Feb march venture 2015

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February/March 2015

Inside: Activity & Events Guide

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Local Business News–Activities & Events

Chamber welcomes CEO

News from the editor…

by Heather Grummett

and

ventureguelph.ca elcome to our first issues of the year for VentureGuelph.ca (formerly Business Venture) and the Activity and Events Guide. You may have noticed our new masthead, which now reflects our website, VentureGuelph.ca.

Our two separate publications will now be delivered under one banner: VentureGuelph.ca. Published six times per year, our readers and our advertisers will now benefit from two additional issues of the Activity and Events Guide, while getting exposure to a new audience of readers through the current business to business delivery by Canada Post of six issues of VentureGuelph.ca.

VentureGuelph.ca (formerly Business Venture) continues to focus on what’s happening in our business community by providing regular columns from local business professionals, and informative articles and profiles on business achievement and more.

The Activity & Events Guide is a communityfocused publication with information on local events such as festivals, shows, sporting events, arts and culture events, as well as children’s activities. The A&E Guide also features interesting articles on nutrition and healthy lifestyles, fundraising activities and volunteer information.

“Venture Guelph Publications continues to offer more for less,” says Mike Baker, Publisher for Venture

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Kithio Mwanzia, President and CEO Guelph Chamber of Commerce The Guelph Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Kithio Mwanzia as the new President and CEO of the organization.

With a background in communications and government relations, working as a management professional he has developed a thorough knowledge of member driven organizations having worked with the St. Catharines–Thorold Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

“Chamber organizations play an important role within a community,” says Kithio Mwanzia, the new President and CEO for the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. “I enjoy the chance to be in a role where you can connect businesses, and advocate for the membership, while providing services.”

Prior to joining the Guelph Chamber, Mwanzia served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), after working as the GNCC Director of Policy and

Government Relations where he oversaw the public affairs, advocacy and government relations portfolio.

“Guelph is at the cusp of being an economic powerhouse,” adds Mwanzia. “A recent Credit Union of Ontario report shows the projected numbers are high when it comes to growth in the creation of jobs, and the demand for new housing. I chose Guelph because I wanted to be part of filing out that picture - building robust employment opportunities by helping to create a synergy within the

Events Guide

Guelph Publications Ltd. “By branding our publications with our website, our readers are encouraged to visit us online where they can now take advantage of our news feed with up-to-date press releases, plus also find a full calendar of local events posted by groups and organizations within our community.”

We will continue to upload digital copies of each publication online at www.ventureguelph.ca and on our Facebook page, as well as through digital links on Twitter and LinkedIn. Both publications continue to be delivered door-todoor throughout Guelph, and are available for pickup and/or viewing at over 300 drop sites including City facilities, doctor’s offices and more.

The Activity and Events Guide will now join the VentureGuelph.ca delivery schedule with Canada Post mailing to all businesses in Guelph, Fergus, Elora and Rockwood.

We always welcome your business news, story ideas and upcoming fundraising information–email us at infoventure@golden.net.

Visit our website to submit your events or view the events calendar. Simply click on the “Submit Event” icon on our homepage.

Heather Grummett, Editor Venture Guelph Publications Ltd.

business community and beyond.”

With 850 members, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce offers professional development opportunities through various seminars, workshops, Lunch & Learns and Business After 5 events. Over 70 annual networking events allow members to connect, whether through tradeshows, an annual golf tournament, or monthly pub nights.

Additional member benefits include group insurance plans, discounts on merchant services, and member-

to-member discounts.

With an advocacy background, representing the voice of business is important to the new CEO. “Guelph is a wonderful place to live and do business,” says Mwanzia. “I am interested to see how we can help to make it easier for businesses to do business.

What people strategy do we have?

How are we cultivating new citizens to the area with our business culture?

How are we connecting the business community to the Universities and Colleges? How are –cont’d on page 4

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Rotary Corner

Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium News Youth Exchange Program

Preview 2015 for only $2015 with Cutten Fields’ 3 MONTH Trial Membership For more information contact Diana Coverdale

Book in March or April to receive a 4th MONTH FREE!

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When you hear the term "Rotary Around the World", we mean it! One of Rotary's International initiatives is Youth Exchange Program. Rotary Club Guelph Trillium actively participates in this program and is pleased to share some insights into this wonderful program.

This Rotary International Youth Exchange Program provides students and hosts exposure to different cultures and ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote International understanding and peace. The Rotary International Youth Exchange program provides about 8,000 young students annually opportunities to live in another country for 1 year. The students meet people from other countries and experience new cultures which plant the seed for a lifetime of international understanding.

The program offers numerous benefits to its young participants, age 15 – 18 and their Rotarian hosts and mentors, as well as to the community at large. Through the year, Youth Exchange students learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As their concept of the world expands, they mature and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Immersion in another country’s language and educational system enhances the student’s academic and personal growth.

During the 1 year exchange the student lives with more than one family in the host country and is required attend school there.

Currently the Rotary Club Guelph Trillium has an Out-bound Youth Exchange student who is in Brazil and another Out-bound Youth Exchange student who will be leaving on exchange for 1 year starting August 2015.

The Rotary Club Guelph Trillium is one of approximately 50 Rotary Clubs in Rotary International District 7080.

RI District 7080 currently hasOut Bound Youth Exchange Students in Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan and Thailand.

Join Leaders - Exchange Ideas - Take Action.

Visit our Website: www.trilliumrotary.org Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium Facebook and Ribfest Facebook Pages To get to know us better and see what our club is currently doing international and locally. And let us know you have been there by liking us on Facebook.

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Finance

Business and Personal

The RRSP/RIF tax trap Given the time of year I want to revisit an article I wrote a number of years ago-the issues remain the same.

As I begin to encounter more situations where individuals are approaching retirement or are considering semi-retirement, the subject of utilizing RRSP savings accounts always becomes a topic of discussion and analysis. What I have seen in these reviews has led me to rethink the whole RRSP concept and whether it is financially sound to have a high percentage of one’s retirement funds sitting in registered accounts. Here are the issues that are concerning me: 1. Many thought the monies going into RRSP’s would come out at lower tax rates or even tax free–wrong–because of inflation, good pension plans, and higher income levels the funds, in many cases, are coming out at higher rates than when the deduction was allowed. CRA wins again.

2. How good do you feel when all your retirement monies are tied-up in plans where the only rule maker is the Canada Revenue Agency–do you really have the control of your destiny?

3. Don’t think for a minute that the Minister of

when held within a registered Finance is not aware of the fact that over a plan.

Trillion dollars of pension monies (both RRSP & 3. The RRSP cannot be used as RPP) are sitting in Canadian financial institucollateral for a mortgage tions–as the deficit grows and the number of or loan. taxpayers actually paying income taxes dwindles, the powers to be will certainly have an eye on 4. Capital losses within the RRSP/RIF are not tax deductible and are lost forever. this plum.

5. All fees, costs and interests on borrowed money for an RRSP are not tax deductible.

The RRSP has become an acronym that makes financial institutions and the government wealthy 6. If you are over 65 and have income levels in excess of $62000, the government will begin to and retired taxpayers poor. A number of papers claw back your OAS. have recently been written citing the adverse effects RRSP’s and RIF’s have on seniors. In fact, studies Many financial institutions will have you believe suggest that if one holds less than $100,000 in that an RRSP contribution will provide you with a RRSP assets that it is advisable to liquidate them reduction of taxes. The reality is that it is only a prior to retirement as you may lose out on valuable tax credits and income tested pensions in deferral of income and savings will only occur if the tax rate is lower at the time of withdrawal. retirement.

Because of the many potential pitfalls and loss of Some of the regulations affecting seniors and control, one really needs to question whether or RRSP investors are: 1. Capital gains earned on stocks and equity mutu- not an RRSP is the most efficient tool for building al funds double in taxation upon removal from wealth. your RRSP or RIF. John M. Moran BA., EPC., ICIA.–Lyon Financial Services Inc. Contact him 2. Dividends earned on stocks and equity mutual at jmoran@lyonfinancial.ca or 519-766-0001. funds do not qualify for the dividend tax credit

Ontario AGRICentre 100 Stone Road West, Suite 301, Guelph Telephone: 519.822.4680 Fax: 519.822.1583 Toll-Free: 1.866.658.0092 www.millerthomson.com

Join us in the next issue of ventureguelph.ca Distributed April 15th Call us today!

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Investing in currency The recent fall in the Canadian dollar has evoked quite a bit of emotion: importers are depressed, exporters are elated and gamblers are intrigued by the possibility of profit.

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Sadly there is also a high likelihood of losing money while playing the money game.

Currency investors have been bringing four main focuses to our counter in recent months: decimalization of currencies, bullion, leveraged forward contracts, and bitcoin. Light will be shed on these four topics during the next four issues of VentureGuelph.ca.

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In order for these banknotes to skyrocket in value, the issuer of the currency Iraq and Vietnam are two countries that cur- would be saying that yesterday the three Canadian dolrently don’t have a decimal system. The former Italian Lire was similar, small amounts of lars were worth one dozen eggs, but tomorrow they’ll be worth 300 dozen the currency can be expressed in whole units eggs. I have seen questionable monetary policy and the smallest banknote commonly found over the years, but I have never seen a governfor each are in the thousands. There is a ment that agreed to raise the value of their rumour circulating that these currencies are debt exponentially. There have been countless planning to decimalize, and that when countries that have moved from a nondecithey do so, their current currency will skymalized to a decimalized currency, and this rocket in value. revaluation has never happened. Additionally, Understanding what money is will help to when a decimalized currency replaces a previdebunk this myth. In very simple terms, currency is an IOU. A Canadian dollar is an IOU ous currency, the old banknotes themselves issued by the Canadian government payable to are pulled from circulation and they become worthless. Factor in that in addition to these whoever is holding that banknote. We use these IOUs to assist as a medium of exchange. hurdles, there is also a wide spread on the buy and sell rates of these currencies, and For example, I might need milk today. I currently own nothing that the milk store wants you might just have the worst investment plan ever. or needs–so if we were in a barter system, I would be unable to obtain milk since I have nothing to trade for it. Luckily, I can use my Carinta Mannarelli, Global Currency Services, 519-763-7330. money–my IOUs–to allow for a larger barter www.global-currency.com exchange. I will trade my money for milk–and the store can now use my IOUs to purchase a dozen eggs that they need to fill their shelves.

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Media release

New home for Guelph Community Foundation A simple idea and big dreams launched the Guelph Community Foundation fifteen years ago. Since then, it’s grown from one to more than 100 funds and has distributed over $3 million in grants to over 800 charitable organizations in Guelph and the surrounding area.

While The Foundation has been neighbours with the Guelph Arts Council in the Wellington Building since 2002, all that growth created a need for more space and easier street-front access.

“We’ll be more accessible, a lot more visible and we’ll have room for our board and committees to meet,” said Executive Director, Chris Willard.

The Foundation moved into their new home at 46 Cork Street East, Unit 2, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. An official open house later this year will be one of the many events planned to mark The Foundation’s fifteenth anniversary.

The Guelph Community Foundation is a charitable public foundation. The Foundation pools the charitable gifts of many donors into permanent, income-earning endowments. Income from the endowments supports a wide range of charitable programs and activities. Total funds under administration are $11.3 million with over $8 million in permanent endowed assets.

The

Business of Downtown

downtownguelph.com

The power of data (part 2)

by Marty Williams, Executive Director, Downtown Guelph Business Association In the last issue of Business Venture I discussed the potential benefits of counting pedestrians, bikes and cars in Downtown Guelph–to know the number of users in an area and how they were moving through it.

To get a better grasp of how things are going, we also need to ask people why they are using Downtown Guelph. That’s where surveying comes in. Working on the assumption that most folks would be happy to tell us what they were up to (generally speaking), and as long as there is something in it for them (a contest ballot, or a discount upon purchase) you can gather a lot of useful information on the day-to-day uses of the place.

Once we know a typical day, we would also be able to gauge with more certainty the economic impact of public assets like the Sleeman Centre, the Farmer’s Market, the Main Library, the River Run Centre, and Market Square. We pay close attention to what these facilities cost, but we don’t currently take the next step and measure the return on our investment–which is a shame.

We do know that some of these assets are underused, and some are at capacity. In both instances we are missing an opportunity; we are leaving “money on the table”.

How great would it be to know the impact of a Storm Game when the Sleeman Centre is full? We know that it’s positive. We know, anecdotally, that Downtown is humming; we see that the sidewalks are full of people, that the restaurants and pubs are busy. But we really don’t know what that translates to in dollars. We don’t know the overall economic effect of Storm games, because we don’t know what the average fan spends outside the arena.

We need to survey to find out: 1. how many go out to eat and drink before the game, and the average amount spent ; 2. if they use transit, walk, drive, or take cabs; 3. how many are regular users of Downtown and how many only come for hockey games.

When we have a portrait of the habits of a typical arena full of people, we can also see what variables align with uses. We might see, for instance, if the age or gender of the

patron–or how far they traveled to get to the venue–makes a difference.

And say we discovered (for easy math purposes, though I’d say it’s a pretty good guess) that each game was worth a $100,000 bump to the economy outside of the building itself?

At that rate, and with 34 home games a year, the team’s presence contributes $3.4 million to sales on top of the spending it engenders inside the arena. Thank you, Guelph Storm.

David Watkins, Founder and President of Loud Sports and Entertainment (http://loudse.com) who has used analytics to help sports teams better understand their fans, says that the same principals apply outside of the arena or stadium. “My work was incubated during the CFL’s regionalization program in Southern Ontario,” he says. “It allowed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to, frankly, understand their own fan base much better.

It could be as simple as playing the most suitable music at their games and serving the right food, but it could also mean growing their fan base by using the analytics that were readily available. These concepts can work not only for sports but really for any retail activity.”

Knowing the economic impact of the Storm would also make a powerful argument in support of filling the Sleeman Centre with as many non-hockey events as we can. In this scenario, every 10 times we fill the place we add $1 million to the Downtown economy. If we could match the 34 Storm games with 34 other events we could double the impact of this public asset.

(This should not be impossible to do. In London they have more than 200 event nights at their Downtown arena.)

Getting the information we need will cost money and take time. The Downtown Guelph Business Association can play a part but we can’t do this work on our own. We need to work together with the City and other interested parties to obtain the information we need for public and private investment decisions in the near and long term. City building demands that we first build our understanding of just what is going on in the here and now. It demands data.

February/March 2015 page 4

Reader’s Digest Canada awards Nestlé Waters Canada 2015 Most Trusted Brand™ of bottled water Poll of 4,000 Canadians affirms Nestlé trusted for bottled water Nestlé Waters Canada, Canada’s marketshare-leading manufacturer and distributor of healthy beverage choices, recently announced that Reader’s Digest Canada has honoured the Company with its Most Trusted Brand™ recognition for 2015 for its bottled water.

The 7th Annual Canadian Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand™ survey polled Canadians about the brands they trust across 40 product categories from consumer packaged goods to financial institutions and Canadian retailers. In addition to measuring what brands Canadians trust most, the survey also featured the key attributes of trust for each brand.

Canadians who named Nestlé Waters Canada a trusted brand of bottled water in the survey also recognized the brand for the following top three attributes of trust: • Consistently delivers expectations; • Dependable/reliable; and • I would recommend this brand to others.

“Achieving Most Trusted BrandTM status in the bottled water category is recognition well-earned for Nestlé Waters Canada,” said Erin Schnarr, Director, Integrated Sales & Marketing Solutions, Reader’s Digest Canada. “And being recognized as one of Canada’s Most Trusted Brands for 2015 is the ultimate seal of consumer approval.”

“The annual Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand™ survey reaffirms that

Chamber – continued from page 1 soon-to-be graduates, graduates, and young leaders being utilized? And as new graduates enter into the workforce, how do those grads match up with Guelph’s business needs?”

“We are here to tell member stories. From small businesses to large corporations–there are so many innovative and successful businesses here in Guelph. We want to tell all these stories–why these businesses are great, and how your business story fits into these other business stories.”

In closing, the new CEO tells us to “staytuned” for some new programming that local businesses can be quite excited about.

For details on the Guelph Chamber of Commerce visit www.guelphchamber.com

VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD.

trust, as well as cost and product quality factor into Canadians’ brand affinity and loyalty,” added Ms. Schnarr. “Almost 9 of every 10 survey respondents reported that once they trust a company, they tend to act as ambassadors, recommending its products and services to friends and families.

Trust plays a key role in consumer purchasing decisions and it can tip the scale favourably toward a particular brand.”

“While internal polling has consistently told us that Canadians value our bottled waters, to have a far more comprehensive, completely independent poll indicate this is extremely heartening to our senior management team, our employees and those Canadian consumers who have trusted, purchased and enjoyed our brands for so many years,” said Debbie Moore, President, Nestlé Waters Canada. “We are most appreciative of Reader’s Digest for bestowing this honour on our organization and we are extremely flattered by the response to our products from individual Canadians. We will continue to work even harder each and every day to earn consumer trust and satisfaction amongst all Canadians with our products.”

Trust has always been an integral facet of the Reader’s Digest brand. Serving as an ambassador for the importance of trust, Reader’s Digest first launched the Most Trusted Brand™ survey in Asia in 2000. It has since grown into a global initiative, playing an important role where it is used to gauge consumer attitudes and opinions related to products, services and professions, and to recognize the world’s most trusted brands.

In an independent opinion poll commissioned by Reader’s Digest, Ipsos Reid conducted a nationwide online survey of 4,026 Canadian adults. The survey, conducted between August 26 and September 2, 2014, was weighted according to census data to ensure the overall sample reflects the demographic profile of Canada. The overall results are considered accurate to within +/- 1.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would be had the entire population of adults been polled.

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Guelph Arts Council bids a fond farewell to its Executive Director After three years as Executive Director, Sonya Poweska will be leaving her position at Guelph Arts Council to pursue new career adventures as the Culture Program Specialist at the City of Waterloo. Over the past three years, Poweska has worked to foster a dialogue about the importance of the arts, artists, and the creative economy here in Guelph.

In her position as Executive Director, Poweska has overseen the delivery of all of Guelph Arts Council’s programs and services including the development of many new partnerships and programs.

“While we are tremendously sad to see Sonya leave GAC–she has done so much in her time at the Arts Council–we are thrilled that she’ll be continuing her passionate work in the arts and wish her all the best,” says board member, Cynthia Kinnunen.

On leaving Guelph Arts Council, Poweska states, “Guelph Arts Council has always been fueled by the passion of its employees, the hard work of the board, and by volunteers who understand the importance and value of the arts. I am thankful to have been a part of an organization that has been supported by such a committed group of individuals who have come together to push the arts agenda forward.”

Poweska will finish her work with Guelph Arts Council on February 18.

Healthy skin in winter months Cold, windy and dry Canadian winter temperatures can play mischief with our skin, hair, nails, and lips! As these conditions cause us to crank up the thermostats we then create a dry environment indoors, contributing to dry, itchy skin, brittle nails, dry hair, and chapped lips. Those with underlying skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may experience exacerbation of symptoms during winter months.

Many helpful tips to keep skin, hair and nails healthy over the winter are recognized as general wellness information that we hear repeatedly. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep, help with rejuvenation and repair of skin cells.

Additionally, taking briefer showers and baths, using milder soaps and shampoos,

moisturizing with an appropriate oil-based lotion to help retain moisture, using sunscreen and lip balm, and increasing the humidity in your home, also contribute to healthy skin, hair, nails and lips. Avoid wet socks or gloves, which may contribute to itching, dry skin and possibly eczema.

Remember, healthy skin keeps you healthy by decreasing risk of infection through dry or cracked skin. People of all ages can benefit from simple tips but if conditions seem worrisome, follow up with your healthcare provider.

Anna Bartolomucci RN/OHN, Workplace Wellness/Influenza Program Coordinator, Wellpoint Health Ltd. (formerly WellServe Health Care Management).519-837-3896 ext. 17 or abartolomucci@wellpoint.ca

Specializing in Corporate and Occupational Health Services

Ask the insurance expert… insurers offer reduced rates if you take actions to reduce risk such as installing alarm A. Always speak to an insurance professional systems or sprinkler systems. Consider errors and omissions coverabout your business’ specific needs and age–this isn’t the same as commercial general review your policy annually. Moreover, you liability insurance. If you are offering advice must understand your policy; that is, know what it covers, its limits, and its deductibles. to clients, you will want to make sure you’re It’s important to make sure your policy’s lim- covered if your advice goes awry.

And update your insurer regarding any its are appropriate–do you have the right changes in business operations. If you fail to amount of coverage for what you own, for disclose a business activity, you may find example? your insurance will not cover you in the Furthermore, review your liability insurevent of a claim. ance. If someone were to slip and fall on your premises, for instance, you’d want to be Tracey Holloway,Sales Representative, Sutherland Insurance. sure you have adequate liability coverage.

For more information visit www.sutherlandinsurance.com Also, make sure you have appropriate auto or call 519-822-0160 coverage–a personal auto insurance policy will not cover commercial use of a vehicle.

Consider ways to lower premiums: some Q. What are some important factors when considering insurance for my business?

International Women’s Day event March 10, 2015 – 7 to 10pm With an exciting new location and format, Exploring the Confidence Connection is a motivational International Women’s Day networking event that will celebrate and encourage women to move confidently on their path to success.

The event is organized and presented by Innovation Guelph, Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre, Guelph Women in Networking and The O’Halloran Group. This year’s event builds on the success of the sold out 2013 and 2014 events celebrating women entrepreneurs and women in business.

Guest will enjoy an evening of networking and sweet treats from local bakers and caters.

A dynamic speaker panel of local business leaders and entrepreneurs will feature Karen Farbridge, Marva Wisdom, Marie Zimmerman, Kristel Manes, Beth Timlin, and Sara Westbrook.

The event is open to both women and men. Tickets are $45, and are available through the River Run Centre at www.riverrun.ca.

Great Food – Great Times – Great Cheer

e’s on the Greeen Fine Family-Dining at Jesse Open Saturday and Sunday for breakfast. Remember to enjoy TGIF on the last Friday of each month (Be sure to book early! Friday, February 28th is sold out!) Jesse’s offers up delicious menu offerings for you, your family and your friends to experience and remember. Not only the quality of the experience but the value!

You’ll feel confident knowing a visit to Jesse’s will be an incredible dining experience. Choose from a variety of options that are guaranteed to please!

Treatment and Case Management, to Prevention and Compliance. Our services help corporate clients become With over three decades of multi-sector experience in Occupational Health and Medicine, Wellpoint has earned the trust of the many companies and individuals that have been served.

Physician Services

Don’t forget ~ Meetings and Events...Flawlessly Executed.

Wellness Services • Health Fairs and Lunch and Learn Sessions

• Timely and Accurate Diagnosis • Drug Testing Drug Screening

• • • •

Travel Medicine Consultation Audiometric Testing First Aid/CPR Training Disability Case Management

Disability Case Management • • • • • •

Immediate Occupational Assessment Services Return to Work Plans On-Site Occupational Health Nursing Services Functional Abilities Evaluations Physical Demands Analysis Ergonomic Assessments

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On-Site Occupational Health Nursing Services Early Intervention through On-Site Availability Case Management Short-Term Nursing Services - Wellness Clinics - Health Fairs - Lunch and Learn Sessions

A wonderful setting to enjoy great food with those close to you.

Visit or call us today!

Compliance Services • Mobile Equipment and Vehicle Operator Examinations • Pre-Placement Medical Examinations

Our Waverley Room and our Heritage Room offer flexible room configuration and set up W/AV equipment, Wi-Fi and conference call ability at no extra charge.

From Simple Continental breakfast, delicious lunch offerings or formal dinner our staff takes pride in providing your attendees an exceptional experience.

We’ll tailor your menu to impress and adhere to your budget.

• Vision Screening • Pulmonary Function Testing • Industrial Hygiene Services

Contact info:

HR Support Resources

519-824-2741 or rod@tgcc.ca to reserve

• Disability Case Management Services • Return to Work Plans • Second Opinion Medicals

and discuss your requirements.

Guelph (WellServe) 110-112 Woolwich Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3V2; Tel. 519-837-3896; Toll Free 1-888-664-4266 Cambridge (WellServe) 1315 Bishop Street North, Suite 201. Cambridge, ON; Tel. 519-622-6788 February/March 2015 page 5

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Guelph’s Capital Budget On Wednesday, February 25, City staff will present Guelph’s proposed 2015-2017 Capital Budget and Forecast .

Typically the City presents a one-year budget and nine-year forecast; however, for 2015 the one-year budget is being presented with a two-year forecast to provide Council time to undergo a strategic priority setting exercise.

Residents are invited to review proposed documents and bring their comments on February 25 (Capital Budget meeting) and March 11 (Public Delegation Night).

Delegation registration and submission must be submitted by Friday, February 20 at 9 a.m. for the Capital Budget meeting and Friday, March 6 at 9 a.m. for the Public Delegation Night. To register, contact the Office of the City Clerk at 519-837-5603 or clerks@guelph.ca .

All budget documents and related information will be posted on guelph.ca/budget

Local Business News–Activities & Events 2015–The opinions and stories that appear in the columns of VentureGuelph.ca (formerly Business Venture) are for information purposes only. Statements and opinions within the pages of are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or Venture Guelph Publications Ltd.

519-824-1595 Mike Baker, Publisher venture@golden.net www.ventureguelph.ca This issue: includes an Activity & Events Guide insert.

View it on-line at: ventureguelph.ca Printed by McLaren Press Graphics Ltd.

Recruit students for future apprenticeship opportunities Today, more and more employers are recruiting their employees directly from high school.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) was created to provide employers with a new source of workers to address the shortage of skilled workers they need to compete in today’s global economy.

Training and mentoring a student through OYAP opens the door to a better future for our youth and helps maintain a skilled workforce in our community. Young apprentices are eager to learn and have the right kind of attitude.

At the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), we are committed to preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities they may face in the future. We are focused on assisting them to find their pathway to the future and building bridges within our community to access those opportunities.

WCDSB students are preparing themselves for careers in all areas of manufacturing, including precision machining, industrial electricians, welding and millwrights as well as jobs in construction, motive power and the service sectors.

OYAP participating local employers include Linamar who has opportunities for twelve apprenticeships each year and Trimaster Manufacturing, who is a long-standing co-op employer.

“The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program has provided Trimaster with numerous co-op students over the years; some of which were signed to apprenticeships by our company. I believe that OYAP is an excellent school to work transition program, opening doors for students to work within the skilled trades,” says Coreana Yantha from the Human Resources Department.

Submitted by Wellington Catholic District School Board

OYAP will connect your company with job ready students to help build your workforce.

Employers are provided with the opportunity to assess students prior to hiring or registering them to an apprenticeship, and the Ministry of Education provides WSIB coverage while the students are in high school. Plus there are a number of financial incentives available for both the employer and the apprentice.

According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, for every $1 an employer invests in an apprentice, they receive an average return of $1.47–and that’s before they’ve even earned their certification!

Both students and parents are more aware of the changes in the job market and realize that the apprenticeship pathway can provide as much, if not more, opportunities for success than other post-secondary options.

For more information, contact Ron Aimola,

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator at 519-766-9140, raimola@wellingtoncdsb.ca supplied photo

Educating for Life High school students of all faiths welcome.

Is your company looking for a venue for a team building event, a sales meeting or just a reason to party? Want to try something totally different but without breaking the budget this quarter?

JARZIE’S Indoor Simulated Golf is inviting you to play in our Business Indoor Golf Competition over the 2014-2015 winter. Simply choose a date between now and April 1, 2015 for 16-20 players and reserve your spot. Cost is $35 pp tax included. JARZIE’S will run a scramble tournament complete with prizes at our licensed bar and restaurant.

But here’s the twist. The winning team from each tournament will be invited back in April 2015 to compete (at no extra cost) in the Indoor Golf Tournament of Champions. Winners not only have bragging rights within the business community but free indoor memberships for the 2015-2016 season.

Call to reserve your timeslot today.

JARZIE’S Indoor Simulated Golf, 175 Dawson Road, Guelph ON (519) 341-4512 info@jarzies.com www.jarzies.com February/March 2015 page 6

75 Woolwich St., Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N6 * i\ ­x£ ® nÓ£ {Èää U >Ý\ ­x£ ® nÓ{ Îänn www.wellingtoncdsb.ca

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75 Woolwich St. Guelph, Ontario N1H 6N6 Phone: (519) 821-4600 >Ý\ ­x£ ® nÓ{ Îänn www.wellingtoncdsb.ca

Tips for managing WSIB claims Dealing with the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (“WSIB”) can be a challenging and expensive process for any employer. Each claim commenced in relation to a work-related injury can have a significant financial impact on an organization.

Schedule 2 employers (as defined by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act) are required to pay the full cost of accident claims filed by their workers plus an administration fee. For Schedule 1 employers, a claim can impact the applicable experience rating affecting the size of the rebate or surcharge they will receive. As such, properly managing WSIB claims is critical in keeping costs at a minimum.

The best way to reduce the cost of claims is the prevention of workplace injuries. However, when a work-related injury occurs, here are five tips to assist employers to better manage claims: 1–Have an accident reporting policy All employers should have a policy regarding accident reporting and investigation. A policy should cover such issues as what constitutes an accident, the roles and responsibilities of all involved, the accident investigation procedure along with the accident investigation documentation to be completed. Having a clear understanding of the accident and resulting injury is critical if an

employer wants to challenge a claim at a later date.

2–Stay actively involved in the process Once a claim has been made, employers often believe that they are simply bystanders in the process. However, employers must stay informed about the status of the claim, requesting updates from the WSIB case manager if needed. Given the financial consequences of claims, an employer should assess whether decisions by WSIB should be appealed and should consider being involved in any challenges advanced by the employee.

3–Documentation is critical It cannot be overstated how important accurate records are in any WSIB claim. Employers should keep minutes of meetings and telephone conversations with related parties, records of missed meetings and phone messages, and information regarding return to work activities. Accurate documentation is critical in an appeal and allows the employer to know what has been done on a claim and what steps have been taken to assist the employee.

4–Red flags As a component of tip two (staying actively involved in the process), an employer should assess whether the claims advanced by an employee are legitimate. Some issues that an employer

should consider when assessing a claim include prior occupational claims and absences, prior related medical issues, prior employment history, known hobbies and activities, timing of the accident, and any inconsistencies in reporting.

5–Facilitate the employee’s return to work The cost of a claim increases the longer an employee is off work.

As such, an employer should facilitate a worker’s safe return to work. Employers should maintain regular contact with the injured worker to determine the status of any injures, find out how he/she is recovering and determine when the worker is capable of returning to regular or modified duties. However, employers must ensure they follow the guidelines outlined in the WSIB Work Reintegration policies during the return to work process.

The proper management of WSIB claims can significantly reduce costs for employers. Employers should develop a comprehensive claims management plan with the above noted tips in mind.

Evan Campbell , Associate (Employment Law and Litigation), Guelph office of Miller Thomson LLP. 519-780-4634 or ecampbell@millerthomson.com

Nominees sought for 2015 Winegard Volunteer Awards

Media release

U of G to help Blue Jays bring natural grass to Rogers Centre The University of Guelph and Toronto Blue Jays will collaborate on a research project to grow a natural turfgrass field in the Rogers Centre.

The $600,000 agreement was signed in early February by the University, and announced by Blue Jays president Paul Beeston during a special event in Toronto.

Researchers will undertake a year-long intensive study to determine the impacts of growing natural grass in the Rogers Centre. The major league baseball team aims to install natural grass with a dirt infield by the start of the 2018 season.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Toronto Blue Jays on this exciting project,” said Rene Van Acker, associate dean (external relations) with the Ontario Agricultural College and a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture.

“The challenge of developing a natural turfgrass field for the Rogers Centre is very unique, but we are confident that the combination of the Blue Jays’ commitment and our special expertise and research capacity will produce a facility

that players and fans will love, and that will meet the challenges of the Rogers Centre as a world-class multi-use facility.”

He commended the Blue Jays staff and executives for their professionalism and dedication to the project. “Together we will make this happen.”

The project will be headed by U of G’s Eric Lyons, a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture and turfgrass expert. He will help determine the types of grass to grow in the Rogers Centre. The turfgrass will need to grow indoors with the stadium’s retractable roof closed, so this means figuring out which type of grass will do best under artificial light.

Researchers will also need to consider other issues related to growing grass indoors such as humidity levels, air circulation, and water, as well as ensuring that the grass will stand up to the wear and tear of a baseball season.

Lyons says he is up for the challenge. “It’s the perfect project for me. I’m a scientist. I love baseball, I love sports and I love turfgrass.”

Lyons is expected to recommend the grass species to the Blue Jays in the spring of 2016.

Blue Jays staff will determine next steps,

including potential timing feasibility of renovations to accommodate ventilation, irrigation, drainage and cost.

“I am certain that we can do this–find suitable grass species and ways to ensure they will flourish inside the stadium,” Lyons said. “The question will be whether it’s feasible for the Blue Jays to do it, and that’s what we’re going to help them answer.”

If the project proceeds after the initial year, candidate grasses will be grown on an Ontario sod farm and then tested in a simulated environment under artificial light. If all goes well, the natural turfgrass field would be installed in 2018 before the season opener.

Beeston was quoted as telling reporters that the agreement is “pretty exciting from our point of view because we’ve had many discussions, but now it’s to the point where we’re actually going forward.”

Rich Moccia, Guelph’s associate vice-president research (strategic partnerships), added: “This is a great example of a private sectoracademic partnership that brings technology out of the laboratories and puts it to use in a real-world application.”

Bowl for Kids' Sake: March 19-22, 2015 Bowl for Kids' Sake returns for its 40th year as a leading fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph and the mentoring programs that the organization provides to more than 400 local children.

Once again, Woodlawn Bowl will host the longest-running special event, from March 19-22, 2015. Sign up in teams of four to six people for two hours of fun-filled bowling to support the health of children in our community.

Visit www.guelphbowl2015.kintera.org to register and collect pledges.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph recently held their 20th annual Have a Heart for Kids' Sake Gala on February 7, at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre.

An amazing night of food, wine, dancing and prizes, the event raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph's mentoring programs.

Presenting Sponsor Skyline volunteered with all aspects of the event, from the plan-

ning process to registration, and silent auction on the night of the event.

The University of Guelph, the United Way of Guelph and Wellington, and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington are calling for nominations for the ninth annual William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

Named for former U of G president and Guelph MP Bill Winegard, the awards recognize members of the University community who have devoted volunteer time and effort in Guelph and Wellington County.

Current staff, faculty and students who volunteer with community organizations, including municipal boards, community fundraising, non-profit’s and community social health and service agencies, are eligible for the awards.

Nominators may be peers, colleagues, supervisors or organizations benefiting from the volunteer efforts of the nominee.

The nomination deadline is February 27.

Nomination packages are available online at www.unitedwayguelph.com/ or by calling the Volunteer Centre at 519-822-0912. The awards will be presented March 26.

Winegard was U of G’s president and vicechancellor from 1967 to 1975 and served as Guelph’s MP from 1984 to 1993. Besides being named Canada’s first minister of science, he chaired the House of Commons standing committees on external affairs and national defence and on external affairs and international trade.

He also served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of international trade. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998.

Volunteer Opportunities • Housing • Travel • Health Services • Recreational Activities • Education

Celebrating 160 years

If you are preparing for retirement or already retired, you will want to attend this show!

Come and find out about volunteer opportunities, housing, recreation, health services, travel and education.

Friday, March 20 INFORMATION FAIR

11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Located in the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 683 Woolwich Street, Guelph For more information call 519-823-1291

Free admission • Free parking and shuttle service from Riverside Park 762 Woolwich St., Guelph 519-822-1271 www.woodlawnmemorialpark.ca February/March 2015 page 7

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2015 Employer of Distinction Awards The Guelph & District Chapter of the Human Resources Professionals Association (GDHRPA) is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Employer of Distinction Awards. Two local companies are recognized each year for being outstanding employers who shape organizational excellence and raise awareness of the human resources profession in their organizations’ success. Award categories are: 1. Employers with less than 200 employees 2. Employers with 200 or more employees This recognition gives employers the opportunity to share their stories–that they are great places to work!

Employer nominees will go through a screening process in which the GDHRPA Employer of Distinction Committee will review the nomination forms and conduct on-site interviews.

The two award recipients will be announced at the GDHRPA 2.The measurable impact(s) made on business indicators (i.e.

Award Ceremony the evening of June 18, 2015. goals, objectives, continuous improvement, customer satisWe invite you to nominate any company that you believe faction); and goes above and beyond and should be recognized as one of the 3.Measures of employee workplace satisfaction (i.e. recruitarea’s top employers. ment, retention, engagement, performance) that have been the result.

Award Criteria • Nominations may be submitted by GDHRPA chapter Completed nomination forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. members or employees of our business community for on April 1, 2015. organizations located within the Chapter’s region of Guelph and surrounding area.

To receive a nomination form contact the 2015 Employer • Nominees must demonstrate: of Distinction Committee at nominations@gdhrpa.ca or visit 1. How their human resources initiative(s) have been implewww.gdhrpa.ca for more details. mented;

Recognizing co-op employers A Co-op Appreciation Breakfast was held in January for the employers and supervisors who provided learning opportunities within their organizations to students last semester from both the Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Upper Grand District School Board.

“With so many of our students going directly to the workforce from high school, programs including co-operative education are key to preparing our students with first-hand workplace experience before leaving school,” said Ruthanne Finnigan, Co-op Coordinator for the Wellington Catholic District School Board. “Co-operative education continues to be an inclusive program, accessible to a more diverse population of students who are getting experience that not only prepares them for the workplace, but also helps build confidence to clarify career goals while developing transferable skills.”

Co-operative education began in Guelph over 30 years ago and continues to grow. This past semester, approximately 600 students from the two school boards, with nearly half of these students in the city of Guelph, completed co-op credits. Several hundred more completed short-term experiential learning in

by Heather Grummett

workplaces all over Wellington and Dufferin Counties as part of their regular courses.

High school students have flexibility with the option of using up to two co-op credits as part of their 18 compulsory credits.

Students enrolled in Special High Skills Major programs are required to complete two co-op credits, and as enrolment continues to grow there is an increased need for employment opportunities in the areas of construction, manufacturing, transportation, information technology, non-profit, and health care.

Students enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program look for placements that may lead to apprenticeship opportunities in the areas of manufacturing, transportation, building trades, community service workers, and IT. “Co-op supervisors are a significant adult in a co-op students life,” said Finnigan, as the breakfast came to a close. “ You may never know the extent your efforts impact on the student you mentor, yet we continually hear stories of the relationships that develop with co-op supervisors, and many keep in touch long after high Students and staff from Bishop Macdonell were part of the hundreds of students, teachers and school ends. For many students, co-op becomes one of those life-changing events that employers who attended the Co-op Appreciation Breakfast at the Italian Canadian Club. If your business is interested in a co-op student call 519 836-0132. (supplied photo) influence post-secondary pathways.”

Media release

City using technology to improve services Second Guelph Hackathon and ask.guelph.ca announced City of Guelph, as part of its ongoing commitment to community participation in local government, is launching two initiatives to enhance City services: an Open Guelph Online Hackathon and ask.guelph.ca. These initiatives coincide with the International Open Data Day, February 21, 2015.

The Online Hackathon is designed for students, local application developers and interested community members to use City data to create innovative mobile and web-based applications and tools for Guelph residents. The tools will help to improve the delivery of transit and solid waste services.

“Rather than the City building tools for residents, we are looking to involve the community in the process. Guelph residents have great ideas and skill sets that can help others receive the information they’re looking for,” says Blair Labelle, general manager, Technology and Innovation Services. “The focus of the City’s second Hackathon is on two service areas that are key services for residents–waste collection and transit.”

The 2015 online Hackathon will allow participants to develop their tool from the comforts of home and submit their entries online. For more information, visit the city’s website, open.guelph.ca/guelph-hackathon-2015. While the contest officially begins on

Monday, February 23, participants can get a jump start by reviewing the four themes in advance. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries.

The Online Hackathon closes Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. The event is free and preregistration is not required but encouraged. Data sets will be made available on Sunday, February 22.

The City’s new portal, ask.guelph.ca, is designed to make it easier for residents to ask questions about how the municipality works. The portal is designed to function like Google; residents can type questions and the site will search the City’s pre-populated content for the answer. “ask.guelph.ca is more than a search engine. It provides a way for residents to better understand how the municipality works,” says Labelle. “If the answer is not found, residents will be able to submit their question to the City.”

Making civic information more readily available and relevant to Guelph residents, in transparent and accountable ways is one of four focus areas the City is pursuing as part of its open government efforts.

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Succession planning–who needs it?

With 1,000 Canadians turning 65 each and every day for the next 15 years–we all need to think about succession planning!

TD Waterhouse (October 2011) reported 76% of small business owners do not have a succession retirement plan.

Findings from the 2013 Ontario Nonprofit Network ‘s study indicate that 66% of non-for-profit boards do not have plans for their leadership’s replacement. One CEO, until reading my article Four Steps to Succession Readiness, thought succession planning was the responsibility of the Board of Directors and had nothing to do with him.

Once the providence of kings and queens, corporate CEOs now recognize succession planning as their third most important priority after financial results and strategic planning.

Succession planning is a component of strategic planning and involves all the thinking and preparations that take place in advance of a departure date. Its purpose is to ensure continued effective performance of an organization over time through leadership development and replacement.

Replacement planning, on the other hand, is a component of succession planning and is a form of risk management that reduces the potential catastrophe stemming from the immediate unplanned loss of key employees or leaders.

If you don’t have a succession plan or and exit strategy this can present a real problem and you may be suffering from procrastination!

12 Barriers to Succession Planning These are the most frequently cited reasons I’ve heard for delaying planning for emergency leadership and succession.

Do any of these barriers sound familiar?

1. Ignorance, “We didn’t know we needed one.”

2. Time, “It will take too much time.” Or “We thought we had more time.”

3. Resistance, “Doing one is too hard or too complex.”

4. Fear, “What if we get it wrong and make things worse?”

5. Potential for conflict, “Current leadership might feel threatened if we start to talk about how we’re going to replace him or her.”

6. Cost, “We lack the resources (money, time, expertise) to develop a good plan.”

7. Ambiguity, “The uncertainty of change is too uncomfortable.”

8. Lack of awareness, “For five years my succession plan was three sentences long. I really didn’t know what it was all

about or how important it was.”

9. Loss of personal and professional identity.

10. Unwillingness to give up leadership control.

11. Self-esteem, “I have no vision of life without work.”

12. Feelings of denial or guilt about leaving.

Here are four things I know for sure!

1. If you’re an executive director or CEO, then you need a retirement plan.

2. If you’re a business owner, then you need an exit strategy.

3. If you’re a charity, then you need an emergency leadership plan.

4. If you’re a big corporation, then you need a succession plan for the CEO and a talent management program for everyone else.

Linda Fairburn BIS MSOD, author, president of Make Things Happen Ltd. She can be reached at 519-766-1400 or www.makethingshappen.net

Our youth and financial literacy Financial literacy is the key to financial success. Studies on our economy confirm that many Canadians are living pay cheque to pay cheque. Educating our students about financial literacy will create future adults who are good money managers, employees and employers.

Junior Achievement Guelph Wellington (JAGW) delivers programs, which teach financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship free of charge to our youth. As the largest youth education organization in Canada, Junior Achievement has inspired and prepared

more than 4 million youth to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. JA programs have been offered in Guelph Wellington since 1983. JAGW supports our future business people, employers, parents and entrepreneurs. We invest in our students’ ability to succeed and thrive. We depend on volunteers to deliver the programs.

Junior Achievement Guelph Wellington is looking for volunteers to bring programs to our local schools. JAGW programs are delivered by business professionals, who volunteer their time and have received

training in the course materials. These volunteers bring current business know-how to the students' learning experience. We match new volunteers with experienced volunteers as part of training and mentoring.

Our up-coming programs include: Our Business World, A Business of Our Own and Dollars With Sense.

This Spring, we plan to deliver Economics For Success to over 40 Grade 7 and 8 classes in Guelph and the surrounding areas. A one-day volunteer commitment is all that is required to make

a difference in our students’ futures.

Register for a program if you are a teacher.

Volunteer or ask your student’s school to deliver a program if you are a parent.

Register as a volunteer if you are looking to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.

To support the future of our youth in Guelph Wellington please contact us at: 519-835-1140 or visit www.guelph-wellington.jacan.org

Brush Off Guelph–painting a future for a local child February 28, 2015 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Old Quebec St. Doors open at 7:00pm.

Enjoy the evening as 24 artists create 45 original works of art in 30 minutes.

Brush Off is organized by the Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington and the funds raised will go to support local children emotionally, physically and intellectually through the programs they offer. Cost: S20.00 Old Quebec St. Mall, 2 Wyndham St. N.Guelph.

Purchase tickets at all Guelph Scotiabank locations or at Wyndham Art Supplies, 125 Wyndham St. N., or online at www.brushoffguelph.com

Learn more at www.sjkschool.org

Guelph honoured for municipal public sector leadership The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and Deloitte recognized Guelph as one of the top three cities in the municipal category of their annual public sector leadership awards.

The IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Awards program recognizes organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking bold steps to improve Canada, through advancements in public policy and management.

Deloitte and IPAC awarded Guelph with the bronze and were particularly impressed by Guelph’s effort to work on many fronts at the same time to transform local government in order to be relevant and responsive to citizens and the business community. including the following: Co-producing an Open Government Action Plan that is principle-based and comprehensive. The City has established an Open Government Community Leadership Team; turned Council orientation into an online resource everyone can access; and created a Civic Innovation Lab in partner-

ship with the University of Guelph.

Establishing a Leadership Charter signed by 150 leaders at the City of Guelph. The Charter is empowering employees to put citizens at the heart of every decision.

Implementing structural transformation that includes streamlining five service areas into three and begins to establish a number of solution-based round tables that–depending on the table–will bring together City Councilors, a cross-section of employees, citizens and business leaders to solve complex community issues.

M “This recognition from a national public administration institute and a leading international private sector firm is a testament to our employees, Council and the Guelph community for challenging the status quo and demonstrating leadership in local government,” stated City of Guelph CAO Ann Pappert.

To see more about the City of Guelph’s work to transform local government visit open.guelph.ca February/March 2015 page 9

Where Students Love to Learn.

At SJK, students from JK - Grade 12, find their excellence within, love to learn, and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals well prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond.

The journey begins here.

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Call Mr. James Cako, Director of Enrolment at 519-648-2183 and book your personal tour.

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Red Tape Awareness Week 2015 The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Red Tape Awareness Week™ came to a close on January 23.

With over 109,000 small and medium business members across Canada, CFIB has represented the interests of the small business community to all three levels of government for over 40 years.

When surveyed, small and medium sized businesses historically choose the tax burden as the top issue affecting their business, while government regulations and red tape continues to be selected as a very close second among 72% of respondents. Business owners do not disagree on the need for regulations, but do question the amount of time and money spent on having to comply with rules that are often unnecessary.

Issued by CFIB, Canada’s Red Tape Report shows the total cost of complying with government rules and paperwork reached $37.1 billion per year in 2014. The average employee in a small business can spend

by Heather Grummett

more than one month each year, or 185 hours, dealing strictly with regulations. The report also shows that 42% of small business owners would not advise their children to start a business.

Although not all regulation is red tape, business owners say the regulatory burden could be cut by about 30%, or $11 billion a year, with no negative effect on health, safety and environmental goals of regulation.

To highlight some of the worse examples of red tape, each year CFIB hands out an annual Paperweight Award to someone in each level of government who has made business difficult for entrepreneurs.

The 2015 Paperweight Award on a Federal level went to Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for his role in launching Canada’s new anti-spam law (CASL).

While the law was designed to protect Canadians from spam emails, text messages

Guelph General steps away from Taste of Guelph After 17 years The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital has decided to end its involvement with the annual Taste of Guelph fundraising event, which has raised funds for both St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, Guelph and The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.

Taste of Guelph is one of Guelph’s best-loved garden parties featuring more than 55 of the area’s finest restaurateurs, caterers, vintners and brewers, with close to 500 ticket holders sampling the local food and drink.

In its history, Taste of Guelph has generated more than half a million dollars to purchase life-saving medical equipment, to fund services that contribute to a better quality of life for some of our community's most vulnerable residents, and to help advance important research and education projects.

Taste of Guelph started in 1998 as a joint fundraiser between St. Joe’s, the Guelph General and Homewood Health Centre - however, Homewood pulled out after five years.

The event has been held in recent years

on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, where the grounds are transformed into a large garden party, complete with tents, live music and hundreds of trees, flowers and decorations.

St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation will remain as the event’s sole organizer. Last year, the $60,000 raised was split between the two foundations, however, The Guelph General felt the return wasn’t enough to compensate for the hours spent organizing.

The Foundation of Guelph General will now turn more attention to other fundraising initiatives including the newest event, the Tour de Guelph cycling fundraiser that debuted last summer. The Guelph General’s foundation and two local Rotary clubs netted just over $34,000, with the foundation receiving 75% of the money raised.

For details on the 2015 Taste of Guelph event visit www.tasteofguelph.com

Supplied photo

Business workshops The Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre hosts a two-hour seminar series with over 35 seminars on topics including marketing, sales, cash flow, market research, bookkeeping, and more. Each seminar is $32 including HST. Smart Selling Skills February 27 9:00am How to sell.... Whether a product or a service, this seminar will take you through some of the techniques to successfully sell your product or idea. Discuss how to find out what your customer is really looking for, how to close the sale,

and unwanted social media requests, complying with this new standard has proven complicated and costly for small business owners, who say it does little to stop real spam, while expecting businesses to record and track consent for routine business email with clients and potential clients.

Provincially, Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn was awarded for a regulation that was not his idea, but one that he continues to enforce. The regulation requires businesses to print and post the province’s employment standards on uncommon legal-sized paper, as opposed to standard letter-sized paper, or be subject to a $360 fine. Plus, when changes were made to the minimum wage, it took a month for an updated poster to be released, making all Ontario business non-compliant and subject to a fine.

On a Municipal level, the award went to Luc Ferrandez, Mayor of Plateau-Mont-Royal, Quebec, who was chosen for costing local restaurants by enforcing a rule that they must

upgrade affordable plastic patio chairs for more expensive stylish outdoor furniture.

The Red Tape Awareness Week™ campaign continues to not only bring light to this hidden tax that is costing the economy billions per year, but also has achieved results that are helping to make life easier for Canada’s entrepreneurs. Some governments have stepped up to make changes a priority, while some provinces have not.

CFIB highlights those elected officials or others in government who have shown commitment and action on cutting through red tape that weigh down businesses.

One example is John Marshall, Assistant Deputy Minister (Acting), Open For Business, Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Ontario, who created an initiative that has reduced the amount of paperwork required to make a WSIB claim by 60%.

For more details and the full report visit www.cfib.ca

Media release

Making Families Healthy Goal of Huge Guelph Study The goal sounds simple: creating a healthy lifestyle for children and families. But the methods to reach it are increasingly complex.

A number of young Guelph families are among the first participants in a massive University of Guelph study intended to reduce health-care costs in Ontario by starting at the source, with parents and their young children.

Jeff Grimes, an IT project manager, and his wife, Jennifer, an employment counsellor, have two kids. Their family is part of the oneyear pilot project for the Guelph Family Health Study, which will eventually include 3,000 families.

That study will take place over two decades, allowing researchers to track children into early adulthood and see how lifestyle changes affect them.

The Grimes’ three-year-old son, Ben, is part of the pilot study. His sister, Quinn, 18 months old, is too young for the study, but will be impacted by whatever changes are implemented.

For their parents, the decision to participate was an easy one.

“We felt our kids were playing more outside at daycare than at home; we also noticed they were watching more TV than we liked when we got home,” said Jennifer.

“Our hope is the study will help us set some goals around being more active, especially in the winter when there is less opportunity for outdoor time.”

The pilot group will help researchers refine the larger project, said study co-leader Prof.

how to get return customers.

Location: 625 King St. E. Unit 1B, Kitchener

David Ma, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences.

“We have 50 families participating in the pilot, which is the exact number we hoped for,” said Ma. “This will be a large study with many measures, and it’s important to ensure all the moving parts worked seamlessly together and that the technology is effective. Our families help us learn what worked and what needs changes. When we expand, we will be in the best position possible for success.”

The research team implemented a series of interventions with the families. Each family set their own goals based on the behaviours they wanted to change.

“Interventions were tailored to help families where they most needed assistance, including diet, physical activity, sleep, screen time and meal times,” said study co-leader Prof. Jess Haines, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition.

“We helped families set goals and used motivational coaching to help families achieve their goals.”

For the Grimes, the study is an opportunity to make meaningful changes in the lives of their children before habits are set.

“We have been fortunate to meet some great people who have helped us set realistic goals based on our family’s needs,” said Jennifer.

“We want to be able to model healthy behaviours and habits for our children, and felt this study would be able to give us some direction.”

and market research will assist you setting Location: 42 Wyndham St. N. Suite 401, Guelph objectives, tactics and strategies for protecting ABC’s of Marketing and growing your business.

Collections - Getting Paid Location: 42 Wyndham St. N. Suite 401, Guelph March 9 March 3 1:00pm 9:00am Planning your Website Content How do you get your idea or product known in Being pro-active in designing credit policies to March 5 the marketplace? This seminar will look at the ensure that you get paid.

9:00am basic process of focusing on your target market Location: 42 Wyndham St. N. Suite 401, Guelph One of the most important considerations and to make marketing decisions that bring when creating a website is having the right con- results.

Finding and Researching Your Target Market tent, and whether hiring someone to do it or Location: 625 King St. E. Unit 1B, Kitchener March 4 developing the content internally, every business 9:00am needs to have a content plan that will maximize To register and for a full list of workshops visit Market research is radar for your business deci- the website’s possibilities. www.guelphbusiness.com. sions. A business does not operate in a vacuum February/March 2015 page 10

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