BusinessonnectionsIssue 2Volume 9March 2018

o rangev i l l ebu s i ne s s . ca

C

C o n n e c t wi th B u s i n e s s . C o n n e c t wi th L i f e .

Orangeville EconomicDevelopment StrategylaunchedOrangeville Council adopted a newEconomic Development Strategy inMarch. The plan provides anoverview of Orangeville based onthe updated 2016 Census Canadadata and sets out key economicdevelopment roles and actions tohelp move economic developmentforward over the next several years.

As the gateway community andmajor business hub in DufferinCounty, Orangeville is home to almost one-half of the County’s population. With anaverage age of 38.7 years, Orangeville’s population remains relatively young compared to the Ontario average of 41 years.

Housing approximately 66% of total jobs in the County, job growth in Orangevilleduring the last Census period was more than double the Town’s population growth.Jobs in Orangeville grew by 7.9% from 2011 to 2016 (1,175 new jobs), a higherrate of growth than the provincial average of 6.6%. Growth in manufacturing particularly stood out with job growth of 18.8%, compared to less than 1% in Ontario.

According to the data, Orangeville has enough jobs for approximately 96% of itstotal labour force, up from about 80% in 2011. The number of people working inOrangeville also increased by approximately 6% between 2011 and 2016. Still,commuting patterns out of Orangeville remain high and will be one area of focusfor the upcoming period.

Recommended actions were made across six focus areas that included frameworkissues, business retention and expansion, innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting new investment, talent and workforce development, and marketingOrangeville to attract investors, tourists and talent, including the development of anew tourism strategy.

In addition to ongoing operational activities, annual work plans will include activitiesand projects geared to implementing the strategy while also fulfilling goals withinthe Town’s Strategic Plan. For more information on the Economic DevelopmentStrategy, visit orangevillebusiness.ca.

Company Profile

Join the fun at Day of thePoets – May 5Join downtown Orangeville’s first poetry festival on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to4 p.m. Coinciding with opening day of theoutdoor Farmers’ Market, the event will feature poetry readings at venues in thedowntown area, 'random acts of poetry'along Broadway, and displays of poetry indowntown businesses. The celebration wascreated by Dufferin County Poet Laureate,Harry Posner. For more information, emailharryposner@rogers.com.

Whispering Pines – 25 years inoperationSince 1993, Greg Wildeboer and the team at Whispering Pines Landscapinghave been designing, building, and maintaining beautiful outdoor environments. The high-end landscaping company initially planted its roots asa nursery and Christmas tree farm, but soon expanded to offer design andlandscape services and then property maintenance. Fulfilling growing customer demand and continually cultivating its many established customerrelationships has remained a focus of the company. “For 25 years, we’ve constantly evolved our business to better serve our customers,” says Mr.Wildeboer, the company’s owner and CEO. “The exciting news is that there ismuch more to come!”

With a loyal team of over 40 employees, Whispering Pines Landscaping hasbuilt a reputable brand that is widely recognized in Orangeville and the surrounding area. “Orangeville’s central location offers easy access to bothour customers and suppliers,” says Mr. Wildeboer. “We’re within one hourfrom all of our main market points and we have built solid relationships withmany local suppliers.”

As an established business, Whispering Pines Landscaping is always searching for ways to improve and its most recent endeavours focus on newtechnology and environmental awareness. Custom software has been created to optimize all aspects of every project and is helping the companyachieve its long-term goal of becoming paperless. “Paper work slows us downand creates inefficiencies,” says General Manager Melissa Brouwer. “Ourteam can now access all of the information they need on their phones at anytime.” Crews also use long-lasting, rechargeable, battery-powered equipmentin the field and Whispering Pines Landscaping will soon be offering Cub CadetRobotic Mowers. Advanced but simple technology allows grass to be cutusing GPS and a battery-operated robot. As the exclusive local dealer forthese cutting edge products, Whispering Pines Landscaping again reinforcesits position as an industry leader.

“Whispering Pines Landscaping has grown so much during our 25 years inbusiness,” remarks Mr. Wildeboer. “And we are certainly not slowing down!With our energetic team and strong clientbase, we are now moving ahead at aneven faster pace.”

For more information on Whispering PinesLandscaping and to view some of theirstunning outdoor creations, visit wpn.ca.You can also follow them on Facebook andInstagram @whisperpineslandscaping.

o rangev i l l ebu s i ne s s . ca 87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440E-mail: info@orangevillebusiness.ca Twitter: @OrangevilleED You Tube: Orangeville BusinessFacebook: Orangeville Economic Development & Tourism

Mag Ruffman to offer creativeinspiration for artists and entrepreneursThe Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre ishosting “Creativity under pressure”, an inspirational lunchand learn for artists and entrepreneurs on April 25. Thisunique learning and networking opportunity will feature MagRuffman, a successful actress, entrepreneur and producer,who will share her guidance and advice on how to sustaincreativity under pressure.

“Artists and entrepreneurs live in a world of intense creativepressure,” says Ms. Ruffman. “This pressure can createinner tension and anxiety, block our sense of well-being,and curtail our output.” Finding a source of inspiration tofuel a creative breakthrough can be particularly challengingfor artists who need to deliver artistic flare against high expectations and under tight time-lines. So what’s the trick to sustaining creativity under pressure? “The answer may astonishyou,” says Ms. Ruffman.

Creativity under pressure: An inspirational lunch and learn for artists and entrepreneurs will be held on Wednesday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Best Western PLUS Orangeville Inn and Suites. Tickets for the event are $25 and are available now. To register, visit orangevillebusiness.ca/events.

In The News

Headwaters Taste of MapleSpring is sweet in Headwaters! Savour maple syrup season during the annual Headwaters Taste of Maple. From March19 to April 18, participating local businesses will featuretreats, events, and experiences to celebrate this tasty timeof year. For details, visit headwaters.ca.

Orangeville Farmers’ MarketOpening DayThe Orangeville Farmers’ Market returns on Saturday, May5. Located beside Town Hall on Second Street, local vendors will offer a selection of seasonal goods everySaturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through toOctober. Opening day is always a community celebrationwith special events and activities for everyone. Find moredetails at orangevilletourism.ca/festivals-events/.

Summer Company 2018 Do you know any enterprising students who would like to run their own businesses thissummer? In partnership with the Province of Ontario, the Orangeville & Area SBEC will beoffering the Summer Company program to local entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 who arereturning to school in the fall. Eligible participants will receive mentoring, training, andgrants of up to $3,000 to help them start and run their own businesses over the summermonths. Visit the Summer Company page at orangevillebusiness.ca or call the SBEC at519-941-0440 Ext. 2270. Applications are being accepted now.

Call for Artists announced for 2018 Utility Box ArtDisplay ProgramThe Town of Orangeville’s Call for Artists for the 2018 Utility Box Art Display Program isnow underway. Since the program began in 2016, eight functional utility boxes have beentransformed into colourful works of art for the community to enjoy. Led by the Town’s Artand Culture Committee, the public art project recognizes local artists, celebrates theTown’s culture and history, and promotes Orangeville as an arts and culture hub for theregion. Artists residing in Dufferin County are invited to submit original designs for theirchance to have their artwork displayed around Orangeville. For more information, visithttps://www.orangeville.ca/news/2018/03/14/2018-utility-box-art-display-program-call-for-artists

Upcoming Events

Things To Know

Bookkeeping & Budgeting Basics • April 4, 2 to 5 p.m.Andrew Patricio, owner of Bizlaunch, has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs develop a better understanding of their financial documents. His straightforward approach will help you set up andmanage your bookkeeping more effectively. You will also gainessential financial advice to help you build budgets, calculatebreak-even points, manage cashflow forecasts, and much more.Cost $15.

EMC Industry Briefing • April 17, 8 to 10:30 a.m.Orangeville and area manufacturers are invited to attend thisinformative session that will discuss customer and industry trendsas well as ways to increase manufacturing competitiveness.Presented in partnership with Excellence in ManufacturingConsortium (EMC) and Value Stream Solutions Inc. No Cost.

Creativity under pressure: Inspiration for artists andentrepreneurs • April 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As a highly successful actress, entrepreneur and producer, MagRuffman has learned that continuously re-inventing oneself is thekey to personal fulfillment and professional success. Her variedcareer in television, construction, writing, publishing, theatre andmusic is testament to this inspiring discovery. Mag will provideguidance, advice and a humourous perspective on how to enrichyourself and your entrepreneurial endeavours, usually by doing theexact thing you’ve been avoiding! Geared to entrepreneurs in thearts and culture sector, this event will inspire and motivate.Cost $25.

Creating Great Website Content • May 1, 9 a.m. toNoonDeveloping effective content for your website is essential to ensuring that your customers can engage with your businessonline. Kelly Brooks, President and CEO of SpeakFeel Corp., willdiscuss the importance of creating relevant and impactful websitecontent. She will offer ideas and options to help de-mystify SEO,enhance site navigation, bolster search rankings, and ultimately,attract more customers. Cost $15.

Sessions are offered in a variety of locations and pre-registrationis required. Further details and registration information can befound at orangevillebusiness.ca/events or by calling the SBECat 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286.

Real Estate - Featured Listing

279 BroadwayExcellent opportunity to purchase neighbourhood commercial property (C2) of approximately 6,996 square feet with ample parking. Located on Broadway at busy intersection and close todowntown. Lots of windows and natural light with spacious openconcept. For more pictures and details, view MLS W3995727.Asking price $1,250,000. Please contact Velvet Alcorn, SalesRepresentative, Bosley Real Estate Ltd.Brokerage. Office 416-530-1100Cell 519-939-9806.