Minding Our Business Jan 09

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS CENTRE WELLINGTON

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

The Sports Attraction January 2009 PUBLISHED IN COOPERATION WITH THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

MILE STONES

Cogeco Cable Scoops North American Customer Service Awards Cogeco Cable is pleased to announce that its Canadian call centres have recently won customer service awards recognizing outstanding performance in the highly competitive North American field.

The prestigious awards were presented by the Service Quality Measurement Group Inc. (SQM), an international firm that measures and evaluates call centers in several sectors across North America.

Note: Fergus/Elora calls go through the Burlington Call Centre.

New Business Congratulations to Jennifer Shrive, the Owner/ Operator of Salon Chique. Located at 160 St. David St. S. #205, Fergus, (behind the Brew House).

Jennifer welcomes former and new clients.

Call (519) 787-0351.

New Business

Bronze Winner of the OGTA Market Expansion Award

Paul Martin and Malcolm Crooks are proud to introduce Edge Realty Solutions! Now open for business, located downtown Fergus in the Old Livery. 135 St David Street South, Unit #6. Paul and Malcolm invite new and old clients alike to stop in or call 519-843-SOLD (7653).

JAY•LORŽ has been selected from a record number of nominees from across the province as the Bronze winner of the OGTA Market Expansion Award. The company manufactures and exports vertical mixers for beef and dairy operations throughout the world.

MINDING OUR

MINDING OUR

BUSINESS

BUSINESS CENTRE WELLINGTON

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11

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

On the Road Again November 2008 PUBLISHED IN COOPERATION WITH THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

PAGE 2 | January 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.

COVER It’s not whether they win or lose it’s how they play the game ... preferably in Centre Wellington.

David Meyer interviews Andy Goldie Director of Centre Wellington’s Parks and Recreation.

Photos by Helen Michel

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MILESTONES Openings | Awards | Moves

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FERGUS BIA Unity is Strength

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ELORA BIA Never Assume

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BDC Increase Profits By Cutting Your Energy Costs

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The Sports Attraction David Meyer

THE CHAMBER PAGES

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.

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Chamber Calendar

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Meet the Members: Smart Home Inspections

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TRACY GROUP BENEFITS: What’s Hiding in your Disability Policy?

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CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CCC Analysis of Fiscal & Economic Statement

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EDC Recession and our Business

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CONTACT LISTING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

contact MINDING OUR

BUSINESS

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

On the Web: Rely on Print AND the Web

January 09 | PAGE 3

Fergus BIA

UNITY IS STRENGTH Parks and Recreation – Andy Goldie and Trevor Ashbee - thank you for your support, commitment and willingness to help whenever needed. For providing us with beautiful flowers all summer and keeping Fergus beautiful.

Thanks are due also to Doug Sherwood, Pat Flynn and the boys at CW Hydro who help us around Christmas time with lights and Christmas cheer.

The Wellington-Waterloo CFDC is a non-profit, community based corporation funded by the Federal Government through the Community Futures Program.

Our goals are: • to help small businesses in the Wellington-Waterloo Regions be successful thereby creating jobs • to assist in the planning and implementation of initiatives that will improve the economy of the Wellington-Waterloo Regions Our doors are always open and we are delighted to provide the following services for entrepreneurs: • Business advice, consulting, information and referrals • Help with business plans • Entrepreneurial training • Information on relevant federal and provincial programs and services If you or someone you know is looking for a little guidance, support or just a second opinion give us a call or drop in to visit.

519-846-9839 www.wwcfdc.com

PAGE 4 | January 09

Julia Tyndale-Biscoe

The Fergus BIA is indebted to many people and organizations and as we look back on 2008 I would like to take this opportunity to thank these people publicly.

The Mayor of Centre Wellington, Joanne Ross-Zuj, is tireless in her support of our community. Knowing how tight her schedule can be, she always tries to squeeze in a bit more. Joanne - thank you for the many times during 2008 you’ve lent your support to our events, meetings, festivals and more…

Congratulations on your recent appointment as Warden, Joanne!

Ken Elder, Director of Public Works – a mammoth job and not an easy one. Ken we thank you and your team for your diligence, attention to detail and your timely response to our downtown needs. In particular, we appreciate all that Public Works did to get our banners up in time for the first annual art walk and your efforts in keeping the snow from detracting from business in the downtown core especially during the Christmas Season, which is so important to our retail component of the BIA.

Kathy Bouma and the Fergus Horticultural Society – what a benefit you are too the downtown core. The Digging in the Dirt Group is a lovely sight to see on a Tuesday morning! All is right with the world when I see The Digging In The Dirt Group around town keeping our gardens in spectacular bloom. Thank you.

UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH During these times of economic uncertainty, let’s look to what we can do to help one another. We can support our community by making choices to ‘think local first.’ We can become involved in our community to build and strengthen relationships, thus demonstrating the township’s motto “Unity is Strength,” which was put into action by The Elora Fire Fighters – cheers Matt – and Groves Memorial Hospital – cheers Lori – by purchasing BIA dollars this Christmas Season!

With thanks and our best wishes for a prosperous 2009!

The Fergus BIA

NEVER ASSUME In the winter of 2006, while I was serving as the operations manager for a seasonal retailer on the North Shore of Lake Superior, I was invited to Sault Ste. Marie to attend a two-day workshop that was being delivered to tourism operators across Northern Ontario.

After introductions had been made on the first day, the consultants facilitating the workshop asked the crowd of roughly 40 participants to help them build a list of assumptions that we’d already made about visitors to our area and their general behaviour. Here is a list of the most widely supported assumptions: “The best customers to our region come from Toronto and the GTA.” “We know what our customers want.”

“Our customers are cheap.” (Ouch!)

“Our attractions are unique that’s why people visit our region.”

“Visitors come for our beautiful location.”

“Rising gas prices will hurt our businesses.”

“A stronger Canadian dollar will hurt our businesses.”

Over the two days that followed, the consultants systematically destroyed every one of those assumptions with cold hard facts accumulated from a variety of dependable, web-based research tools.

There was no need to state the obvious: many of us had been making critical business decisions based on faulty intuition.

WHAT AN EYE-OPENER. Ever since then I’ve gotten into the habit of regularly browsing the website for Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism. Using data from that site, here are two “assumptionbusting” questions for your consideration:

Elora BIA

1. In 2006, 48% of Americans who spent at least one night in Southwestern Ontario entered Canada through which of the following “ports of entry”: a) Pearson Airport b) Fort Erie c) Sarnia d) Niagara Bridges (Rainbow, Whirlpool, Queenston) ANSWER: More than twice as many overnight visitors to Southwestern Ontario entered Canada through Sarnia in 2006 than through Pearson Airport, Fort Erie and the Niagara Bridges combined, according to the statistics provided.

Only 17% arrived through Windsor.

2. Match the number of Ontarians planning to travel during the summer of 2008 with the destination they planned to visit: 232,000 283,000 322,000 583,000

Chicago Philadelphia Ottawa Hamilton

ANSWER: 232,000 Ontarians planned to visit Hamilton, 283,000 more were headed to Ottawa, 322,000 had their eyes set on Philadelphia, and a whopping 583,000 wanted a piece of Chicago. It seems more of us were interested in visiting Chicago this past summer than Hamilton and Ottawa combined. Obamania, perhaps?

Statistics Canada provided the information for my third and final assumption-buster: 3. Of the roughly 30,000 private households in the N0B area code in 2005, how many of them claimed more than $100,000 in household income in the same year:

Tim Horton

ANSWER: a). And 10,000 more claimed between $60,000 and $99,000. So in 2005, there was at least $1.5 billion in after-tax purchasing power resting in the hands of our own friends and neighbours.

The statistics reported above may not have direct or even indirect relevance for your business. But the point behind the exercise has universal application, regardless of what business sector you’re operating in: NEVER ASSUME YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS – KNOW YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS! Having heard that the seasonal ebb and flow of business in Centre Wellington is rather predictable, and that January often provides ample opportunity for quiet reflection, I’d encourage you to take some time to reacquaint yourself with the people who keep your cash flow flowing.

Knowing the minds of our customers is the first prerequisite for our own success.

a) 10,000 b) 5,000 c) 2,000 d) 1,000

January 09 | PAGE 5

BDC

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA

INCREASE PROFITS

BY CUTTING YOUR ENERGY COSTS ARE RISING ENERGY COSTS CUTTING INTO YOUR BOTTOM LINE? You’re not alone.

Across Canada, small companies are searching for ways to contain fuel and electricity costs without causing disruptions to supply chains and customer service.

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

Join

The situation is even worse for small businesses in rural and northern Canada, and for companies in the agri-business, transportation and wholesale trades, where fuel and energy are the lifeblood of business. For example, many greenhouse growers are reporting massive increases in fuel costs that may affect the viability of some in the industry.

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

PAGE 6 | January 09

The majority of small business owners adopt energy efficient strategies for one or two reasons: because they are encouraged to do so by an important business partner or because it will make their businesses more efficient and more profitable, says Bruce McConnell, vicepresident, BDC Consulting.

“If you’re already into the supply chain of a large corporation then you are likely to be encouraged to develop an environmental strategy,” he explains.

And, he adds, if joining a supply chain is in your future, companies would be wise to implement environmental initiatives now to shore up their green credentials.

Businesses who sell directly to consumers are also under increasing pressure to demonstrate solid environmental practices.

“Don’t underestimate the importance that environmental friendliness will have in the coming years for all businesses,” adds McConnell. “It will become a differentiating factor in developing new markets.”

Whatever the motivation, it appears most Canadian businesses are responding. Eight years ago, energy conservation didn’t even rank as a top environmental priority for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. By 2007, however, CFIB members cited it as their second most important environmental issue, after recycling of materials. The CFIB’s Achieving Eco-Prosperity survey found that 83 per cent of SMEs have implemented energy conservation changes, and that another 8% planned on doing so within the next year.

However, most surprising from the survey is what motivates smaller companies to jump on the green bandwagon.

“It isn’t primarily the cost savings,” explains CFIB president Catherine Swift.

“By far, the most important reason SME owners make changes is because they personally believe it’s an important thing.

The environment is important to them as a person, not just as a business.”

commercial real estate industry. The National Standard Green Office Lease enables landlords and tenants to set targets for energy, water, indoor air quality and recycling, and enables landlords to carry out “green” renovations to existing building stock.

WHERE TO START

While most SME owners have implemented some changes, about one in six has not yet done so. The main reason: cost. McConnell says BDC is geared up to provide financing to help small companies reduce their energy costs.

Rule number one, says Swift, are solutions that are relatively easy and affordable for small companies to implement. “These business owners are time-starved and often have limited resources. Expecting people to digest mountains of information from multiple sources simply isn’t practical.”

As evidence, she points again to the Achieving Eco-Prosperity survey which identified three main reasons why one in six SME owners has yet to adopt even minor green practices: lack of information, lack of funds/too expensive and too complicated.

As a first step, business owners should develop a solid energy savings plan. You may want to consider hiring an environmental consultant who will review everything from the layout of the operations to workflow processes and infrastructure and recommend modifications that could reduce your energy consumption.

You can also try developing a green plan on your own. CFIB’s Going for the Green offers small manufacturers a simple, do-it-yourself approach that maps eight essential areas of your business. It outlines where to look for waste, and how to find solutions.

Another resource is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED). This market-based rating system measures the energy and environmental performance of your building, helping entrepreneurs to identify green design strategies, as well as measure and monitor progress.

If you rent space for your business, you may want to consider entering a “green” lease. In June, the Real Property Association of Canada released the first green office lease for the Canadian

SIMPLE STEPS BUSINESSES CAN TAKE TO SAVE FUEL AND ELECTRICITY •

Buy vehicles that are fuel efficient or use alternative power sources.

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Plan deliveries and pickups carefully, to minimize driving.

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Keep your vehicles and other equipment well maintained.

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Educate drivers about fuel- efficient driving, for example, driving at the speed limit, lessening idling time, keeping tires inflated.

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Purchase energy-efficient equipment. It can save you up to 75% in energy costs.

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Turn off equipment, computers, monitors, photocopiers and appliances when they are not in use.

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Install occupancy sensors on lights in less-used areas.

MINDING OUR

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

519.843.5410 mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com 905 Gartshore St., Fergus

January 09 | PAGE 7

ON THE WEB

the chamber OF COMMERCE

Consumers have a lot more control over their purchasing decision these days. People want to research products and services whenever and wherever they want, by visiting trusted websites or searching in the search engines.

Chamber Calendar

Do you want to be part of their research, of their purchase decision?

Then you better be found.

Chamber Calendar of Events

NARDO KUITERT

January 21st

nardo@ ucwebs.com.

Business After Hours at Arthur Travel (216 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus).

RSVP to Mary at 519-787-7870 or email arthurtravel@hotmail.com. There is no cost to attend.

January 28th The CWCC Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, sponsored by OLG, at Heritage River Retirement Residence (formerly Wellington Terrace) 7:30 a.m. Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj will be giving an update on the Township happenings. This is a great opportunity to come out and meet the Mayor, Councillors and senior Department Heads as well enjoy a hot buffet breakfast. Cost is still only $20 for Members and $25 for Future Members. RSVP to 519-843-5140 or email chamber@cwchamber.ca February 25th Networking Breakfast at JJ’s Family Dining, with guest speaker Jamie Couper of GHC Safety and Security Solutions. Breakfast starts at 7:30 AM. Cost is $15 per person for Members and $20 for Future Members.

RSVP to 519-843-5140 or email chamber@cwchamber.ca For more information please call 519-843-5140 or email chamber@cwchamber.ca

PAGE 10 | January 09

RELY ON PRINT AND THE WEB Many small business owners pay too little attention to the web. Either they ignore the Internet altogether, or they think that their job is done once they have a website up and running.

This may be your reaction too: • “Statistics? Never look at them.”

• “My website is doing fine. I never hear any complaints.”

•

“I would like to be found better in Google.” (but you don’t DO anything to make that happen)

A website is a tool, and without proper use the tool will likely never benefit its owners.

The Internet has taken the world by storm. A lot of businesses do try to keep up and have a website, perhaps even an online newsletter. But the bulk of their advertising remains offline; they only focus on traditional promotion tools like print, radio and perhaps TV to reach their customers. But the Internet has radically changed one element in the marketing mix: the consumer.

For starters: remember to mention your website in all of your print advertising: on your business cards, in your newspaper ads, on your letterhead, envelopes, invoices and receipts. Send emails from an email address such as myname@mydomainname.ca, so your email address helps to promote your website. Add your website address to an email signature and include that in all the messages that you send out.

But do not forget to make some changes to your advertising campaigns as well.

Local ONLINE advertising is getting more and more important as well.

Placing an ad on important local websites like the Chamber’s website is maybe a shift in thinking, but if more and more people are searching online, wouldn’t you like to be found where people are searching? You can have a nice banner created, and use it on several local online advertising outlets. Use a standard format like 125x125 or 468x60 for this reason. The graphic can invite people to call you, or you can direct them to your website. A website is not a prerequisite, but it increases the response rate.

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

MEET THE MEMBERS SMART HOME INSPECTION SERVICES Gerry Smart may only have started his home inspection business in 2007, but he has a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans a 25-year period in manufacturing management for electric and gas appliances such as water heating and pumps and kitchen manufacturing. He also has been involved with new home construction (for Habitat For Humanity, among others), general renovations and finishing basement living areas. His brotherin-law had taken a home inspection course, and recommended Gerry to do the same.

The more Gerry though about it, the more it made sense to him.

But he wanted to do it right. He did not believe in buying into a franchise, where you can get started after a two week course: one week about home inspections, and one week about franchise knowledge. That is why he joined the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) as a student member in 2005 while completing the extensive Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training Program. “I am the only home inspector residing in Centre Wellington who is an Associate Member with OAHI having completed all of the required education and working towards the RHI designation,” Gerry points out.

“Continued education is mandatory for renewing your membership with OAHI,” he says. In order to obtain his 20 credits or more, Gerry participates in workshops and education sessions. He also frequents Association meetings to listen to the excellent speakers they invite and to keep up to date with the latest information.

“People assume that all home inspectors are well educated, but unfortunately many are not,” Gerry Smart says. There are over 3000 people in Ontario who claim to be home inspectors but only 830 are members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.

People may not realize that a Home inspection is an educational process, an assessment, but certainly not a warranty. You get a report describing the condition that your home is in – at the day of the inspection. The best way to educate the (prospective) home owner is to have him/her go with the inspector, rather than only handing in a written report. Seeing cracks in the foundation, unsafe wiring behind the electrical panel or issues with water penetration with your own eyes helps you understand the severity of the findings better.

Sometimes people draw the wrong conclusions when confronted with his findings. “Cracks in the foundation, for instance, do not have to be a deal breaker,” Gerry says. If the crack has never taken on water it can probably be sealed fairly easily. This may salvage a sale. “You need to understand your home.”

Besides the well known inspection before buying a home, Gerry also offers a different type of inspection: Preventative Maintenance Planning. It is geared towards educating the home owner - the ones that aim to stay, and want to keep their home in good shape. After the inspection home owners will know what maintenance can be expected when, and how much to budget for future repairs. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (Preventative) Maintenance will have increased the value of your home when the time comes to put it on the market.

the chamber OF COMMERCE

the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Centre Wellington Contractors Association.

Building and growing a business is very rewarding, as well as seeing so many different homes and the conditions that they are in.

His clients are primarily from Centre Wellington, Guelph and surrounding area; not surprisingly many of them are real estate agents and brokers. He knows the area well, as he has lived here since 1986.

Contact Gerry Smart for more information or a quote at 519-846-5050, or visit him online at www.smarthomeinspect.ca.

Gerry Smart used the services offered by the Guelph Enterprise Centre and the Self Employment Benefit Program to lay a solid foundation for his business. He also joined

January 09 | PAGE 11

Tracy GROUP BENEFITS

WHAT’S HIDING IN YOUR DISABILITY POLICY? When looking at disability insurance policies, they are not all created equal. In prior articles we have looked at the difference between a group benefit and a personal policy, and we have compared the varying definitions of disability.

Barney Tracy CFP, FLMI

Another really important factor to weigh into your decision is the list of limitations and exclusions. From your own perspective you want to make sure both lists are as short as possible. Some policies will limit how long they’ll pay benefits in the event of a “soft tissue injury” – a strain or sprain to us. Will the policy pay benefits if you are injured in a car accident for which you are convicted of impaired driving? Is there a limitation or exclusion for insurrection or war? We don’t suggest there is imminent war in Centre Wellington’s future, but what if you’re driving through a protest march and someone hurls a brick through your windshield?

Some limitations are put into the policy because of pre-existing medical conditions.

Does that limitation have a time limit on it, or is it on as long as you own the policy?

Your broker should have had discussions with the insurer at the time the policy was issued to try and reduce the impact of any limitation imposed by the insurer.

Some policies are underwritten at the time of issue, so you have to prove your income level and you have to go through whatever medical requirements the insurer sets.This is preferable to a policy that will underwrite you at the time of claim – when you are at your most vulnerable. In this latter case the insurer can decline your claim for a reason unrelated to the illness that caused you to stop working. There have been articles in the papers and on television about people caught in this unfortunate situation when they have thought they were insured through their bank or mortgage lender.

This concludes our series on disability income protection. We would like to hear from you if this has been a useful exercise, or if you have any questions regarding this important part of your insurance program.

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 | January 09

CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHERE’S THE PLAN? The Government acknowledged that slowing economic growth over the coming quarters will substantially reduce government revenues.

“Although the Government continues to plan on balanced budgets, given the volatility of the economic situation, particularly the rapid decline in commodity prices, a deficit cannot be ruled out. If the Government does run deficits, it will ensure that they are contained and temporary.”

At a time when most private sectors forecasters and the Parliamentary Budget Officer believe Canada will be facing deficits in the years ahead, the federal government is extremely hesitant to use the “D” word.

Today’s Economic and Fiscal Statement not only appears to be optimistic, it fails to provide concrete measures to stimulate the economy.

MEASURES ANNOUNCED The Government is taking steps to protect Canada's fiscal position: • Ensuring that departmental spending is reduced.

• Ensuring that public sector compensation reflects the current economic situation.

• Putting the Equalization program on a growth path that is in line with the economy.

SHORT-TERM MEASURES: • The Government is providing EDC with an additional $350 million in capital to support up to about $1.5 billion in increased credit capacity for those most affected by the credit crisis, most notably auto-related and other manufacturing enterprises.

• The Government will also provide BDC with an additional $350 million in capital so that it can increase its credit capacity by about $1.5 billion for term lending activities and a new time limited facility providing guarantees to financial institutions for their lines of credit for viable small and mediumsized companies.

• Measures are being proposed to provide temporary relief to private pension plans affected by the global financial turmoil. The Government proposes to allow plans to extend their solvency funding payment schedule from 5 to 10 years in respect to solvency deficiencies as at December 31, 2008, subject to conditions. A consultation

process on issues facing defined benefit and contribution pension plans will be initiated.

• Measures are being proposed to provide temporary relief to seniors with Registered Retirement Income Funds.

The Government plans to reduce the required minimum withdrawal amount for RRIFs by 25 percent for 2008.

FORWARD AGENDA: • Accelerating infrastructure investments in 2009.

• A reiteration of what already has been announced to improve opportunities for workers such as investing in education and training, implementing the Canadian Experience Class, and investing in labour market training..

• Strengthening financial markets. The Government is waiting for the Expert Panel on Securities Regulation on the best way forward to improve securities regulation in Canada.

In preparing for Budget 2009, the Government will consult with Canadians and provinces and territories to develop responses to short-term economic issues, while continuing to implement its longterm economic plan. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to fall below 25 percent in 2012-13, one year later than projected in Budget 2008.

CANADIAN CHAMBER’S REACTION In the short-term, the challenge is to accelerate, strengthen and ensure economic recovery. Beyond the short-term, it’s how to improve productivity and raise the standard of living of Canadians.

After the impressive Speech from the Throne, the Economic and Fiscal Statement was especially disappointing. The Canadian Chamber urges the federal government to implement a stimulus package quickly to kick-start the economy. Time is of the essence. Given the heightened degree of uncertainty, rapidly deteriorating consumer and business confidence and an economy on a brink of recession, we cannot afford to delay.

“The Government has acknowledged that the economy is in a recession. We need to get a plan to get us moving forward again. “ The Government must be prepared to react sooner if the situation demands it.

Going forward, the Government must adopt more prudent budgeting principles including keeping spending growth to no more than nominal growth in the economy (i.e. about 4 percent per year) and allocating funds (i.e. an allowance for economic prudence and an annual contingency reserves) within the budget to safeguard it from unforeseen economic developments and forecasting errors.

Beyond short-term measures, the Government much embrace longer-term plans that promote and enhance the flexibility of our economy so that businesses of all sizes can readily adapt to current and future circumstances. It is in our interest to eliminate all internal trade barriers that impede the free flow of goods, services and people by 2010; accelerate the approval and funding process for major infrastructure projects currently in the works; harmonize provincial sales taxes with the GST; ensure Canada’s tax environment remains competitive; and focus government spending on productivity enhancing areas that have the greatest potential in terms of maximizing economic growth.

Lastly, the Bank of Canada also a critically important role to play to jump-start the economy. Its key policy interest rate – the overnight rate – is currently 2.25 percent. It could cut it by 50 basis points on December 9, the next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target.

Changes in the target for the overnight rate influence other interest rates, such as those for consumer loans and mortgages and, therefore, can have a powerful and immediate effect in stimulating consumer spending and supporting the Canadian economy.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.The well-being of every Canadian family depends on both short-term measures and wide-ranging structural reforms that can help our businesses compete in the future. To delay would risk the jobs of Canadian workers and the prosperity of communities across our country.

January 09 | PAGE 13

economic DEVELOPMENT

Dave Rushton

RECESSION AND OUR BUSINESS How can you make a difference during these times? Maintain a positive attitude.

The current economic environment is being driven by the media who makes everyone feel like they are losing their job tomorrow. Canada is doing very well and Centre Wellington is doing just fine compared to the US economy, however we watch CNN and act like it is happening right here in our backyard. We have not had layoffs in the thousands and actually Canadian unemployment, which is high at 6 percent, is expected to grow closer to 7% in the next year or so. Let’s turn this around and look at it a different way, 93% of people will still be working! That is a large economic base for our community and we need to remember that there is still a substantial amount of commerce going on.

If we follow the media, we will stop spending and hoard our money away, forcing the community into the depths of the recession.

Shopping locally is the other way to maintain a strong healthy environment as well. We can simply make a decision to support our neighbours before we support others outside our community, region, province or country. By using this philosophy, we can remain healthy and thrive during a time when the rest of the world is suffering. Sometimes this can cause us some short-term pain if the cost is greater but the spin-off in our community is greater. When we look at other products like wine for instance, we can shop for Ontario wines like Cox Creek with over 30 varieties including many made with grapes. The difference to our economy is something like 80% more of the cost of a bottle stays in our province. Look for this opportunity in everything you do and more rewards will come to all business operators in our area.

PAGE 14 | January 09

Over the last few months, I have written about all the new commercial and institutional growth that is taking place in the next year. This clearly demonstrates the confidence that many people have in Centre Wellington. We should have the same level of confidence in ourselves and our business.

This year will be one where people take shorter trips to save money and gas so we need to be marketing to local day tripping markets that can have a positive impact on us. In December, we ran community-based ads on CHYM, KICX and 570 News as well as some contesting on their website. The test will be to see if that translated into increased holiday sales. We would like to see the community come together to do more collective promotion in these short haul markets during 2009.

We can weather an economic storm if we try. Stay positive, shop local and promote your community to folks both inside and out of Centre Wellington.

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

Fergus BIA 519-787-1384 fergusbia@wightman.ca WW Community Futures 519.846.9839 Rick Whittaker rick@wwcfdc.com Centre Wellington Economic Development 519.846.0974 Dave Rushton drushton@centrewellington.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

Minding Our Business The Wellington Advertiser Box 252, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8 519-843-5410 telephone 519-843-7607 facsimile mob@wellingtonadvertiser.com

Elora BIA 519.846.2563 Esther Farrell elorabia@execulink.com

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

Total Computing Solutions

Debbie Kurt Sales Representative

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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

January 09 | PAGE 15

Feel the excitement even before you get here.

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