contests in different fish categories. It was fun to experience and see the area, which is home to such celebrities as Tim Allen and the founders of Hallmark cards. It was great touring around the lake by snowmobile and seeing the excited anglers.

That afternoon would be my first trail ride snowmobile experience. The day was brilliant sunshine, which meant we would be seeing some great views. Grand Adventures is a snowmobile rental company that offers four locations in the area and have over 200 sleds available. They carry all 4 brands in different types of models for trail riding, 2 up and off trail machines.

Lance Ward is the Head guide and

Our ride began on the Grand Lake snowmobile trail system and went all the way out to Gravel Mountain. “ This is the Mecca and snowmobile capital of Colorado. This trail system is bigger than any other trail system in the state and has the most varied trails. Where we rode today is just a small fraction of where you can ride here,” said Lance. “ We started at 8300 feet and climbed up to over 11,000 feet in a few miles. There are some areas that go to 12,000 feet here.”

The snow conditions were great and got even better as you climbed the trail.

We were able to see views throughout the county including the Mary Jane Ski area and the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park. “ We offer guides here to show you the area and to help you with your ride.

There is every different type of terrain with meadows, powder and single tails as well as hill climbing. Some of the ISOC snocross teams come here before the X Games to get acclimated to the elevation and experience the snow conditions that are quite different from other areas of the US, say farther west. Our big hills are south facing rather than north facing which makes for less avalanche issues.

Avalanches do happen but may get triggered higher up.”

Grand County includes the towns of Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby,

also have the Winter Park ski area, which is the fourth largest in Colorado. There is the Granby Ranch Ski area. Grand Lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado and borders the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is resort town with interesting restaurants and shops,” said Gaylene Ore, of Ore Communications. “ I like the outdoors with hiking, biking and fishing in the summer and snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. There is so much to do. In the summer golfing is also big with 4 courses in the area. There are Dude Ranches as well with horseback riding. Fly-fishing is really great here because we are at the headwaters for the Colorado River starting in Grand Lake. We get people from all over the world including Colorado, Texas and Canada as well as England and Germany.”

It was fun to have breakfast brunch at Fat Cats in Grand Lake. Owner Sally, who is from England, puts on a great spread complete with fancy pastry deserts and tea!

The next day of riding was near Granby at the Vagabond Ranch. Our trip began with being picked up at the highway entrance and snowmobiling in with a sleigh some 4 miles. Vagabond is a very unique backcountry setting that is off the electricity grid but offers luxury lodging which can sleep up to 16 in one cabin.

You can experience telemark skiing and snow boarding as well as snowmobiling.

My guide today would be Jeremy who is an owner of Vagabond and offers brand

new Ski Doo Summit 800 sleds that can handle any terrain. It was fun to experience some of the high elevation rising with Jeremy in this pristine setting.

My third day of riding began with a fresh dump of 6 to 12 inches of snow and a trip to the Grand Adventures location at the Winter Park Lodge Ski Area. The riding would turn out to be my best of the season with guide Snowmobile Steve and Marketing Manager of Grand Adventures, Meg Mizell. Our ride began up the trail with fresh powder and included stops at elevation to see an historic tressel and spectacular views of the Mary Jane Ski are. The sun broke through, just for us it seemed. We carried on up to a great bowl area to play in the powder when the snow came back in and created almost a white out condition. As a snowmobiler this was fun for me and reminded me of earlier years in the east when snow seemed to be more prevalent.

That afternoon it was time for my final riding experience with Trailblazer Tours in Fraser. This experience began in their historic cabin with wood stoves burning and included some great single-track trails.

My guide was Josh and we rode with Meg again in some fresh powder though very beautiful terrain. Josh and his coworker, Mouse take great pride in their trail system here. Mouse makes sure the trails are well groomed and marked and you can really see the effort they put into their jobs.

For me it was fun to experience Colorado snowmobiling. I especially liked being with avid snowmobile enthusiasts and feeling their passion for the sport. I hope to come back to this area again and it is definitely one of the best snowmobiling I have ever experienced.

Special thanks to Gaylene, Jim, Meg, Lance, Jeremy, Snowmobile Steve, Josh and Mouse for their help on this trip! http://www.grandadventures.com http://www.grandadventures.com/index.ph p/snowmobiling/fraser-valley http://www.sagebrushbbq.com www.grandlakechamber.com www.sloopysgrill.com www.gatewayinn.com\ http://hernandospizzapub.com http://www.wplodging.com\

PAGE 12

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JANUARY 2021

Port projecting strong finish to active shipping season Entering the final six weeks of the navigation season, shipping activity remains strong in the Port of Thunder Bay. Monthly shipments were again above average in November, with more than 1.0 million metric tonnes of grain loaded at Thunder Bay elevators.

Increased demand for Canadian grain in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa has led the port to a 20-year high for cargo tonnage. Prairie grain accesses these markets via Thunder Bay, Canada’s westernmost port on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Thunder Bay was visited by 32 domestic Lakers, 1 American Laker, and 20 foreign Saltie vessels in November. Lakers ship to ports within the Great Lakes – Seaway System, while Salties carry cargo directly overseas. Most Laker-shipped grain is

transloaded in the St. Lawrence River to salties for export.

With a strong December vessel line-up, the Port of Thunder Bay is projecting final overall cargo volumes of 10.0 million metric tonnes for the first time since 1997.

The 10 million-tonne tally represents a 14% increase over the port’s 5-year average.

Photo Credit Front Cover Ryan Fay