C
Business
onnections February 2011
Town Launches Revised and Interactive Business Website
The Town of Orangeville has launched a newly-revised and interactive business website - orangevillebusiness.ca. The new design features information on business-related services, programs and events in the Town of Orangeville and also provides an excellent user experience. The website was developed in recognition of the increasing significance of the Internet in today’s competitive business environment and the growing importance of a comprehensive economic development website as a critical investment attraction tool. Following up on recommendations made in the Town’s Economic Development Strategy, staff launched the businessrelated updates in late summer with the goal of providing greater prominence to Orangeville’s community and business profile. The project was funded primarily through the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade’s Communities in Transition initiative and improvements to the Town’s investment readiness and business retention efforts have been realized as a result. Building on existing content, new and more comprehensive information is now available to existing and prospective businesses along with a number of new enhancements designed to increase user friendliness, communication and access to information, news and events. The new website is much more interactive and features stories and videos showcasing the features and benefits of the Orangeville community as well as video testimonials from businesses within the Town’s target sectors. A new property search function enables potential investors to quickly access the information they need about properties and land available in Town and this feature is complemented by the integration of mapping by Google My Maps into the site. User convenience has also been enhanced with the newly-added registration component, enabling users to register online for any of the business-related workshops and events held throughout the year. Subscription options provided at the website make it easy for visitors to retrieve the latest content and news. Plans to further expand outreach to the broader business community through the implementation of additional social media tools are underway. To explore the many new features available on the revised website, visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca.
Volume 2
Issue 1
COMPANY PROFILE
Orangeville Welcomes Pinehurst Store Fixtures With a wonderful start to the new year, the Town of Orangeville welcomes Pinehurst Store Fixtures Inc. to the community. A leading custom fabrication facility, Pinehurst took possession of the former Johnson Controls property at 120 C Line on January 15, 2011 with plans to initiate operations in the 130,000-square-foot facility by February 15 and be in full production by April 1. The business, which manufactures custom store fixtures, boasts an impressive customer list that spans North America, including a large number of department and specialty stores, food and hospitality related businesses and chains and financial institutions. During its 40-year history, Pinehurst Store Fixtures has grown from a small woodworking shop to a world class custom fabrication centre that works in wood, glass, metal and acrylic fabrication. The business has won multiple design and display awards and specializes in managing custom fabrication projects from start to finish, including roll-out and installation. As one of the largest custom fabrication facilities in North America today, says company president Don Christie, “Pinehurst has a long history of commitment to quality, craftsmanship and customer service excellence and I think these values are a good fit with Orangeville”. Relocating from Mississauga, Ontario, Pinehurst’s workforce is comprised primarily of skilled workers with total employee numbers ranging between 90 and 145 over the past five years. So far, Mr. Christie indicates that the experience of relocating to Orangeville has been very positive, noting “The Town of Orangeville has been very helpful in our discussions with respect to this move. We look forward to our continued growth and success in Orangeville.” To learn more about Pinehurst Store Fixtures, visit their website at www.pinehurstinc.com.
Regional Tourism Organizations Launch Marketing Initiatives In an effort to create a stronger, more competitive tourism industry in Ontario, the Provincial Government has redefined the boundaries that make up the tourism regions in the province. The 13 new Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) will be independent, industry-led, not-for-profit organizations, responsible for working with tourism partners to enhance and grow each region’s tourism offerings and marketing initiatives. The RTOs will be responsible for leadership in strategic planning and marketing, innovation and product development, investment attraction and workforce development and skills training. As part of the Hills of Headwaters, Orangeville is part of Regional Tourism Organization Zone 6 (RTO6), along with Durham and York Regions. “Moving forward in RTO6, synergies resulting from the engagement of stakeholders across the region will create a stronger market presence for everyone,” enthuses Bob Law who sits on the RTO6 board of directors. “As these synergies grow and new partnerships are explored (with government and key stakeholders), expansion into new markets will come, resulting in increased exposure and tourism activity in RTO6.” For more information on RTO6 or to check out the newest marketing initiatives, please visit www.centralcounties.ca.
ORANGEVILLEBUSINESS.CA
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS Developing Business Writing Skills • February 9, 9 a.m. Whether you are developing new marketing and promotional materials or are communicating with customers, suppliers or prospects, quality writing is essential to your business success. This workshop will provide information on writing for specific audiences and purposes and outline the differences between bios, backgrounders, press releases and when to use each. Participants will learn how to plan engaging communications that highlight features and benefits, while also learning how to develop, maintain and improve content. Cost - $20.
Tax Planning for Small Business • February 16, 6:30 p.m. Gerry Hogenhout, CGA, of Hogenhout and Associates will provide valuable tips and essential rules to follow in operating a small business. Self-employed individuals will learn about effective tax deferral techniques, home office deductions, common misconceptions and much more. Be sure to bring your questions! Free.
Blogging for Business: Practical Tools for Writing for the Web February 23, 9 a.m. This workshop will provide business owners with the tools, tips and examples that they need to write blogs and other web-based materials in order to create a professional business image. Major topics will include blog basics and overcoming challenges to blogging, combining online writing with social media and developing, maintaining and improving content. Cost - $15.
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 workshop, participants will learn how to use search engines to make sure their websites get noticed. An overview of search engine optimization strategies and best practices, researching and selecting keywords to drive qualified traffic to their sites will be provided. 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. A representative from the Canada Revenue Agency will provide income tax information for unincorporated business owners. Self-employed 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. 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. 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.
2011 Orangeville and Area Tourism Conference • June 8, 9 a.m. This year’s 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).
You can register for events online at www.orangevillebusiness.ca.
REAL ESTATE - FEATURED LISTING 116 Broadway, Orangeville Development of Broadway Grande has commenced. This new complex with 44 townhome villas, 30,000 sq. ft. of office space, 15 residential suites and five stores will be situated right on Broadway in Orangeville's energetic downtown core. For more information, please contact Jerry Snel, Broker, Re/Max Real Estate Centre Inc. Brokerage at 519-942-8700 or by email at jerrysnel@rogers.com.
ORANGEVILLEBUSINESS.CA
Broadway Grande Creates New Commercial Space Orangeville’s picturesque downtown will soon have a new addition in the form of Broadway Grande. The new mixed-use residential, commercial and retail development, situated between Armstrong Street and Broadway will create additional employment opportunities in the central business district. Fronting on Broadway, the five-storey mixed use building will feature 30,000 sq. ft. of retail and commercial office space, topped off with two floors of residential space divided into 16 lofts. A breezeway will lead to an enclave of 44 townhouses and a private parkette. The first phase of construction for the project began in June 2010 with an initial focus on construction of the enclave of residential townhouses. The second phase of construction will focus on the retail and commercial mixed-use building and is scheduled to start in the spring of 2011. The new development is expected to enhance the downtown core by providing additional places for people to live, shop and work right in the heart of Orangeville. The Town of Orangeville has worked with businesses in the Business Improvement Area to create a place where people want to shop, dine and interact and the Broadway Grande will build on those efforts. “A vibrant downtown is reflective of a community’s spirit and strength,” says Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams. “The Town is committed to the downtown’s continued vibrancy – from infrastructure investments, façade improvements and beautification initiatives to hosting major community events.” “We want to see business succeed. We want to see the downtown prosper. With investments like the Broadway Grande project, that prospect is realistic.” For more information on the Broadway Grande please visit www.broadwaygrande.com.
THINGS TO KNOW 2010 Economic Outlook Breakfast Derek Burleton, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist with TD Bank Financial Group, was the keynote speaker October 22 at the Town of Orangeville's 2010 Economic Outlook Breakfast. Speaking to a sold-out crowd of 120 local business and community leaders, Mr. Burleton's key message was that the Canadian economy is on its way back, but that growth is expected to be modest in the coming quarters, with above average unemployment numbers during the interim.
Fall SIOR Event The Town’s Economic Development/ SBEC office sponsored and attended the recent Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) event in Mississauga. The event, attended by approximately 1,300 industrial and commercial realtors and site selectors, provided the Town with an excellent opportunity to showcase the benefits of locating in Orangeville.
87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440 Fax: 519-941-9033 E-mail: edo@orangeville.ca