Minding Our Business April 2009

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS CENTRE WELLINGTON

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

Beautifying Your Business April 2009 PUBLISHED IN COOPERATION WITH THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

MILE STONES New to the Fergus Industrial Park 2 New Businesses: CMJ Manufacturing, have moved into their new location at 935 Gartshore St Fergus.

Congratulations to John Lake on your beautiful new facility. 519.787.4162 Jim White Auto Service – Jim has relocated his Vehicle Repair and Emissions Testing Business to 935 Gartshore St. Fergus. Phone number remains the same – 519.843.7566

New to the Beckett Centre 2 new openings Best BAA Dairy Store relocated to 820 Gartshore St. Fergus, is open Thursday to Saturday 12 – 6.

Phone number is 519.787.0707.

New Business

– left to right Danielle Hildebrand, Carmen Mooney and Mary Chester, manager. Carmen’s Sequel Café has opened at 240 St Andrew St W. Fergus. Great to have Carmen back! Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm.

Phone number is 519.787.1212

Mackenzie Printing is now open at 820 Gartshore St, Unit 22. Brett Mackenzie and Dean George may be reached at 519.787.1221. Best Wishes on your new venture.

Ribbon Cutting

New GM at the Ostic Group Mike McKinnon, is the new General Manager for the Ostic Group, offices are located in Elora, Fergus, Guelph and Shelburne. Mike may be contacted at 519.843.2540.

– Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates, Elora location official opening took place March 27. Helping Jackie Sinkeldam, cut the ribbon were husband Jamie, children Mason & Taite and staff members Stephanie Sittington, Christine Pratt,Kristen Long, Lisa Milne and Sarah De Spiegelaere. Walt Visser and Robert Foster represented CW council, and Garth Green. EPA is located 6488 Wellington Road 7, Elora. Phone number is 519.846.9919. Congratulations on your new location.

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS

is mailed to all registered businesses in Centre Wellington.

Not registered as a business with Canada Post? Misplaced your copy?

Pick up a copy of Minding Our Business at: Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, The Wellington Advertiser, Fergus BIA, Elora BIA, Wellington-Waterloo Futures Development Corporation

PAGE 2 | April 09

about

THIS ISSUE

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS

Minding Our Business is a business magazine focusing on items of interest to commercial, retail, industrial and service businesses in Centre Wellington.

2

MILESTONES Openings | Awards | Moves

COVER Our cover story focuses on beautifying your business to attract customers.

Local horticulturist and nursery owners share their expertise on how to get your business “blooming�.

4

FERGUS BIA Member Reviews of Retail Seminar

5

ELORA BIA Is It Over Yet?

6

HYDRO SMART METERS Advertorial

7

EDC Home Sweet Home

general policy Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for the signatures, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisements will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. Persons wishing information regarding circulation, rates and additional service are invited to contact our office for further details. The publisher accepts responsibility for claims and honors agreements made by himself or by regular staff on his behalf.

No responsibility is accepted for actions by person(s) not in the employ of the paper, or otherwise over whom the Publisher has no control. All Advertising accepted is done so in good faith. The Publisher maintains the right to approve or reject advertising and articles submitted for publication.

contact MINDING OUR

BUSINESS Box 252, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8 519-843-5410 telephone 519-843-7607 facsimile mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com

8

BEAUTIFYING YOUR BUSINESS David Meyer

THE CHAMBER PAGES 10 On the Web: Sprucing Up Your Website

11

Chamber Calendar Meet the Members: POWER BEAM

11 Harmonized Sales Tax Proposal Michael Weinstein

13 Minimum Wage Ontario Chamber of Commerce

14 Awards of Excellence Nominees - Press Release

15 CONTACT LISTING & BUSINESS DIRECTORY April 09 | PAGE 3

APRIL MINDING OUR BUSINESS

TH E FER GUS BI A

3RD ANNUAL FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA AT GRAND THEATRE ON WED APRIL 8TH AT 7 PM. FASHIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT ‘ELVIS PRESLEY’ TICKETS $12 @ BRODERICKS, SPECIAL EFFECTS, & SHAW MUSIC. FOR INFO CALL BIA 519 787-1384 - PROCEEDS TO CAMP FREEDOM

Member Reviews of Feb ‘09 Retail Seminar On February 24th the Fergus BIA sponsored a retail seminar with it’s partners, the Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo BIA’s. The keynote speakers, Kevin Graff and Barbara Crowhurst, are well renowned within the retail industry throughout North America.

Here is what our BIA members had to say about the event: Linda Sinclair (Special Effects) “It excited me about my business. I felt

invigorated again and I implemented what I learned the next day. ” Michael Kavanagh (SunArt) “ A great source of ideas for business during current economic times. The importance of downtown unity was emphasized.”

Roxanne Beale (Roxanne’s Reflections) “Relevant information which I’ve already put into effect at my store. I enjoyed the networking, too.”

Cheryl (I Love Chocolate) “Time well spent, we learned lots that we will be using immediately.”

Nathalie McNeill (The Fountain Head) “These seminars are so useful.

I wish we could have another one closer to home so more members could attend. Well done BIA!” Robyn (Country Forge) I shared what I learned with my colleagues, we all benefited from the seminar.

WHERE BIA DOLLARS HAVE BEEN REDEEMED IN 2009

F

SunArt

Abby Rose

Chameleon

Fountain Head

As We Grow

Countr y Forge Interior Company Breadalbane Inn

Hooligan’s Arsic Jewelry Special Effects Fergus Pet

SPRING IN FERGUS!

Black & White Frabert’s

Roxanne’s Cherry Hill William’s Paint Store Grand River Running Holland’s Fine Tea

As submitted by the Fergus BIA

PAGE 4 | April 09

TARTAN DAY APRIL 5TH 5TH. NOON - 4PM DOWNTOWN FERGUS

ELORA BIA - IS IT OVER YET? After spending the previous three winters wrestling with the elements in Pancake Bay, Ontario (think 6 hours north, and 3 hours west), I started the winter of 2008/2009 with a smile, confident that the weather in southern Ontario would be more civilized; the wind chills restricting themselves to a balmy -25C or so – the snow content to fall no more than 5cm to 10cm at a time. So much for that theory.

I think I actually developed Shoveller’s Wrist sometime in early February, after an hour of lifting snow off our walkway and on to the five-foot pile to either side of it. And walking the dogs at night was – for about five weeks – more a chore than a pleasure, as I trudged quickly through the biting cold, always hoping for an early performance and a sharp about-face for home.

But the unexpected cold and snow was nicely offset by the equally unexpected number of local shoppers in Elora over

Make

a move with us!

the first three months of the year.

Now I’m not saying that people were coming through the door in droves or anything. But my expectations had been set quite low by the market research Laura and I had done before setting up shop here last spring: we were certain that the whole town would go into deep hibernation after Christmas – our cash flow would freeze up and one of us would be spending many a long, lonely day behind the counter. Not so.

Visit www.rl www.rlproyalcity.com lproya alcity.ccom

Debbie Kurt Sales Rep.

Michael Brown Broker

Kim Murphy Sales Rep.

John Dyble Sales Rep.

Bernice Nelson Sales Rep.

TIM HORTON FOR THE ELORA BIA

Economic times are difficult but our real estate market has proven year after year to be your best investment.

Make a move with confidence.

Make a move with us!

Lynn Glapski Sales Rep.

Bryan O’Connor Sales Rep.

We’ll see you again soon.

We feel we have met and exceeded those standards and invite you to call on us for all of your real estate needs.

Broker of Record, Robb Atkinson, a Fergus native, has built a company that maintains the highest volume of sales and listings in our Multiple Listing Service area (according to stats obtained from Guelph & District Association of Realtors™).

Sales Rep.

Thanks for stopping in to see us.

With that history and reputation comes the responsibility to provide our clients with above average service, cutting edge technologies, well trained, knowledgeable and experienced sales representatives and brokers.

Royal LePage Royal City Realty, located at 840 Tower St. S. Fergus (Zehrs plaza) and 131 Geddes St. Elora are part of a team of six offices – Speedvale and Waterloo Ave., in Guelph, Alma St. Rockwood and a state of the art kiosk in Stone Road Mall Guelph.

Matt Bennett-Monty

But since it’s never too early to say “thank you,” I think I’ll go ahead and do it: On behalf of all the retailers and restauranteurs in downtown Elora, I’d like to thank all of the local people – and by “local” I mean you people from Fergus, Elmira, Alma, Elora and all the little spots in between – who, at some point or another, braved this brutal winter weather and came downtown for a birthday present, a Valentine’s Day card, a coffee and a muffin, a four-course meal, a pint of beer, a work of art, a comfortable pair of shoes, a spring dress or a door knocker.

After a bit of a lull in the second half of January, business started to pick up again, due largely to the support of local customers. The week leading up to Valentine’s Day was, at times, almost busy, and the “Family Day” long-weekend was also a pleasant surprise. And on those warm days in March, we started to welcome both local and visiting customers in numbers that reminded us of our first few weekends in May of ‘08.

Now if this was the fifth season in a row that we had experienced these little mid-

The roots of our company go back to the 1950’s, making us the oldest operating real estate company in the area.

for or a selection of homes like no other, ll you have h t d li k and d view. i all to do iis click

winter rushes, then I might be willing to draw some broader conclusions; I think it’s still a bit early for that.

Diane Gray Sales Rep.

David Oldfield Sales Rep.

Gloria Hutton Sales Rep.

Colombe Summers Broker

Iris Smith Broker

Tom Johnson Sales Rep.

Frank Wilson Sales Manager

Glen Kelley Broker

Michael Zettel Sales Rep.

Fergus 519.843.1365 | Elora 519-846-0959 | 1.888.268.2283

April 09 | PAGE 5

CENTRE WELLINGTON HYDRO SET TO INSTALL SMART METERS MARCH 16, 2009 --- Smart meters are on the way for homeowners in Fergus and Elora as Centre Wellington Hydro prepares to begin an extensive project to install new electricity meters designed to help residents manage their energy costs.

The project to exchange current residential meters with a new one, known as a “smart meter” will begin this spring and should be completed by the end of the summer.

Current meters only measure the total amount of electricity used in a billing period, so homeowners do not have the ability to track their ongoing electricity consumption. A smart meter measures how much electricity is used on an hourly basis and the time of day it was used.

By working together with over 40 other utilities, Centre Wellington Hydro was able to take advantage of bulk purchasing for the meters, installation services and the communication system.

Residents who have an outside meter will not need to be at home when the switch to the smart meter is done. If the meter is inside, a representative of the LDC will call and book an appointment.

For the safety of the installation crew, there will be a short power interruption during the meter exchange, but it should not affect the temperature in refrigerators or freezers. Clocks and timers on equipment may have to be reset. An information package on smart meters will be provided at each location. LDC representatives will be carrying identification and will not be asking for the homeowner’s hydro bill. No contracts are required and the customer doesn’t need to sign any documents.

The smart meter, along with the planned introduction of “time-of-use” electricity rates, will allow non-retail customers to better manage their energy costs. Under the “time-of-use” rate plan, the price of electricity will vary over each period during a weekday, as well as during weekends and holidays, and from season to season.

However, it’s important to note that until the “time of use” rate structure is implemented at a later date, there will be no change to how electricity rates work and how homeowners are currently billed for electricity. Customers will be notified well in advance of any changes.

For additional information please go to our website at: www.cwhydro.ca and click on “Smart Meters” or call 519-843-2900.

Centre Wellington Hydro will be hosting a series of information sessions about the smart meter program.

Centre Wellington Sportsplex 550 Belsyde Ave. Fergus

Thursday April 9th at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm

Victoria Park Seniors Centre 150 Albert St. W Fergus

Tuesday April 14th at 2:00 pm

Heritage River Retirement Centre 25 Wellington Drive Elora

Thursday April 16th at 3:00 pm

PAGE 6 | April 09

HOME SWEET HOME The renovations are finished.The walls are painted. The furniture is in place and the pictures are on the wall. We’re home sweet home in our new location at 9 Mill Street East.

After months of watching this old home stripped down and restored to its new glory, the crew has finished the task of building an office space big enough to hold us all, and by “us” I mean a vibrant collective of community members: Economic Development, Elora Fergus Tourism, Sensational Elora, the Elora BIA, the OPP extended services office and the Tourist Information Centre, complete with a public, wheelchair-accessible bathroom.

Our new building includes a community board room that offers small groups a place to hold meetings. This is a great venue to bring people together, with resources at hand.

Our location, near the intersection of Metcalfe and Mill Street, makes this an ideal location for visitors to our Tourist Information Centre. The inclusion of a wheelchair ramp and accessible doors ensures that we can accommodate the needs of all who visit our community. The parking lot behind the building, soon to be paved, adds the extra benefit for those who visit.

Having one central office and information location that allows each of our independent projects to amalgamate under one roof has been a challenge, but the results are already proving beneficial.

We can make better use of resources and space here by working together with enough room to function in our respective roles. In terms of a public presence, this location allows the community to connect with what we do here.

The Ontario Provincial Police have a satellite office on the main floor, not to be confused with a detachment. This extended services office is one of several located throughout Wellington County that allows the OPP officers to have access to a computer when they are patrolling regions, like ours, and need to

get information or have an opportunity to update on their network. Their presence in this new location has a communityfriendly feel to it and the public is expressing their approval of this new spot for our community police service.

economic DEVELOPMENT

Deb Dalziel, of Elora Fergus Tourism says, “I absolutely love the energy and engagement of community partners that the new location brings. It is much more conducive to a team environment and one can’t help but feel connected with five different organizations all working in one building. The community board room is already booked with various meetings, events and community groups. What a wonderful venue to connect people to people.”

Dave Rushton

All in all, this hub of activity and the new atmosphere brings with it a renewed energy for everyone housed here. This is a good fit for the community, the groups involved and the public at large.

Economically, it was the right decision long-term. Our open house will take place in late spring. Stay tuned.

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS Sherry Clarke DISPLAY AD SALES call to reserve your ad space!

519.843.5410 mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com 905 Gartshore St., Fergus April 09 | PAGE 7

the chamber OF COMMERCE

ON THE WEB Then you should ask yourself what you want to add to the site. No, I am not talking about all kinds of animated features – you may think it is cool, but it only annoys people. Remember: it is not about you, it’s about your visitors. What would they appreciate seeing on your website? Perhaps you should replace that printable PDF with an online order form? Could adding an online credit application bring more people in?

Chamber Calendar NETWORKING BREAKFASTS Wednesday, April 29th at JJ’s Family Dining.

Kevin Coghill of The Door will bring us up to date on the happenings there.

Wednesday, May 27th between 7:30-9:00 AM at Elora Mill Inn. This is our Annual General Meeting. We invite you to come and attend to meet our Directors and find out what the Chamber has been up to in the last year. You will also have a lovely breakfast buffet and have a chance to network with your business peers.

Cost is $15 for Members and $20 for Future Members.

Our 1st ever MP Breakfast will be on Wednesday, May 20th from 7:30 to 9:00 AM at a venue to be determined.

Michael Chong, MP will give us an update from a federal perspective. Mark this on your calendars now! Cost is $20 for Members and $25 for Future Members.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 The Garden’s Edge & Fergus Horticulture Society will be our host between 5:30 and 7:00 pm. RSVP to Marg Gollinger at info@the-gardens-edge.com or call 519-846-5574 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Centre Wellington….

Argghhh – It’s a Treasure!

All the nominations are in and the decisions as to who gets the treasures are in the hands of the qualified and impartial judges.

Book your tickets now to join the feast and awards evening on Thursday, April 23rd at the Community Sportsplex. Call the Chamber at 519-843-5140 GOLF… Fore!! It’s time to get back into the swing of things!

Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club. Our prices for sponsorship and to play have remained the same this year. For more info contact Roberta at 519-843-5140

PAGE 10 | April 09

NARDO KUITERT nardo@ ucwebs.com.

SPRUCING UP YOUR WEBSITE Maybe your website could use a little bit of good old spring cleaning? Weed out some stale content, plant some nice new pictures (and how about a video?) or add some features that will enhance your site’s interactivity. Granted, it may take blood, sweat and tears, but it will be worth it.Trust me.

First step in this process is an assessment of your site’s current condition. Which parts of your site could benefit most from a renovation? Why not ask a friend, a trusted client or a web professional for a quick review. I am certain that you will learn things about your website that you never realized. An outside perspective can be a very powerful kick-off for an effective website redevelopment project.

It may also be worthwhile looking into acquiring more visitors. The Internet is used more and more by potential customers to research their suppliers, even on a local level. Make sure that your website is being found and that it converts well once people do find it.

Conversion levels will go up once you have spruced up your site with improved usability, accessibility and functionality.Your website statistics program, phone or email inquiries and order volume should be able to tell you if you are on the right track.

For more information: contact Nardo Kuitert at nardo@ferguswebsites.com or 519-787-7612.

While you’re looking after business, who’s looking after you?

Barney Tracy, CFP, FLMI Ph: (519) 820 1283 e-mail: btracy@groupbenefits.on.ca

MEET THE MEMBERS POWER BEAM The current economic environment provides challenges across all industries, value chains and continents. The manufacturing industry is one of the sectors that is being hit hard by the economic downturn. Lawrie Smith, President of Elora’s Power Beam, is concerned but also sees opportunities.

Power Beam was primarily known for its linear motion systems. These products, originally developed by Ascolectric of Brantford continue to be manufactured by Power Beam with updated designs and features. But the company added a new service, as they will also be a stocking industrial supply centre for local businesses.

“We are the only industrial distribution company within Centre Wellington,” Lawrie says.

“Many manufacturers are doing OK still,” he continues, “but they are certainly challenged by the economy. So naturally they are looking for ways to be even more efficient and frugal. Cost effective repairs to their machinery get more priority as investments are stopped or slowed down.”

Power Beam can provide replacement parts or new applications, and it has tubing, valves, fittings and other parts in stock. It supports all brands like Numatics, Smc, Festo, and more. Because of local stocking and fast delivery, it takes Power Beam’s customers less time to get machines up and running again and that might even mean that they can get an extra shift in. This is a huge advantage, as downtime is costly.

Currently consisting of four people, Power Beam was established in 2001 as a manufacturer of premium linear actuators and distributor of other linear motion systems. The Elora company has assisted manufacturing businesses and institutional clients with its technical products and solutions – such as linear actuators (pneumatic, electric belt drive or electric ball screw), rodless and cable cylinders, linear bearings/guides or vacuum handling consulting. Smith is mainly focusing on sales and consulting. “Being a manufacturer ourselves we understand things like quality

the chamber OF COMMERCE

control, inventory control and manufacturing efficiency methods. We too need to keep our costs down,” he says – adding that applying technical products and techniques to solve his customers’ problems is the most rewarding part of his work.

Lawrie’s technical background and more than 20 years of experience make him a skilled salesman and consultant.

“Sometimes you need to find alternative solutions.

Let’s say you have an Italian machine. You don’t want to wait until a part comes in from Italy - we may know a North-American supplier that can fit parts for it. Or perhaps standard components can be modified to better suit the application.”

He is often called upon to help companies with their automation concepts. Most of these customers are local or regional manufacturers, from Guelph, Arthur, Mount Forest, Orangeville - and Centre Wellington, of course. Fergus’ GSW is one of the manufacturing companies that benefit from Power Beam’s locally available expertise. “If necessary we can be on the scene promptly to assist plants with their problems,” Lawrie says. Being able to talk with his customers’ engineers face-to-face has proven to deliver exceptional results for the Power Beam team and their clients.

well, and organizes industry luncheons to facilitate industry networking and learn from local manufacturers about their challenges and opportunities.

Power Beam is located at 7454 Speers Road, off of Highway 7 in Elora. You can contact Power Beam at 519-846-5835 or email mail@powerbeam.ca.

“One of the benefits of being a Centre Wellington Chamber member is being able to connect with other local businesses, especially those outside your own industry,” Lawrie says. “You can learn a lot by sharing challenges and opportunities. I am committed to keeping local manufacturing alive. So many industries have already been lost for Canada; we don’t want that production to move to Michigan, or China. It is a symbiosis – we need each other to succeed.” The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce realizes this as

April 09 | PAGE 11

HARMONIZED SALES TAX PROPOSAL The Centre Wellington Chamber is a member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). Recently, a proposal has been presented to the Ontario Government by the OCC regarding the implementation of a “harmonized sales tax” (HST). This would replace the current PST and GST. There are many potential benefits resulting from the transition to an HST system – for both business and consumers.

As background information, at both the 2004 and 2007 OCC Annual General Meetings, the provincial chamber was given a “go ahead” to pursue the HST. (see page 6 of the 2007 approved OCC resolutions at: http://occ.on.ca/Policy/Resolutions/367.

President and CAO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Lloyd Longfield, has prepared the following excellent summary of some of the key points in the proposal.Thanks to Longfield for allowing us to share this information in Minding Our Business. A link to the full HST report is available on our Chamber website www.cwchamber.ca. Key page numbers are noted in the information below.

The final report on HST was released last month and is currently being debated at Queen’s Park; what was begun a few years ago is very important now to give our industrial and construction sectors a boost, and to reduce administration costs for all Ontario businesses.

OPTIONS OFFERED IN REPORT: • Replace 8% Provincial Retail Sales Tax and the 5% GST, with a tax harmonized Ontario Sales Tax of 13%. There are two proposed options for consideration of exemptions; • Made-in-Ontario alternative A exempts purchases of childrens clothing, clean energy, labour intensive services (like car repair or hairdressing) and the MASH sector (Municipal, Academic, Schools, Hospitals) from the Ontario portion of 8%; • Made-in-Ontario alternative B zerorates financial services from the Ontario portion of 8%; • The HST follows the experience in Atlantic Canada, where a harmonized tax has been in place for over 10 years. The "Made in Ontario" solution has some variances but is very similar.

Combining taxes will save business in Ontario an estimated $100 million in admin costs combining audits and submission of taxes. Those are pretty substantial savings on their own.

The big savings really come from removing taxes on inputs to manufacturing, including machinery and materials. This will make Ontario manufacturers much more competitive, and protect jobs - a huge benefit to an industry under pressure. In Atlantic

Canada machine investment is up 12% with their harmonized tax system, which applies to both small and large investments in equipment.

Housing construction will also benefit, with a proposed reduction of PST payable on the taxable portion of residential building construction from 8% to 4% (see page 45 of the report).

A criticism is out there that it is pushing tax to the consumer because some items not currently taxed will have tax applied, with an estimated impact of $14 to $70 per person. There are several proposals to compensate consumers for these increased taxes. Low income people will receive a $500 tax credit in the HST program. Farmers will receive a refund on the provincial portion, which will give them more benefit than what they currently receive (farmers pay PST on many items they don't get credit for).

The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce believes initiatives, that strive to reduce costs and improve efficiency for Ontario businesses, will benefit all residents of Ontario. A strong business environment creates and maintains jobs!

Submitted by Michael Weinstein Note: Harmonized Sales Tax was recently approved in the 2009 Budget

Make Dreams Real If you are interested in making a difference locally & internationally

Centre Wellington Centennial Rotary Club PAGE 12 | April 09

JOIN ROTARY! BREAKFAST MEETINGS - THURSDAYS 7 A.M. At the Gorge Country Kitchen, Elora Centre Wellington Centennial Rotary Club For info. call 519-846-0971

MINIMUM WAGE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEEKS A HOLD ON MINIMUM WAGE & AN INDEPENDENT RATE SETTING BOARD The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is calling for a postponement of the minimum wage increase scheduled for March 31, 2009, and a new process to determine the appropriate level.

Until February 2004, Ontario’s minimum wage rate had remained unchanged for almost nine years. After consultation with the OCC, the government phased-in minimum wage increases over four years.

In 2007, three more annual increases were scheduled to end in a $10.50/hour wage in 2010.

At the time, it was felt that a staged increase would help achieve a balance between the needs of Ontario’s lowincome workers and the needs of Ontario’s businesses to be competitive.

Businesses would be able to budget in advance for the increased cost of wages against anticipated revenues.

Today, however, the business environment is vastly different. OCC members are faced with a rapid turn in economic fortunes that was unforeseen at the time of the minimum wage consultations. As a result, the balance expected to be achieved by a staged increase, and the benefits of increased wages for all stakeholders, has been thrown into jeopardy.

Garry McDonald, President of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce states, “Next to the general economy, the increase in the minimum wage at this time is the most concerning item to members.

They are reducing hours of work a little but not laying-off people. When the wage goes up, this will change.”

The OCC is calling for the government to postpone the increase set for March 31, 2009. It’s also pressing for a process of reviewing and setting minimum wage that is transparent, inclusive and based on a wide variety of economic factors to

ensure minimum wage increases help workers benefit from economic growth on a sustainable basis. The Ontario chamber network supports an independent, third party board or commission, comprising representatives from various sectors such as business, labour and social groups, to recommend an appropriate minimum wage level.

An independent process will minimize the risk of rising business costs in periods of economic uncertainty, thereby protecting jobs and the competitiveness of businesses—all the while ensuring that all benefit in times of economic prosperity.

CHAMBER LOBBYING GETS RESULTS December 1st, 2003: Ministry of Labour announces an increase in the minimum wage. The increase, after consultations with OCC, is to be phased-in over 4 years.

February 1st, 2004: The first of four annual increases in minimum wage occurs.

January, 2007: Under pressure from various groups for an immediate minimum wage increase to $10, the government again consults with the OCC.

Join

January 25, 2007: OCC surveys members and finds that an immediate increase to the minimum wage to $10 per hour would affect some sectors harder than others, causing the majority of members to be opposed to the increase.

February 5, 2007: OCC writes to Premier sharing survey results and support for gradual increases in the minimum wage.

March 30, 2007: Government announces three more annual minimum wage increases, starting March 31, 2008, to bring it to $10.50/hour in 2010.

May 5, 2007: OCC members pass resolutions at the 95th AGM requesting, among other measures, that an independent review board or commission be formed to recommend appropriate minimum wages.

January 5, 2009: OCC writes to Minister of Finance requesting the formation of a rate-setting board or commission.

March 3, 2009: OCC writes to Minister of Labour, requesting a moratorium on minimum wage increases during the current economic climate and the formation of a rate-setting board or commission.

the Food Bank in delivering our service. we require donations year round!

Visits to the Food Bank have increased Please donate food to help fill the needs within the Community.

Tax receipts will be provided for financial donations 170 St. Andrew St. E. Fergus | N1M 2W8 519-787-1401 email: cwfoodbank@wightman.ca

www.cwfoodbank.org

April 09 | PAGE 13

the chamber OF COMMERCE

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Ahoy, Centre Wellington! The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the nominees for this year’s OLG Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence. We have received over 50 nominations this year and we want to acknowledge and thank all nominators and their supporters for their hard work in submitting the nominations.

The Awards of Excellence is a business and community event that recognizes individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses in Centre Wellington for their contributions, hard work, and accomplishments throughout the preceding year. Any business, group or individual in Centre Wellington can be nominated and everyone is welcome to attend the Gala event on April 23, 2009.

Congrat ulat ions to all the Award of Excellence Nominees

PAGE 14 | April 09

Mary Lloyd, Matt Harris, Newdon Industries, Nishin Nathwani, Norm and Lorraine Manning, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275, Russ Kelly, Sarah Hennekens, Scotiabank, Sensational Elora, Shoppers Drug Mart, SunRunner Logistics, Ted Ecclestone, The Breadalbane Inn, The Elora Farmers’ Market, The Fergus Elora News Express, The Wellington Advertiser, Thomson Funeral Home, Upper Grand Family Health, Vervoort Family, Wellington County Museum & Archives, White Car Limo, Wightman Telecom.

Awards Chairperson Michael Weinstein reminds us that the theme for this year is “Centre Wellington….Arrggh! It’s a Treasure!” and this year's event weighs anchor on Thursday, April 23rd, sailing from the Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus.

"We're looking for all ye swashbucklers, landlubbers and sea dogs to come aboard as we share our treasure of This year’s Nominees for the OLG nominees and winners and shiver me Centre Wellington Chamber of timbers, what would a pirate gathering Commerce Awards of Excellence are: be without a feast fit for Captain Jack Alana Dunbar, Allan Wallace - Wallace Sparrow, himself!” Come in your Farms, Belwood Country Market, business or buccaneer-best attire for a Centre Wellington Food Bank, Centre rollicking good time on the high seas!

Wellington Fire & Rescue Department, Coneybeare Honey, Daniel MacKenzie For more information about the OLG - D-M Design, DeBoer Farm Centre Wellington Chamber of Equipment Ltd., Don McAlpine, Dr. Commerce Awards of Excellence Gala Robert Wright, Elora Empty Bowls please contact the Chamber office at Project, Elora Festival, Elsa Mann and 519-843-5140 or email at Paul Kaye, Eric Goudie - Grinder chamber@cwchamber.ca.

Productions, Fergus 175th Anniversary Committee, Fergus BIA, Fergus Truck For more information contact: Show, Fraberts Fresh Foods, Fryett Roberta Scarrow Architect Inc., Groves Hospital General Manager Volunteer Association, Horizon Family Centre Wellington Chamber of Restaurant, I Love Chocolate, Joanne's Commerce Artistic Flower Shop, Ken Hall, Kody 519-843-5140 Kirton, L & M Foodmarkets, Larry rscarrow@cwchamber.ca Peters, Macadi Jewellery, Mach One – A Communications & Design Agency,

CONTACT LISTING Ministry of Labour www.employeradviser.ca WCB - 1.800.387.0774 Employment Standards 1.800.531.5551

Waterloo-Wellington M.P.P. 519.787.5247 Ted Arnott ted.arnottco@pc.ola.org

Ontario Government www.gov.on.ca

Wellington - Halton Hills M.P. 519.843.7344 1-866-878-5556 Michael Chong chong.m@parl.gc.ca

Revenue Canada www.cra-arc.gc.ca Service Canada www.servicecanada.gc.ca

The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce Phone: 519.843.5140 E-mail: chamber@cwchamber.ca

Township of Centre Wellington 519.846.9691 www.centrewellington.ca

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) 519.571.6680 Don Cubbidge don.cubbidge@bdc.ca

WCB 1.800.387.0774 www.employeradviser.ca

Elora BIA 519.846.2563 Esther Farrell elorabia@execulink.com Fergus BIA 519-787-1384 fergusbia@wightman.ca Centre Wellington Economic Development 519.846.0971 Dave Rushton drushton@centrewellington.ca Minding Our Business The Wellington Advertiser Box 252, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8 519-843-5410 mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY Debbie Kurt

Total Computing Solutions

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519-843-1365 (bus) 519-766-6384 (cell) 519-843-2202 (fax) 888-268-2268 (toll free) dkurt@rlproyalcity.com www.rlproyalcity.com

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840 Tower Street South Fergus, Ontario N1M 2R3

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Mobile: 519-766-5922 paul@bluprintmarketing.ca www.bluprintmarketing.ca

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