Minding Our Business February 09

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS CENTRE WELLINGTON

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

Bed & Breakfast February 2009 PUBLISHED IN COOPERATION WITH THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

MILE STONES WOW – Centre Wellington receives - $98,500 Fergus Elora Tourism and Community Partners (Grand River Agriculture Society, Fergus and Elora Bed & Breakfast Association, Sensational Elora, Wellington Buy Local - Buy Fresh, Wellington County Museum and the Elora Farmers Market), applied for and received a Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs grant in the amount of $98,500. The grant is an initiative to boost grassroots marketing effort to encourage residents and businesses to buy locally grown food.

New Business in Fergus Edge Realty Solutions official Grand Opening took place Friday January 23. They are located at 135 St David St. S. Fergus.

New Business in Elora Paul Kelly, Marketing /Promotions Consultant, recently opened blu:print marketing solutions.

Paul may be reached at 519.766.5922. Congratulations!!!

And the winner is ...

The winner of the 2008 Christmas BIA draw was Mr. Jim Carter of Fergus.

He completed the winning ballot at Fraberts Fresh Foods. The lucky ballot was drawn by Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj.

Fergus Scottish Festival Board 2009 Back Row: Warren Trask, Lynn Boland Richardson - President, Deb Dalziel, Craig MacGregor, Steve Clark, Paul Rogers - Vice President, Don Noels - Treasurer Seated: Val Bradley - Office Administrator, Bill Rowe - Past President, Helen Noels Absent: John K Campbell

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 | February 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.

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Openings | Awards | Moves

COVER 4 Centre Wellington may not boast of chain hotels, but what we do offer is a warm and inviting array of Bed & Breakfast locations.

Photo of Garrett Klassen of 3 Bears Bed and Breakfast

by Helen Michel

MILESTONES FERGUS BIA A Year in Review - 2008

5

ELORA BIA Unsatisfactory Encounters with Useless Receptionists

6

BDC How to Tap Into High-End Research without Breaking the Bank

8

BED & BREAKFAST David Meyer

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.

THE CHAMBER PAGES 10

11

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TRACY GROUP BENEFITS: blu:print MARKETING Marketing: Is it for me?

Or my competitors?

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS

Chamber Calendar Meet the Members: ICS Intelligent Computer Systems

How is Disability Defined?

contact

Box 252, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8 519-843-5410 telephone 519-843-7607 facsimile

On the Web: Would You Like Something for Free?

Advertorial

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EDC Savouring Our Community

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CONTACT LISTING & BUSINESS DIRECTORY February 09 | PAGE 3

by Julia Tyndale-Biscoe

A YEAR IN REVIEW - 2008 What has your BIA been up to this past year? Here are a few highlights.

JANUARY • $ 500 BIA Christmas Draw with Mayor Ross-Zuj, Christmas Tree Lights Contest (1200 bulbs) • BIA initiation of Community Improvement Plan (C.I.P.) which has been adopted by Township of Centre Wellington as a TCW Committee • Board members attended the Fergus Scottish Festival’s Robbie Burns Evening at The Legion FEBRUARY • Valentine’s draw (dinner at The Goofie Newfie) MARCH • Julia represented BIA Businesses at E-Biz Forum at Pike Lake Golf Course.

• Keys to Success – BIA Seminar at Melville United • 2nd Annual Fashion Extravaganza at The Fergus Grand Theatre with entertainment by Vinnie Green. Event in aid of Women in Crisis APRIL • BIA Annual General Meeting and banquet for Doug Russell (Melville United Church) • CWCC Awards of Excellence. BIA nominated 25% of all awards. Fergus BIA members won seven!

PAGE 4 | February 09

MAY • Mother’s Day Draw of $200 BIA • Downtown Signage approval, BIA/ED committee (9 new signs pending) • BIA display at Lions Home Show CW Sportsplex • BIA Community Exchange with Paris, Ontario • Launch of new BIA website JUNE • New banners and hardware erected in downtown core, including marketplace • Production and launch of 2008 Business Directory • First Annual BIA Art Walk 1000+ visitors • BIA hanging baskets and flower containers • HRDC summer student – Amber Ennis JULY • Scottish Window Display Competition, won by "Special Effects", judged by Mayor Ross-Zuj AUGUST • BIA sidewalk sale • Downtown Scottish street entertainment • BIA business hours signs distributed to all members SEPTEMBER • 13th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show in support of the Community Pantry

• Living & Working in Downtown Fergus – A review of homelessness in the downtown core – Provincial, County and District Representation • Parking Sub-Committee formed by TCW OCTOBER • Downtown Scavenger Hunt (Monster Month) • BIA represented at Legion Trade Show (Christmas promo) NOVEMBER • Red Hat Ladies from Mount Forest.

Demonstrations organized by the BIA for ladies to learn to make chocolate at I love Chocolate and wreath making at Abby Rose Floral Boutique and lunch at The Goofie Newfie. Red Hat Ladies were given BIA packages including five BIA dollars • Seasonal window display competition – winner received 2 theatre tickets to Square One • Attendance by board @ CWCC Christmas dinner DECEMBER • 2008 Santa Claus Parade ‘Fergus Past & Present’ sponsored by BIA & TCW. BIA float donated by Wayne Wilson of Guelph • $500 BIA draw in effect • Planning of retail seminars in 2009 • $4,200 BIA dollars SOLD and being redeemed only in the downtown!

UNSATISFACTORY ENCOUNTERS WITH USELESS RECEPTIONISTS Waking up to a rare, sunny Saturday in Elora a few weeks ago, my wife and I decided to leave our little store in the hands of Destiny and head east to visit the geological splendours and charming little villages clustered around the Forks of the Credit River Provincial Park.

To lend some gravity to what was really nothing more than a frivolous, midwinter’s road trip, we told ourselves that this outing would be a great opportunity to do some wedding-venue shopping for my older sister, B., who had accepted a very romantic proposal of marriage from her boyfriend just before New Year’s Eve. So we spent some time gazing out over the Cheltenham Badlands, snuck in to the unfinished Turbine Room at the Alton Mill Galleries and Art Studios, and grabbed a coffee in the historic village of Belfountain – all the while wondering why we hadn’t visited this spot sooner.

We also found the perfect place for my sister’s wedding.

We actually got goosebumpy coming up the driveway. The grounds were quiet: hey, this place is really off the beaten-track.

There was a river and a bridge, tall broad trees and…what did that sign say? A wedding garden! There’s a spa! I think I see an indoor pool. Check out that unbelievable view… Can you imagine this place in the fall? Look at these delightful old buildings. Yes! Yes! Yes! This place would be perfect!

Off we went to reception. “My sister’s getting married in October and she’s asked us to keep an eye out for a unique venue,” I told the two young ladies behind the front desk.

Elora BIA

“We’d love to take a better look around the place, if that’s OK,” said my wife.

This was the response: “No, we’re not allowed to show you anything. We’re closed for renovations.

You can walk around the dining room if you want, but we don’t have receptions in there… We’ll be open again next week, but you should probably book an appointment with our Special Events Manager before you come back.”

Right. Like good Canadians, we left quietly, thanking them only in our heads for their lack of warmth and attention, saving our indignation for the car ride home.

For the sake of the innkeeper, I hope that our experience that day was just an unusual hiccup in what is usually a smoothly functioning customer service machine.

Yet that single, cold, uninspired response to our initial enquiry became the dominant feature of my visit: gone were the spa, the pool, the views and the tall broad trees – there was no room left in my imagination for those things. Practically the whole afternoon was crowded out of my head, in fact, as I sat there on the drive home composing alternate endings for the encounter that had just taken place. I even came up with a name for the collected works: “Witty and Poignant Responses for Unsatisfactory Encounters with Useless Receptionists”.

Tim Horton were to treat my mother, or the best man, or the priest, or (God help them) my younger sister and her husband, with the same level of enthusiastic service that we had recently received. These were NOT the kind of people you’d want to have on hand for grand, emotional occasions.

Needless-to-say, we won’t be mentioning this place to my sister and her fiancé. As a result, this place will not have the opportunity to play host to scores of their well-travelled and well-to-do family members and friends.These well-travelled, wealthy people will likely never hear about – let alone experience for themselves – the indoor pool, the spa, the charming old buildings, etc., etc. And worst of all, in my opinion, the other shops and attractions in the immediate area will probably never benefit from the patronage of any of these same welltravelled, wealthy people.

And all because of one poorly-handled conversation on a quiet Saturday in January.

Even my wife, who is usually less inclined to take things as personally as she really should, also seemed affected: later that night she wondered aloud what might happen if, on the day of my sister’s wedding, either of these receptionists

February 09 | PAGE 5

BDC

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA

HOW TO TAP INTO HIGH-END RESEARCH WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK Imagine paying only 17 cents on the dollar to develop a new product or service. If that doesn’t get your attention, how about a half-price deal on highly skilled graduate students?

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

Never before have small companies been offered such enticing incentives to get involved in research and development (R&D). National and provincial programs abound to make it easier for small- and mid-sized businesses – the lifeblood of Canada’s economy – to do what they do better by tapping into the top-notch researchers and state-of-the art equipment found in our universities.

For companies, the payoffs are tangible: increased market share, greater efficiencies, reduced costs and higher profits. For Canada, investing in innovation is critical to narrowing the country’s productivity gap with many of its largest trading partners, particularly the United States.

Private sector investments in research in Canada pale in comparison to other countries: 54% of overall R&D spent, compared to between 65-70% in the U.S. and Europe. The problem is particularly acute among small

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

170 St. Andrew St. E. Fergus | N1M 2W8

PAGE 6 | February 09

companies which have yet to fully embrace innovation.

That innovation doesn’t have to be something as ambitious as developing a new therapeutic drug. It’s about responding to change in a creative way that increases your company’s value in the marketplace, explains Jacques Simoneau, Executive Vice-President of Investments at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

“Standing still in business is not something you can sustain for very long anymore,” says Simoneau. “If you don’t improve, you’ll soon find yourself with an old fashioned product, run by an old fashioned company that is being overtaken in the market by its competitors.”

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE Canada’s single largest R&D incentive is the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit program. Canadian companies can earn an investment tax credit of 35% of qualifying expenditures, including salaries, capital, consulting fees and materials. For most companies, these credits take the form of a cash refund.

Thank you for your tremendous support In recognition of their generous support the Centre Wellington Food Bank would like to thank all of the volunteers in our community who worked in Christmas food drives, fundraising events, and at the Sportsplex for our Christmas Hamper Program. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated food, presents and financial resources.

Our caring community made Christmas special for volunteers, families and children in Centre Wellington. | 519-787-1401 email: cwfoodbank@wightman.ca |

www.cwfoodbank.org

Another popular program is the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program, which provides advice, technological expertise and research funding through a network of 260 professionals working in 100 communities across the country.

Internships are a particularly attractive option for smaller companies. In April 2008, the federal government established ACCELERATE Canada, which is placing 1200 graduate and post-graduate students with Canadian companies to solve real-world problems. Each research project is designed by a university professor and a company and students typically work on-site for four or eight months. Companies contribute one half of the cost of each internship.

Interest in NSERC’s partnership programs has been rising significantly. From 19982007, it experienced 254% growth in the number of small businesses participating.

NSERC has also partnered with BDC and the National Research Council to transform promising research into actual products.

“If you’ve got a good research project that can involve a university, and the industry is committed in terms of financial, human or in-kind contributions, then we’ll find a way to make that work,” adds Walden.

3. Your People: Can they develop the technology, can they sell it, and can they manage the whole process? “This is critically important,” says Simoneau. “So-so technology with a so-so market but with excellent people can do as well or even better than having a great technology or a great market but with people that can’t run the business.”

“The first step is for companies to contact us early so we can guide them to a specific project or perhaps an industrial research chair. By the time they get through working with our staff, the success rate for funding applications is in the 80% range. This is a terrific opportunity for small businesses,” says Janet Walden, Vice-President of NSERC’s Research Partnerships Programs.

Bus: (519) 803-0354 Res: (519) 787-1533 email: fsavoie@golden.net

At your home service in: Virus/Spyware removal | Repairs/Upgrades | Home Networking Student/Senior discounts | Tutoring in Internet & email

Jacques Simoneau, Executive VicePresident, Investments, at BDC, says companies considering the VC route are usually start-ups with lots of great ideas but no revenues. He points to three criteria that could sway a potential investor:

2. Your Market: You’ve built it but will they come? You may not be the only solution out there. Be satisfied that the market is there and that it will buy your product in sufficient numbers and at the price you want.

Companies can also partner with a university on a specific project. NSERC contributes 50% of the cost and the industry partner puts in 25% in cash and 25% as an in-kind contribution.When the SR&ED tax credit is factored in, companies can do research at 17 cents on the dollar.

FRANK SAVOIE

What does an angel investor or venture capitalist look for when deciding whether to invest in a company’s R&D?

1. Your Technology: Is it the best approach to solving a problem? A company may believe in its technology but it has to be evaluated against other approaches that may exist. You need to convince investors that your technology makes sense.

Similar programs are available through Canada’s largest research granting agency, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. NSERC will pay up to $30,000 a year over two years towards the salary of a recent doctoral graduate.

Computer “DOC”

HOW TO WIN OVER A VENTURE CAPITALIST

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS 519.843.5410

Sherry Clarke DISPLAY AD SALES

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

the chamber OF COMMERCE

ON THE WEB jango.com. Want to publish your photos online for all (or a select group of family and friends) to see? Try Flickr.com or Google’s Picassa. And of course you know that you can watch (and publish) videos on YouTube.com or Metacafe.com.

Chamber Calendar NETWORKING BREAKFASTS Wednesday, February 25th between 7:30-9:00 AM at JJ's Family Dining.

Jamie Couper will be speaking on home and business security.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 between 7:30-9:00 AM at Elora Mill Inn. Janet Harrop will speak on the Agricultural business in Centre Wellington.

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

RSVP to chamber@cwchamber.ca or 519-843-5140 Award of Excellende It’s time to nominate an EXCELLENT business, individual, group or organization if you want them to be considered for the honour of being recognized at the Awards of Excellence! Reminder that Nomination forms are available at the Chamber office or on line at www.cwchamber.ca. Nomination Deadline is Friday, March 6th at 4PM. Awards of Excellence Gala evening ...

Centre Wellington - Arrghh! It’s a Treasure takes place on Thursday, April 23rd at the Community Sportsplex COMMUNITY EVENTS Chili Fest February 13th 2009 For more info contact Community Resource Group of North and Centre Wellington 519-843-7000 Bowl for Kids Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 Woodlawn Bowl 253 Woodlawn West, Guelph For more information contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington at 519-787-0106 or bbbsofcw@aol.com

PAGE 10 | February 09

NARDO KUITERT nardo@ ucwebs.com.

WOULD YOU LIKE SOMETHING FOR FREE? The Internet has changed the world as we know it. It allowed for massive music file sharing, effectively killing the music industry. People have lost their jobs as International outsourcing has become much more feasible.These are but a few negative impacts for businesses and their employees.

But the Internet has also opened up many inexpensive and especially free alternatives. It fuelled a whole movement with free “Open Source” software, for instance. Search online and you can find free office software (Open Office, Google docs), website software (Kompozer, WordPress) or accounting software. Just go to sourceforge.net, and you will find thousands of free software titles, on all kinds of topics. The downside of this Wild West of software creation is that not all software is as easy to install. But, like at a yard sale, you may just stumble on that one item that does exactly what you want it to do.

The web not only inspired a lot of free software programs. Feel like listening to your favourite music from your own online jukebox? Then go to last.fm or

You may be able to use all of the above for your business, either to make your company run more effective and efficient, or to promote it. Other ways to advertise your business for free is by using services like kijiji.ca or craigslist.ca to post your classified to a wide online audience. You can also promote your business by putting some thought into your custom profile on the chamber’s website, and to register your business in several other local websites and online directories. All of this is available at no cost to you, except maybe a few minutes of your time.

Ain’t that the bargain of the year?

For more information: contact your Webmaster, or email Nardo Kuitert at nardo@ferguswebsites.com.

MEET THE MEMBERS ICS (INTELLIGENT COMPUTER SYSTEMS) ICS (Intelligent Computer Systems), like many small businesses, started in a basement – 10 years ago. Jeremy Woods was encouraged to start the computer sales and repair company after family and friends suggested he should charge for the computer repairs he did for them.

Convinced he could turn his hobby into a business Jeremy enrolled in a correspondence computer course. The assignments about all kinds of businessrelated topics, including customer retention, arrived by mail. This provided him with a decent foundation, and the rest he learned, like his dad says, “from the facts of life”.

Jeremy still makes sure he stays on top of the latest technology trends. He spends about an hour a week on online training courses, learning all about MicroSoft software, Intel processors, CFIB courses (Canadian Federation of Independent Business) and more.

ICS consists of two people: owner Jeremy Woods and employee James St. Clair. Often they are joined by a co-op student, and Jeremy incidentally hires part-time help in the summertime.

The core business is computer service and repairs. ICS also sells computers, including inexpensive used models, but finds it hard to compete with the big box stores. “One time a local business even paid me to pick up a laptop at Staples, as it was such a deal”, he chuckles.

Most of ICS’ customers are businesses, who rely on Jeremy’s and James’ support and advice. “Don’t use your IT guy as a safety blanket”, Jeremy says. Certain projects require expert advice. By getting unbiased expertise in early (and listening to it…) you can prevent problems from happening, and save money.

One of the trends that Jeremy sees in his industry is the ability to do things remotely.

the chamber OF COMMERCE

Providing support through the use of desktop sharing software saves both him and his clients money. It also allows him to see a problem as it occurs in a live situation, rather than trying to reproduce the issue at a later service visit. Remote technologies like Voice Over IP (VOIP) allow his clients to travel less by setting up video conferencing solutions. “All you need is a webcam and Skype, which is free. Even Oprah uses Skype nowadays,” Jeremy says.

Jeremy Woods is no stranger to the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He has been a Chamber member from the start of his company nearly 10 years ago, and even served on its Board of Directors for a while. He is happy to see that some ideas launched back then have come to fruition. “The Chamber is doing a better job at supporting its members now,” he says. Some of the changes that have been made may seem small, but have a big impact.

Changing the Business After 5 format into a Business After Hours sounds like a minor change, but it allows the hosting organization more flexibility to set the hours and tailor the event to showcasing their business. Ribbon cuttings are another improvement.

If you want to talk to Jeremy about your computer needs, you can call him at 519-787-4700 or visit the website at www.icscomputers.ca.

Most of the benefits that are being offered through the Chamber are being used by ICS. From group insurance to savings for the Visa and MasterCard merchant account or the Esso gas card. The discounts that these deals offer do add up quickly. With a young family he does not go out to many networking events anymore, though, as he wants to spend his time off with his children.

February 09 | PAGE 11

Tracy GROUP BENEFITS

Barney Tracy CFP, FLMI

HOW IS DISABILITY DEFINED? If you have ever gone shopping for an insurance policy to provide income in the event you become disabled through illness or injury, did you understand how the policy defined your inability to work?

Basically, there are three definitions of disability – “own occupation,” “regular occupation” and “any occupation.”

If we look first at the “any occupation” definition, it says you will receive benefits if you are unable to perform any occupation for which you are, or could become, qualified through training, education or experience. This gives a lot of clout to the insurance company because they can tell you they will provide training for you to enter an occupation other than your current one, and they could cut you off benefits if you decline their offer.

The next level is “regular occupation” and in this scenario, you are considered to be disabled if you are not able to fulfill the major duties of your regular occupation (the job you were doing the day you became disabled). You must also be under the care of a physician to the extent required by your condition, and you cannot be engaged in another gainful occupation.

Most group insurance policies include this definition for the first two years. And then the definition is switched to “any occupation” (see above).

The third definition (“own occupation”) is available only to skilled professionals and would allow them to collect benefits while engaging in another occupation. An example might serve to illustrate this. If an eye surgeon develops a tremor in his hand through some illness, he will likely not be performing to many operations – at least not on MY eyes! He may, however, be able to continue to practice as a general practitioner – and collect his insurance benefit at the same time.

We all want the best coverage available, and we want to be as much in control of the claim process as we can. Making sure the definition of disability suits our needs is a good step in the right direction. It’s important to talk to your financial advisor and make sure your income will continue if you are not able to go to work.

We will explore additional aspects of disability protection in future issues of Minding Our Business.

Barney Tracy is a broker in the fields of group insurance, disability insurance and life insurance. He can be reached at btracy@groupbenefits.on.ca or (519) 820 1283.

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 PAGE 12 | February 09

Marketing: Is it for me? Or my competitors?

What is “marketing” anyway? Do I need it? I have a successful business, I have customers, I’m making the sales!

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

-George S. Patton So just what is this marketing thing that people keep talking about? It sounds complicated.

Well, marketing is everything from creating and implementing a successful business or marketing plan to producing flyers and posters to printing on T-shirts and other promotional items. Basically, anything and everything that you can use to promote yourself, your store or your product/service. This gives you more visibility and lets potential customers know that you are out there with just the right thing for them.

We have just entered a new year, filled with promise and expectations. Unfortunately the economy is not doing as well as we may have hoped and so we are apt to hold on to our pennies and perhaps hold off on advertising our business until things are a bit less volatile in the marketplace.

This may sound prudent but just think: if your competitors are advertising and you aren’t... who do you think people will go to for their product(s)? Or vice versa. It is in times like these that those who put forth a little bit of effort will reap the rewards in the long run.

Do you, as a business owner or entrepreneur have a marketing plan in place for the new year?

Have you found the right target market for your spring line? Do you have the right product for this time of year?

Many businesses forget to review their marketing plans (or fail to even have one). As a result , they are unprepared for the needs and wants of consumers during these changing times. This results in a massive loss of profits. Can you afford to let this happen? At the start of a brand new year?

With just a little bit of marketing and planning you could easily come out on top.

“In time for 2009” Take advantage now of blu:print’s free one hour marketing review offer. Let us help you to make sure that you start the new year off on the right foot and have your marketing plan ready for the spring.

For more information contact:

Paul Kelly paul@bluprintmarketing.ca T:519-766-5922 F:519-846-8212

February 09 | PAGE 13

economic DEVELOPMENT

SAVOURING OUR COMMUNITY In the last edition of MOB I wrote about staying positive in these difficult economic times. Throughout Centre Wellington we have everything we need to keep our local economy working if we keep our focus here - at home - and continue to work together.

Dave Rushton

There is no greater proof of that than the news announced on January 16th, 2009 that Elora & Fergus Tourism, together with key tourism and agricultural stakeholders, has been awarded $98,500.00 through the Ontario Market Investment Fund to create and promote Centre Wellington as an AgriCulinary destination. From our downtown cores to our back roads, we are going to create a strategic marketing plan that will draw visitors from near and far to experience the bounty of our region, so that they get a real taste of who we are and what we do in Centre Wellington.

This grant is part of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs $12 million budget over four years announced in 2008 to promote local food initiatives.

For us, this a tremendous sign of confidence in a movement that is all about strong, healthy communities and creating linkages that connect farmers to consumers, building the bridges between our local agriculture and businesses sectors.

This is an important sign that our future goals have been recognized as having the merit to foster and grow programs that support tourism initiatives while supporting our local agricultural sector. This is about building opportunities in a way that benefits everyone in our community, from the hospitality and retail groups to the businesses and consumers, to the farmers and producers, and above all else, to the community at large. This is a home-grown initiative to promote home-grown foods.

We are going to change the way the people of Centre Wellington see their own community. All we have to do is work

PAGE 14 | February 09

together to make it happen.

That cooperative spirit was the inspiration behind the initial application for the OMIF grant. Elora and Fergus Tourism had immediate buy-in from key tourism and agricultural stakeholders, including the Fergus and Elora Bed & Breakfast Association, the Grand River Agricultural Society, Sensational Elora, Wellington Buy Local-Buy Fresh, the Wellington County Museum and the Elora Farmer’s Market.

A key ingredient to this program was the Recipes to Experience booklet, produced by the Fergus and Elora Bed Breakfast Association in 2008. Building on this concept, Elora and Fergus Tourism received funding for a one-year position to support this initiative. We have given the plan a working title of “Centre Wellington AgriCulinary Project 2009” and brought local freelance writer Kelly Waterhouse on board. With a background in tourism marketing and years of experience working with various media and volunteer groups in this community, she will spend the next year producing an inventory of local agricultural suppliers, producers and retailers, while considering ways to network these groups with local businesses and consumer opportunities. She will research marketing vehicles and target venues for promotion, while coordinating new initiatives and participate in trade show opportunities within and beyond our community borders. The end goal is a comprehensive marketing plan to make Centre Wellington an agri-culinary destination, a place where people can savor the sites and flavors of our community.

For more information on the Centre Wellington Agri-Culinary Project 2009, please contact Kelly Waterhouse, Culinary Tourism Coordinator at 519-846-0971, ext.

250. I hope you will join me in supporting Kelly in this exciting year.

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

Elora BIA 519.846.2563 Esther Farrell elorabia@execulink.com Fergus BIA 519-787-1384 fergusbia@wightman.ca WW Community Futures 519.846.9839 Rick Whittaker rick@wwcfdc.com

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

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 telephone mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY 162 St. Andrew St. E. Fergus, ON M1N 1P8

Total Computing Solutions

Debbie Kurt Sales Representative

ON-SITE SERVICE • NETWORKING • OFF-SITE BACKUP WORKSTATIONS • SERVERS • WEBSITE HOSTING www.icscomputers.ca

Call 787-4700 (519)

820 Gartshore Street, Unit 5, Fergus

519-843-5400 Cell: 519-766-6384 Toll Free: 1-866-343-6825 debbiekurt@royallepage.ca www.debbiekurt.com

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Feel the excitement even before you get here.

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Your mini holiday.

OLG.ca

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