C
onnections Business
September 2015
13th Annual Bridges to Better Business Event: Business Growth through Innovation
This year’s Bridges to Better Business event puts the spotlight on innovation. Bridges takes place on November 12th and will feature a keynote address by Rick Spence, one of Canada's foremost experts on entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity. The National Post business columnist and former editor and publisher of Profit Guide magazine is a sought-after business consultant specializing in entrepreneurship and business growth. Through the National Post, Vancouver Sun, Montreal Gazette, other Postmedia newspapers, as well as Profit Guide Magazine, Rick Spence’s columns on entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity reach approximately one million people every week. “With today’s fast-changing markets, innovation is becoming an increasingly essential tactic for survival and success,” notes Mr. Spence. “But most organizations have trouble harnessing the potential of innovation. I help entrepreneurs understand where and how to inject regular, sustained jolts of innovation into their operations.” His interactive and highly entertaining presentation will demonstrate why innovation is the key business process of the 21st century and how it has helped Ontario companies that have embraced simple, sustained innovative strategies to reach new levels of success. Another highlight of the Bridges event will be a panel discussion by local business owners who have parlayed innovative and creative thinking into profit for their businesses. Colin Forrester (founder of Edenwood Furniture Designs), Brad Sparkman (President of Innovative Finishing Solutions), and Jake Tamminga (President of Jaylor Fabricating Inc.) are all local business owners who have successfully implemented innovative strategies in their ventures. These entrepreneurs will lead an informative and thought-provoking discussion of the role of innovation in sustaining and growing a small business. Pre-registration for the Bridges to Better Business event is required by November 6th. The $40 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 October has been proclaimed Small Business Month in the Town of Orangeville by Councillor Nick Garisto, pictured here with the Orangeville Economic Development Committee. Small businesses are a cornerstone of Orangeville’s economy, with more than 2000 businesses operating in the community. As the biggest driver of private sector employment, small businesses help to ensure that the community remains competitive and strong.
orangevillebusiness.ca
Volume 6
Issue 4
Company Profile
BookLore
– Surpassing Impressive Milestones This year, Nancy Frater, local retailer and owner of BookLore in Orangeville completes 25 years of business operation – an impressive milestone for any entrepreneur and especially so in the increasingly competitive book store environment. Her success is no small feat and provides a wonderful demonstration of the importance of creativity and adaptability to business longevity. BookLore held its official grand opening in 1990 and Ms. Frater has been demonstrating entrepreneurial excellence ever since. “A number of changes have taken place in the retail sector over the past 25 years,” she reflects. “Increased competition from franchised and online booksellers and department stores and the advent of e-books have all created challenges for the independent book store owner.” Despite these incredible and uncontrollable obstacles, BookLore’s owner not only persevered, but found ways to build an enduring and loyal customer base. From welcoming a long list of well-known authors to her store to championing the development of arts and culture in Orangeville, Ms. Frater’s creative approach to marketing and promotion raised awareness of her contributions both locally and nationally. In 2013, Nancy won the prestigious Canada Libris Bookseller of the Year Award, for her outstanding achievements as voted on by her bookselling and publishing colleagues. She has also received awards for Retail Excellence, Tourism Ambassador of the Year, Chamber Woman of the Year Award, Tourism Retail Award, a Town of Orangeville Cultural Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Service to the Arts, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and so on. Clearly well respected within the bookselling industry, BookLore has hosted many famous authors over the years, including such celebrities as David Suzuki, Timothy Findlay, Margaret Atwood, Dan Needles, and her own personal favourite – Peter Gzwoski. By bringing such celebrities to Orangeville for special events, Nancy Frater plays a leading role in spearheading the development of the arts and culture sector locally. Her efforts as a founding member of the Headwaters Arts Festival and co-founder of the Orangeville Public Library One Book One County program have also helped Orangeville to become recognized as a cultural hub along the way. BookLore continues to collaborate with countless arts and culture organizations and fundraisers for the benefit of our community. In fact, with Nancy’s abundant energy and usual flair for excellence, on November 16, BookLore will host a reception and book reading by The Book of Negros author Lawrence Hill to support the development of plays by Theatre Orangeville. A wonderful asset to our community and a testament to the expression “Enthusiasm finds the opportunities, and energy makes the most of them,” you can learn more about this Orangeville treasure by visiting www.booklore.ca.
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
Things To Know
In The News
Economic Outlook Breakfast The Town of Orangeville and TD Canada Trust will host the popular Orangeville Economic Outlook Breakfast on Tuesday, October 20. As part of Orangeville’s month-long celebration of Small Business, the breakfast will feature a keynote address and economic forecast by Derek Burleton, VicePresident and Deputy Chief Economist for TD Bank Group. The breakfast will be held at the Best Western Plus starting at 7:30 a.m. Register at orangevillebusiness.ca/events or by calling 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286 by October 14, 2015.
Orangeville Industrial Directory The updated Industrial Directory for the Town of Orangeville is now available at www.orangevillebusiness.ca or by visiting the Economic Development/SBEC office to pick up a copy.
Official Plan Update
The Town of Orangeville has launched a five-year review of its Official Plan, as mandated under the Ontario Planning Act. An Official Plan is a broad policy document that guides land use development in a community and the process begins with a land needs assessment. An Open House will be held on Monday, September 28 at Town Hall (87 Broadway) from 4 - 7 p.m. to seek input from the public. Input can also be provided by participating in a survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZ9QPFT.
Business Retention and Expansion Program In the coming months, Orangeville’s Economic Development office will roll out a manufacturingfocused Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Program in an effort to investigate opportunities to improve the profitability of local businesses, acknowledge the importance of manufacturing in the community, and develop relevant business resources and programs to further the economic development of the town. As a co-operative effort between businesses, municipal government representatives, and community partners, the Orangeville BR+E initiative will bring the voices of the local business community together to help guide economic decision-making. The program, developed by the Province of Ontario, will commence in November with business visitations and the completion of approximately 40 comprehensive surveys of the local manufacturing sector. The BR+E team will then analyze the survey results to identify common issues and improve or create program resources that will support economic development strategies within the community. The program will provide the Economic Development office with a better understanding of the issues and trends that exist within the business community, open lines of communication to better understand the needs of private enterprises, and create opportunities to address concerns and where possible, remove barriers by responding to business issues. The program also provides an opportunity to provide businesses with information on the programs and services available to help them become more competitive. Supported through a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the BR+E program has been a widely successful and is a proven economic model throughout North America, resulting in increased competitiveness of local businesses and stronger local economies. Local manufacturers interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact Ruth Phillips (rphillips@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2291).
Upcoming Events Innovation and Your Business • October 2, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Join innovation experts Dr. Ken Shultz (Ontario Centres of Excellence), Kevin Boon (Innovation Guelph), and David Penton (Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation) as they provide information on resources, support, and programs available to help companies achieve their growth potential through innovation. This session is sponsored by the Ontario Centres of Excellence and delivered in partnership with the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce. Free, includes breakfast.
First Steps to Exporting • October 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
Sally Press, from the Secretariat for the Canada-Ontario Export Forum, will help small business owners understand what is involved in expanding their markets and will explain the resources and support available to potential exporters including key websites, preliminary market research, sample export plans, funding, and exporter support programs. $12 + HST.
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations • October 7, 7 to 9 p.m.
Compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and other relevant legislation and regulations related to health and safety of employees is an important legal requirement of all small businesses. This interactive session, organized in partnership with the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce, Georgian College, Humber College, the Dufferin Area Homebuilders’ Association, and the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps that business owners must take to ensure they are operating within the law. $12 + HST.
Real Estate Featured Listing 48 Centennial Road, Units 14 & 15 Wonderful opportunity to buy or lease two industrial units in Orangeville close to the bypass. Approximately 3,860 square feet of professionally finished executive office plus 1,127 square feet of warehouse with 16-foot ceilings and two 14-foot drive-in doors. Over $120,000 spent on upgrades. Owner willing to entertain splitting up units. Fully networked and wired. Asking price is $599,900. Please contact Dave Maguire, Sales Representative, Royal LePage RCR Realty, Bus. 519-941-5151.
Financing Your Business • October 14, 9 to 11 a.m.
This workshop will help entrepreneurs understand small business financing from a banking perspective and provide information on government programs for business funding. Representatives from TD Canada Trust and the Centre for Business and Economic Development will provide information and guidance on how lending organizations make their decisions. $12 + HST.
E-Business Toolkit • October 29, 9 a.m. to Noon
This information-packed session led by Mary Clarke of the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, will provide business owners with a broad overview of the many online, e-business practices available to them including cloud computing, e-commerce, online marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), blogging, mobile marketing, and more. Free.
Bridges to Better Business: Business Growth through Innovation • November 12, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s 13th annual Bridges to Better Business event will feature business expert Rick Spence and will provide information and guidance on how businesses can improve their bottom lines through innovation. For details see front page article. $40 + HST (includes lunch).
orangevillebusiness.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