Thunder Bay Business July 2012 Colour

July 2012

Thunder Bay Experiences Flood Disaster See Page 12

Social Media and Your Job hunt From Labour Skills to Skilled Labour Realizing Our Economic Development Potential CLOSING THE GEOGRAPHICAL GAP

Bombardier to Build Two Habitat Homes in Thunder Bay

Unique New Restaurant For Thunder Bay: Tokyo House See Pages 2-3

Bombardier Celebrates 100-20 in Thunder Bay See Pages 9-11

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

Unique New Restaurant For Thunder Bay: Tokyo House

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Steven Li likes to place his own mark on restaurants and the result is a brand new concept for Thunder Bay called Tokyo House!

Li, age 42, owner of Tokyo House was born in China and came to Toronto.

He started restaurants with partners in Toronto at St Clair and Dufferin called the Sushi Teriyaki Bar and then the Tokyo Marquis Sushi in Brampton. In 2007 he decided to move to Thunder Bay and the well-known China House restaurant on Memorial Avenue was born. In 2007 they did the renovations for China House and opened in 2008.

The restaurant has done very well.

The new Tokyo House was opened June 6, 2012 on Arthur Street here in Thunder Bay. “ I like to be different in each restaurant with a new concept. The building we are in is 5400 square feet with a 198-seat capacity but I put in 180 to make it more comfortable. The interior has been totally redone,” said Steven Li. “ We started working on this site in January and it took 5 months to complete. My wife and I and J Cho who is a designer engineer designed the layout.

We had a very professional Chinese contractor from Toronto to do the work with local sub trades. The local sub trades helped us get excellent prices on the work.” “ We have a new style here from the traditional menu in our restaurant as you

can try everything at the same time. In my style people can choose any kind of item on the menu, picking a few and if they like that they can choose more.

They can try every item. What they like the most they can order more,” smiles Li. “ In our new style of fine dining we offer a nice place to sit down and you can order here. You can try the whole menu. We also have the traditional buffet in front. You can choose small portions of many foods on our menu to find out what you like the most. We have an open kitchen style to provide a cooking show.

I don’t think there is a restaurant like us.

We have the open kitchen, the traditional buffet and you can order as well along with the salad bar and ice cream bar.”

Everything is straight up with one

have yet so we have to let people know what we are all about.” smiles Li. Tokyo House is open 11am to 3 pm for lunch, then closed for 1 hour until 4pm and open until 9:30 weekdays and until

price at Tokyo House with the lunch buffet $13.95, weekday supper $23.95, weekend $25.95 and major holiday $26.95 all day. “ Since we opened it has been more than I expected. Usually for the grand opening of a Japanese restaurant it is slow and you have time to organize. This time we had tons of people. The people don’t know what we

10 pm on the weekend.

Li knows the business in Thunder Bay and when people come and it isn't after 9pm.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

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Unique New Restaurant For Thunder Bay: Tokyo House Continued from previous page “ My style is family style. I have family here in Thunder Bay. The staff come mostly from Toronto because you need a special skill to do Japanese food,” said Steven Li who likes Thunder Bay

because it is a safe city and quiet. “ Nobody bothers you here and it's much safer than Toronto with less traffic.

In Toronto it is harder to do a restaurant because of the robberies that happen there. Thunder Bay is a good place to live and I think Thunder Bay is a good place for our type of restaurant. Five years ago I found there was no real

Chinese buffet here, only on a small scale. I toured all around Canada and chose Thunder Bay to offer the real Chinese restaurant with fast service, quality and a good price. I wanted to open another restaurant here in Japanese style.”

Be sure to try out the new Tokyo House on Arthur Street. It offers a great addition to the Thunder Bay dining experience.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JUNE 2012

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CLOSING THE GEOGRAPHICAL GAP Sherry Aalto I remember as a child my parents telling of a time when the route from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario did not connect physically with Wawa, Ontario or any other more northern western region until sometime later, around 1960. Physical isolation had kept that area in complete disconnect with the rest of Canada. Air craft and rail was the only mode of transportation that could be utilized to access these areas. The terrain was extremely rugged and building a connecting highway (The King’s Highway )known now as The Trans Canada Highway, was unbelievably dangerous and amazingly difficult, but with perseverance and persistence, a whole new world was opened up for generations to come.

Today there are still major blockades to overcome when it comes to physically accessing communities in remote areas in the northern hemisphere, particularly

here in Ontario. Growth in innovations has afforded advancements in the development of better equipment for construction of roads and such, but all cannot be built in a day. With the advancement in technology however, new and expedient ways of communicating have shortened the gap between major cities and small remote communities. Developing business and growth in a country depends largely, if not entirely upon communication. Another noticeable change in business is that, in today’s world, women are becoming more and more, a major contributor in the development, growth and success of business around the world and certainly here at home and most noticeably, in the remote areas of Northern Ontario.

On April 24, 2012, PARO CENTRE For Women’s Enterprise launched a new and innovative distance education online workshop series designed specifically for Aboriginal women in Northern Ontario.

Continued On Page 8

By

Congratulations To All Business Women

“Working Hard, For Hard Working Women" 409 George Street Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5Y9 Tel: 807.623.6000 raffej@parl.gc.ca

John Rafferty, MP. Thunder Bay - Rainy River New Democrat Critic for Forestry

www.johnrafferty.ndp.ca

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JUNE 2012

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A Tribute To Women In Business ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 2012 - 15th INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF NORTHERN ONTARIO AWARDS

By Sherry Aalto An inspirational leader, a compassionate patient advocate, manages a staff of 15, with offices in Thunder Bay, Timmins and Burlington, Ontario, people say that she has changed the face of diabetes in northern Ontario for diabetes health care. For award nominations, creditor, commitment and dedication for delivering services to more than 100,000 people in Northern Ontario, creating more than 100 health care positions. Over the years she has been renowned for cultivating numerous partnerships and developing educational resources, public awareness champagne, and accredits academic certificated programs for health care providers. Mother of three grown children, born on Manitoulin Island, this year’s Influential Woman of Northern Ontario, ‘Executive of the Year Award’ Winner is…Dr. Susan E. Griffis, CEO of Northern Diabetic Health Network. This award was sponsored by: Ontario Power Generation.

Second award, ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ Sponsored by: Northern Enterprise Gateway, went to Barb Courte of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ms. Courte is owner and president of Northstar Drilling Ltd. and Cobra Diamond Drilling Ltd. Ms Courte, who lost her husband in 2007, was determined to rise up and not give up, for the sake of her children, her life and their future. Ms. Courte relocated herself, her three children, two dogs, two cats and two drill rigs to Thunder Bay and started a brand new life. Today she is president and CEO of not one, but two drilling companies, which are blazing trails all across Northwestern Ontario.

Now with six drill rigs and more than 60

employees working for her, she is known as a tough but fair boss who operates a closely knit work force and she actually refers to her employees as family. She donates to local charities; she has consulted with municipal governments, thus forming the Women in Mining in Northwestern Ontario, which are among the additional successes that she has achieved. She says her goal is to leave a footprint on the world and expresses best with this quote: ‘If you could make a difference in somebody’s life, more power to you, you’ve only got one life!’

Ms. Courte attributes her success to her family and the man in her life, Bob, and to her employees, who this could not be possible without their hard work.

Third and final award, ‘The Young Entrepreneur Award’ sponsored by: Porter Airlines, was awarded to Genevieve Knauff founder of GCK Consulting, of Thunder Bay. This young entrepreneur resigned from a management position in the middle of one of the worst recession Northwestern Ontario had ever faced and decided to start a new business, GCK Consulting. But this young entrepreneur, Genevieve Knauff, is not your average business woman. Genevieve started a business consulting company for economic development, which provides services for clients here in Northwestern Ontario that includes municipalities, businesses, First Nations and Non-Profit Organizations. She has grown her business from zero to seven employees since 2009 and hopes to add three new employees before the end of the year. This single mother of three is optimistic about the future economy and the roll that GCK Consulting Company would play.

On June 9th. I meet Esme and Hana Whalen at the Farmers Market in the Dove Building on the CLE grounds.They were sitting behind the table filled with beautiful cards they had created for Fathers Day.They were selling them to help the flood victims in Thunder Bay. The cost $2.00 each.The work and creative talent was worth much more than that. They were going to donate all monies they collected for the flood victims. Talking with their father, who accompanied them at the market, I also was told they did this before for the disaster in Haiti a few years ago.

Thank you Esme and Hanna for your caring heart! Sylvia Gomez

The Influential Women Of Northern Ontario program was launched in 1997 in order to seek out, honour and profile in Northern Ontario who contribute to the North’s economic success and expansion.

Over 100 influential women have been recognized since the program’s inception.

The roster of award winners continues to grow. This year’s event was presented by Northern Ontario Business and the Platinum sponsor was Northern Credit Union. The 2012 Judging Panel for this year’s awards were: Monique Forsyth, Owner North Voice & Data Inc. – Sudbury, Christine Leclair, Planning Consultant, Leclair Planning Consultancy – Timmins, Stacey Levanen, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives,

City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, Cindy Maki, CDC Professional Life Coach, True Vision Coaching – Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay Ceremony and Trade Show for the event was held at the Victoria Inn, here in Thunder Bay. The event was attended by many special guests and dignitaries. Winner profiles and photos are posted on the Influential Women website, www.influentialwomen.ca . The event planners, judges, MC, award winners, would like to thanks all who attended and those who contributed and all the sponsors, for making the 15th Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards another successful annual event.

Congratulations to this year’s winners.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

A Tribute To Women In Business Continued From Page 5 This ground-breaking training will connect prominent business leaders from across the region with Aboriginal women from northern communities for the very first time. The theme for this workshop was “CREATING CLUSTERS”, in which three or more persons or groups come together to share resources, maximize strengths, provide mutual support and work together. PARO Executive Director, Rosalind Lockyer says, “the system and benefits of ‘clustering’ for business growth is a common practice all around the world but the concept hasn’t yet been realized within remote

Aboriginal communities. Geographic isolation in particular continues to be a mojor barrier for women living in remote and rural communities. By offering this training online, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, is really addressing an important need. We are finding new ways to empower women within their communities, while promoting economic development in the North.” PARO Aboriginal Mentoring Coordinator, Linda McGuire says, “This is a new and leading-edge approach to training which appeals directly to the needs of Aboriginal women in Northern Ontario.

We know that it is the Anishnawbe way of life to work in clusters. ie; craft

groups, cultural and traditional circles.

Through this training, PARO will show participants how to apply traditional practices to achieve business success.

The workshops really focus on the journey. Together, we will look forward at the path to self-sufficiency and teach women how dreams can be come true.”

The workshops will also provide participants with and opportunity to establish contacts outside of their community while learning lessons learned from other women entrepreneurs. The training was offered via Contact North/Contact Nord’s , web conferencing technology.

The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise has helped thousands of women across Northern Ontario to build and grow new business opportunities.

With business growing in the Thunder

Bay Area and Region, and with many Aboriginal women taking a whole hearted interest in the economical growth of their communities, that will conclude better standards of living and opportuni-

ties for their families, it is most decidedly advantageous for these new entrepreneurs to have such a centre as PARO, who continues to provide service and resources, which might otherwise not be there.

Contact PARO at www.paro.ca – info@paro.ca - or contact Linda McGuire, Aboriginal Mentoring Coordinator – email – mentoring@paro.ca, phone 807-6250328, fax – 807-625-0317 – located at 110-105 may Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

Bombardier to Build Two Habitat Homes in Thunder Bay THUNDER BAY – Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay are celebrating a new corporate partnership that will result in the construction of two new homes for local families in need. The Bombardier Transportation employees in Thunder Bay are volunteering and providing funding to Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bays 24th and 25th house builds to mark the company’s 20th anniversary in Thunder Bay. The site of the first house build is on Home Avenue, located directly behind the Bombardier in Thunder Bay plant. Habitat for Humanity representatives were joined at the site today by Mr. Raymond Bachant, President of Bombardier Transportation, North America. Mr. Bachant is participating to Thunder Bay’s local anniversary celebrations.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Bombardier invests in initiatives and organizations that contribute to the prosperity, well-being and sustainability of the communities in which we are present. Bombardier is proud of initiatives taken by its dedicated employees committed to building strong communities and volunteering time, energy and skills to make these projects happen,” said Mr. Bachant.

To help fund the two house builds, Bombardier has secured support from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation and four local suppliers. Ms. Lyne Lavoie, general director of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation participated in today’s event by presenting a $50,000 cheque towards the project.

“This project is noteworthy not only because it can increase the autonomy of vulnerable people by giving them access to property but also because it is a successful and unique example of collaboration among several actors: Habitat for Humanity, the families, Bombardier Transportation and its employees, and the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation,” commented Lyne Lavoie, general director of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.

Also onsite were representatives from Bombardier’s four local build partners; Dingwell’s Machinery and Supply, Coastal Steel, Intercity Industrial, and the Tom Jones Corporation.

During the event, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay announced that a single mother and her one-year-old son, Aiden, will be moving into the first Bombardier home in the fall of 2012. The son was born prematurely and as a result, has serious health issues including bron-

good home that is smoke and mould free so that he can grow up to be a healthy and productive young man. Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is so grateful for Bombardier’s partnership to help local families find new hope for the future”.

To date, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay has provided hope and homes for more than 50 children in the community.

Campbell continued “It is so exciting to literally be building a home in the company’s back yard on Home Avenue. We would also like to extend our congratulations to the local plant and its employees on their 20th and 100th Anniversaries in Thunder Bay. These milestones are a remarkable achievement. We are also very thankful to the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation for this more than welcome generosity”.

The second Bombardier home will be built during the 2013 construction season.

chitis and asthma. The family currently lives in an apartment building that offers poor living conditions and is not smoke

free.

Habitat for Humanity, Board President, Andrew Campbell said, “Aiden needs a

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

Bombardier Thunder Bay Looks Forward To The Next 20 Years

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS On site for the recent celebrations at Bombardier Thunder Bay was Raymond Bachant, President Bombardier Transportation North America. He toured the plant, spoke at the plaque ceremony

and answered questions from the media. “ The light rail vehicle is a long-term project for us. We follow the readiness of city and their infrastructure and are doing 4 prototypes, which we will test and then go into production. This will be a longterm project.” “ The plant has been here for 100 years with more or less 5 different phases of 20 years in this factory. We will do 20 years at a time. Thunder Bay is part of our portfolio of 45 manufacturing plants in

transportation around the world not counting our aerospace division.” “ There has been quite an increase in the volume of business here thanks to the Ontario government and the city of Toronto. We have been able to increase the required work force in Thunder Bay

to 1300 and are still hiring and training.

We have also invested over $20 million in this plant over the last five years.” “ It is exciting and we hope to build on this good foundation. At Bombardier transportation we recently secured additional business. We have signed New York City for 300 Metro and also 410 Metro for the San Francisco Bay area. In North America we have a record backlog volume of $5.8 billion.”

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS JULY 2012

Thunder Bay Experiences Flood Disaster Thunder Bay experienced a major flood disaster that caused the city and partners to go into emergency mode. Things are improving now although there will be monthes of work ahead to get back to normal for many residents in Thunder Bay. The Canadian Red Cross and The Salvation Army are scaling back relief services as the focus shifts from immediate

relief to longer-term recovery efforts.

“This is a sign that conditions are getting better in our community,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “We thank the Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteers for all of their hard work. ” The Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant continues to process the normal flow and work is being done to repair areas damaged by the flood, a process that will be ongoing for many months, said Kerri Marshall, Manager of Environment for the City of Thunder Bay.

Water Bill Relief Available Residential property owners affected by the flood can receive a credit on their water bill by completing the form posted on the City’s dedicated flood emergency web page.

Forms can be downloaded from ThunderBay.ca/flood (under Water Bill Relief Form) and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2012.Users of the City’s sanitary sewer system who were affected by the flood will receive a $207 credit, while residential property owners who are not connected to the sanitary sewer system (and were affected by the flood) will receive a credit of $118.

In order to qualify for the water bill relief, residential property owners must include one of the following: a copy of a flood insurance claim, receipts from contractors that reference flood damage repairs, photos of damaged property (for owners who don’t have insurance).

Disaster Relief Committee Donations to the Thunder Bay Disaster Assistance Relief Fund can be made at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre on River Street, the Canada Games Complex, Volunteer Pool, Churchill Pool and the Victoriaville Civic Centre Cashiers.

Only donations to the Disaster Relief Committee Fund will be matched by the Province.

Claim forms will be posted at Thunderbay.ca/flood.

Mayor Keith Hobbs, Thunder Bay. “ The community is getting better. The Salvation Army and Red Cross are scaling back. Our

biggest concern is the sewage treatment plant that has other issues but is progressing. We are estimating losses for homeowners at up to $100 million with up with 3000 homes affected. Red Cross says it is the worst disaster in Ontario in 10 years. I know the city has stepped up to the plate.

When you look at the volume of water, 9 inches in a few hours, it is a flood of proportions we haven’t seen before. The most

affected areas are the East End, Intercity including Memorial Avenue with businesses and Northwood. I got a 1-foot of water in my house and I live on a hill in the Northward. We will do an independent study to provide transparency and openness to the public. If we are to blame we will tell you that but I don’t think we are.

We need to have independent people look at the event and the plant.”

David St George from Red Cross in Sudbury “ We have had 359 client cases and closed 316 of those so far. We can start to disengage some of our operations.

We have completed 12,449 hours of volunteer work so far and have volunteers here from across the country. This is the largest Red Cross response in Ontario in the last 10 years. We have obtained $250,000 in fundraising. Thunder Bay has been a really generous community.”

Tony Kennedy, area commander from North Bay to Thunder Bay for the Salvation Army. “ We are scaling down our feeding program truck and are moving from relieve to recovery. You can still call the 345-6492 line. I would like to thank the volunteers from Thunder Bay and I

commend them. We had 15 volunteers from out of town and 100 from Thunder Bay. We are at $350,000 in donations to the Salvation Army.”

John Hay Fire Chief Thunder Bay. “ We

are getting back to normal activities and are confidant things will progress positively. There will be debriefing meetings upcoming when we will look at things we can refine.”