The Advocate Magazine - November | December 2010

advocateT H E V O I C E O F B U S I N E S S N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Employer sponsored retirement plansSetting up a group benefits programMeet the new Chamber BoardKeys to a successful workplacewellness program

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2010 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Aubrey Walters

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

FEATURES EDITOR:Art Sinclair

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:Cober Printing Limited

PHOTOGRAPHY:Adamski Photography

ADVERTISING AND SALES:David MacLellan - [email protected] Chapman- [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Harold Albrecht, Sandy Delamere, Chris Donnelly, Mary SueFitzpatrick, Jeff MacIntyre, Karen Mason, Teresa Norris-Lue,Janet Peddigrew, Art Sinclair

CONTRIBUTORS:Julie Tedesco, Aubrey Walters

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:November 12, 2010 for January | FebruaryFebruary 1, 2011 for March | AprilApril 4, 2011 for May | JuneJune 6, 2011 for July | AugustAugust 1, 2011 for September | OctoberOctober 3, 2011 for November | December

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The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication ofthe Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of thecontributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber.The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards(1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chambercannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that mayoccur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamberwill not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims andhas the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false,misleading, or inappropriate.

features

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4 Setting our courseJeff MacIntyre

ANNOUNCEMENT

5 Chamber welcomes new leaderADVOCACY

7 Hartford of the north andpension reformArt Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Practice opportunity &the new generation physicianMary Sue Fitzpatrick

EVENTS

10 Autumn networking

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 August 1 - September 30, 2010

EVENTS

18 Mark your calendar

SPONSOR PROFILE

24 BMO - Bank of MontrealPioneering a great customerexperienceJanet Peddigrew

MEMBER NOTABLES

27 Achieving SuccessChamber MembersSPONSORSHIP

30 Chamber Sponsors

departments

FEATURE

9 Setting up a group benefits programKaren Mason &Teresa Norris-Lue

FEATURE

14 Standing up for jobs and job-creatorsHarold Albrecht

COVER STORY

16 Employer sponsored retirement plansChris Donnelly

FEATURE

20 Meet the 2010/2011 Board of DirectorsFEATURE

21 New Directors joining the 2010/2011 BoardFEATURE

23 Keys to a successful workplace wellness programSandy Delamere

advocateVOICE OF BUSINESS

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2010WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

a message from the chair

Setting our courseBY JEFF MACINTYRE

As I assume the role of chair of the board I think back to eightyears ago when I began my involvement with the Chamber as amember of the Regional and Municipal Affairs committee. Atthat time I learned how important the work of the Chamber is tothe members and business community and, equally important, Ilearned of the passion of the volunteers and staff at the Chamber.A passion to make the Greater Kitchener Waterloo community abetter place to do business, work and to live is a common threadrunning throughout all those involved.

Over eight years the passion for the Chamber community,business success and personal growth has not diminished.The staff, volunteers, board members, corporate partners andcommunity partners continue to push the mandate of businesssuccess. As we begin our 125th year, our focus is and willcontinue to be relevance to our business community.Running a business in this day and age has its challenges.Our challenge will be to continue providing the tools needed toact as a conduit to member and community businessaccomplishments.

I take this opportunity to thank Past Chair Mary D'Alton for thetremendous effort put in as last year’s Chair. Combining her roleas board chair, acting CEO resulting from the departure of thePresident and her full time gig at the Waterloo Inn wasimpressive. Her effort is a classic example of why the Chamberhas thrived since its inception. People like Mary have made thiscommunity what it is by digging in when required because oftheir passion for success in our community.

I welcome Ian McLean as President and CEO and three newmembers elected to the Chamber Board, including LindaDancey (Grand River Personnel), Rosa Lupo (GowlingLafleur Henderson LLP), and Lois Norris (Dare FoodsLimited). Together with the returning members of the

Board of Directors, we are committed to assist the staff andmembers to succeed.

We have 124 years of history and a recently completedmembership survey that maps our course. Our success will bemeasured by continuing to provide the appropriate number ofnetworking opportunities that our members desire. Thatcombined with advocacy issues that are relevant, assistance withemployment concerns, business assistance, government relationsand physician recruitment will keep us busy. Our success will bedetermined by our visibility, membership satisfaction andrelevance.

It is an honour to assume the role of Chair of the Board of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. I lookforward to a year of measurable achievements. Our businesscommunity will overcome challenges, celebrate victories andcontinue to move the mandate of being the voice of businessforward.

Thank you for this opportunity.

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyre,CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff MacIntyre is the owner of two smallbusinesses in the area. WinexpertKitchener South is an on-premiseswinemaking shop. So There BusinessSolutions assists employers to increaseprofitability through market access, salesassistance, business development planningstrategies, mentoring and training.

announcement

Chamber welcomes new leader

On September 21, 2010, Ian McLean was formally announced asthe new President and Chief Executive Officer of the GreaterKitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and he began hisduties on October 5, 2010.

Ian has been a resident of Waterloo Region for forty years,where he attended Kitchener Collegiate Institute. He graduatedfrom the University of Toronto with aBachelor of Arts degree and acquired aDiploma in Business AdministrationfromWilfrid Laurier University.

Most recently, Ian was President ofMcLean & Associates, a localconsulting firm specializing in businessdevelopment and international tradedevelopment strategies. Previously, heworked as an Executive Director withthe Ontario Workplace Safety andInsurance Board.

His public service background includesseven years on Waterloo City Council(2003 to 2010), where he was Chair ofthe Finance and Strategic PlanningCommittee. He has also served onnumerous community Boardsincluding the Waterloo Public Library,the KW Art Gallery and the WaterlooUptown BIA.

“It is a great honour to take on thisrole” said McLean. “The Chamber hasa long and proud history of being a positive catalyst in thegrowth of this community. Greater Kitchener Waterloo is aprogressive and involved community and I look forward toworking on its behalf along with our staff, stakeholders,members and partners.”

One of Ian’s first tasks will be to work with the Chamber Boardof Directors to finalize and revitalize the strategic plan.

The Chamber has a long history of working collaborativelywith all levels of government and values its solid relationshipswith elected officials, government staff, and associationmembers on addressing and resolving important matters that

affect business.

Ian looks forward to celebrating theChamber’s upcoming 125th anniversaryin 2011.“Next year promises to beextremely exciting and productive,”noted McLean. “The entirecommunity will have the opportunityto celebrate 125 years of business andcommunity building since the foundingof the Berlin Board of Trade. It isimportant to recognize where we havebeen but equally critical to lookforward.”

In his first few weeks, Ian has enjoyedmeeting with staff as well as many ofthe volunteers who make the Chamberthe success it is. He has attendednumerous events including the forumon the Kitchener and Waterloomerger referendum question,Chamber Young Professionals, andregular committee meetings at theQueen Street office.

Away from the office, Ian loves spending time with his twoyoung daughters – Hannah and Abigail – and his dog Solomon.He is also an avid golfer and enjoys cooking and yoga.

The Chamber Board and staff welcome Ian to his new position.

5advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2010

IAN MCLEAN

February 17th, 2011

P R E S E N T S

Save the Date!

Business Excellence Awards

2011

A Gala event to recognize Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

members who have made exceptional contributions through their

involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community.

The time is rapidly approaching! Purchase your tickets online at:

www.greaterkwchamber.com or by calling 519.576.5000

The following awards will be presented:

Business of the Year(over 20 employees)

Business of the Year(20 employees and under)

Environment Award

Hospitality/Tourism Award

Innovation Award

Michael R. Follett CommunityLeader Award

WRIEN Award(Waterloo Region Immigrant

Employment Network)

Volunteer of the Year Award

Workplace Training Award

Young Entrepreneur of theYear Award

Non-Profit/CharitableAward

advocacy

Hartford of the North and pension reformBY ART SINCLAIR

The American city of Hartford is probably best known to mostCanadians as home of the infamous Whalers National HockeyLeague franchise.

Hockey fans will remember them for their relativeobscurity and limited accomplishments. Not one of the NHL’sforemost dynasties, the Whalers are the organization whereGordie Howe retired. Other than this fact widely known amongsports trivia fanatics, not much happened on the ice inConnecticut.

South of the border, Hartford is the “The Insurance Capital ofthe World” since many major companies established a long-standing presence there. However, a New York Times article in2003 claimed the city can no longer claim this distinction, as allbut two major organizations have moved their headquarters toother centres. Ironically, in 1997, the Hartford Whalersrelocated to Raleigh North Carolina and have experiencedconsiderably more success, including an unexpected 2006Stanley Cup win.

Over the course of Canadian corporate history, Waterloo Regionhas become “Hartford of the North” due to the significantpresence of the insurance and financial services sector. However,unlike the aforementioned American city, business here is stableand growing.

On the public policy agenda, the local financial services sectorand our Chamber will be increasingly active in the emerging andcritically important national debate on reforms to the retirementincome system.

Jim Leech, CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, told aToronto business audience over a year ago that, like free trade inthe 1980s, pension reform could be the defining issue for thefirst decade of this century. Canadians will increasingly demandthat governments provide changes for assisting rather thanhindering their ability to accumulate retirement savings.

Both the federal and Ontario governments have initiatedconsultations on the portfolio. Last June, Ontario FinanceMinister Dwight Duncan hosted a stakeholder meeting inKitchener with invited groups from across the province. Ourorganization was represented by former Board Chair DianeWolfenden, and many similar sessions are expected in the nearfuture.

In a submission to the federal Department of Finance in April of2010, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) noted thatup to 50 percent of private sector employees have no workplaceretirement savings plan. It is subsequently no surprise that muchof the current discussion has focused on ensuring that privatesector employees have more access to employer-sponsoredsavings plans.

The CCC has concluded that the current national retirementsavings system is relatively sound, therefore legislators and policymakers need to focus on improvements in the “gap” areas ratherthan analyzing and considering fundamental change. Also,businesses need the flexibility to select retirement savingssolutions that fit their organizational size and resources.Retirement income savings and income needs vary significantly,therefore a balanced and competitive approach that includesmore private sector options for both employer and employee iscritical for future sustainability.

A report from the TD Bank Financial Group this past June alsoconcluded there is no pension crisis in Canada – at the moment.The incidence of seniors living in poverty is relatively low andthe vast majority of retirees are maintaining their standard ofliving. However, a significant minority – perhaps 20 to 25percent – are not meeting the traditional benchmark of 60 to 70percent of their pre-retirement income. The greatest “at risk”population in this respect is workers with annual salaries of$30,000 to $80,000.

Clearly the public debate on the retirement income system is justcommencing, with a significant number of interestedstakeholders prepared to participate. Our Chamber expects toremain intensely involved in this process to ensure theperspectives of our membership are advanced to both theprovincial and federal levels of government.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

Art Sinclair is the Vice PresidentPolicy and Advocacy for the GreaterKitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has been involved in family physician recruitmentfor over a decade. Our efforts are supported by passionate andcommitted Chamber volunteers and the generous financialsupport of our corporate and municipal partners.

Over 135 family physicians have been recruited since 1998 andthe number of people without a family physician has been cut inhalf, from over 40,000 to just over 20,000 today.

Despite our successes, The Chamber Health Care ResourcesCouncil is concerned that the gap may widen over the next fewyears as population growth, retirement of existing physicians andthe changing expectations of new medical graduates converge.

As the Health Council considers how we can eliminate the gap,having a place to practice has emerged as a priority need. Thenew “norm” is that today’s young family practitioners arelooking for life balance. They work fewer hours and roster fewerpatients than long established physicians. The majority are alsofemale practitioners, many of whom want to work part-time.This means that the number of practitioners needed is evenlarger.

In order to provide them with a place to practice, we are nowexploring the feasibility of building either a private orcommunity developed medical centre that could provide a turn-key solution for 18 or more family physicians. If successful, themodel could be replicated to more sites across greater K-W.

It is important that the model provide physicians with anenvironment that is attractive to them in all stages of their

careers so that there is a strong mentoring environment. It isalso a great strategy to help existing physicians ease intoretirement.

Many of the Waterloo Region McMaster Medical Schoolundergraduates are choosing family medicine. Some have startedfirst year residencies in our K-W Family Medicine ResidencyProgram with the desire to ultimately practice here. Many morewill follow over the next few years. All have made it clear thatthey are looking for an established medical facility which willmeet their practice style and needs.

The Chamber will continue to move forward with this newstrategic direction and initiatives that will ultimately solve thefamily physician shortage.

Five years from now we want to be able to say that every residentin Kitchener-Waterloo-Woolwich has access to a familyphysician and the best primary care possible.


Practice opportunity &the new generation physicianBY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK

perspective on health care

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Mary Sue is Vice President Family PhysicianResources and Health Advocacy.

As an employer, you may have already considered the advantagesof providing a group benefits program. Helping employees without-of-pocket health, dental, and disability costs can help attractand retain key individuals. It can also demonstrate that yourorganization genuinely cares, which leads to increasedproductivity and improved morale.

While there are many advantages to having a group benefitprogram, it’s important to do your research before taking the stepof implementing a plan. Some of the considerations include:

• The objectives of a group benefit plan

• Overall total compensation philosophy

• Employee expectations

• Risk tolerance level

• Employee and employer cost sharing

• Demographics and diverse needs of the employee group

Below are a few steps to help in the gathering of information thatwill help you set up a group benefit plan that best fits the needs ofyour organization.

(1) Understand Needs – Begin by understanding what youremployees want in a program, and what your competition isoffering.

1) Conduct a benchmarking exercise to determine what benefitsother employers of the same size and industry are offering

2) Conduct an employee survey to determine the health needs,preferences and expectations of the workforce

These steps can be carried out by group benefit specialists withinyour organization, or by working with an organizationspecializing in group benefit programs.

(2) Understand Types of Plans - In addition to researchingemployee expectations and industry standards, it’s also importantto understand coverage options.

Traditional plans usually include life insurance, accidental deathand dismemberment, disability insurance, healthcare and dentalcoverage. Optional benefits such as optional life, critical illnessand Health Care Spending Accounts can also be considered.

The size of your company may be a factor in determining thelevel of coverage available and amount of flexibility in the plandesign. For example, some smaller organizations find associationplans – such as the One Source Advantage Program – a good fit.The stable rates, comprehensive coverage and competitivepricing are attractive to many employers.

Included in the One Source Advantage Program is access to anEmployee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides peaceof mind that employees have support on the range of difficultissues they face every day.

(3) Understand Service – When it comes time to interview yourpotential group benefit provider, we recommend you ask about:

• Specific coverage options available to you, your employeesand their families

• Initial and future costs of the plan

• Cost containment features

• Management of claims and claim payments

• Their communication style to ensure you get the level ofservice you require

Doing the research ahead of time, and asking these questions upfront, will help ensure you implement a group benefit programthat meets your needs and the needs of your employees.

feature


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Karen Mason &Teresa Norris-Lue

Karen Mason is Senior Vice-President,Group, at Equitable Life of Canada. Karen ison the Board of the Greater KitchenerWaterloo Chamber of Commerce and isAssociate Chair of the Chamber Health CareRecruitment Council.

Teresa Norris-Lue is Vice President ofBenefits at Cowan Insurance Group. Sheworks with the Greater Kitchener WaterlooChamber of Commerce and its members toensure all their group benefits, retirement,and other risk management needs are met.

Setting up a group benefits programBY KARENMASON AND TERESA NORRIS-LUE

“When asked a series of questions about which they would ratherhave, the majority of plan members said they would prefer theirhealth benefit plan over other types of compensation. Fifty-twopercent would choose their health benefit plan over an additionalcash compensation of $15,000 per year…….”

Source: The sanofi-aventis Healthcare Survey 2009

networking

Autumn networkingPHOTOS BY ADAMSKI PHOTOGRAPHY


1) ANGIE FELGENDREHER & SANDRA MUIR OF COWAN GREET GOLFERS AT THE CHAMBER’S ANNUALGOLF SCRAMBLE

2) CROWD AT “SHOULD THE COMMUNITIES TALK?” NETWORKING BREAKFAST EVENT.3) WAYNE BRABAZON, OF THE REGION OF WATERLOO AT THE REGIONAL BUSINESS TRADESHOW.4) OUTGOING CHAIR, MARY D’ALTON PASSES THE GAVEL TO JEFF MACINTYRE.

5) J.R. WADDELL AND DARCY PODHORNY - BOTH FROM WATERLOO INN AND JEFF MCINTYRE, ATTHE REGIONAL TRADESHOW.

6) SARAH YETKINER OF TRIOS COLLEGE AT THE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT.7) LIAISON COLLEGE DISPLAY AND CHEFS AT THE REGIONAL TRADESHOW.

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networking


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84,600 MORE ADULTS DAILY77,200 MORE ADULTS ON SATURDAY*

THE RECORD REACHES MORE ADULTS THAN THE TORONTO PAPERS COMBINED!

To advertise or partner with the Waterloo Region Record please call 519-894-2250.

*Source: NADbank® 2009

please call 519-894-2250.oigeRoolretaWehtraproesitrevdaoTTo

4-2250.droceRnohtiwrentr

8) ART SINCLAIR FROM THE CHAMBER WITH GUEST SPEAKERS TIM JACKSON, FRED KUNTZ, HERB EPPAND BENTON LEONG

9) CECIL HAYES OF SPIRITED LEADERS AT THE REGIONAL BUSINESS TRADESHOW.10) GOLFERS AT THE 19TH ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE HELD AT REBEL CREEK GOLF CLUB.11) TAMI KINGDOM AND JASON KIPFER OF TD MERCHANT SERVICES

12) JEFF MACINTYRE, INCOMING CHAIR, IAN MCLEAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO AND MARY D’ALTONOUTGOING CHAIR AT THE CHAMBER’S AGM.

13) DARLENE JONES, OF THE CHAMBER, LINDA KORGEMETS OF PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS ANDKATHRYN MCEWIN OF THE CHAMBER.

14) SOME OF THE CROWD AT THE COWAN NEW CHAMBER MEMBER WELCOME.

new members

August 1 - September 30, 2010

Advance Construction EquipmentLimitedContractors' Equipment, Service & SuppliesSteven Katz, Accountant818 Victoria Street NorthKitchener, ON N2G 4G8Email: [email protected]: www.advanceequipment.netPhone: (519) 742-5878Fax: (519) 742-0491

BreezeMaxWebAdvertising - InternetBill Burgess, Regional Manager2810 Matheson Boulevard East, Suite 200Mississauga, ON L4C 3C7Email: [email protected]: www.breezemaxweb.comPhone: (905) 290-1707Fax: (416) 792-7706

Callright Marketing Services Inc.Call CentresRoberta Renna, Managing Director1601 River Road East, Unit 22Kitchener, ON N3C 4G1Email: [email protected]: www.callrightmarketing.comPhone: (519) 894-4566Fax: (519) 894-9262

Clean Air SourceCleaning, DuctsDarrin Drake, Administrator17A - 218 Silvercreek Parkway North,Suite 314Guelph, ON N1H 8E8Email: [email protected]: www.cleanairsource.caPhone: (519) 893-1991

Courtland Professional PropertyManagementProperty ManagementTimotheus Oomen, Business DevelopmentManager332789 Plank LineTillsonburg, ON N4G 4H1Email: [email protected]: www.courtlandgardens.caPhone: (519) 688-3777Fax: (519) 688-3710

Dr. Seagrist SpaMedWeight Control ServicesRandy Jo Wilcox, Owner/Operator185 Glasgow StreetKitchener, ON N2M 2M2Email: [email protected]: www.drseagrist.comPhone: (519) 570-3330Fax: (519) 570-1579

Duras ConsultingComputer ConsultantsDavid Secord, Owner/President329 Pine Valley DriveKitchener, ON N2P 2V5Email: [email protected]: www.duras.comPhone: (888) 993-8727

Frontline Forensic InvestigationInvestigatorsGary Arthur,Director Business Development145 Otonabee Drive, Suite AKitchener, ON N2C 1L7Email: [email protected]: www.frontlineforensic.comPhone: (519) 746-1970Fax: (519) 746-9044

The Hive And Grove Inc.Holistic Health ServicesTiffany Lazic, Owner/President62 St. George StreetKitchener, ON N2C 2S9Email: [email protected]: www.hiveandgrove.caPhone: (519) 571-8118

JL Equestrian Centre Inc.Horseback RidingLeslie Brooks, Owner1110 Huron Road, RR #2Petersburg, ON N0B 2H0Email:[email protected]: www.jlequestriancentre.comPhone: (519) 696-3518

Karen Wilson Interior Design Inc.Interior Design ServicesKaren Wilson, President121 Charles Street West, Suite C317Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6Email: [email protected]: www.kwinteriordesign.caPhone: (519) 578-8444

Kor Capabilities ConsultingManagement ConsultantsNahla Kor, Owner414 Havendale CrescentWaterloo, ON N2T 2T3Email: [email protected]: www.korcapabilities.caPhone: (519) 886-2606

Larrek Investigation & ResearchInvestigatorsJohn Krug, Director Business DevelopementPO Box 3018, Station CKitchener, ON N2G 4R5Email: [email protected]: http://www.larrek.comPhone: (519) 576-3010Fax: (519) 576-4659

Larry BridleConsultantsLarry Bridle, Owner416 Beasley Crescent WestNelson, BC V1L 5Y4Email: [email protected]: (604) 628-2422

McWilliams Moving & StorageMoving & StorageRob Thompson, Branch Manager215 Frobisher Drive, Unit 2Waterloo, ON N2V 2G4Email: [email protected]: www.mcwilliamsmoving.comPhone: (519) 725-3060Fax: (519) 725-2898



PostNet Kitchener-CentreDigital Imaging, Printing & PhotographyJohn Funk, Owner447 Frederick Street, Suite 100Kitchener, ON N2H 2P4Email: [email protected]: www.postnet.caPhone: (519) 208-0635Fax: (519) 570-2717

Prestige Home Care Ltd.Health Care Supplies & ServiceRichard Saur, Chief Executive Officer824 King Street West, Suite 202Kitchener, ON N2G 1G1Email: [email protected]: www.prestigehomecare.caPhone: (519) 954-0113

Shred All LimitedShredding ServicesJim Miller, Owner235 Denstedt Street WestListowel, ON N4W 3W2Email: [email protected]: www.shred-all.caPhone: (519) 418-2448Fax: (519) 418-2449

Trillium CollegeSchools - Academic - Colleges & UniversitiesCyndy Dutkiewicz, Campus Manager111 Simcoe Street NorthOshawa, ON L1G 4S4Email: [email protected]: www.trilliumcollege.caPhone: (888) 982-0575Fax: (289) 222-2520

Two Men and A Truck -The Movers Who CareMoving & StorageDan Hopkins, Chief Operating Officer245 Yorkland Boulevard, Suite 100Toronto, ON M2J 4W9Email: [email protected]: www.twomenandatruck.caPhone: (416) 646-0486Fax: 1 (416) 490-1456

new members

www.crawfordandcompany.ca

CRAWFORD & COMPANY (CANADA) INC.Crawford has been a leading provider of claims management solutions in the Kitchener/Waterloo area and across Canada for over 43 years. We provide an extensive range of services including:

Healthcare Management ServicesWorkers’ compensation managementReturn to work for casual, short-term and long-term claimsErgonomicsBenefits administration

CLAIMSALERT® Contact CentreAfter-hours answer and dispatch servicesCompliance hotlinesCustomer satisfaction surveys

••••

•••

Crawford is always looking for career-oriented individuals to join our team. Please contact [email protected] for moreinformation on job opportunities with us.

Contact us at [email protected] for moreinformation on any of our services.

Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc. is an equal opportunity employer

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feature

Standing Up for jobs and job-creators!BY HAROLD ALBRECHT

The Federal Government is providing support for businesses andjob creators across Canada through Employment Insurancereforms.

Recently, major steps to limit future increases in employmentinsurance premiums were announced. These changes will supportjob creation by leaving more money in the hands of bothbusinesses and their employees.

This comprehensive three-step plan will support the ongoingeconomic recovery and improve the employment insurancesystem.

First, our Government will stop the expected CanadianEmployment Insurance Financing Board’s increase of 15 cents toEI premiums for 2011 by limiting the maximum increase to 5 centsper $100 of insurable earnings. This will save employers andemployees $1.2 billion in 2011 relative to a 15-cent increase. Italso means that the 2011 EI premium rate cannot exceed $1.78 per$100 of insurable earnings – at nearly the lowest levels in 30 years.

This is on top of the estimated $9.2B in relief provided by freezingEI premiums over the last two years when it was needed most.

Second, we will be limiting the maximum increase in premiumrates for subsequent years to 10 cents per $100 of insurableearnings. This will save employers and employees another $600million annually in coming years relative to the current limit.

Our plan balances the genuine importance of preventing large EIrate increases, which would jeopardize our fragile economicrecovery, and the unavoidable need to bring the EI account back tobalance over time.

And finally, our Government will launch consultations on ways tobuild on the improvements we have already introduced to thesystem.

As you recall, we have already taken landmark action to takeinterference out of the EI program. Previous administrationspotentially exploited the contributions of workers and businessesto the system, allocating over $57 billion in surpluses in the EIAccount for questionable initiatives. We have taken real action toguarantee EI premiums are only used to pay for the EI program,preventing future governments from setting rates artificially highin order to create funds for non-related purposes.

With this solid foundation in place, our Government wants to hearfrom Canadians and businesses on how the EI rate settingmechanism can be even further improved to ensure more stable,predictable rates in the years ahead. We will announce specificdetails on these consultations shortly, and I encourage allemployers to get involved.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harold Albrecht

Harold Albrecht has been Member ofParliament for Kitchener-Conestoga since2006. Prior to his political career, he operateda local dental practice for 27 years. Haroldand his wife Betty reside on a farm in WilmotTownship.

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cover story

Employer sponsored retirement plansBY CHRIS DONNELLY

Over the past several years, governments and pension expertshave repeatedly expressed concerns about whether Canadians’savings will provide them with adequate retirement income.

Multiple causes have given rise to these concerns. Many privatecompanies have closed or wound-up traditional defined benefitpension plans creating concerns that future workers would haveinsufficient pensions. As baby boomers approach retirement instrong numbers, they’ve driven increasing focus on retirementsavings. A perception that many Canadians are just not savingenough has also contributed to a climate of growing concern.

More recently, the market volatility and economic uncertaintycaused by the global financial crisis in 2008 heightened theseconcerns. At market low points in March 2009, definedcontribution pension assets and RRSP portfolios had declined byas much as 40% in the Canadian context. Many defined benefitplans developed significant unfunded liabilities and in some casescontributed to the insolvency of large employers.

In a report prepared for Finance Ministers in December 2009,Professor Jack Mintz of the University of Calgary found thatwhile the majority of Canadians are saving adequately forretirement, a significant minority are not saving enough.Policymakers are challenged to find a way to encourage thosewho are not currently saving to save more without negativelyaffecting the retirement savings system that is resulting in a goodoutcome for the majority.

Over the past year, academics, regulators, unions, industry andbusiness associations have offered options intended to helpCanadians boost retirement savings.

A proposal by the Canadian Labour Congress recommendingthat employee and employer contributions to the CPP bedoubled (to 10% for employers and 10% for employees on allearnings under $94 400) attracted initial interest, but hasn’tproven attractive to pursue.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce was one of many businessassociations to express concerns about this proposal as it

threatened to significantly increase the cost of hiring employees.For example, an employer currently makes a maximum annualCPP contribution of $2163 for an employee earning more than$47 200. The proposal would increase the annual employercontribution to $4327 for those employees and up to a maximumof $8652 per year for workers making over $95 000.

In June 2010, Finance Ministers agreed to investigate theintroduction of more modest enhancements to the CPP. Thegroup will meet again later this year to review proposals.

Finance Ministers also agreed to investigate ways to improve theregulatory system to make pensions and retirement savings moreattractive to employers.

Manulife and other financial services companies have stronglysupported government efforts to ensure Canadians haveappropriate retirement income. We are encouraged thatgovernments continue to focus on making it easier forcompanies – especially small and medium sized firms – toprovide their employees with pensions and retirement savingsplans.

Manulife’s Group Retirement Solutions operation, which isheadquartered on Water Street in Kitchener, works withthousands of businesses across Canada to provide more than 600000 Canadians with defined contribution (DC) pensions andgroup RRSPs.

DC pensions and group RRSPs let employers offer retirementsavings plans without taking on large future liabilities if financialmarkets decline significantly. Additionally, these plans are easierto administer than traditional defined benefit plans. Typically,larger employers will provide a DC pension while smallemployers will offer a group RRSP.

However, improvements could be made to the existingregulatory framework to enhance both of these products.Current pension rules were designed for defined benefit pensionplans, not defined contribution plans. As a result, current rulesand requirements are unnecessarily complicated and costly.


cover story

Most Canadians who do not have a workplace retirement savingsplan are either self employed or work for a small or mediumsized business. These businesses typically do not have large HRdepartments with staff dedicated to managing a pension plan.Finding ways to make it easier for small and medium sizedbusinesses and the self employed to participate in workplacesavings plans should be key in any plan for reform.

Improving the framework for DC pensions and group RRSPswill help the millions of Canadians already saving throughemployer sponsored savings plans. It will also encourage more

businesses, especially small businesses, to offer retirementsavings plans.

Specifically, Manulife along with many other companies thatoffer employer savings plans have recommended thatgovernments:

• Create a simplified harmonized regulatory regime for DCpension plans

• Improve Group RRSPs by allowing employers to lock-in theircontributions

• Change employment legislation to allow employers toautomatically enroll new employees and automatically increasecontributions at certain times while giving the employee opt-out

• Create a new framework for DC Multi-Employer PensionPlans that is simpler for small businesses and self-employed

We are hopeful that later this year the Ministers of Finance willagree to move forward with changes that will improve employersponsored savings plans.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Donnelly

Chris Donnelly is AVP & Chief RegulatoryCounsel for Manulife’s Canadian Division.

Some Facts about Manulife in KW

• Manulife’s Canadian Operations have beenheadquartered in Waterloo since the company mergedwith Dominion Life in 1984. Dominion was headquarteredin Waterloo since it’s formation in 1889.

• Manufacturers Life was incorporated in 1887. The name“Manufacturers” has its origins in the political platform ofSir John A Macdonald - Manulife’s first president.MacDonald’s ‘National Policy’ plan included the need foran expanded manufacturing base to broaden the marketas the nation shifted from an agriculture-based economyto one of more mixed enterprises.

• Manulife now has more than 3800 employees at 4locations in Kitchener and Waterloo. Manulife stronglysupports the work of the Greater KW Chamber ofCommerce. Manulife has been a member of theChamber Board for many years and has been especiallyactive in efforts to improve regional and interregionaltransit, physician recruitment and in raising funds for localhospitals. Since 1993, the Manulife Bike and Hike forHeart has raised over $3 million dollars for the St. Mary’sRegional Cardiac Care Centre.

November 16, 2010Manulife Financial ChamberAcademy: IT for Small Business8:00-10:00amChamber of Commerce80 Queen St. N., KitchenerMember: $40 pre-paid, $45 at doorGeneral Admission: $45 pre-paid,$50 at door

An introduction to best practices in:selecting computers & equipment for anoffice; preventive maintenance; disasterrecovery strategies; viruses, spyware, spamand other threats to business continuity.

Title sponsor:

November 16, 2010Point of View: President of SunLife Financial Canada and Sun LifeGlobal Investments11:30am-1:00pmBenjamin’s Restaurant1430 King Street N., St. JacobsMember: $50 pre-paid, $55 at doorGeneral Admission: $60 pre-paid,$65 at door

Kevin Dougherty will share his thoughtson covering health care costs, a pensionplan for Canadians who don't have accessto one and the real possibilities of turningthe dream of lifetime financial securityinto reality.

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November 18, 2010Networking Breakfast Series - Savethe date7:30-9:00amHoliday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo30 Fairway Road S., KitchenerMember: $28 pre-paid, $35 at the doorGeneral Admission: $40 pre-paid,$45 at the door

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Mark your calendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


Corporate Christmas Party - December 11thOne big party for smaller size companies in Rushes Restaurant

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November 18, 2010Research In Motion ChamberYoung Professionals SpeedMentoring5:00-7:00pmWaterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $10, General Admission: $15

Maximize your networking opportunitieswith other professionals, one on one, a fewminutes at a time and find hiddenopportunities and new connections.

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November 23, 2010Intellectual Property& Copyright Reform7:30-9:00am

Watch the website, weekly eNews andtwitter.com/gkwcc for more details.

December 7 2010Rogers Chamber Connections5:00-7:00pmHoliday Inn Kitchener Waterloo30 Fairway Road S., KitchenerMember: $5, General Admission: $10Exhibitors $100

Does networking intimidate you or do youthrive on meeting new people? Come outto this casual networking event withfriendly faces and easy conversation.

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December 9, 2010Research In Motion ChamberYoung Professionals NetworkingEvent5:00-7:00pmMaxwell’s Music House220 King Street N., WaterlooMember: $5, General Admission: $10

Come out to this casual event to networkand mingle with other young professionalsand learn about the events that are plannedthroughout the new year.

Title sponsor:

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December 15, 2010Chamber Holiday Open House5:00-7:00pmChamber of Commerce80 Queen Street N., KitchenerMember: Complimentary

feature


Meet the 2010/2011 Board of Directors

BACK ROW: AL HAYES - THE WALTER FEDY PARTNERSHIP, DIANE WOLFENDEN - RBC DOMINION SECURITIES,

MURRAY COSTELLO - UNION GAS A SPECTRA ENERGY COMPANY, KEN WHYTE - QUARRY INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS INC.,

TIM SOTHERN - BDO CANADA LLP, SCOTT MURPHY - DATA PERCEPTIONS INC., DAVE JAWORSKY - RESEARCH IN MOTION,

RAHIM HIRJI - MANULIFE FINANCIAL, SANDRA STONE - CONESTOGA MALL, RICK BAKER - SPIRITED INVESTORS CORPORATION,

TIM STROME - REID'S HERITAGE HOMES LTD.

FRONT ROW: LOIS NORRIS - DARE FOODS LIMITED, PAUL EICHINGER - COLDWELL BANKER PETER BENNINGER REALTY BROKERAGE,

GINNY DYBENKO - LAURIER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS, JEFF MACINTYRE - SO THERE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS/WINEXPERT KITCHENER SOUTH,

MARY D’ALTON - WATERLOO INN CONFERENCE HOTEL, BRIAN BENNETT - BME CONSULTING, ROSA LUPO - GOWLING LAFLEUR HENDERSON LLP,

IAN MCLEAN - GREATER KITCHENER WATERLOO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LINDA DANCEY - GRAND RIVER PERSONNEL LTD.

NOT PRESENT: KAREN MASON - EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA, TREVOR STRAUSS - NEXTENERGY INC.

feature

New Directors joining the 2010/2011 Board


Linda Dancey is the Founder, President and CEO ofGrand River Personnel Limited, a Staffing Recruitingcompany in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Grand RiverPersonnel's 32-year history is founded on itscommitment to offering, with diversity and flexibility,professional recruiting services to the businesscommunity with which it is a proud partner.

Linda is a member of the Human ResourcesAssociation - Grand Valley Chapter and received herC.H.R.P. designation in 1990. Linda served as the

Chapter President during 2008/2009 and currently isthe Director for Programs for the Chapter.

Linda is also a Board Member with the KitchenerWaterloo Humane Society. She is an active member ofthe Friends of the Foundation Committee. This is adedicated group of volunteers who spearhead RAKDay - Random Act of Kindness Day on behalf of TheKitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.Linda is also active within the Waterloo Regional SalesClub.

Linda DanceyFounder / President& CEOGrand River PersonnelLimited

Rosa Lupo is a partner of the Waterloo Region Officeof Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and a member ofthe Business Law Group. Rosa practises in all areas ofreal estate law with an emphasis on purchase, sale andfinancing transactions. Rosa advises clients with respectto development, financing, leasing, purchase and sale ofcommercial and multi-residential projects. Rosa isactively involved in the preparation and negotiation ofcomplex agreements of purchase and sale, joint ventureagreements, commercial agreements and securitydocumentation.

Rosa has been a long-standing active member of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerceand has been a member of the Chamber’s Women’sLeadership Committee for over five years. Rosa’sinvolvement in the community also includes being theVice-President and a Board Member of K-WCounselling Services and a regular lecturer at theSchlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship School ofBusiness and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lois Norris is Vice President, Finance andAdministration at Dare Foods Limited, a privately-heldfamily food company headquartered in Kitchener. Sheis a Chartered Accountant and holds a BBA fromWilfrid Laurier University. Lois has worked in severalsenior financial management roles in themanufacturing sector over the last 13 years, includingher previous position as Vice President Finance andChief Financial Officer at Humpty Dumpty SnackFoods. Prior to this, she was a senior manager in the

audit practice at KPMG in Waterloo, serving a broadrange of clients that included the manufacturing anddistribution sectors, as well as municipalities.

Prior volunteer experience includes her role asTreasurer and board member of the Stratford-PerthUnited Way from 1994 – 1998. Lois relocated fromStratford four years ago and now resides in Kitchenerwith her husband and son.Lois Norris

Vice President,Finance &AdministrationDare Foods Limited

Rosa LupoPartnerGowling LafleurHenderson LLP

Maureen Tomlinson, MBA/CMADirector of Business Services, IT, Economical Insurance Group

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As an employer with more than 3,000 employees in theWaterloo Region, Sun Life Financial Canada strives to promotea culture where employees can achieve optimal health, wellness,and performance.

In today’s workplace environment, health and wellness programsare becoming the norm, and organizations are expected to offerthis type of benefit. Workplace wellness programs not onlyimprove employee lifestyle and productivity, but they also helpyou reduce absenteeism and the costs of benefit programs.

The 2009 National Wellness Survey conducted by Buffett &Company Worksite Wellness shows nine out of 10 employers inCanada offer wellness initiatives.

Even though organizations are offering more health and wellnessprograms than ever before, there still appears to be a gapbetween these programs and improved employee health.

At Sun Life, we have implemented a number of initiatives to getthe most out of our own employee wellness program.

Employee inputWe seek input from employees to determine what type ofprograms to offer. Through a wellness assessment campaign, weidentify the top health risks among employees, and createprogram offerings that reflect these priorities and meetemployees’ needs.

CommunicationWe use a number of communication tools to ensure that allemployees receive information about our wellness program.Leader messages, email, posters, desk drops, our employeeintranet, and job aids for people managers are just some of thetools we use to connect with our employees.

Program delivery and supportIt is essential that workplace wellness programs are convenientand accessible for all employees, in both remote and onsitelocations. An online health challenge, for example, allows anyemployee to become involved and improve their health. Sun Lifealso produces educational webinars, another very useful tool forworkforces that are spread across the country.

It’s important to have senior leadership and management teamsthat are committed to the program’s success and visibly supportthese initiatives. Social networking tools can increasecommunication among participants for additional support, andemployee success stories provide inspiration to keep going.

Engagement/participationUltimately, it’s up to employees to make use of the resources thatare available to them. However, employers must make it as easyas possible to get involved. For example, we use incentive awardsand team competitions to encourage employee participation.

Measurement & feedbackIt is very important to measure program results to gaugesuccess and identify areas for improvement. Annual employeewellness assessments and screening clinics can indicate changesin health from one year to the next. Collecting employeefeedback after a program and incorporating it into the overallprogram measurement allows us to determine where changesneed to be made to improve effectiveness, visibility, andparticipation.

Since January, we have had more than 4,100 Canadianemployees take advantage of our wellness program. Inrecognition of our strong commitment to improving the healthof our employees, Sun Life was awarded the 2010 WaterlooRegion’s Healthy Workplace Gold Award.

With an effective and well-rounded health and wellnessprogram, your organization can improve performance, savemoney, increase employee engagement, and help employeesachieve the best possible health and wellness.

feature

Keys to a successful workplace wellness programBY SANDY DELAMERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandy Delamere

Sandy Delamere is Vice-President, HumanResources, SLF Canada, responsible fortranslating Canada’s business priorities intohuman resources strategies to meetemployee and business needs.

sponsor profile

Since opening our doors as Canada’s first bank in 1817, BMOBank of Montreal has been committed to the economicdevelopment of our country. From modest beginnings we nowserve banking, investing and institutional clients across NorthAmerica and around the world. Yet, at the heart of BMO Bankof Montreal is one goal we all work hard to realize – being thebank that defines great customer experience.

Defining CanadaThis year marks the 150th anniversary of BMO Bank ofMontreal’s partnership with the Kitchener-Waterloo community.As Canada’s first bank, BMO has become one of the nation’smost enduring institutions, relied upon during times of bothstability and uncertainty. A key provider of capital for newbusinesses and financier of infrastructure projects – from


Pioneering a great customer experienceBY JANET PEDDIGREW

HERITAGE DESIGNATED BMO BANK OF MONTREAL’S KING AND ERB STREET LOCATION

sponsor profile

Canada’s first railway to its first telegraph service – BMO hasunique place as part of our national heritage.

BMO Bank of Montreal has a rich tradition in Kitchener-Waterloo that first started in 1860, when the Commercial Bankof Canada opened on Queen Street. Since becoming a part ofthe Bank of Montreal’s national network in 1922, the financialneeds of local industry including farmers, flour mills and acarriage factory, have been served by our dedicated branchmanagers and staff.

Defining the Future of BankingThroughout this relationship, both BMO and Kitchener-Waterloo have grown from humble beginnings to becomerecognized as pioneers of innovation on the international stage.Technological research and creativity have defined Kitchener-Waterloo in the 21st century. BMO also has a strong innovativespirit and has committed itself to transforming the Canadianbanking industry.

BMO’s contributions include becoming the first bank to go‘online’ between 1975-1980, connecting all its branches acrossthe country through a centralized computer system, and in 1996,we were the first Canadian bank in to offer full service bankingon the internet across North America.

Our dedication to providing the best customer serviceexperience will continue, as we become more efficient andresponsive to the changing needs of customers.

Defining Great Customer ServiceResponsibility begins with the way we conduct business. As acompany, we strive to do the right thing – always. Ourstakeholders expect this of us, and nothing could be moreimportant to our success. Our business – making money makesense for millions of personal, commercial, institutional andcorporate customers – is built on the trust people have in ourcompany. For this reason, we constantly review and refine ourgovernance standards to ensure we are maintaining the higheststandards for ethics and transparency.

Taking Action in the Kitchener-Waterloo CommunityAt BMO, we believe that corporate responsibility is a journeybest travelled in partnership with our many stakeholders. It’s abelief that stems from the understanding that the economic,social and environmental choices we make as a corporation affectthe lives of our shareholders, customers, employees andcommunities. That means operating our business ethically andaccording to the principles of honesty, transparency andaccountability

BMO has become an active supporter of the Kitchener-Waterloocommunity. Our participation has included contributions toKitchener Waterloo Counselling Services, the YMCA ofKitchener-Waterloo and Supportive Housing of Waterloo.Currently the presenting sponsor of Titanic: The ArtifactsExhibition at The Museum in Kitchener, BMO has also pledge$1.3 million to the University of Waterloo to further assist inattracting the brightest minds in Canada.

With over 200 employees and 12 branches in Kitchener-Waterloo, no matter what their needs, our customers can be surethey will be met by a knowledgeable professional who will sitdown and help them understand our products and services, sothey can confidently make the right decisions with their money.We are committed to providing every one of our customers withthe best banking experience

For more information about BMO visit www.bmo.com.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet Peddigrew

Janet Peddigrew is Vice-President, BMOBank of Montreal, Mid-Western OntarioDistrict. Janet oversees delivery of the fullrange of financial services the Bank providesto personnel and commercial customers.Born in Wabush, Newfoundland andLabrador Janet completed her MBA atDalhousie University.

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member notables

Member notables


570 News and Kitchener Rangers announce new deal

570 News and the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club announced a new five year broadcast deal runningthrough the 2015/2016 season. Mike Farwell, the new colour commentator for the hockey club joinedthe legendary Don Cameron who marks his 44th season of play-by-play with the Rangers Hockey Club.

Chamber members honoured at Women of the Year event

The Rogers Oktoberfest Women of the Year awards took place in October. The awards recognize andpay tribute to outstanding women in the community in the following categories: Arts & Culture;Community Service; Health &Wellness; Entrepreneur; Lifetime Achievement; Professional; Sports &Recreation and Young Adult. A number of Chamber members were among those honoured.

Linda Hendry of Hendry Coach Lines Inc. won the award for Community Service and the followingChamber members were nominated for awards: Christina Boon, Icing Inspirations; Esther Gascho,Bingemans; Megan Harris, Wilfrid Laurier University; Moni Lagonia, RBC Dominion Securities; BessieSchenk, freelance writer, marketing, communications; Dana Shortt, Dana Shortt Gourmet; DawneTaylor-Gilders, SNAP; Genevieve Twomey, K-W Symphony; Amy Vandenberg, CuteGecko and YvonneZensner, The Cake Box.

Data Perceptions Celebrates 17 years

On October 21st, Data Perceptions' celebrated its 17th Anniversary. Customers, family and friendsattended the event at the Grey Silo Golf Course.

Data Perceptions provides IT operations consulting expertise, software development, and infrastructureservices.

Morning Glory Café & Bakery celebrates 10 years

Located in downtown Kitchener, Morning Glory Café & Bakery celebrated 10 years in business this fall.

More than a typical enterprise, this Ray of Hope program provides a training environment forindividuals that have had limited opportunity to realize their potential. You can help to strengthen thecore of our community just by having lunch.

MTE named to 2010 Zweig Letter Hot Firm List

MTE Consultants Inc. (MTE) was once again named to the Zweig Letter Hot Firm List. This honourrecognizes the firm’s tremendous growth from 2006 – 2009. This is the second year in a row that MTEhas made the List and MTE is one of only a small number of named firms with head offices in Canada.

MTE is an employee-owned company providing multidisciplinary services in the fields of engineering,environmental science, toxicology and land surveying.

(continued on page 28)Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishment

or event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraintsmake it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

Morning GloryCafe & Bakery

member notables


For more information, contact TD Commercial Banking.

Karl BrechtVice President, TD Commercial Banking519-579-2168 [email protected]

TD Commercial Banking. Customized bankingsolutions to meet your unique business needs.

We make it our business to understand your business.

Before we can understand how to best meet your banking needs, we wantto understand your business. That’s why at TD Commercial Banking, we offerour clients the advantage of a dedicated Relationship Manager who iscommitted to fully understanding your business needs before recommendinga customized banking solution. Your Relationship Manager is your one pointof contact and there is a whole team of specialists adding expert value andsupport. Find out how TD Commercial Banking can give you the personalservice you and your business deserve.

(continued from page 27)

Waterloo Region Record editor-in-chiefaccepts Suburban Newspapers of America award

Waterloo Region Record editor-in-chief Lynn Haddrall accepted her award for Suburban Newspapers ofAmerica Editor of the Year at the SNA’s annual conference in September.

The association, which represents more than 2,000 newspapers in Canada and the U.S., recognizedLynn, who is also editor-in-chief of the Guelph Mercury and Grand magazine, as someone who hasmade “outstanding contributions” to their newspaper “through strong management skills, readershipinitiatives, community involvement, innovation and a commitment to quality journalism.”

Access Storage celebrates its new Kitchener location

On September 15th 2010, Access Storage celebrated its grand opening at the new Access Business Centrelocated at 50 Ottawa Street South at Charles Street in Kitchener.

Canadian owned and operated, Access Storage has been providing the Greater Toronto Area with highquality, flexible, modern and secure storage facilities since 1998. With ties to the Waterloo region, Accessis now able to serve Waterloo Region’s needs by providing a variety of customized storage solutions.

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A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

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Equitable Life® has proudly partnered with Cowan and the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce since 1984 to provide membersand their employees with a comprehensive and cost-effective group benefits program.

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® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada

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Documents

The Advocate Magazine - November | December 2010