C
Business
onnections January 2014
Issue 1
Company Profile
A Winter Wonderland Worth Exploring Tucked along the eastern edge of Orangeville is a natural treasure that local residents know they are fortunate to have. Island Lake Conservation Area was formed in 1967 when a small lake surrounded by cedar swamp and deciduous trees was flooded to create a 182-hectare reservoir. Today the conservation area encompasses 332 hectares of lake, wetland, forest, and meadow and the scenic landscape is home to diverse wildlife. Island Lake is known for its recreational opportunities, and the summer months bring a variety of recreational enthusiasts eager to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. However, as the days shorten and the snow begins to fall, Island Lake transforms into a winter wonderland just waiting to be explored. Once frozen, the lake becomes dotted with ice fishing huts and anglers spend their days reeling in pike, crappie and perch. The annual ice fishing derby, held this year from February 1 to 28, brings in eager contestants from across the region. Six kilometres of groomed trails throughout the Conservation Area provide excellent conditions for cross-country skiers to slice through the snow. Bird watchers and snowshoers can explore the forest on easy trails. Skating on the open lake is another family favourite activity as kids and adults alike partake in friendly games of hockey, and figure skaters glide and twirl along the surface. Now entering its fourth year, the Great Canadian Open Big Pond Spiel welcomes curlers from around Ontario to test their skills when the conditions are left up to Mother Nature. The event features a pancake breakfast, ice carving, skating, silent auction and a barbecue. This year’s event takes place on January 25. For more information on the recreational opportunities available at Island Lake please visit www.creditvalleyca.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/island-lakeconservation-area.
Business Improvement Loan Dufferin County businesses may be interested in a new Business Improvement Loan Fund offered by the Centre for Business and Economic Development and available for a limited time until February 28, 2014. Businesses can access up to $20,000 in financing at a 5% interest rate to assist with improvements to their business including small business equipment purchases/upgrades, leasehold and façade improvements, and IT items. For more information, visit www.centreforbusiness.ca or call 1-877-876-7908.
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Volume 5
Data Cable Going Strong After 33 Years In today’s global market place, diversification, innovation and efficiency are critical to maintaining a competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector. With 33 years of operation in Orangeville, the Data Cable Company Inc. provides a great example of how a company that embraces these elements can continue to compete and thrive. As a world class manufacturer of custom cable assemblies, wire harnessing and electro-mechanical assemblies, Data Cable has been operating under the same five guiding principles for the past three decades: mutual respect for all, continuous process and performance improvement, teamwork and accountability, investment in staff development, and environmental responsibility. The company applies these principles to all facets of the business and as a result, has been able to build a loyal and diversified customer base. Over the years, Data Cable has maintained its leading edge by creating advantages for the customer and providing added value services. “Responding to customer needs quickly, providing quality products at the lowest possible price, and delivering on time are services that set Data Cable apart,” says President, Paul Nelson. “In fact, many of our customers are adopting Data Cable’s added value services to create their own efficiency gains.” Orangeville’s central location in Ontario also helps Data Cable to provide value, according to Mr. Nelson. “Logistically, Orangeville is less than one hour from Toronto Pearson International Airport and we are ideally situated to serve both the Canadian and U.S. markets.” Add to that the company’s strong exporting capacity, diversified client base and customized production focus, and it becomes even clearer how this local manufacturer has withstood the test of time. Today, approximately 75% of Data Cable’s product is exported, within its customers’ manufactured goods, all over the world and no industry or customer represents more than 12-13% of the total revenue base. And while the move towards customized services has meant investing in new equipment and technology, it has also opened doors for new business opportunities. “We have been able to remain current and implement new opportunities because of the outstanding and hardworking team we have. Our committed, long-serving and loyal workforce are key to Data Cable’s ability to source new business and introduce the higher-skilled technological changes that are needed for continued growth,” advises Mr. Nelson. Orangeville is proud to be home to this innovative and customer-focused business and offers congratulations for more than three decades of successful operation in our community. Learn more about Data Cable at www.datacable.ca.
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Upcoming Events
In The News
Introduction to Social Media for Business • January 22, 9 a.m. Have you thought about using social media to market your business, but aren’t sure how to get started? Led by NoBul Media, this seminar will provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to start using social media to effectively promote their businesses. Participants will receive hands-on instruction and guidance on setting up accounts, creating content and monitoring their online presence. Cost $20 + HST.
Building a Community of Loyal Customers Using Social Media • February 4, 6:30 p.m. This seminar will build on the lessons taught in the Introduction to Social Media for Business seminar and explain how to create a loyal and engaged online community for your business. Participants will learn how to create unique and engaging content, examine best practices for managing accounts, and discover how to drive visibility and increase sales using social media. Cost $20 + HST.
Starting a Small Business • February 12, 9 a.m. In this session participants will learn about what is involved in starting a small business in Ontario, why a business plan is so important and what is involved in developing a successful business plan. This workshop will answer many start-up questions and provide participants with the tools needed to begin working on their own “road maps” to success. Cost $10 + HST.
Tax Planning for Small Business • February 25, 6:30 p.m. Gerry Hogenhout of Hogenhout and Associates will lead this popular, interactive session and provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable. Find out what you need to know about the tax system and your business by learning about home office deductions, effective tax deferral techniques, common misconceptions, and much more. Free.
Incorporating Your Business • March 20, 9 a.m. Discover what’s involved in incorporating your business from both a legal and accounting perspective. Carey Allen from Stutz, Brown & Self LLP, along with Melissa Vinden from BDO Canada LLP, will provide their insights into the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating, when and where to incorporate, the costs associated with incorporating, and the process of incorporation. Free.
Understanding WSIB • April 2, 9 a.m. A representative from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will provide business owners with an overview of their legal responsibilities under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and provide information on the new mandatory coverage rules in the construction industry. Participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities, who is required to register, how to register, how rates are calculated, how to file a claim, and how the new mandatory coverage rules in the construction industry affect the clearance certificate process. Free.
Understanding Your Financial Statements • May 13, 9 a.m. Your financial statements can provide you with a wealth of information about your business. In this workshop, Karen Webster, CGA will provide a basic introduction to financial statements and will demonstrate how to organize financial statements, provide an understanding of the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement, teach you how to track finances, and show you how to plan for the future by creating realistic projections. Free.
Real Estate - Featured Listing 127 Broadway, Orangeville Beautifully restored historic building in the heart of downtown Orangeville. This 4,500 square-foot building includes 2,600 square feet on the main retail floor and a remarkably restored 1,300 sq. ft. second floor with glass doors opening to a 1,300 sq. ft. deck. Building also boasts a fully renovated 3rd floor loft of 546 sq. ft. Located within the Central Business District, with many permitted uses. Building for sale at $799,900. Please contact Dave Maguire, Sales Representative, Royal LePage RCR Realty Brokerage. Bus. 519-941-5151.
orangevillebusiness.ca
Emerging Stronger Business owners and professionals gathered on November 5th for the annual Bridges to Better Business event, where they made new connections and enjoyed a day of learning. As one of the featured speakers, Allan O’dette, President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), engaged the audience with an enthusiastic and informative presentation. Stressing the importance of collaboration, leadership and youth engagement, Mr. O’dette presented five priorities for a stronger, more competitive Ontario. 1. Foster a culture of innovation Without embracing and supporting innovation, Ontario’s productivity levels will continue to fall behind those of other developed countries. By building innovation and entrepreneurship into the education system, supporting research and development, and providing access to public data, Ontario can drive innovation and spur productivity rates. 2. Build a 21st century workforce With high rates of unemployment and underemployment and labour and skills shortages in key sectors, Ontario faces a skills gap that could reach 560,000 by 2030. Improved workplace training, flexibility in the apprenticeship system, and utilization of newcomer skills, will help create a workforce that meets the demands of employers. 3. Restore fiscal balance Although some progress has been made in reducing the provincial deficit, more must be done to balance budgets. Streamlining public sector procurement, taking action against the underground economy and utilizing private and not-for-profit organizations for service delivery will help restore Ontario’s fiscal balance. 4. Take advantage of new opportunities in the global economy Fewer than one in 10 small and medium enterprises in Ontario export their products. By creating free and easy access to information on exporting and removing trade barriers to interprovincial markets, Ontario businesses can seek new opportunities and increase profits. 5. Identify and strategically invest in our competitive advantages Ontario is home to fresh water, healthy food and abundant natural resources. Investing in these resources to ensure the right framework is in place to meet growing global demands will be critical to Ontario’s future economic success.
Things To Know General Hillier Addresses EDC Business Breakfast General Rick Hillier provided the keynote address at the Fall EDC Business Breakfast, delivered by the Town in partnership with the TD Bank. One of Canada’s most celebrated leaders, General Hillier provided an inspirational address on leadership, motivation and team building to a sold-out crowd of 205 local business leaders.
2014 Summer Company Program Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Summer Company Program and once again, the Orangeville & Area SBEC will partner with the Province of Ontario to provide this great opportunity to local youth. Students aged 15 to 29 who are returning to school in the fall may qualify to start and run their own summer businesses while receiving mentoring, training and awards of up to $3000. Visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany to get started or call the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286 for more information.
A Taste of Maple Bakeries, specialty shops, savory suppliers, local attractions, and restaurants will want to participate in the Taste of Maple trail running March 28 to April 13 throughout our region. This new tourism event will provide local businesses with the opportunity to incorporate maple syrup into their product offerings and showcase creative uses for locally produced maple syrup. For more information contact info@thehillsofheadwaters.com.
87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440 E-mail: info@orangevillebusiness.ca Twitter: @OrangevilleED You Tube: Orangeville Business Facebook: Orangeville Economic Development & Tourism