Business Leader Summer 2018 by WHA Publications Ltd.

wa BUSINESS IM

SUMMER EDITION 2018

W E L L I N GT

* CO M P L

A DV E R T I S

WELLINGTON COUNTY

LEADER

Entrepreneurial Spirit The young, gutsy business owners of Wellington County

XINYI CANADA GLASS LTD. Aiming to rebuild the glass industry in Canada

LITTLE KING GOODS Craftsman turns passion for leather into local business

QUINTA QUINOA A Canadian agricultural success story

‘SHOW ME THE WORKERS’ Employee attraction strategies

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BUSINESS LEADER

PUBLISHER

CONTENT PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

DAVE ADSETT EDITOR

BUSINESSES HURT BY ROAD WORK

CHRIS DAPONTE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

THE WATER COOLER

JAIME MYSLIK WRITERS

OLIVIA RUTT MIKE ROBINSON PATRICK RAFTIS SALES

DREW MOCHRIE SUE OTTO FAYE CRAIG GLENN GEORGE DESIGN

HELEN MICHEL ALICIA ROZA JACQUELINE FURFARO STEVE GILHOLM DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR

KELLY WATERHOUSE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS BIA ROUND-UP

CANADA PACKERS REUNION LITTLE KING GOODS LEATHER

ELORA AND FERGUS DESTINATION ANIMATION PROJECT CHINESE GLASS COMPANY CONSIDERS GUELPH-ERAMOSA SITE CHAMBER ROUND-UP MAPLETON PLANS POP UP SHOP

Policy Business Leader is delivered free of charge to business addresses throughout Wellington County.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Mission Statement

‘SHOW ME THE WORKERS’ SESSION

Business Leader is a magazine published by The Wellington Advertiser to promote local commerce and private enterprise and to celebrate investment and success in the communities we serve.

CANADIAN GROWN: QUINTA QUINOA

CHEQUES AND BALANCES

Business Leader Magazine 905 Gartshore Street, Box 252 Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8

GRAND OPENINGS AND NEW OWNERSHIPS

Email: businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com

THE SOCIAL CORNER

4 6 7 8 12 13 14 19 20 24 25 26 30 32 34 36 38

*COVER PHOTO by Olivia Rutt: Richelle Hunt of Bentley Fine Teas and Tea Room BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 3

Launching the big idea It’s a situation that happens for pretty much everybody at some point in their life: the big idea for a product or service. The difference of course between “everybody” and the individuals who actually turn ideas into reality, is a relatively small number make the leap and try to start a business. We call those people entrepreneurs. Our organization at the Wellington Advertiser had much the same beginnings with an idea, a passionate entrepreneur and eventually it morphed into the larger enterprise it is today. Like many entrepreneurs who start in their basement or garage, in the early days the Advertiser ran out of the front seat of dad’s car. With that experience and background we are quite attuned to the concept of starting a business and the many cycles it takes until success becomes apparent. In this edition of Business Leader we chronicle the ideas and dreams of many people across Wellington County - from small start-ups to young people purchasing businesses and even international companies looking to establish here. This county has much to offer and it’s heartening to see people willing to invest. In keeping with facilities in neighbouring jurisdictions, local economic development efforts include an education component to help small business start-ups make better choices. The very first column I wrote for this publication offered the sage advice to be sure and hire a good bookkeeper, regardless of business size. While that advice still stands, inexperience running a business or growth that happens too quickly will require the entrepreneur to seek additional help in planning systems and setting up processes to ensure efficiency and profitability. There has been more than one business person suggest to me that their most profitable years were as a lean organization or one-person show. Bigger isn’t always better, certainly from a profit perspective or in terms of lifestyle expectations.

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business climate by establishing economic development groups to attract and retain businesses. The actual success of those efforts is debatable for the amount of money and effort expended, however, it is a mandate local councils feel compelled to pursue since other places have these groups too. The fact is residential taxpayers don’t like tax increases. Without new housing adding to the levy as well as current business taxes and new businesses forming, costs for government services will land on existing homeowners. In fact, the withering up of downtown retail for some communities has analysts referring to it as the Amazon effect. Basically, no business tax in depleted downtowns means higher residential taxes. Now for the word for our local politicians: persevere. Keeping Wellington businessfriendly helps everyone. Recognizing excellence Once again, chambers across the county have had their awards nights to recognize various categories of business excellence. As the years have passed some chambers have added new categories that offer opportunities for a wider range of businesses. In Centre Wellington for example, environmental excellence and community social responsibilities are different classifications that reflect the time we live in. The environment and social concerns are of great importance to residents and businesses they patronize. Other business leaders with such awards on display might aspire to consider such factors in their operation. There is something special when an organization is honoured by peers and their community. It is easy for business owners to feel like unsung heroes, but with the award opportunities through local chambers they get a chance for a well-deserved pat on the back. Keep that in mind in the coming year; when you see excellence, take note and consider nominating a deserving business next year.

This county has much to offer and it’s heartening to see people willing to invest.

4 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

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A word for local politicians Great efforts are made by local governments to attract business. Communities need jobs, people need local work and municipalities need tax revenue from streams other than households. It stands to reason then that efforts are made to improve the

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OPINION: Businesses hurt by roadwork must be compensated: Which municipality will lead the way?

HOW IT CAN BE DONE There are many effective compensation measures already in place in municipalities around the world, such as: - In Brussels, smaller merchants that must remain closed for at least one week because of public construction are entitled to a daily compensation of about $117. - Seattle has provided over US$15 million in mitigation funds to businesses affected by the construction of a new lightrail line and announced a new help fund in addition to taxes and fees deferrals for business impacted by a major local road construction project.

BY MIKE ROBINSON

A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN According to CFIB’s recent report, seven out of 10 businesses surveyed are dissatisfied with how local governments have handled the negative impacts of construction projects. Therefore, CFIB recommends that all Canadian municipalities adopt a coherent construction mitigation policy that would include, in addition to a compensation program, a “no surprise” rule, a comprehensive planning approach, an improved contracting process and a business liaison officer for each project.

Right now, too many businesses are seriously affected by poor planning.

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TORONTO - On the eve of the annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) challenged municipalities to show leadership by quickly starting to compensate small and medium-sized businesses that are bearing the brunt of roadwork. As highlighted by CFIB’s recent report Paving a Smooth Road: Helping small businesses survive infrastructure work, as many as 65,000 businesses have been seriously affected by infrastructure projects since 2012, often having to borrow, relocate or close down altogether. “Municipal governments will undertake infrastructure projects at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars over the next few years, without truly factoring in the costs shouldered by small businesses,” said Simon Gaudreault, CFIB director of economic affairs. “Right now, too many businesses are seriously affected by poor planning. It can ultimately drive them out of communities, with their neighbourhoods, in turn, suffering the consequences of that loss. “We are turning to our municipal leaders and asking them to stand with local business and take up CFIB’s challenge to adopt a compensation program for the worst cases.”

Small Business Centre authorized by council

- SIMON GAUDREAULT, CFIB DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

“Municipal governments must take action to improve the management of construction projects and support small businesses by adopting solid mitigation policies,” Gaudreault said. “Any mitigation plan must include, first and foremost, a form of compensation for small businesses that are hit the hardest. “We look forward to congratulating the first municipalities to take up our challenge.” ABOUT CFIB CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 110,000 members across every sector and region. Learn more at cfib.ca.

6 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

ELORA - Centre Wellington councillors are ready to establish a Small Business Centre. Township economic development officer Patricia Rutter said 91 per cent of businesses in Centre Wellington have fewer than 20 employees. “Given that, we’ve been working with the Business Centre for the past 18 months to expand support in Centre Wellington,” she said. She noted that in 2017 council approved funding for a year-long pilot project to deliver support services to start-up businesses in Centre Wellington through oneon-one consultations and training seminars. The Business Centre Guelph-Wellington is set to open a Small Business Centre in the former tourist information office in Fergus at 160 Provost Lane. The space will be staffed from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday and the grand opening was scheduled for June 28. The township plans to provide the space, telephone, internet and signage, while the Business Centre would provide staffing and insurance. Rutter said a number of factors led to the determination to establish a more permanent Small Business Centre in Centre Wellington. The township’s corporate strategic plan requested support for entrepreneurship and support services for small business - this service helps provide that and provides access to programs like Summer Company for young entrepreneurs and Starter Company for start-up training. The Business Centre Guelph-Wellington would like to expand its services to businesses in the County of Wellington and Centre Wellington is central. “The property is ideally suited for their needs with a small office space for consultations and the opportunity to provide materials in the lobby area while being centrally located,” said Rutter. She added this is not a commitment to additional funding from the township, unless expressly approved by council. Funds were approved in the 2018 budget to continue the relationship with the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington in the amount of $10,500. An additional $1,500 for telephone, internet and signage will be provided out of the current economic development budget.

THE

WATER COOLER

Rendering of new washroom in Forfar Park in Fergus.

TAKING THE PLUNGE The Van Grootheest Team, Century 21 Excalibur Realty Brokerage Inc. is constructing a bathroom in Forfar Park in Fergus. The company will be permitted to display its sign on the side of the public washroom for 20 years from the time the agreement begins. The township is responsible for the building permit and water/ sewer/hydro connection costs. GOURLAY’S CLOSES AFTER 80 YEARS Gourlay’s, an independent grocer in downtown Moorefield since 1937, has closed. Current owner Barry Gourlay decided to close the store due to health issues. CANNABIS STORE One of the province’s first cannabis retail stores will open this fall on Wellington County’s doorstep. Guelph will host one of the first four stores - along with Toronto, Kingston and Thunder Bay - at 304 Stone Road West, across from Stone Road Mall in a plaza complex that currently houses Tim Hortons and Dairy Queen. The province has announced plans to open 40 cannabis stores this year and another 40 by July, 2019. The goal is to open 150 stores by 2020. In June the federal government announced the Cannabis Act will take effect on Oct. 17.

PHOTOS: LEFT: SUBMITTED, RIGHT: OLIVIA RUTT

BUSINESS CHANGES IN FERGUS The south end of Fergus continues to see a number of business changes. Pet Valu has reopened after relocating next to Mark’s Work Warehouse in the former Zellers/Target building. Habitat for Humanity’s Restore opened in late June, also in the same building. MILL OPENING According to its website, the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa planned to officially open on July 6. The massive restoration and expansion of the historic mill - with facilities on both sides of the Grand River - has been ongoing for several years. BEST WESTERN FERGUS EXPANSION Best Western Fergus is doubling in capacity, renovating the reception and breakfast area, landscaping the grounds including the addition of a pool, and updating its food selection.

Mount Forest chamber sells building MOUNT FOREST - The Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce announced it sold its building this spring and started a search for a new home. In a letter addressed to its membership, chamber president David Sharpe said he was “happy” to announce the move from the building at 514 Main Street North. The closing date was May 11. “The building committee has reviewed several options for a new location to move the operations of the chamber,” Sharpe stated. “However, we are still working out details on possible financing and renovation budget prior to making an official offer to purchase.” From May 11 until the chamber settles into a new permanent location, it will be temporarily located at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex. “The Township of Wellington North has graciously offered us space in the upper hall to bridge our operations while we are between locations,” Sharpe stated For more information contact chamber@ mountforest.ca or 519-323-4480.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 7

Bill Youth entrepreneurs: The future of business BY OLIVIA RUTT

RICHELLE HUNT, BENTLEY HOUSE FINE TEAS AND TEA ROOM

The interest in entrepreneurship among the younger population is certainly a prominent feature of the Canadian scene. - 2016 CANADA NATIONAL REPORT BY GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONITOR

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Starting a business can be a risky venture. But it is a risk youth are willing to take in the changing global economy. Millennials, those born between 1980 and 1995, are a dominant presence in the workforce. A 2017 Environics Institute study found that for millennials, having a full-time steady job is the most essential marker of adulthood, followed closely by having good family relationships. The demographics are shifting for those starting a business. In the 2016 Canada National Report by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the percentage of people in the process of starting a business is higher among the 25 to 34 age range than any other age category. Just a year before, the highest rate was among the 45 to 54 age range. “Considering the data over several years, the interest in entrepreneurship among the younger population is certainly a prominent feature of the Canadian scene,” stated the report. Other studies seem to back the claim that Canada fosters youth entrepreneurship. The G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance and Ernst and

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8 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

Young Global Limited compared digital and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth among the G20 countries. In its 2017 G20 Digital Entrepreneurship Barometer report, Canada ranked in the top five in each of the five categories: access to finance (Canada was listed first), entrepreneurial culture (fifth), digital business environment (second), digital skills and entrepreneurial education (fifth) and digital knowledge base and information and communications technology market (fourth). Youth in Canada now have more access to resources through both nonprofit and government grants. Locally, programs through the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, Innovation Guelph and Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures help too. Camilla Brenchley, 21, was one business owner who launched her idea with the aid of Summer Company. The program, funded by the Ontario government, awards students aged 15 to 29 with grants up to $3,000 as well as handson business training and mentorship from the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. Brenchley, of Arkell, launched her

I just said ‘let’s just go for it,’” she said. And while she was focusing on balancing business with school, she found it easier doing something she loved. “So yes, I’d be up late and getting up early to do things, but I didn’t care because it was something I love to do,” she said.

Everything kind of aligned and I just said ‘let’s just go for it.’

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business Camilla B. Photography and Brand Design in 2017 through the program while she was attending the University of Guelph for business and marketing. After the program ended, she finished her post-secondary education and kept the business running, knowing eventually she would like to continue. But going into business wasn’t her first thought. “I thought in the future, I’ll start doing normal photography, and in the future, I’ll change it to maybe do some business photography; maybe I’ll work for a marketing firm as a photographer or something,” she said. A marketing class inspired her to shift her focus from photography to business photography and branding. “And then I just thought at some point, I’m not sure what it was that made me, but all of a sudden I just kind of thought ‘why don’t I just do that now; why don’t I just start doing business photography right away?’” she said. “So then, as soon as I made that switch, all of a sudden I was way more excited about my business.” Brenchley said starting her business was a way to combine her passions photography, branding and marketing - in a way she couldn’t find elsewhere. “I knew that there must be a job out there that existed for me, but I couldn’t find anything at the time, and then I just thought, ‘why don’t I just try to do it myself’ and everything kind of aligned and

- CAMILLA BRENCHLEY, CAMILLA B. PHOTOGRAPHY AND BRAND DESIGN

Brenchley was learning about many business aspects through school, but applying them to her business was a challenge. She struggled through accounting and taxes, pushing herself to learn and work it out. “There are times when I’m just like … maybe it’d be easier to just work for a marketing company, but what always

makes me think ‘no’ is I want to do my own thing,” she said. “I just keep thinking, ‘I know I can do it if I just stick it out, make it through this hard beginning period and I can probably keep going with it.’” That persistence is what makes a successful entrepreneur, said Scott Bowman, Ontario senior director of Futurepreneur Canada. “It’s one thing to sort of think of a great idea; it’s another thing to actually pursue it and develop it as much as possible,” he said. Futurepreneur Canada, a national notfor-profit organization, provides online and in-person business resources. It also provides up to $45,000 in loans for those 18 to 39. Over the past 22 years, it has assisted about 11,000 people across Canada. Olga George-Cosh, a business advisor for the Summer Company program with the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, said interest and motivation make successful entrepreneurs, but taking risks will be the biggest takeaway from the program. “I think one of the biggest skills they will take with them is that they took a risk,” she said. “As part of the entrepreneurial basket of skills, taking a risk is so important, because it moves you forward and builds character and confidence.” Bowman said there’s a change in the workforce for youth, including the rise of the side hustle, whereby youth

PHOTOS: OLIVIA RUTT

CAMILLA BRENCHLEY, CAMILLA B. PHOTOGRAPHY AND BRAND DESIGN

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 9

OLGA GEORGE-COSH, BUSINESS ADVISOR FOR THE SUMMER COMPANY WITH THE BUSINESS CENTRE GUELPHWELLINGTON

I think one of the biggest skills they will take with them is that they took a risk. - OLGA GEORGE-COSH, BUSINESS ADVISOR FOR THE SUMMER COMPANY WITH THE BUSINESS CENTRE GUELPH-WELLINGTON

From the time I started talking to Mary to saying ‘yes’ and buying the business was one week.

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- RICHELLE HUNT, BENTLEY HOUSE FINE TEAS AND TEA ROOM

themselves through is in what they actually do for a living,” said Bowman. “That’s why you see a lot of young people starting businesses that are socially aware or they are social ventures.” He said in his eight years with Futurepreneur Canada, the number of people interested in small business ownership has grown. Bowman said the most significant barrier youth entrepreneurs face is access to capital. “Not every young person, they’re just getting out of university or college, has collateral that they can put up,” he said. He said organizations like Futurepreneur Canada, as well as the federal and provincial governments, are helping with the first phases of a startup. Barriers can come from within as well. Bowman said some youth “think, ‘well shoot I got to go make some money first before I go and do what I really want to do and … start a business.’” He said there is an expectation that youth need to work and gain experience before pursuing their dreams. “Sometimes ... the delaying of their dream is a big barrier too,” he said. Richelle Hunt (née Lyons), 26, of Fergus, has owned Bentley House Fine Teas and Tea Room in Fergus for the past year and a half. She understands the hesitation of owning a business. While she had thought of running a coffee shop in high school, Hunt focused on a science stream then went to post-secondary school in California. After returning to Centre Wellington, she started working at Bentley’s under previous owner Mary Lloyd.

10 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

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are exploring various opportunities to make extra cash or follow their passions without quitting their day jobs. “Once it grows to a certain point, then they can leave the job and transition into a full-time startup,” he said. A side hustle is just one of the ways youth are looking to find opportunity in the workforce. With the jobs popular in the 70s to 90s dwindling and older workers staying in jobs longer, youth are looking for other areas in which to flourish. “They like to express themselves, and one of the things that they like to express

Two years later she left to work at a coffee shop in Guelph. It was then that she learned Lloyd was selling the business. She “came in and I made some awkward small talk, then I was like, ‘Mary, I’m wondering about the business and buying it,’” said Hunt. “So from the time I started talking to Mary to saying ‘yes’ and buying the business was one week.” Even though it took only a week, Hunt said she was hesitant. “I was kind of on my heels for a bit ... that sounds like a huge commitment owning a business,” she said. But the opportunity came at the right time for her. “It just sort of came up, and I was at this place of transition, and I think there was something with it being so familiar, knowing the previous owner so well,” she said. “So that all made it feel low-risk in some ways, even though I was in my mid20s when I bought it and it seemed like, wow, this seems a bit crazy.” Hunt took over in October 2016. “I closed on a Saturday with (Lloyd), and I just opened business-as-usual on Monday,” she said. Hunt said while some customers were surprised to find out Hunt was the new owner, “most of them are just quite impressed and think it’s pretty cool.” “I think there’s just been stigma surrounding millennials and we all see those horrible articles about how awful so many of us are, but I don’t know, I don’t think it’s all true,” she said. The first year in business came with hitting milestones that “felt like surprise

organizations can offer the right tools. He added entrepreneurship education in secondary and post-secondary institutions has increased too. For example, schools are not only teaching someone how to be a plumber but also how to run a plumbing business. At Centre Wellington District High School, a Grade 11 entrepreneurship class taught by Ruth Meston learned about starting a business.

Being proud of what you’re doing on a daily basis. - SUCCESS AS DEFINED BY STUDENTS IN THE GRADE 11 ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASS AT CENTRE WELLINGTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

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after surprise,” Hunt said. And though she had her doubts, Hunt said reaching out to mentors helped. “There are minutes and hours and maybe the odd day that (you doubt yourself) ... but I think more it just gets easier,” she said. “And in those times I would reach out to the old owner, Mary … and just reach out to people who you know can offer a little bit of encouragement.” Hunt never went to school for business and has learned mostly on the job. She said knowing her strengths and weaknesses helps. “There’s sort of different qualities that I think probably lend to being a better business owner or entrepreneur, but some of it’s just grit,” she said. “Do you have what it takes to get through those really gritty days?” Bowman said most hard skills can be taught, but successful entrepreneurs need persistence, willingness to learn and passion. “In small business ownership and as you’re trying to build and establish a business, there’s always going to be great months, great quarters and then there’s going to be times where it’s a little bit tougher and if it’s not something that (you want to do) … if it gets tough and it will, you may not fight as hard for it,” he said. Bowman added being successful is a personal learning journey, but

Student Brayden Cooper said there is a “sense of creativity that comes with starting your own business; sort of having that sense of creativity that you’re in control of.”

The students defined success as “being proud of what you’re doing on a daily basis,” “being profitable” and “being happy with your lifestyle.” While only a few raised their hand when asked if they wanted to start a business themselves, some students say what they learn in the classroom is transferable to all jobs. “It’s just not enough people are aware of … entrepreneurship; they don’t think it’s very transferable,” said Kazmer Wolkensperg. “They associate entrepreneurship with being your own boss or owning your own company, but entrepreneurship is applicable in almost any business you’re in.” Bowman agreed. “It’s not just the MBAs anymore. Now it is the marketing student, now it’s the health fitness and wellness student, now it is the event management people … so more and more, the society and educational systems open up the doors that people can step through,” said Bowman. Teaching entrepreneurial skills in school, he said, allows young people to see it as an opportunity. “It used to be entrepreneurship was one of the choices, but now it’s becoming just a way of life that entrepreneurialism as a mindset is becoming more and more prevalent to young people,” he said.

PHOTOS: OLIVIA RUTT

RUTH MESTON AND STUDENTS OF GRADE 11 ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASS, CENTRE WELLINGTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 11

BIA ROUND-UP HOW IS SUMMER CONSTRUCTION IMPACTING LOCAL BUSINESSES? HOW IS THE BIA HELPING?

CHRIS BAILEY ERIN BIA CHAIR

We do not have any major construction projected, although we do expect to have the installation of our new downtown crosswalk in the coming months. This installation is a vital improvement to the walkability and accessibility of our downtown core, but will create some parking changes. To combat this we worked with the Town of Erin to pave and provide lighting in a new lot in our downtown, and will be following up with public and merchant education once a timeline for the crosswalk installation has been finalized. Of course adversely, but both communities have the greatest folks, and customers are making the effort. Both communities have organized events and campaigns to help. IS THE BIA PLANNING ANY SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THIS SUMMER? DESCRIBE.

Erin Email: villageoferin@gmail.com Website: villageoferin.com

Summer is a great time to welcome residents and visitors alike into the downtown core, and is always an exciting time for our BIA! We are once again welcoming our farmers’ market into the downtown core Fridays 3 to 7pm from the end of June to the end of September. This gives another great reason to visit the Village of Erin downtown. Merchants typically have great new products and often special promotions during the summer time. This will especially be the case during our 2nd annual Lemonade Party on Aug. 17. Join us in the Village of Erin to soak up the sun and celebrate! You will find lemonade, lemon treats and all things lemonade. Don’t miss out on the amazing deals offered at the merchant’s sidewalk sale. Plus, the farmers’ market in the downtown Fridays 3 to 7pm. Both communities have a terrific summer music campaign lined up. In Fergus the BIA will also be sponsoring shuttle buses between downtown Fergus and the Scottish Festival site.

HOW DO YOUR MEMBERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NICER WEATHER AND LONGER DAYLIGHT?

FRED GORDON FERGUS AND ELORA BIA ADMINISTRATOR Fergus Email: fergusbia@gmail.com Website: downtownfergus.com

See previous answer.

Many take the opportunity to extend their opening hours and the number of days per week they open. Many also bring merchandise out onto the street, which helps add to the animation of the villages.

WHAT CAN YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS OFFER A DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA?

Elora Email: elorabia@wightman.ca Website: elora.info

CB FG

Young entrepreneurs often bring a fresh perspective and energy, especially when it comes to special events and promotions. We have definitely seen this during our recent events as well as throughout our community. I also believe young entrepreneurs help to bring new and unique product and service offerings that help a downtown to stay current and relevant. New ideas, new concepts and just a new way of looking at things always reinvigorates. A fresh eye on merchandising or a new technique in customer service can catch on. Young faces with new business ideas add to the eclectic mix of our community.

12 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

Canada Packers Reunion planned in Harriston Aug. 9-11

PHOTOS: HARRISTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HARRISTON – For many residents of this community, the years when the Canada Packers dairy processing facility was operating in full swing were viewed as a golden age of local prosperity. The plant, which produced ice cream, butter, cheese and other dairy products during nearly 100 years of operation, was a major local employer before the operation was closed for good on Jan. 31, 1991. “Over the many years that the plant was operating it was the main employer in the town and many locals worked there either full-time or part-time in the summer rush when the number of staff would double to meet the demand for the ice cream products,” said Dave Mallett, a member of the committee organizing a reunion of former Canada Packers employees in Harriston this August. “The goal of the committee is to invite as many former employees back to the town to celebrate the good times that we had while working there and to see old friends,” Mallet stated during a recent

presentation to Minto council. The reunion will take place from Aug. 9 to 11 in conjunction with the Minto Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament and the 2018 Harriston Street Party.

Over the many years that the plant was operating it was the main employer in the town.

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BY PATRICK RAFTIS

Working the ice cream line at Canada Packers in 1947, from left: Audrey Carsell, Janice Hale, Lil Smith, Iona Gilbert and Fay Binkley. Inset: The original Canada Packers plant was a three-storey structure built in 1893 at the corner of Young and Margaret Streets in Harriston.

- DAVE MALLETT, CANADA PACKERS REUNION ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBER

Events kick off at Pike Lake Golf Centre on Aug. 9, with reunion attendees joining other participants in the annual

golf tournament, which benefits local nonprofit groups. Reunion events continue on Aug. 10 with a Kinsmen Beef Barbecue at the Harriston arena from 5:30 to 8pm. The dinner will be followed by a social time at the arena. Saturday’s events begin with a breakfast hosted by the Harriston Legion. In addition, the Harriston Historical Society is planning a display of Canada Packers memorabilia, Leslie Motors will be holding its annual car show, the Minto Youth Action Council is planning an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt and the Harriston Downtown Revitalization Committee is arranging for bouncy castles, face painting and other entertainment on Elora Street. Local merchants will once again get involved through sidewalk sales and other activities downtown. Mallett said any funds generated over and above promotional costs will be donated locally.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 13

Love of leather, ‘leap of faith’ led to establishment of Little King Goods

BY CHRIS DAPONTE

“so we were constantly outside inventing and playing games and building things.”

Leather is so raw and so earthy ... It’s full of character and it’s very unique ... it ages with you; you put your story on it ... - RYAN SAVIN OWNER/DESIGNER LITTLE KING GOODS

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MORRISTON - Ryan Savin speaks with conviction when he declares he was meant to work with leather. From his quaint workshop not far from the busy Highway 6 intersection in the village of Morriston, he talks passionately about his true vocation. “Leather is so raw and so earthy ... It’s full of character and it’s very unique,” he said. “It ages with you; you put your story on it in a sense ... It forms to you and it looks better as it ages.” Savin, the founder and owner of Little King Goods, proudly describes his work as “a legacy” and, though he started in the industry less than two years ago, he talks like a veteran of the craft. One wouldn’t peg him as a newcomer upon perusal of the wide variety of quality leather goods he produces, including belts, bags, wallets and more. In fact, after handling one of his creations, it’s hard to believe he stumbled upon the craft by chance. Now 34, Savin was born and raised in Scarborough. Looking back, he said he always liked to work with his hands. Growing up his family didn’t have a TV

He would find things that people had thrown away, such as old bikes and toys, and try to fix them or make them into

14 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

completely new inventions. “I guess I always had a love for design or redesigning old things into new things,” he said. He also vividly recalls helping his father with different renovation projects, though he suspects he wasn’t actually much “help” at all. “He was always there coaching and guiding me and encouraging me to do better,” Savin said of his father. After graduating high school, his dad wanted him to be an electrical engineer. “I didn’t want to do all that schooling,” he said with a smile. Instead, Savin decided to become an electrician and, shortly after graduating, started as an apprentice with a company that specialized in wiring for high rise buildings in Toronto. During the apprenticeship he tore the ACL and MCL in his knee and had to have reconstructive surgery. “After recovering from my surgery, I continued my apprenticeship but found it hard to work because my knee just wasn’t the same,” he recalled. So he started to look for other opportunities and, in 2003, he was accepted

PHOTOS: P. 14 SUBMITTED; P. 15 CHRIS DAPONTE

RYAN SAVIN OWNER/DESIGNER LITTLE KING GOODS

into the multimedia design program at Durham College in Oshawa. He loved the photography and videography components of the program and pursued both in a freelance capacity upon graduating from the three-year program. But work was sporadic, so to help make ends meet he also helped maintain swimming pools with the company that employed him during summers while attending college. After about three years, a friend pulled Savin aside to tell him he couldn’t work on pools forever. The discussion reaffirmed feelings Savin was already having and it

prompted him to make a change. He returned to complete his apprenticeship as an electrician and three years later he was fully licensed and working for the City of Toronto maintaining and building intersection traffic signals and street lights. Yet despite having a full-time, wellpaying job, something was missing. “I have more of an artistic mind,” he said. “Putting wires together was not fulfilling at all ... I really struggled with it.” As chance would have it, when he and his wife Ruth welcomed their son Joscha in September of 2015, Savin’s life would

change in more ways than one. He took a parental leave from work but in order to make the finances work, his young family had to move in with his parents in Morriston. While at home with Joscha, Savin, who continued to pursue photography, went online to search for a quality leather camera strap. Shocked at the prices, he instead bought a $100 leather kit from Amazon and decided to make his own. “From that one leather camera strap, I just fell in love with leather work,” he said. “The whole culture of leather works fascinated me; the way that it felt, the way

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 15

Everything made is touched by me and me alone. I’m the sole crafter - I do everything.

“

- RYAN SAVIN

that it smelt, the way that it aged.” He began to expand his leather work repertoire but it never crossed his mind his new hobby could become a fulltime gig. So in September of 2016 he begrudgingly returned to his job as an electrician. “I really did not like what I was doing,” he recalled, describing the manual labour as mind-numbingly dull. Four months later, Savin was laid off by the city. He jokes that his co-workers had never seen someone so happy to lose their job. “I walked out smiling,” he said. After a serious conversation with Ruth, he decided to try a combination of leather work and photography for a year and see what happened. “I kind of just took a leap of faith,” he said, stressing his firm belief that everything happened for a reason. So, in March 2017, he officially established Little King Goods. The name is based on the Irish origin of his given name, Ryan, which means “little king.” Starting from scratch, Savin taught himself the trade, solely through demonstrations on Instagram and YouTube. He quickly developed online relationships with other leather workers across North America, including a few he truly emulated and respected. “I’d stay up all night learning from them,” he said. “Because I had a passion for it, I got better fast ... and people started noticing my work.” Of course, his multimedia background

also came in handy when it came to the development of and photography for his website, www.littlekinggoods.com. “This business incorporated everything I wanted to do,” he said, also highlighting the branding and art aspects of his company. Within a year his Instagram account had over 12,000 followers and Savin was making a name for himself in what he calls “the leather community,” something he previously did not know existed.

“If you pursue what you are gifted at, who knows what can happen?” - RYAN SAVIN Despite limiting his company’s marketing to Facebook and Instagram, his online sales grew steadily over time. “Some of the makers I looked up to were asking me how to do things,” he said. Thus it was no surprise that when he and Ruth sat down in March of this year to discuss their little experiment, they agreed the first year went well enough to explore a second. In the first two months of 2018, Little King Goods’ sales nearly matched its total for all of 2017. “It’s growing a lot faster than I had ever thought it could,” he said.

16 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

He added he is very thankful for the friendships he has developed in the leather community, noting there are a lot of members in the U.S., particularly in leather-friendly Texas. In fact, in June Savin spent a week in the lone star state helping a fellow small business leather crafter fill a large “value added packaging” order for a distillery. With 90% of his clientele based in the U.S., Savin said he would like to now focus on the domestic market, particularly the Wellington County region, where, he noted, there are tons of hand crafters - not just those specializing in leather goods. “I just want to make the community aware that there are high quality hand crafters in the area that can exceed your expectations,” he told Business Leader. There’s no need to order online from companies based overseas, or to purchase such items from big box stores, he said, particularly when some of those companies have questionable working conditions and/or offer products of substandard quality. “I really wanted this brand to be true and honest,” he said of Little King Goods, noting he sources all of his materials in Canada and the U.S. (much of the leather comes from Horween Leather Co. in Chicago and Wickett & Craig of America in Pennsylvania). Savin really has no inventory to speak of; everything is made to order with customers able to choose the colour of leather and thread and other small details. “Everything made is touched by me

RYAN SAVIN WITH WIFE RUTH AND SON JOSCHA

PHOTOS: P. 16 SUBMITTED; P. 17 CHRIS DAPONTE

and me alone,” he stressed. “I’m the sole crafter - I do everything.” Once completed, items are shipped to customers via Canada Post. Savin acknowledged his products are not inexpensive, but he attributes that to his use of full grain leather - the highest quality grade available - and to quality craftsmanship and the amount of time poured into each piece. His wallets and other small leather goods, for example, are 100% hand stitched - “it will never come undone,” he said - and he hand stitches many parts of his other products. Eventually, Savin notes, he’d like to have employees so he can concentrate

more on the design side of the business. For now, he’ll keep doing what’s worked for him thus far, though there are some things he would like to accomplish in the shorter term. “I’d like to be more local,” he said, adding he’d like to sell goods at area markets. He’d also like to delve more into corporate gifting and special occasion gifting (groomsmen gifts, for example), with which he’s had some early success. “A high quality leather gift will last forever - it’s way better than an iPad,” he said. “You can keep it with you; it’s more of a personal gift.” What pleases him most, over and above

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the obvious pleasure of making a sale, is when someone goes out of their way to express their admiration or gratitude for something he’s made. “I really enjoy it when people are appreciative of my products,” he said. Savin is quick to acknowledge the support of his family, particularly his wife and parents, which has allowed him to pursue his passion. “Who knows where this is going to end up .... but not a lot of people are able to give their dream a shot,” he said. “I’m still on the journey right now. I’m just thankful I had the opportunity to do it ... If you pursue what you are gifted at, who knows what can happen?”

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BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 17

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18 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

2018 Elora and Fergus Destination Animation Project selects five experiences ELORA - There are five new ways to experience Centre Wellington this year. In 2017, Centre Wellington and Regional Tourism Organization Four (RTO4) first launched the Destination Animation Project to encourage Elora and Fergus businesses, organizations and tourism stakeholders to create new visitor experiences and activities. Projects must involve new or enhanced experiences - not capital or regular operational expenses. This year, the project approved $10,000 in matching dollars to five applications,

A partnership between the Elora BIA, Elora Brewing Company, the American Federation of Musicians, Elora and Fergus Tourism and associated festival and event partners. All will host GRASSLANDS ENHANCED starting this summer.

1 2

with a total overall partner contribution value of approximately $34,500. Proposals were submitted by a variety of festivals and events, tourism enterprises and local businesses. The selected projects align with Elora and Fergus’ destination DNA - heritage town charm, arts and culture, and naturebased assets - and go to great lengths to ensure not only will the events and experiences be highly shareable but are supported by a strategic marketing plan. The selected applications are listed here.

Debb Greer from The Bookery, Nathalie McNeil from The Red Door Restaurant and Tala Jenkins will host of the first annual FERGUS MEDIEVAL FAIRE. This new one-day downtown Fergus festival on July 28 will feature interactive and educational activities, medieval reenactments, an authentic-looking Viking encampment, Celtic music, falconry demonstrations, an open-air market and more. A medieval feast dinner will be followed by a guided ghost tour featuring the histories and mysteries of downtown Fergus. Tickets are available at The Bookery.

Sensational Elora in partnership with One Axe Pursuits will host a MONSTER RAPPEL PARADE on Oct. 20. This year the Monster March parade will start with a spectacle at One Axe Pursuits on Henderson Street with monsters rappelling out of the bell tower. The parade concludes at Bissell Park, on the banks of the Grand River, with treats and entertainment.

“FOLLOW THE FLOCK” is a media campaign designed to drive awareness to the Elora Centre for the Arts inaugural Black Sheep Festival of Contemporary Textile Art by highlighting the historic and natural beauty of Elora and Fergus. During June and the first week of July, a life-size flock of wooden sheep moved in and around Elora and Fergus with the two-fold purpose of promoting the festival and showcasing the natural setting and surrounding tourist attractions. People were encouraged to name the location of the flock. In other instances, people were encouraged to “spot” the flock themselves and post their own pictures using #followtheflock and #blacksheepelora. The flock will make its way back to the Elora Centre for the Arts for the duration of the festival on July 7 and 8.

Jackie Fraser from Fraberts Fresh Food in Fergus will host BRUNCH ON THE BRIDGE to celebrate the opening of an enhanced gateway to the Fergus downtown historic district over the Grand River and promote and increase public knowledge about sustainable and local food producers, farmers and growers. The harvest style farm to fork brunch will take place on the bridge over the Grand River prior to reopening.

Wellington County is a fantastic place to

live, work and play. This is true in large measure because of the commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses that choose to locate in Guelph/Eramosa and Wellington County. The goods, services and jobs that you provide are critical to our community’s well-being. I know operating a business in Ontario is both challenging and rewarding. I want to thank you for being here in our county. If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to contact me.

chriswhite1@cogeco.ca

Mayor, Chris White Guelph/Eramosa Township Wellington County Councillor 519 856 0450 BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 19

Chinese glass company sets sights on Guelph-Eramosa industrial land BY JAIME MYSLIK

FERGUS - A recently-made-available plot of industrial land in Guelph-Eramosa Township may soon be filled entirely by just one company. Xinyi Canada Glass Limited is proposing a two million square foot, $450-million float glass plant at 5081 Wellington Road 32, north of Wellington Road 124. While the plan to build the plant in Ontario was set in motion last fall with an announcement made by then premier Kathleen Wynne, the company’s relationship with Canada actually began 20 years ago. Xinyi was created in Hong Kong in 1988 and 10 years later the company established its first international sales and marketing office in Markham, Ontario. Shortly after an office was opened in Vancouver in 2000. These offices provide sales and marketing for Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. “The Canada and North America market is definitely a very important market for us,” said Xinyi Canada Glass president Tommy Wong.

“And when (we) decided to build our first North America glass plant it becomes natural for us to choose Ontario, so that we can build on over 20 years of operational experience and well-established customer network.” There are also no other float glass plants in Canada. Wong said the last one shut down in 2008. “Currently the Canadian glass industry needs to rely 100 per cent on imports,” Wong said. “So it makes a lot of business sense to open a plant in Canada. “It is also an honour for us to rebuild the glass industry in Canada.” Wong also said it is more cost effective to spend almost half a billion dollars on a new plant than to rely on importing glass from Xinyi’s current plants in China and Malaysia. “Customers in North America require quality float glass but in a large size of stock sheet ... for us to ship it from Asia, either from China or Malaysia, to Canada it requires an extra-height container that is very expensive and also limited in

20 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

availabilities,” Wong said, adding it can also take over a month for orders to be delivered. “A float glass factory in Canada will enable Xinyi to meet the needs of our customers by supplying quality products with reliable shipment and timely delivery,” he said. “With the physical presence of the manufacturing facility in Canada it will also help us to build stronger relationships with our customers here and expand our North America customer base.” The company creates float glass used for automobile glass, architectural glass and solar panels. In March, Wellington County director of economic development Jana Burns said about 70% of the product manufactured at the plant will be exported. “If we look even bigger than Wellington County, this is really going to shift the trade imbalance because 70% of their product is going to be exported,” she said. “So that improves our balance of trade - that really is one of the things we’re

PROPOSED XINYI CANADA GLASS LIMITED PLANT RENDERING IN GUELPHERAMOSA TOWNSHIP

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PHOTOS: TOP: SUBMITTED; P. 21 OLIVIA RUTT

Currently the Canadian glass industry needs to rely 100 per cent on imports. So it makes a lot of business sense to open a plant in Canada. It is also an honour for us to rebuild the glass industry in Canada.

TOMMY WONG, PRESIDENT OF XINYI CANADA GLASS LIMITED SHOWS A RENDERING OF THE PLANT PROPOSED FOR GUELPH-ERAMOSA

- TOMMY WONG, PRESIDENT OF XINYI CANADA GLASS LIMITED

lacking in Canada.” When Xinyi decided to expand to Canada and chose Ontario, Wong said the company worked with the Ontario Investment Office to find a suitable location. After looking at six or seven different sites, Xinyi decided GuelphEramosa was the best location for the

plant. “Some of the reasons include the size of the site is ideal for our operation, and it is close to a lot of post-secondary institutions and there’s a highly educated workforce,” he said. “We are close to our customer in Canada to better serve them and the site also has the rail line ... which

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 21

What we are interested in is seeing our township represent us, speak up for us and have a wellplanned, fully organized, fully developed, fully executable plan in a location that is suitable for a plant like this.

“

- SUSAN MCSHERRY, MEMBER OF GETCONCERNED

will allow us to minimize the use of trucks to bring in the raw material. “It also has a good access to the highway networks for shipment/delivery to our customers.” Yet, the company still required amendments to the township zoning bylaw and applied for an amendment in April asking Guelph-Eramosa Township to: - allow accessory dwelling units on the site: - permit a parking rate of one space per 900 square metres of manufacturing warehouse and 0.5 spaces per dwelling unit, rather than one space per 90 square metres for industrial use and one space per 200 square metres for warehouse use; - not require loading spaces; - increase the main building height from 15m (about four storeys) to 22.5m (about seven storeys); and - increase the maximum lot coverage from 40 to 50%. When it was first announced Xinyi was considering Guelph-Eramosa Township as a potential site, Mayor Chris White said the plant would be a “game changer.” “It’s almost like having an automotive company move in because it’s so large and has so many needs in terms of supplies and services,” he explained in March. “This plant will generate a whole pile of economic activity locally, which should help give a boost to not only the township and the county, but also Guelph.” Residents in the surrounding area have formed a group, GETConcerned, to relay concerns about the glass plant to Guelph-Eramosa Township. “We are not against industry. We are not against economic development. We are

22 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

not xenophobic,” said Susan McSherry, a member of GETconcerned, at a May 9 public meeting about the plant. “What we are interested in is seeing our township represent us, speak up for us and have a well-planned, fully organized, fully developed, fully executable plan in a location that is suitable for a plant like this.” One of the group’s major concerns is the company’s proposed water taking. Each day Xinyi will need to draw 1.6 million litres of water a day to cool the glass. According to engineering consultant Garth Cressman, about two thirds of the 1.6 million litres will evaporate and the rest will be reintroduced back into the groundwater system. But Xinyi developed a closed system to circulate water for this plant, something uniquely Canadian, Wong said. “At our factory, say in China, where we can sometimes get the water easily ... we would use ... an open system,” Wong explained. “So at the cooling process the water we used to cool down the glass coming out of the furnace [will] basically evaporate but here consider you are using the radiator in your car that takes the water being circulated within a closed system so that we can cut down the water usage.” After the water is used to cool down the glass what hasn’t evaporated will go through a cooling tower and will be put back into circulation to cool down another sheet of glass. Another challenge to opening the plant in Canada is a need to develop new hauling methods. While the raw materials will largely come into the plant by rail, the company will use trucks to take the

finished glass to customers because not all of them are on the rail line. “There’s a little bit of difference in how we can ship the glass in China than in Canada because of the height limit on the highway,” Wong said. Xinyi has been in talks with the University of Waterloo to put together a research and development project to come up with a proposal to solve the problem. “I think we are close to [coming] up with a solution for that,” said human resources and administration manager Cliff Li. “So ... I think the project will happen pretty quickly.” Wong explained the project could take a few years to develop. Xinyi is also working with local universities to develop scholarship and co-op programs. “We understand that when the co-op student wants to look for a job there’s a lot of choice,” Wong said. “We are in the competitive situation so we want to set up a scholarship program so they know what we do earlier. “When they pick their co-op program, we have a better chance to get some qualified candidates.” The idea is that those co-op students could then become part of a talent pool from which companies can draw to fill advanced manufacturing jobs. The new Xinyi plant will offer about 400 new highly-skilled, long-term manufacturing jobs. The majority, Wong said, will be management, engineering and technical jobs (200 will be engineering). However, about 50 of the jobs will initially be filled by employees who already work for Xinyi in China or Malaysia because there is a lack of

We want to be a part of this community and that means talking to and listening to ... the residents in Guelph-Eramosa as we go through this process. - TOMMY WONG

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PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS IN XINYI’S EXISTING PLANTS

knowledge on float glass plants in Canada. “I think in the very beginning we will have to just rely on some knowledge transfer from China because right now there’s no glass manufacturing here,” Li said. Within three years, Wong said he hopes the percentage of foreign workers decreases. “We have set a goal that we would like to have the technology transfer to the local talents within the three years after we operate,” he said. “We would like to reduce that even to less than 5%.” The plant is highly automated and mechanized so there is a centralized computer control system that requires engineering expertise. “They will require some mechanical engineering, technical maintenance, mineral engineering or ... robotic

engineering ... to support us for our operation here,” Wong said. The plant will also be the most efficient float glass manufacturing plant in North America, Wong said. The plan is to use heat recovery from the furnace for space heating and electricity generation. The plant will also install solar panels on the roof. “We’re talking about 15 to 20 megawatts of the PV panel system on our roof,” Wong said. “That would become one of the largest for Canada.” That energy would go directly back into running the plant. Wong said he understands residents are going to have questions about the operation. “We want to be a part of this community and that means talking to and listening to ... the residents in Guelph-Eramosa as we go through this process,” he said. “So I want to ensure that the plan will fully comply with the federal, provincial and municipal regulations and standards.” He also said the company is undertaking studies to determine the impacts the plant, including possible effects on water and air. As of publication, Guelph-Eramosa had not yet made a decision on the zoning bylaw and Xinyi was in the final stages of purchasing the land at 5081 Wellington Road 32. “We are very excited to bring Xinyi to Guelph-Eramosa and we believe we can bring a positive impact to the community and the businesses here,” Wong said. “I look forward to moving here with my family, being an active part of the community.”

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 23

chamber round-up

CHAMBER

Business Leader connects with Wellington County chambers

Is there any summer construction planned in your area this summer? How are businesses accommodating? Minto John Cox

Indeed, it is construction season and Minto is no exception. With the construction of the new roundabout in Teviotdale and the major construction project in Clifford, which includes upgrades to watermains, road section/drainage improvements and potentially the extension of sanitary sewer from James Street to the town limits, it is certain that businesses will be affected. The chamber and the town have partnered together to offer promotions, support and advertising for these businesses. Be sure to pick up your “We’re Diggin’ It Clifford” information guide and passport book today. Visit www.clifforddigginit.ca

Centre Wellington Kira Bailey

The St. David Street Bridge is the major project this year for the merchants of downtown Fergus. The work on Tom Street at Scotland Street was a temporary inconvenience as well. While these projects do disrupt our lives the work needs to be done and it is fortunate that the local government (with help from provincial and/or federal government) is working to improve infrastructure. Elora has/is undergoing a huge transformation with the Elora Mill – it should be amazing!

Arthur Tish Green

I don’t believe there is any construction planned for the immediate Arthur area.

How has the first half of the year gone for your members? Any surprises? Minto John Cox

As usual, businesses find January to March to be a slow difficult time but many of them make the most of this period by planning events and promotions for the coming months. So, after a long, cold winter, Minto businesses are thrilled for the return of nicer weather and more traffic, tourists and campers. The major surprise in our area was the second flood that Minto experienced on Feb. 20. This event on the heels of the June 23, 2017 flooding caused some issues for local residents and businesses. However, in the true spirit of community, people rallied together and minimized damages to property and helped their neighbours out.

Centre Wellington Kira Bailey

A few members I have spoken to indicated that they are pleased with sales this year so far. Some have had record high sales for a particular month and some mentioned sales were down, depending on the type of business, weather and disposable income of the consumer.

Arthur Tish Green

The first half of the year has been going well for Arthur area businesses, although the minimum wage increase has affected the number of part-time and summer jobs that local businesses are hiring for.

What is the economic outlook for the rest of the summer? Minto John Cox

With many of our downtown storefronts full of new and growing businesses, as well as several newly renovated commercial spaces reaching completion and becoming available, we are excited to see some healthy, steady growth in our three business communities.

Centre Wellington Kira Bailey

The one piece of equipment I don’t have is a crystal ball. I am hopeful that all of our businesses do well and continue to grow at a pace that is good for them.

Arthur Tish Green

The economic outlook is looking positive for the Arthur area businesses as the beautiful weather has a lot of people travelling through town, as well as some great flagship businesses that this town has.

24 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

What would you like to ask the chamber?

Township plans Made in Mapleton pop up shop BY PATRICK RAFTIS

Are any of your chamber members struggling to find employees? If so, why and what are they doing to recruit? Minto John Cox

This is a huge problem in our area; lots of employment opportunities and not enough people to fill these positions. In an effort to offer assistance to businesses in the area LaunchIt Minto and the Workforce Planning Board hosted a “Show me the Workers” event that brought Wellington County employment resources together to offer support to businesses struggling to find employees. In addition to this event, LaunchIt and the Minto Chamber also have an employment counsellor from 2nd Chance Employment Counselling available to meet with business owners to discuss ways they can attract employees, develop job descriptions, advertise job postings and much more. This service is free and is available by appointment on the third Thursday of each month.

Centre Wellington Kira Bailey

According to the Workforce Planning Board recent Employer One survey – in manufacturing within Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin 75% of respondents had hard to fill positions and 79% are looking to hire in 2018. Connect with your local employment agency or college counsellor to find out how to get involved in this sector.

Arthur Tish Green

I don’t believe businesses are struggling to find employees, as the minimum wage increase is causing businesses to hire less people. There seems to be more people looking for jobs than are available.

**If you have a question you would like to pose to local chambers of commerce and/or BIAs, email your suggestion to businessleader@ wellingtonadvertiser.com.

MAPLETON – The Township of Mapleton is getting set to go into business with local artisans, craftspeople and other producers of unique goods. Investigation and preparations for the establishment of a Made in Mapleton pop up shop were approved by council on May 22. Creation of the shop, which would sell locally-crafted items, baking, produce and other unique offerings on a consignment basis, was proposed in a staff report from economic development officer Trish Wake. “Made in Mapleton would stimulate economic growth, assist our rural businesses and instill a sense of pride within our community,” states Wake in her report. “A location that provides a onestop shop for the gifts, handmade items and other unique-toMapleton creations will generate a buzz of opportunity for our local residents.” Wake added the shop will stimulate job opportunities. The plan involves utilizing a vacant downtown storefront to sell locally-made items through a collaboration of the township, the Mapleton Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The report indicates a chamber of commerce employee would be paid to manage the store as a contract employee of the township. The chamber and township would jointly hire a summer student to operate the store. The township would operate as the bank and employer for the shop. Consignees would receive 70% of the sale price of their item, with the remaining 30% to go against township expenses. The report notes that with a seasonal population of more than 450 cottagers, an estimated 30,000 theater-goers in Drayton annually and a local population of 10,000, “We just have to provide a reason to stop.” The store would operate about 45 hours per week, Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm, through the summer months.

Wake explained the concept of the shop is a temporary set up designed to cover costs and be reviewed to ensure viability. The township would front expenses estimated at about $11,000 in the first month, with break even revenue projected to be about $36,000. “We are not guaranteed that as soon as it opens. But what we are guaranteed is a ripple effect of economic growth,” the report states. “We would be assisting businesses in our area get their name out there, give people a reason to travel to Mapleton.” Funds would be drawn from an existing economic development reserve fund “on a temporary basis as to not affect the annual budget.” “I’m really curious to see how an initiative like this takes off. It certainly could be quite successful,” said councillor Michael Martin. However, he noted using funding from the economic development reserves could mean funds would not be available, or would need to be replenished for future projects. Wake pointed out an application is planned to Wellington County’s business expansion and retention program and funds may eventually come from that source. If approved, Wake said, those funds “would probably cover at least our initial set-up.” “I just think it’s an excellent idea,” said councillor Marlene Ottens. “There’s so many local people who have crafts and things they create but nobody wants to have a full-time store of their own. This is a perfect way to put it all together.” Council authorized the economic development officer to undertake further investigation and authorized the signing of consignment agreements on behalf of the township. Council also authorized the necessary transfer from reserves and directed the CAO to execute any necessary agreements, including rental of space for the store.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 25

AWARDS & ACCOLADES Capital Paving’s Wellington Pit and Holman Pit receive achievement awards “We thank our employees for dedicating and volunteering their time to be actively involved in this capacity.”

George Lourenco of Capital Paving and Bill Marquardt, chair of the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association with the 2017 Community Relations Award.

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Wellington Pit and Holman Pit, both operated by Capital Paving Inc., recently received awards from the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) at the annual conference and general meeting. WELLINGTON PIT Wellington Pit, in Puslinch, received the 2017 Community Relations Award from the OSSGA. A press release issued by the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association states, “From a traffic safety program to neighbour feedback programs, Wellington Pit strives to be a positive member of its community.” In 2017, Capital Paving became a major sponsor of the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch, committing to donating materials, equipment, transportation and labour for its renovation.

Wellington Pit employees volunteer in local school initiatives, food drives and fundraisers, including the Canadian Cancer Society’s Hope and the City event in Guelph. Wellington Pit builds industry awareness through site tours, a newly designed website and newsletter, an active social media presence, and by supporting the Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advance Learning’s heavy equipment operator program. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in promoting good neighbour relations, community involvement, education and industry awareness. “Capital Paving has a proud history of being involved in many different community focused initiatives and to continually give back to the communities we operate in,” said George Lourenco, Capital Paving’s resources manager.

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HOLMAN PIT Holman Pit, in Guelph-Eramosa, received the 2017 Progressive Rehabilitation Award and an honourable mention from the OSSGA. Final rehabilitation on Holman Pit took place between November 2016 and June 2017 to return the site to agricultural use. Eight tri-axle loads of stones were removed from the site, side slopes were built to greater than 4:1, topography was made more uniform and deep ripping was conducted on the pit floor to make the land more accessible to farm equipment and amenable to crops. The rehabilitation took place over eight hectares and required 26,000 cubic metres of topsoil spread to an average thickness of 350 millimetres. The award recognizes ongoing efforts of individual operators in progressively rehabilitating their sites in accordance with their site plans. “Capital has long recognized the importance of proper rehabilitation to a successful and productive after-use once extraction is completed,” Lourenco said. “Whenever possible, we strive to go above and beyond industry best practices. We are very proud as an organization to be recognized for our efforts in this regard.” OSSGA INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARDS PROGRAM The OSSGA Industry Recognition Awards Program recognizes a wide range of activities that contribute to the aggregate industry as a whole. A key goal is to raise the bar in the industry by highlighting operations that go above and beyond what is required by legislation. “We encourage our members to be sound stewards of the lands on which they operate, and to be engaged and valued members of their community,” said OSSGA executive director Norm Cheesman.

“All of the award winners this year have met and exceeded those expectations.” ABOUT OSSGA The Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association is a non-profit industry association representing over 280 sand, gravel and crushed stone producers and suppliers of valuable industry products and services.

Its members produce a large majority of the approximately 164 million tonnes of aggregate consumed annually on average in the province to build and maintain Ontario’s infrastructure needs. OSSGA works in partnership with government and the public to promote a safe and competitive aggregate industry contributing to the creation of strong communities in the province.

CENTRE WELLINGTON - Ken Thompson and his business, Elora Raft Rides, were chosen again as a 2018 Luxury Travel Guide Award winner. Thompson has the distinction of being the Water Sports Company of the Year in the category of the Americas for a second year running. Thompson wants to extend his gratitude to all who have supported Elora Raft Rides.

PHOTOS: P. 26 SUBMITTED; P. 27 PATRICK RAFTIS

McDonald Chiropractic win’s PitchIt! competition MINTO - McDonald Chiropractic is the 2018 winner of the Minto PitchIt competition. In 2012, the Town of Minto initiated the PitchIt business plan competition in an effort to grow small businesses in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available. Now in its seventh year, the competition is geared towards entrepreneurs that wish to open, purchase, expand or re-locate an existing business within the Town of Minto. This year seven entries were received and four finalists submitted full business plans and made presentations to judges in late May. “Once again we were very impressed with the entries and the mix of new and expanding businesses,” said Minto business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham. The four finalists were: The Daily Grind, Matt Benson Construction, Family Home Health Care and McDonald Chiropractic. “The PitchIt competition grows each year. Not necessarily in the quantity of entrants but in quality,” said Rob Mattice, general manager of 88.7 The River, one of the competition judges. “This year each entrepreneur provided excellent written business plans and each had their own style when delivering the presentation to the judges. All the applicants clearly knew their business (or potential business) and had the confidence needed to succeed whether they win PitchIt or not. While all were very good presentations, we can only pick one. The winner this year was clear and concise in their delivery, knew their market and had done their research. I congratulate all the participants for their work on these plans. Well done.” NEW BUSINESS Winning entry McDonald Chiropractic is owned by Dr. Shawn McDonald and is a new start-up business that will begin operations later this summer out of the Harriston Lions Medical Clinic. A press release from the town states the

Luxury Guide Award winner second year running

Man with a plan - Minto Mayor George Bridge, right, presented 2018 PItchIt business plan competition winner Shawn McDonald with a certificate recognizing the accomplishment at the June 5 council meeting.

business will be providing a wide range of services including: chiropractic care, functional acupuncture, laser therapy, custom orthotics, custom rehabilitation programs, a multitude of soft tissue treatments, genetic nutritional testing and counselling, dietetic consultation and massage therapy. “I would like to thank everyone from the Town of Minto, the PitchIt committee and the sponsors for everything they have done in order to make this an amazing opportunity for local businesses,” said McDonald. “I am thrilled to have been a finalist in such a great group, but winning provides me with the resources to start my business on the right foot. “My wife and I are excited to take the next step, return to our roots and live and work in Minto.” Thanks to the support of community sponsors, all finalists will receive prizes and the winner will take home over $12,500 in cash and prizes, including $3,000 in start up capital courtesy of the Town of Minto, Minto Chamber of Commerce, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and Minto Mayor George Bridge.

NEW ADVENTURE BASED BUSINESS New to Centre Wellington is C.K. Maggs Adventures, providing a new and innovative way to explore adventure in Wellington County. The owners of C.K. Maggs Adventures believe Ontario is meant to be enjoyed, which is why they offer adventure vacations for all skill levels. The company provides a chance to learn to kayak, bike, climb and explore the surrounding countryside while being taken care of with comfortable accommodations and delicious local food. For more information call 226-979-4776 or visit www.ckmaggsadventures.com.

Correction

Warden Howes was misidentified in the above photo on page 29 of the Spring 2018 edition of Business Leader. The correct cutline is reproduced below. Business Leader regrets the error. Warden Howes of Howes and Reeves International Rambler dealer, left, presented the keys to a new Groves Memorial Community Hospital ambulance to Art Jones, chairman of the property committee of Groves Memorial Community Hospital on July 15, 1968. In the cab is ambulance supervisor Brent Goodwin and to the right of Jones, from left, are administrator J.F. Mills, chairman of the hospital board Harry Munn and director of nurses E. Hoag.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 27

Minto chamber hosts awards evening HARRISTON - The Minto Chamber of Commerce held its 9th annual Community Achievement Awards dinner at the Harriston Legion on April 26. Over 30 nominations were submitted for various awards and nearly 100 people attended the event. “It was a great night to celebrate Minto,” chamber officials state. Award recipients included: - Minto Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award - Randy Ruetz; - Wightman Young/New Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Northern Flora; - Town of Minto Business of the Year Under 10 Employees Award - The Old Post; - McLaughlin Financial Business of the Year Over 10 Employees Award - Palmerston Dental; - OSiM Interactive Community Involvement Award - Palmerston Foodland; - Saugeen Economic Development Corporation Exceptional Customer Service Award - OSiM Interactive; and - Minto Youth Action Council Outstanding Young Citizen Award - two awards to Caitlyn Aasman and Charlotte Hale. Community Achievement Committee Special Recognition Awards went to: - Crossroads Life Church Harriston for hosting the annual community Canada Day celebration; - the Clifford Homecoming volunteers and committee; - U14 Canadian Boys Fastpitch Championship organizers; - Brenmar Transit Inc.; and - Great Lakes Clifford Truck Show. Business anniversaries recognized at the awards evening included: - 10 years, Harry Stones Social House; - 30 years, Dr. William van Sickle Family Dentistry; - 35 years, Harco Ag Equipment; - 50 years, D’Arcey Construction Ltd.; and - 110 years, Wightman Telecom.

For the full list of CW Award of Excellence winners and photos, see our flipbook album online ....

The Minto Chamber of Commerce hosted its 9th annual Community Achievement Awards dinner at the Harriston Legion on April 26. From left: front, Bill Smith, Gerald D’Arcey, Randy Ruetz, Glen Hall and Jerrica Li; back: Wayne Martin, Caitlyn Aasman, Charlotte Hale, Annette Malott, Trish Ruetz, Sue Hendricks, Michael Hendricks, Tony Tsotros, Ron McTaggart and Heather McTaggart.

Four individuals and businesses were recognized at the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards Gala on May 4 at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex. From left, Michelle Bauman of Growing Abilities received the Arny Feairs Customer Service Award, sponsored by the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce; Daphne Rappard Armstrong was named Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Yardistry; Olivia Wenger was named Youth Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Wellington North Youth Action Council and Mike Metzger of Broadline Rentals received the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by the Township of Wellington North. The President’s Award was given to Jackie Fraser, right, of Fraberts Fresh Foods in Fergus by past chamber president Kira Bailey at the Centre Wellington chamber’s Awards of Excellence on May 15.

THE

President’s Award CENTRE WELLINGTON

wellingtonadvertiser.com/business

28 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

Awards

of Excellence

Advertorial

Start Planning Now for 2018 Taxes By now most of us have now filed our 2017 tax returns and are just getting over how much we had to pay in taxes. Unfortunately, the problem with taxes is that by the time they are due, it’s usually too late to make any significant changes or find opportunities for savings. According to the professionals at Collins Barrow, if you feel you paid too much in tax for 2017, now is the time to start planning for 2018 to ensure it does not happen again. A few things to consider would be:

PHOTOS: TOP: SUBMITTED; MIDDLE: JAIME MYSLIK; BOTTOM: BILL LONGSHAW

Take a look at how your debt is structured. Any interest you pay on a car loan or other personal loan must be paid with after tax dollars, but interest paid on a loan taken out for investment or business purposes can be completely tax deductible, it may be possible to rearrange your holdings to make interest tax deductible

Make maximum use of registered retirement savings plans. If you and your spouse have unused RRSP contribution room take a look at who should be making the contribution to maximize tax savings. The higher marginal tax rate spouse should make all contributions unless they have no more contribution room. If you are also trying to save for the children’s education through an RESP consider an extra RRSP contribution instead with the increased tax savings going into the RESP

03 04 05

Income splitting, consider if there is any way income can be shifted between you and your spouse or other family members to maximize use of lower tax brackets (the top tax bracket in Ontario is now well over 50%)

If you have any non-registered investment income and also unused TaxFree Savings Account (TFSA) room then an extra TFSA contribution is an easy way to save future taxes

A few steps taken now could make next year’s tax filing more enjoyable. For more ideas on how you can keep your 2018 taxes as low as possible, please contact Collins Barrow in Elora at (519) 846-5315 or in Guelph at (519) 822-7670.

Guelph Wellington Dufferin 0342 Gerrie Road, Elora

519.846.5315

100 Gordon St., Guelph

519.822.7670

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 29

‘Show me the Workers’ comes to Minto BY JAIME MYSLIK HARRISTON - Wellington County has an unemployment rate of five per cent. While great for the population, for employers it means a limited pool of candidates to pull from when filling job vacancies. “The federal government considers 5% perfect employment and we’ve been hovering 4.5 to 5%, so we’re better than perfect,” said Mark Granger, a Wellington County employment specialist at a resource fair called Show Me the Workers. “What that means is we’re not so perfect because you can’t fill those jobs.” The Workforce Planning Board and LaunchIt Minto offered the resource fair this spring in Harriston to illustrate to employers different ways to find candidates to fill job vacancies.

From left: Tom Lusis of the County of Wellington’s talent attraction and economic development department, Faith Loft of 2nd Chance Employment Counselling Inc., Mark Granger of the County of Wellington’s employment coordination committee, Kelly Schaefer of the Career Education Council and Carol Simpson of the Workforce Planning Board Guelph Wellington. it, but are you willing to step up and help them?”

Lots of your tax dollars are being spent on people going around promoting Canada as a really good destination for workers.

“

MARK GRANGER One challenge is that the 5% of the population who are unemployed likely have barriers to employment, Granger explained. They may not have a resume or not know how to write a resume. They may also have life circumstances that are preventing them from accessing work, training or education. His job, he said, is to help employers overcome their concerns about new hires. Not everyone is in a position to seek out new training or go back to school, so one of Granger’s questions is whether employers are willing to train candidates. “Most of you would probably agree you’re here to hire a person,” he said. “None of us really hire a resume, a piece of paper. “You’ll see that resume, and then you want to see the person so you’re trying to make that best fit.” He said the key is to find a candidate who will fit within the business. “Most of you will train your people whether you believe it or not ... you’ll be training over time because if they do something wrong you’re going to jump in and say ‘you did it wrong, and here’s how you have to do it,’” he said. “So maybe we should have done it up front.” Granger continued that with the limited job pool, if employers turn down a candidate it likely means they’ll end up doing that job themselves for a period of time, which does not help them grow their business. “We’re ... asking you to sort of let your guard down a little bit and don’t just look at that resume and analyze it for what you think matches the job description of what you’re looking for,” he said. “They have to have certain qualifications, no doubt about

- TOM LUSIS, WELLINGTON COUNTY TALENT ATTRACTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

FAITH LOFT Faith Loft from 2nd Chance Employment Counselling Inc. agreed. “Sometimes employers can benefit from looking beyond potential candidates’

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current skill sets and abilities and give people a chance that they normally wouldn’t look at,” she said. “We see people that ... don’t present well in interviews but once hired turn out to be long-lasting and reliable employees. “Sometimes they’re nervous or they’re just not good with interview skills or even poor eye contact can prevent them from getting a job.” TOM LUSIS Another option for filling the labour gap is to look at the immigrant population and international students. Tom Lusis from the Wellington County economic development department, said many employers of small- and mediumsized businesses overlook immigrants as a potential source of workers. “Canada has actually been recruiting immigrants and workers for a very, very long time,” he said. “That’s still going on today. “Lots of your tax dollars are being spent on people going around promoting Canada as a really good destination for workers.” Lusis said there are numerous immigration programs for various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, skilled trades, professionals and labourers. Some programs are permanent and some are temporary.

“In terms of the time frame, this is a little bit intimidating for employers because immigration programs, they’re not a quick and easy fix and typically the time frames are going to be between three and six months because ... there’s processes that you have to go through,” he said. Employers are expected to pay an application fee and provide housing and transportation for temporary foreign workers, but Lusis said there are no costs associated with the permanent program. However, employers do have to go through a labour market assessment to prove to the Canadian government that they looked locally for a candidate.

Our main function is to keep track of what’s happening in the local labour market from a supply and demand perspective so that we can understand what employer’s needs are from a worker perspective, from a skilled perspective.

“

PHOTO: JAIME MYSLIK

CAROL SIMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WORKFORCE PLANNING BOARD GUELPH WELLINGTON

He advises employers recruiting international candidates that it’s not their responsibility to help the employee settle into the community. “I think sometimes when employers are thinking about immigration it gets a little bit intimidating to think ‘okay I’m going to bring somebody from the other side of the world and I’m going to be on the hook to help them integrate,’” he said, adding county settlement workers and other agencies can help welcome the newcomer. Talking to county settlement workers can also provide employers access to permanent residents who may not understand the labour market and may not even know the job is available. An example is international students. “Employers are often hesitant to hire international students because they think

that ... they’re going to go back to their home countries but the reality is that ... I would say the vast, vast, vast majority of students are looking to settle in Canada,” Lusis said. “Giving them a job is ... the first step of integration and frankly, having worked with international students, there’s a productive energy and a drive that is ... really worth thinking about. “They bring an energy and a vibrancy that, as an employer, if I had a business I would hire international students because ... they’re risk takers.” Lusis said they can’t fall back on their parents because their families did so much to get them to Canada. “They’re looking to succeed and those are the types of workers, at least if I owned a business, I’d be looking to have them,” he said. Lusis also recommended businesses have websites stating their current employment opportunities. “If you have ... a website you should have a career page on there where ... if someone was interested in learning more about working for you, what does that career page say? What are your workplace values? What’s important to this workplace? What are any worker perks?” He also suggested employers use social media as a recruitment tool. CAROL SIMPSON Carol Simpson, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board Guelph Wellington, explained her organization. “Our main function is to keep track of what’s happening in the local labour market from a supply and demand perspective so that we can understand what employers’ needs are from a worker perspective, from a skilled perspective,” she said. “And then we can share that information with educators, trainers, colleges, universities, etcetera to try and make sure that we can match that supply and demand.” She also encouraged employers to complete an Employer One survey in January to highlight their individual concerns and challenges KELLY SCHAEFER Career Education Council executive director Kelly Schaefer spoke about initiatives to expose students to different career paths and connect them with potential employers at a young age to help shape their education. In total there were 17 organizations represented at the Show Me the Workers event. Attendees had time to walk around before and after the panel discussion to talk about their own individual circumstances.

Local jeweller writing instruction book on unique casting process FERGUS - Artist and jeweller Tony DeLuca is sharing his expertise in an upcoming book on cuttlefish or cuttlebone casting. The book will highlight techniques and skills involved with the artform, which DeLuca has been practising for years, making striking and unique jewelery pieces. Cuttlefish casting uses moulds carved from cuttlefish bones, to cast pieces of jewellery with a unique wood grain texture. Jewelery books and courses offer little information on the process, beyond an introduction, and DeLuca hopes to remedy that with an instruction manual specifically on cuttlefish casting. Tentatively titled Cuttlebone Casting with Confidence, the book “will teach you everything you need to know to be good at the technique,” he said. Using descriptions, drawings and step-by-step photographs, the book will go through the entire process of creating a piece from initial drawings to the finished product. He believes it will be the first book devoted entirely to cuttlebone casting, and is targeting it at students, professionals who want to learn more about the technique and those interesting in trying it out. “Even for those who already know how, I can almost guarantee this book will make your casting better,” he said. A jeweller and goldsmith for over 20 years, DeLuca now operates About Face Jewellery, a studio space in Fergus where he designs and creates pieces for a variety of shows and a collection of clients. Focusing on platinum, silver and gold, with precious and semi-precious stones, he has become a specialist in the use of cuttlebone casting, braiding and fabrication using traditional goldsmithing techniques as well as modern techniques. Now teaching jewelry at Georgian College, he also offers various courses through the Fergus studio, including cuttlebone casting. The book is being funded by a Kickstarter campaign that ran in April and May.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 31

Local man turns health crisis into agricultural success story BY JAIME MYSLIK

ROCKWOOD – Sometimes the best answer to a conflict is to figure it out for yourself. That’s exactly what Jamie Draves did during his journey to develop Quinta Quinoa. It didn’t happen easily and there were twists and turns along the way. Now the Georgetown resident has a Canadian-grown quinoa business with a product that has almost twice the amount of protein as standard quinoa, plus twice the fibre and four times the iron, calcium and zinc. Draves’ journey began over 10 years ago when he was diagnosed with idiopathic pancreatitis, which has no known cure, cause or treatment. He said it was painful and he couldn’t eat without feeling nauseous, fatigued and ill. It took about one year, and the removal of a third of his pancreas, for his medical team to say there was nothing they could do to help him, Draves said. “I had two young boys at the time, I was not ready to leave this world quite yet,” he said. That’s when quinoa changed his life. Draves was working in the pharmaceutical industry and assembled a team of health professionals to help develop a plan. “We together built a health plan that focused on an extremely restricted diet,” Draves explained.

“And quinoa was the staple in that diet and once I started eating quinoa that’s the point at which I stopped losing weight and that was the beginning of my pathway for an improved health. “I’m 10 years on that plan. I still have five pounds to gain to get back to my original weight but I will get there this year.”

“So the concept then was born ... to produce the super of the superfoods here in Ontario and then develop products and byproducts from those plants.” - JAMIE DRAVES, PRESIDENT OF QUINTA QUINOA

The experience triggered Draves’ desire work with quinoa. What began as a mission to produce quinoa salad and other recipes that aided in his recovery turned into the development of a quinoa seed that could be grown in Ontario.

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JAMIE DRAVES When he was producing products with imported quinoa Draves said the quality was inconsistent and he was dependent on suppliers who were going out of businesses themselves. “At that point ... I kind of looked at it and thought how long this was going take, how difficult a journey this was going to be to do this,” he said. “So I pivoted and decided to focus on quinoa itself, realizing it was ... the most complete protein in the plant kingdom; it had high fibre, had complete protein, a high protein, and it was pretty good in minerals. “So the concept then was born ... to produce the super of the superfoods here in Ontario and then develop products and byproducts from those plants.” That decision was made in 2011. Draves and his company Quinta Quinoa then conducted trials with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to see if quinoa could be

PHOTOS: SUBMITTED PHOTOS

grown in Ontario. “I wouldn’t say it was a success but it was enough for me to continue to move forward and since then I’ve been working on the breeding, the production, working with farmers on how to get a business model that makes it commercially viable,” Draves said. “We did achieve the higher protein, which is what we were seeking.” He said the company now has 12 to 15 farmers throughout Canada growing Quinta Quinoa’s seed and all the product is processed in a facility in Rockwood. The idea was that soils are better in Ontario and there are better agronomic practices, so superfoods should be successful. Draves’ quinoa has almost twice the protein as standard quinoa, as well as twice the fibre and four times the iron, calcium and zinc. Quinta Quinoa also has more iron than liver and more calcium than cow’s milk. “If you look at those six components and you compare them against all other animal and vegan wholefoods, we end up number one in some categories, top five in most, top 10 in another category, which when you put them all together ... we’re the most nutritious whole food you can buy,” Draves said. He added there is a lot of interest among farmers to grow the seed. “We look for specific situations, and conditions where it’s set up for success,” Draves said. “So we have learned over many years how to set up that relationship so it’s successful.” As far as Draves knows, his is the only company growing quinoa in Ontario. “I contract out to farmers who partner with us and I work with them so they take our seeds, or we have a contract with them, we use our seeds, they grow it and then we buy it back from them,” he explained. “We grow it from northern Ontario all the way down to southwestern Ontario and we’ve now expanded into Alberta and this year we’re expanding into Saskatchewan and Quebec.” During this country-wide expansion Draves said it is likely he’ll create new varieties for the different growing conditions and locations. “We continue to not only develop different seeds but continue to develop

seeds that in the future we believe will have even higher protein and higher minerals,” he said. Part of the Quinta Quinoa seed development was creating a variety with consistent quality. “Every year our yield goes up and ... because of the different environmental conditions your quality becomes variable but overall it continues to always meet the standards of what people want,” Draves said. “And actually we get a lot of people that comment that the flavour of our quinoa is slightly nutty and they prefer that over other quinoa. “So we’re in a great position where the organoleptic properties - meaning the taste, texture, cooking - are actually considered to be better than in other parts of the market and our nutritional profile blows them away.”

“We’re in a great position where the organoleptic properties - meaning the taste, texture, cooking - are actually considered to be better than in other parts of the market and our nutritional profile blows them away.” - JAMIE DRAVES Draves also explained that due to the nature of the business, the company is continuously developing and expanding at the Rockwood facility. “It’s a changing, growing, evolving two steps forward one step back type of process,” he said. “So a lot of trial and error.” The company builds equipment in order to expand the business, but then it must push through the sales, dynamics and volumes until more equipment and farmers are required. “You take incredible risks all the time and you’re always future hedge-risking on everything you do as you scale up in this type of industry,” Draves said. “You

can’t sell what you don’t have and you can’t have what you don’t sell. “So you’re always risk-hedging forward and it’s a crop, so there’s still that variability of what you get back in that crop.” The quinoa is sold online at amazon. ca as well as at local retailers including: Harrington Lane Farms in Puslinch, Goodfellows Field to Fork in Rockwood, Dar’s Country Market in Elora, The Sustainable Market – Guelph Kortright Presbyterian Church in Guelph, MacMillan’s in Guelph, Metro in Guelph and Landman Gardens in Grand Valley. For a full list of retailers selling the quinoa visit quinta.ca. In the future Draves said the company will continue expanding across Canaada and replicating the quinoa model with other superfoods. “I want to be able to produce things to help others with their illness or their health, that provision and ... now I’m helping individuals and that group’s starting to grow, but you know there’s almost an onus on me right now to just continue to do that and see ... how many people we can help with this,” Draves said. “Because I continually research health ... and all those dynamics and there’s so much more we can do and to me that becomes a burden of things that I need to do. “So that will just continue to happen until ... hopefully I get to a point where I’m at a point of satisfaction and there isn’t that burden continued to try to create, innovate and provide.” Having started from the bottom and built his business, Draves has some advice for new entrepreneurs. “You’re going to fail a million times over,” he said. “The best you can do is continually assess your risk/rewards to minimize your losses through those failures because they’re necessary and it’s necessary for you to go down so that you have the experience and knowledge when you get to a point where the resources, the product and the timing is right to be successful. “Then you’ll have all of that background and skills and experience and expertise to make it happen and to me I think that’s what entrepreneurism is.”

QUIINOA FIELDS

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 33

CHEQUES

+ Balances Cheque presentations, draw winners and donations around the county.

Minto Mayor George Bridge was among the celebrity workers who pitched in for Camp Day at Tim Hortons in Palmerston on June 6. From left: employee Tammy kuper, Bridge and owner/operators Robbie Delaurier and Tracey Crumb.

Dr. Raj Khanuja, right, and staff at Castlemore Dental offered free dental appointments in March to people in the Fergus area who have difficulty affording dental care. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;doing positive in my backyardâ&#x20AC;? day offered $6,500 worth of free dentistry to the community. After a patient was checked in, they were offered a bottle of water and a gift bag. The patient was also offered a choice of beverage while they waited for their appointment. After the appointment the patient was offered a carnation. Also during the event the dental clinic raffled off a Samsung tablet which raised $530 for the Guelph Humane Society.

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Fergus Printing and Keltech Signs combined efforts to produce a Humboldt Broncos sticker to honour and raise funds for the tragic crash in Saskatchewan that killed 16 people aboard the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team bus. Their efforts ballooned, incorporating other businesses and multiple reprints of the stickers. The final figure of funds raised was $8,665.

TD Erin staff, along with foster dog guide Sherman presented a $150 donation and raffle basket for the May 27 Erin Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. Sherman headed to the Oakville training centre on May 23 and was not able to participate in the walk this year. He will be working with a trainer and matched, at no cost, to a Canadian with a medical or physical disability. The $25,000 to raise and train each guide dog is raised through Lions Foundations of Canada with no government assistance.

Do you support a local charity? Send your cheque presentation photos to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com to include in the next edition of Business Leader.

Protecting Your Network is Never About Just ONE Thing. But we have Antivirus

Antivirus is one layer of defense against malware. No anti malware solution is 100% though and hackers design viruses to bypass popular Antivirus programs. It doesn’t stop everything so adding more layers increases your protection.

But we have Backups

Backups are an essential form of data protection. No question. But they only offer protection after your data has been lost. Many malwares such as ransomware are designed to attack your backups as well as your main systems making your backups unavailable in case of an infection.

But we have a Router

A network Router offers a basic level of network intrusion protection. It allows data through to your network on specific ports and blocks others. Hackers know the common ports and can use them to penetrate your network. It’s better than nothing but not all you may need.

What can we DO?

Having all the above in place can still leave your business systems vulnerable to intrusion, data theft or loss. Below are some suggestions to get you started tightening up your network’s security.

PHOTOS: P. 34 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PATRICK RAFTIS, HELEN MICHEL, SUBMITTED (x2); P. 35 SUBMITTED

Peter Mohr, right, of Shoetopia, was handing out community cheques recently. From left: Bruce Hawkins, Joan Hawkins and Barbara Murray received $286 for Curl for the Cause, for a total of contribution of $756 in the last two years.

Stay up to date Keeping your Antivirus, backups and router up to date can be the difference between effective protection and a waste of money. Out of date AV cannot protect you against recent malwares. If your router’s firmware isn’t updated it can contain security vulnerabilities which hackers use to intrude on your network. Change default passwords Routers, Antivirus and Backups can all be protected with passwords to help keep out intruders. For example, the default login on most routers is a username of “admin” and a password of “admin”. If this hasn’t been changed, your router can be an open book to a hacker. Upgrade your router As mentioned above, routers provide a basic level of network protection against intrusion from the Internet. Also mentioned is that hackers know many ways to bypass standard routers. If you want to get serious about protecting your business network, investigate a UTM (Unified Threat Management) Appliance. Offering advanced data scanning and protection to strengthen your network perimeter. Get a Cyber Security Audit Have PlanetCPU complete a free audit of your security situation. We will have a look at all of the above and more to complete a full, professional audit of your security and data protection situation. We’ll let you know what can be improved and offer recommendations of how to make them better. Please give us a call and lets us help you to protect your systems, your data and your business.

Officials say there was a great turnout on June 16 as The Fry & Ice Cream Shack (at 950 St. David St. N) in Fergus and The GoWylde Team with Re/Max hosted a free ice cream event for the community that also included face painting and prizes. “Over 500 people came through and the weather couldn’t have been better,” officials say.

350 Tower Street South, Fergus, ON N1M 2P6 519.843.1234 | info@planetcpu.com www.planetcpu.com BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 35

GRAND OPENINGS Guelph software companies open collaborative office near U of G SpeakFeel Corporation and Sandbox Software Solutions have opened a joint office in Guelph. Front, from left, Sandbox co-founders Devin Gauthier and Mark George, and SpeakFeel president and founder Kelly Brooks.

We are excited to hear about the collaborative relationship emerging between SpeakFeel and Sandbox ... this type of forward-thinking space sharing is key to the development of the ICT sector.

“

GUELPH - SpeakFeel Corporation and Sandbox Software Solutions, two local software development firms, have opened a new joint office on Gordon Street, just a five-minute walk from the University of Guelph. The shared space aims to benefit both companies by distributing resources and boosting collaboration, leading to increased morale among development teams and greater opportunities for effective problem solving. On the surface it may seem like the two software organizations are competing, but Sandbox co-founder Devin Gauthier asserts the office dynamic is purely innovative. “Many companies don’t take the time to get to know who their perceived competitors are,” he said. “Despite operating in the same industry, there are very few projects that SpeakFeel and Sandbox would actually compete on, and many other organizations could strongly benefit from being open to this type of collaboration.” Kelly Brooks, president and founder of SpeakFeel, said, “ICT (information and communication technology) firms in Guelph share many of the same challenges. We’re in a regionally-based competitive space for skilled employees and have a unique set of operational and service processes. Co-sharing a location serves as an ideal approach to addressing these

- ANNE TONER FUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION GUELPH

issues. We can bounce ideas and solutions off each other. We don’t have to do it alone.” Community members are also expressing excitement at the partnership. “We are excited to hear about the collaborative relationship emerging between SpeakFeel and Sandbox ... this

36 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

type of forward-thinking space sharing is key to the development of the ICT sector– which has become an integral part of every other sector interested in innovating and staying competitive,” said Anne Toner Fung, Innovation Guelph executive director. For years, SpeakFeel and Sandbox have been developing projects for clients in and beyond the GTA, bringing millions of dollars to the Wellington County region. Moving forward, both companies say they are positive that their co-working setup will greatly benefit the Guelph community by allowing them to grow their complimentary services while strengthening current ties with Innovation Guelph, Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and the School of Computer Science at the University of Guelph. Sandbox already works heavily with the university, regularly accepting co-op students and offering a $1,000 scholarship to the woman-identified computer science student with the highest average. SpeakFeel also continuously supports the community; like Sandbox, it hires co-op students and maintains close ties with downtown businesses and organizations. Notably, SpeakFeel’s Kelly Brooks was a mentor for Innovation Guelph’s Rhyze Project, a program that supports networking and leadership opportunities for women.

OPENINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

True Auto Care in the south end of Fergus is expanding. The building next door to the business, which was Fergus Glass recently became vacant and with the purchase of some new equipment True Auto Care moved in. The ribbon cutting took place on May 12 along with a car wash with proceeds going to the new Groves hospital project. Attending the ceremony arranged by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce were, from left: chamber director Aileen Hawkins, staff member Dwayne Jansen, staff member Tim Burch, staff member Jenna Brouwer, staff member Aaron Brouwer, owners Caroline Brouwer and Ron Brouwer, staff member John Karaus, staff member Ryan Henery, staff member Skylar Stevens and chamber executive director Roberta Scarrow.

ISCREAM CONE COMPANY A new ice cream shop called Iscream Cone Company has opened in Arthur. The shop is at 207 George St. and owner Sherry Chappelle can be reached at 519-848-2722. EXPRESSIVE DANCE STUDIO A new dance studio has opened in Arthur. Expressive Dance Studio, located at 157 George St. offers tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet and musical theatre. For more information email Amy McCahery at expressivedance@yahoo.com. BROADLINE EQUIPMENT Broadline Equipment Rentals Ltd. has relocated and new buildings have been built on Highway 6 just outside of Mount Forest. CIRCLE K Circle K in Mount Forest held a grand opening celebration on April 20. There were giveaways, prize draws, and a barbecue with donations going to the Royal Canadian Legion. COFFEY PLUMBING Kevin and Melanie Smith recently purchased Coffey Plumbing in Arthur located at 238 George St. BALANCED BREATH STUDIO Kristina Kelly has opened a new yoga studio called Balanced Breath Studio at 183 George St. in Arthur. For more information visit balancedbreathstudio.com. MERLASHES A business opened at 183 George St. in Arthur called MerLashes. The business specializes in eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts/tints and makeup. For information call 519-590-7568. GRAND BARK PET SERVICES Grand Bark Pet Services in Elora has opened a pet friendly Air BNB above the store. Contact Caroline Countryman for more information at grandbarkpetboutique@hotmail.com.

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OWNERSHIP CHANGE

Red Brick Real Estate Brokerage cut the red ribbon, officially opening its new premises on the second floor in the old Rafferty building at the corner of St. Andrew and St. David Streets in Fergus on May 3. Sheri Copplestone of ASC4Business, left, is ribbon cutting sponsor for the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Others, from left are: Red Brick sales representatives Amanda Lirusso, Erica Voisin and Chris Mochrie, chamber director Aileen Hawkins, Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton, firm principal George Mochrie, Red Brick Guelph broker Randy Dickson and Paul Walker from the chamber.

CYNTHIA & CO. Kelly and Emma Dimick have purchased Cynthia & Co. in Mount Forest. The new owners held a grand re-opening on May 26 at the store located at 162 Main Street South. BRUBACHER POWERLINE INC. Cody and Jordan Brubacher took over Dyce Power Lines from Andy Dyce and opened Brubacher Powerline Inc. in Kenilworth. The business can be reached at 519-820-4494 or brubacherpowerline@gmail.com. ARTHUR VETERINARY CLINIC Dr. Nicole Stone recently took over the Arthur Veterinary Clinic at 15 Wells St. E in Arthur. The clinic can be reached at 519-848-2536 or by visiting www.arthurveterinaryclinic.com. BEYOND THE ROCK Jackie and Mark Harris recently took over Beyond the Rock at 17 Arthur St. North in Harriston. Call 519-338-5008.

BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY | 37

THE SOCIAL CORNER

Have you ever spent money on Facebook ads and thought to yourself, ‘I wonder if this is actually bringing people into my store’? You’re not alone.

Facebook Offline Events: Tracking the Untrackable

Step 1) Organize your Data

I’ll hazard a guess the majority of brick and mortar store owners in our area frequently ask this question.

Create an Excel file (.csv or .txt) and create columns to house customer information: email address, phone number, first and last name, city/town, event time, event name, value, currency.

And I’ll bet the majority of their Facebook ads run similar to something like:

Step 2) Upload your Data

Post Facebook Ad (A sale that is happening or an event that is coming up)

Navigate to the “Offline Events” section in your Facebook Business Manager. Here you are able to upload the data you organized earlier in Excel.

Run ad for certain time length

Step 3) Look at the Results

View insights: total reach, number of likes, comments, and shares Decide whether the ad worked or not From this ad you may find a couple people comment and ask for more information. You may have customers click the ad and make the purchase online. However, you will also have people who viewed or clicked the ad, didn’t make a purchase [online], and purchased your product/service in-store or over the phone. How do you know if your Facebook ads made this happen?

DREW MOCHRIE

Here’s how you do it:

Well, you could ask. Or they could tell you. But how often does that actually happen? Say hello to my little friend, ‘FACEBOOK OFFLINE EVENTS’. This feature allows you to upload your customer data and determine how many in-store purchases and/or overthe-phone sales you received from your Facebook ad. Need an example? Let’s say you’re an insurance agent asking people to sign up for life insurance. You run a Facebook ad hoping people will click through to fill out the contact form or call your business directly. You have the Facebook Pixel on your website to track cost-per-conversion online and now you want to track cost-perconversion offline.

38 | BUSINESS LEADER WELLINGTON COUNTY

After your customer data is uploaded you can view which ads are driving offline conversions. Simply select the ad account you are using and select to the “offline conversions” column. Facebook will have matched (as best as it can) your customer data to the Facebook profiles they belong to and will provide a report on who viewed or clicked on your ad(s) in the last 28 days.

That’s all it takes. You now know the life insurance ad you ran two weeks ago resulted in four people calling or visiting your store. Are you a dealership? Track how many people viewed or clicked your ad, then called or visited to make a purchase. Are you a restaurant holding an event? Track how many people viewed the event ad or clicked to view more (without purchase), then decided to call or pay for tickets in person. This is a brick and mortar store’s secret weapon. Small business owners now have a clear view of which Facebook ads are driving in-store and over-the-phone purchases.

This should be welcoming news to downtown stores that rely on in-store purchases or phone orders. The sooner you implement this strategy the sooner your doubts will disappear. Looking to incorporate offline conversion events into your Facebook ad campaigns? Let’s chat and see how they can work for you.

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