C
Business
onnections March 2011
March is “Engineering Month in Orangeville”
Issue 2
COMPANY PROFILE R.J. Burnside & Associates Celebrates Longevity in Orangeville
Councillor Mary Rose proclaimed March 2011 as “Engineering Month in Orangeville.” The proclamation cites engineering as an important sector of our local economy and acknowledges the reputation for innovation that professional engineers, engineering technicians and technologists have contributed to our community. Joining Councillor Rose at the proclamation signing are the Town of Orangeville’s Managing Director of Environmental & Development Services Doug Jones (left) and Director of Public Works Jack Tupling.
The Engineering Sector in Orangeville Professional engineers are committed to enhancing the quality of life, safety and well-being of Canadians. With over 65,000 engineers in Ontario and more than 160,000 across Canada, engineers affect our everyday life. It is no surprise then that this sector, along with other professional services, plays an important role in our community. Locally, three firms represent the engineering sector in Orangeville and all of them identify common reasons for locating their firms in the Town. R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited is a leader in engineering and science-based solutions. With a primary focus on local municipalities and upper tier government across its 10 Canadian offices, Burnside has also attracted a range of private sector and international clientele, with projects completed across Canada, Africa, Central America and the Caribbean as well as South America and Southeast Asia. The company began its operation in Orangeville in 1970 with strong consideration for the lifestyle it provided for senior partners and staff. “We chose Orangeville because of the attractive location and the lifestyle it afforded us, both professionally and for our families,” says John Burnside, president of Burnside. Today the company employs 340 staff and maintains its corporate and largest office in Orangeville. Triton Engineering Services Limited is a community based consulting firm which provides a wide range of civil engineering services. The business was established in Orangeville in 1964 and specializes in municipal engineering geared to small and medium sized municipalities. Orangeville’s central location in proximity to the company’s target markets has been a big asset according to Howard Wray, president of Triton. “Triton is a client-focused firm, and being close and accessible to our clients is essential.” Mr. Wray also cites a stable and well-educated workforce as factors that have kept the company in its current location, adding “providing professional staff with opportunities to work close to home creates quality of life benefits.” The newest engineering company to establish itself in Orangeville is Fluent Group Consulting Engineers Inc. This young company has an impressive portfolio of clients and specializes in developing sustainable design solutions in the fields of building energy performance, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, material efficiency, and low-impact site development, including projects that qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Orangeville’s central location to customers across Ontario along with the lifestyle benefits, local amenities, and recreational opportunities were factors Founding Principal Michael Pelton also cited as important to the business. Access to a highly educated workforce, international connections, low operating costs and support networks, along with quality of life benefits are all factors that continue to contribute to this region’s success in attracting and retaining engineering and other related professional services.
ORANGEVILLEBUSINESS.CA
Volume 2
The Town of Orangeville extends hearty congratulations to R.J. Burnside & Associates on the company’s recent milestone achievement of 40 years of operation in Orangeville. The company, started by Bob Burnside at his kitchen table in 1970, has grown substantially in the past 40 years. Son John Burnside assumed leadership of the company in 2005 and today the firm’s Orangeville location serves as the company’s corporate headquarters and boasts additional offices throughout Ontario and Manitoba as well as project offices in Barbados and Mozambique. Recognized as a leader in community infrastructure, Burnside offers conventional engineering disciplines as well as specialized expertise in various technical fields including water resources, site remediation, energy efficiency, solid waste management, environmental impact assessment, geographic information systems, and geomatics. The business has flourished in part as a result of the values that the company embraces. Committed to quality, Burnside is a solution-oriented firm that focuses on efficient and sustainable solutions and which remains dedicated to its customers and projects from concept to completion. According to company President John Burnside, “Burnside is a people-focused organization with an emphasis on honesty, respect and integrity and that hasn’t changed in 40 years.” As the employer of 340 professional engineers, scientists, technicians and specialized support staff, John understands how important it is for his staff and community to represent these values on a dayto-day basis. “Orangeville is a good fit for Burnside. The values of our organization also exist in the local community where adaptability, credibility and commitment to community are appreciated,” says John. “These values are transportable and have helped Burnside to build credibility on an international level as well.” Business owners know that location matters and Orangeville’s central location is also viewed as a big asset by the organization. According to John, “Orangeville is situated in the centre of our client markets, with substantial quality of life benefits. With clients and offices to the north, south, east and west, Burnside is able to offer a variety of options both locally and internationally and that helps us to maintain a loyal workforce.” Burnside’s focus on customer relationships, along with the leadership, growth and management skills gleaned from years of developing best practices from a variety of industries, present an excellent business model for success. To learn more about R.J. Burnside and Associates Ltd., visit the company’s website at www.rjburnside.com.
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
UPCOMING EVENTS
IN THE NEWS
Search Engine Optimization • March 23, 9 a.m. Canadians are very active Internet users and most of that use starts at a search engine. In this e-business workshop, participants will learn how to use search engines to make sure their websites get noticed. In addition to receiving an overview of search engine optimization strategies and best practices, participants will learn about researching and selecting key words to drive qualified traffic to their sites. Content development, in-page optimization, link building and tracking results will all be addressed in this informative event. Cost - $15.
Income Tax Planning for Small Business • March 30, 10 a.m. In this interactive session, a representative from the Canada Revenue Agency will provide income tax information for unincorporated business owners. Selfemployed individuals will learn valuable tips and essential rules for reporting business income and expenses, HST registration and filing requirements and record-keeping obligations to comply with federal income tax reporting. Free.
Low-Cost Marketing Strategies • April 19, 6:30 p.m. For entrepreneurs, creative thinking can be an important and effective marketing tool and successful small business owners are always looking for innovative and inexpensive ways to promote their businesses. Back by popular demand, in this session participants will learn about different strategies that can be used to take charge of their marketing without breaking the bank. Cost - $10.
Starting a Small Business • May 12, 6:30 p.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.
2011 Orangeville & Area Tourism Conference • June 8, 9 a.m. Building on a successful 2010 Tourism Conference, this year’s full day event will feature an eye-opening keynote address by Theresa Syer, a leading expert in customer experience management. The quality of the experience is what matters most to customers and participants will learn how to provide unparalleled customer experiences that drive retention, loyalty and referrals from your customers. Cost - $25 (includes lunch).
Visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca to register online for these events.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) was created as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to support businesses and communities in southern Ontario. Now in its second year of operation, the Agency has launched a number of initiatives to place the southern Ontario region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. A number of business-related initiatives will be available to help achieve these goals: Applied Research and Commercialization – Aims to address the gap between research and commercialization in southern Ontario and encourage collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises and post-secondary institutions. Technology Development Program – Provides financial support to encourage research and innovation organizations, the private sector, post-secondary institutions, and not-for-profit organizations to work together to accelerate the development of large-scale, advanced technologies. Scientists and Engineers in Business – Provides financial support to help recent graduates and graduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields develop business skills and to support the launch of their businesses.
THINGS TO KNOW
Investing in Business Innovation – Provides funding to boost private sector investment in start-up businesses to accelerate the development of new products, processes and practices and bring them to market. Funding is also available for angel investor networks to attract and support the growth of angel investment funds.
2011 Summer Company Program For the eighth exciting year, the Orangeville & Area SBEC will partner with the Province of Ontario to deliver the 2011 Summer Company Program. Summer Company provides students with training, mentorship and awards of up to $3,000 to help them start and operate their own summer businesses. This program provides a great opportunity for students aged 15-29 who are returning to school in the fall to develop entrepreneurial skills while making money at the same time. To apply for the program, students can get started by visiting www.ontario.ca/summercompany or contacting the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext 2258 for more information.
Prosperity Initiative – Encourages businesses, not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario to undertake projects that will result in a more competitive, diversified and productive regional economy. To find out more about FedDev Ontario and www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
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REAL ESTATE - FEATURED LISTING 202 First Street, Orangeville
Property and Building Search Tool is Practical and Interactive As part of the recent upgrades to the Town’s business website, a new database was launched under the tab “Available Properties and Buildings.” The database features a location map, photo of the property and detailed building and land information as well. This practical tool provides a great source of information about properties available within the Town of Orangeville, giving site selectors greater access to opportunities that exist. The new, comprehensive database enables site selectors to quickly review the land and buildings that are available within the Town of Orangeville and also enables real estate agents and property owners to submit updated information on the commercial and industrial properties that they have available for sale or lease. Check out this popular resource by visiting www.orangevillebusiness.ca/property-search.
ORANGEVILLEBUSINESS.CA
FedDev Ontario Initiatives
Newer, very energy efficient commercially zoned (C3) building for sale. Great location near busy intersection of Highway 10 and First Street. Building is 29,759.93 square feet with 17,759.93 square feet on main level and 12,000 square feet on second level as well as 22 foot ceilings in front area. Asking sale price of $2,500,000. Please contact Frank Gray Jr., Sales Representative Royal LePage RCR Realty Brokerage Inc., Bus 519-941-5151 or Cell 519-938-7150.
87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440 Fax: 519-941-9033 E-mail: info@orangevillebusiness.ca