C
Business
onnections September 2014
Upcoming Bridges Event will Focus on the Arts
The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre is hosting its 12th annual Bridges to Better Business event on November 5th at the Best Western Plus Inn & Suites. Each year, Bridges reaches out to the business community and provides excellent learning and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to develop their businesses. The theme of this year’s event is the “Business of the Arts” and will feature a keynote address by Janice Price, CEO of Toronto’s hugely successful Luminato Festival. Ms. Price brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the performing arts arena to Bridges. A sought-after speaker and motivator in the arts and culture sector, Ms. Price will offer insights into how entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial communities can strengthen their businesses and the local economy. “Start with a vision and passion” says Price, of building success in the arts. Her compelling and engaging presentations have inspired many arts business owners to move the yardstick and grow their organizations. Known throughout the GTA, the Province and internationally, Ms. Price promotes Luminato’s success as a tourism and small business driver as she encourages entrepreneurs and organizations through her message of collaboration and relationship-building. “Every year, the Bridges to Better Business event attracts business owners from across the region,” says Mary Rose, Councillor for the Town of Orangeville. “The event has great information and helpful advice for entrepreneurs and the feedback from the event is always positive.” Also included in the Bridges event will be a stimulating panel discussion by local business owners who have demonstrated success in operating an arts and culture business locally. Panelists include Larry Kurtz, owner of Kurtz Millworks and founding director of the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival; Nancy Frater, proprietor of the independent book store, BookLore; Jim Menken, of Jim Menken Carving, prolific tree carver; and Anne Marie Reynolds, owner of Annemarie’s Dance Academy. According to Councillor Rose, “While this year’s event focuses on arts and culture and supports the implementation of the Town’s Cultural Plan, all of our speakers have demonstrated success and can share strategies for business success that can be applied across all sectors.” Pre-registration for the Bridges to Better Business event is required by October 28. The $35 fee includes lunch, keynote address, panel discussion, access to information booths, and refreshment breaks. To register for this great day, visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events, call the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286, or email sbec@orangeville.ca.
Small Business Month in Orangeville October has been proclaimed “Small Business Month in Orangeville” in recognition of the impact of our small business community. Small business is a vital part of the economy and is responsible for the majority of new jobs created in the region. From left, Economic Development Manager Ruth Phillips, Business, Tourism and Culture Co-ordinator Cassandra Engineer, Councillor Mary Rose, and SBEC Co-ordinator Ellen Sinclair celebrate the contributions made by small business owners to the local economy.
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Volume 5
Issue 4
Company Profile
The ReStore’s Sharron Riley-Persson
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is good for business Since its March 1, 2014 grand opening event, the Orangeville ReStore has been a bustling business with record sales. The operation, located at 202 First Street, sells donated used furniture and building supplies, the proceeds of which are reinvested in Habit for Humanity’s charitable activities. “The response has been amazing,” says Sharron Riley-Persson, Director of Marketing, Communications and Resource Development for the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph organization. The ReStore has surpassed sales expectations and is projected to grow as its visibility in the community increases. “Orangeville is a booming, progressive community,” Riley-Persson advises. “It has a great mix of established families and up-and-coming young professionals who tend to support the kind of green business ethics that the ReStore espouses, making the community very receptive to the Habitat for Humanity mission.” The ReStore also boasts a thriving electronics waste program where old computers, televisions, and other electronic discards can be dropped off to be mined for useful materials. Coming soon is an ‘Up-Cycle Studio Program’ where outdated furniture is reclaimed for suitable contemporary use. The ReStore is also implementing a “youth at risk” program that will provide on-the-job training to young people seeking to increase their employability skills. “Our business model is right in line with our social mission,” says Riley-Persson. “In addition to used products, we collaborate with Home Hardware and Home Depot to provide an outlet for their end-of-line items.” “This is a win-win for both the Orangeville business community and consumers,” says Buddy Pitt, owner of Orangeville Home Hardware Building Centre. “It’s good for the community, the environment and the economy.” Staff for the Habitat for Humanity Restore is currently seeking partners in the community to identify locations and support for their Build Program and to recruit volunteers. To find out more about getting involved with the Orangeville ReStore, contact Nancy Frazer, Associate Director of Volunteer Services, by email at nancy@habitatwdg.ca.
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
Upcoming Events
In The News
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) • September 24, 9 a.m. A specialist from the Canada Revenue Agency will provide a general overview of how the GST/HST impacts business operations and provide owners with information on their responsibilities with respect to the tax. Free.
Starting A Small Business • October 7, 6:30 p.m. 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 $20 + HST.
Measurable Marketing that Makes Money • October 16, 9 a.m.
HomeSense and SportCheck in Orangeville Since Zellers vacated the Orangeville Mall in the spring of 2013, mall owner Retrocom has been on the lookout for a dynamic tenant that will meet the needs of the community and help re-energize the quiet shopping centre. Enter Sport Check and HomeSense, two popular retailers with strong potential for attracting a lot of business. Preparation for the new stores required subdividing the former Zellers space of 72,000 square feet into three segments. HomeSense and SportChek will lease 20,000 and 22,000 square feet respectively, and a third tenant is being recruited for the remaining 30,000 square feet. This is good news for the region as it opens up new options for consumers, rejuvenates a town landmark, and has a significant impact on job creation. HomeSense, which opened on September 9, has already created approximately 80 positions. The new additions are also good for the existing mall tenants. The new anchor stores will lead to an increase in foot traffic and benefit the whole mall community. In addition to renovating the space to suit the new tenants, Retrocom is investing $5 million in façade and entrance improvements, all geared to infusing the Orangeville Mall with new life and renewed relevance on the commercial scene.
Delivered by Sean Rowe of noBul Media, this workshop will explain the steps of building an effective marketing plan, both online and offline, and how to measure outcomes. Topics will include building a unique value proposition, analyzing the business’s competition, and determining the most effective way to spend marketing dollars. Advice on various marketing tools including print, web, social media and event sponsorships will be provided. Cost $25 + HST.
Economic Outlook Breakfast • October 20, 7:30 a.m. The Town of Orangeville will team up with the TD Bank to deliver a networking breakfast featuring an informative keynote address by TD Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist Derek Burleton. Derek will provide leading analysis on the Canadian economy and financial markets and offer insights relevant to the local economy. Cost $20 + HST (includes breakfast).
The Employment Standards Act • October 21, 9 a.m. An Employment Standards Act expert from the Ministry of Labour will explain the employer’s obligations with respect to hired staff, including instruction on rates of pay, hours of work and overtime, vacations, public holidays, leaves of absence, and more. Free.
Effective Online Marketing - How to Build Your Brand, Community & Sales with Social Media • October 28, 9 a.m. Sean Rowe of noBul Media will deliver this advanced workshop for owners of smallmedium sized businesses who already have a social media presence but may not be seeing the results they’d hoped. Topics covered will include developing the brand’s social voice, creating a content calendar, building an ad campaign, measuring its success, and more. Cost $25 + HST.
Bridges to Better Business: Business of the Arts • November 5, 11:30 a.m. This year’s annual Bridges to Better Business event will focus on business development and expansion in the arts and culture sector. The keynote address by Janice Price, CEO of Toronto’s Luminato Festival, will include expert advice for arts and culture entrepreneurs seeking strategies to build their businesses and increase revenue. A panel of local experts will provide an overview of the region’s arts/ culture business environment and share best practices that will assist entrepreneurs to advance their goals. Cost $35 + HST (includes lunch)
Things To Know Economic Outlook Breakfast The Town of Orangeville and TD Canada Trust are hosting the popular Orangeville Economic Outlook Breakfast on Monday, October 20. Part of Orangeville’s month-long celebration of Small Business, the breakfast will feature a keynote address and economic forecast by Derek Burleton, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist for TD Bank Group. The breakfast will be held at the Best Western Plus starting at 7:45 a.m. Register at www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events or by calling 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286 before October 10.
Profit from Home - How to Start & Run a Home Based Business • November 13, 6:30 p.m. Janet Horner will help participants explore the advantages and disadvantages of running a home-based business and identify solutions to some of the challenges involved. Topics will include technological and communication systems, office design and layout, time management, marketing strategies, client accessibility, staffing, and planning for the future. Cost $20 + HST.
Real Estate - Featured Listing
Starter Company The Orangeville & Area SBEC is now receiving applications for Starter Company, a brand new business start-up incentive program for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29. Part of the Provincial Youth Jobs Strategy, Starter Company helps young people to create a new company, expand an existing company or buy a business from a retiring entrepreneur. In addition to business training, business plan support and one-to-one mentoring, participants can receive micro-grants of up to $5000 to kick start their new ventures. Information on the Starter Company program can be found at http://orangevillebusiness.ca/start-or-grow-a-business/services-for-youth/.
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Northwest Corner C Line and Centennial Road More than 5 acres of shovel-ready industrial land available for sale. Located at the northwest corner of Centennial Road and C Line, the land is close to the Orangeville bypass and is zoned M-1 for general industrial uses. The lot size is 2.087 ha (5.156 ac) and can be severed into two or three smaller parcels. The current asking price for the land is $215,000.00 per acre. Interested buyers should contact Ruth Phillips, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Orangeville at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2291 or by email at rphillips@orangeville.ca.
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