The Advocate Magazine - November | December 2011

advocateN O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Business ImprovementAreas- Supporting SmallBusinessAn Integrated Approach to ImmigrantEmployment

Success in Small Business StartsWith the Right Banking Solutions

Did the CEEO Do the Right Thing byInvesting in Small Local Businessesor Should We Have Focused on LocalArts & Culture?

Business ImprovementAreas- Supporting SmallBusinessAn Integrated Approach to ImmigrantEmployment

Success in Small Business StartsWith the Right Banking Solutions

Did the CEEO Do the Right Thing byInvesting in Small Local Businessesor Should We Have Focused on LocalArts & Culture?

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Art Sinclair

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:Cober Evolving Solutions

PHOTOGRAPHY:Adamski Photography and Chamber staff

ADVERTISING AND SALES:David MacLellan - [email protected] Critelli- [email protected] Waddell- [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Brian Bennett, Don Bisch, Patti Brooks, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick,Mark Garner, Cameron Kozlowski, Ian McLean, Bill Pegg,Arran Rowles, Art Sinclair, Heather Sinclair, Nora Whittington

CONTRIBUTORS:Bryan Atcheson and Teri Hetherington

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:November 7, 2011 for January | FebruaryJanuary 23, 2012 for March | AprilMarch 19, 2012 for May | JuneMay 18, 2012 for July | AugustJuly 23, 2011 for Sept | October

SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:Darlene [email protected]

SUBMISSION POLICY:Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or emailc/o Editor - Advocate. Please do not send originals.All contributors articles must be accompanied by a head shot in ajpg file and a 40 word author’s bio.

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT: #40026716FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS

Heather Hutchings - [email protected]

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POSTMASTER ADDRESS CHANGES:C/O ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE80 QUEEN STREET NORTH, PO BOX 2367KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4

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 Small Business Drives LocalEconomyBrian Bennett

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 Government Action Needed toAssist Small Business SectorIan McLean

ADVOCACY

7 All Governments Need to CutRed Tape for BusinessArt Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Increasing HealthcareInvestments acrossWaterloo RegionMary Sue Fitzpatrick

EVENTS

10 Autumn Networking

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 August 1, 2011to September 30, 2011

EVENTS

18 Mark Your Calendar

SPONSOR PROFILE

24 Equitable Life of Canada:A Waterloo Success StoryDon Bisch

MEMBER NOTABLES

27 Achieving SuccessChamber MembersSPONSORSHIP

31 Chamber Sponsors

departments

FEATURE

9 Meet the 2011/2012 Chamber Board of DirectorsFEATURE

14 An Integrated Approach to Immigrant EmploymentArran Rowles and Nora Whittington

COVER STORY

16 Business Improvement Areas- Supporting Small BusinessPatti Brooks and Mark Garner

FEATURE

20 Success in Small Business Starts With the Right Banking SolutionsCameron Kozlowski

FEATURE

22 Did the CEEO Do the Right Thing By Investing in Small LocalBusinesses or Should We Have Focused on Local Arts & Culture?Heather Sinclair

FEATURE

26 Canadian Chamber Focuses on Competitiveness IssuesFEATURE

30 The Benefits of Chamber MembershipBill Pegg

advocateNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

message from the chair

Small Business Drives Local EconomyBY BRIAN BENNETT

Jeff McIntyre indicated in his last Advocate article that he would behanding off the gavel, and I have it firmly in my grasp! I would liketo thank Jeff for the passion, enthusiasm, and leadership that hebrought to the role and Chamber over the past year, and lookforward to his continuing contributions.

I appreciate your confidence in providing me with the opportunityto serve as your Chair for the upcoming year. I am privileged toserve in the same company as the men and women who have servedas Chair over the past 125 years. I look forward to working with theBoard, Chamber staff, committee members, volunteers, Chambermembers, and community partners over the coming year.

I would also like to thank all departing Board members along withmany returning and new Directors for your stewardship andleadership. We have a new dynamic and diversified Board with awealth of experience and enthusiasm that will provide a strongfoundation for the Chamber during the upcoming year.

This is an exciting time to be associated with the Chamber amidstrenewed momentum, buzz and energy! We are on a firm financialfooting with our membership base growing. Our focus this year willbe to build on our ongoing initiatives identified by our members,including advocacy, networking, education, and member services.We will further leverage technology, enhance our peer to peerinitiatives, and expand social media to support existing memberswhile attracting new and younger members who are the future ofour Chamber. We need and value your input in order to serve youmore effectively, so please don't be shy!

As Small Business Week for 2011 has recently passed, it isappropriate to reflect on the influence this sector asserts on oureconomy and community.

It has often been said that small business is the engine of theCanadian economy, and Waterloo Region is no different,representing 80% of Chamber member businesses. The creativityand entrepreneurship of this group is essential to grow the localeconomy and create jobs, while contributing to the health andvitality of our community.

Small business owners experience a variety of challenges andemotions, ranging from excitement, exhilaration, frustration,fulfilment, concern and the thrill of success. Throughout all of thisthere is the satisfaction in knowing that you are steering the shipand controlling your destiny.

It is essential for small business owners to take leadership of theirbusiness. This includes identifying your objectives supported by abusiness plan that needs to be constantly reviewed and adjustedbased on business, market and economic conditions.

One of the benefits of a larger company is the ability to collaborateand exchange ideas due to scale. Unfortunately, small business doesnot always have this luxury due to size or competitive constraints.This is where businesses professionals in an advisory capacity canbe an essential sounding board, including accountants, lawyers,bankers, the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre and yourChamber network.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is one of numerousgovernment/community programs that provide an invaluableservice, including assisting in starting and growing a business,feedback regarding your business, and continued support. Ensurethat you take advantage of these centres located across the Region.

So let's take this opportunity to celebrate our member'sentrepreneurship and success this year with Business BuildingCommunity.

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian BennettCHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brian Bennett is a Financial ServicesExecutive and the owner of BMEConsulting, a financial consulting servicesfirm.

message from the president

Government Action Needed to Assist SmallBusiness SectorBY IAN MCLEAN

As Brian Bennett indicated in his column, small business is theengine of the national and local economy. More importantly theseenterprises are the backbones of communities across Canada,employing millions of workers and paying taxes to supportessential public services.

According to Industry Canada, 98 percent of businesses in Canada,or approximately one million, are small – fewer than 100employees. Five million people work in small enterprises, oralmost half of the private sector labour force. One quarter of smallfirms operate in the goods-producing sector while three quartersprovide services.

Statistics alone do not fully advance the importance of smallbusiness. These organizations offer significant opportunities forenterprising individuals, are a source of new products andinnovations, and provide a critical role in promoting competitionand economic renewal.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), in a policy briefreleased last August, listed a series of unique challenges thatowners of small businesses must address on a daily basis in order toremain competitive. Small firms face regulatory compliance costsfive times higher than their larger counterparts. Owners of smallfirms spend more time complying with red tape and less onensuring the success of their businesses. The result is restrictedeconomic activity and job creation.

According to the CCC, small firms face constraints on their abilityto raise capital. Access to capital may be particularly challengingfor start-up technology companies with new products that do notmeet commercial lending collateral requirements. Furthermore,the formation and growth of small entrepreneurial firms andtechnology companies may be hindered by the overall lack ofventure funding capital in Canada. The amount of venture capitalfinancing, relative to the size of our economy, is smaller than theUnited States. As a result of this predicament, some potentiallyhigh-growth companies may fail to expand and prosper in Canada.

The CCC has proposed a series of recommendations togovernment for assisting small businesses in reaching their full

potential, including minimizing their regulatory and administrativeburdens, lowering the barriers for small firms seeking expansioninto global markets, making the tax system simpler, and working toattract immigrants whose skill level matches those needed by smallemployers.

Small Business Week of 2011, which officially ran from October16 to 22, highlighted on a national scale the immensecontributions of entrepreneurs to Canada. From its start as a smallevent in British Columbia during 1979, Small Business Week hasgrown to become a national celebration with hundreds of eventsproviding training and development opportunities for existing andpotential entrepreneurs.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, with the support ofmunicipalities, the provincial government, and local businessescontinues to provide a vital service for individuals seekingassistance on starting an operation in any and all sectors of theeconomy. A special thank you is extended to the many volunteerswho serve on the Centre’s Board of Advisors.

The recent federal and provincial election campaigns placed arenewed emphasis on the importance of small business to theOntario and national economies. The three major parties alladvanced plans to assist this vital sector. As business advocates, thechallenge for our Chamber, the Ontario Chamber and CanadianChamber is to ensure elected parties implement their agendas forsmall business growth and development. A recovery from therecession depends on it.

5advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean

Ian McLean is President and CEO of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce.

awards nominations


presents

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA

February 16th, 2012

We come together again to celebrate and recognize those members of the Greater

Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that have left their indelible mark on the

community through their leadership and exceptional involvement in bettering the

greater Kitchener Waterloo area. The event of the year is fast approaching!

Award Categories

Business of the Year Award

(over 20 employees)

Business of the Year Award

(20 employees and under)

Environment & Sustainability

Award

Healthy Workplace Award

Integration Award

Hospitality/Tourism Award

Innovation Award

Professional Development and

Workplace Training Award

Volunteer of the Year Award

Non-Profit / Charitable Award

Michael R. Follett Communty

Leader of the Year Award

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Award

Purchase your tickets today at:

www.greaterkwchamber.com or by calling 519.749.6052

advocacy

All Governments Need to Cut Red Tape for BusinessBY ART SINCLAIR

Many years ago, a colleague of mine at Queen’s Park used to saythat governments like to cut red tape sideways.

The inference is that cutting a strand of tape lengthwise producestwo strands. By attempting to eliminate bureaucracy, governmentsoften create more barriers for businesses who should be focused oncreating economic growth and jobs.

Three elections in a twelve month time frame allows for analysis ofissues that appear at the federal, provincial and municipal levels ofgovernment. In retrospect, cutting the regulatory burden forbusiness, particularly small enterprises, is a priority that all electedand non-elected officials need to designate as a priority.

When Mike Harris took control of the Premier’s Office in June of1995, he established a Red Tape Commission to review allprovincial regulations affecting business. This initiative fulfilled amajor campaign commitment in the now infamous Common SenseRevolution policy document. A decade and one half later, federalFinance Minister Jim Flaherty (who was also a member of theHarris government in 1995) announced the establishment of a RedTape Reduction Commission in his 2010 budget.

That same colleague who is referenced above also frequentlyobserved that in politics, nothing is new. Support for MinisterFlaherty’s initiative although recycled from Queen’s Park has beenstrong from business groups across Canada, indicating thatresurrected policies voters support are an improvement overinnovative and new ideas that no one really likes.

In a submission to the federal Red Tape Reduction Commissionlast February, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce indicated thatthe burden of red tape costs Canadian business $30 billionannually in compliance expenses alone. Chamber members fromacross Ontario have cited excessive paperwork for approvals andcompliance as a disincentive to investment in their operations.Furthermore, an on-going unclear relationship between thevarious system partners makes government regulations and relatedprograms difficult to navigate.

A submission by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) tothe same commission in June of 2011 noted that red tape is amajor barrier for competitiveness and severe disincentive to

investment. Furthermore, commercialization and innovation areimpeded heavily by excessive permits and approvals required forcompliance.

In the portfolio of taxation, the CCC argues, the administrativeand compliance burden on businesses of all sizes must be reduced.Most notably, the heaviest share of this burden is carried by smalland medium enterprises, translating to the smaller the business thehigher the tax compliance cost per employee. Factors contributingto tax compliance costs generally include the high level ofpaperwork, tax system complexity, frequent changes in legislation,different rules across different jurisdictions, and the requirementto deal with multiple audits (federal/provincial).

The CCC recommends that the Red Tape Commission utilize theprinciple of “think small first” where regulatory regimesincorporate the understanding that many businesses have limitedresources for dealing with compliance issues. Before a regulation isdrafted, the process needs to be communicated, defining theobjective, cost of compliance, and accountability. Sunset clausesshould be considered and those business sectors impacted need tobe consulted. Regulatory changes should not be made, particularlywhere costs are associated, without appropriate notice. Lastly, anew regulation that aligns with one already in place at anotherlevel of government may not be required unless justified.

As new governments and elected officials are becoming establishedover the next few months, the national, provincial and localbusiness sectors must ensure that red tape reduction remains theirpriority. Inaction is not an option.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

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


perspective on health care

Increasing Healthcare Investments acrossWaterloo RegionBY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK

The success of the Chamber’s physician recruitment efforts ishighly dependent upon on-going financial support from theprovincial government and our community partners to ensurequality local health care. Two recent announcements will providesignificant investments for meeting our short and long-termcommunity objectives.

Over the next 20 years, the number of seniors in Ontario willdouble, with the fastest growing group being those over age 80.This will put unprecedented pressure on healthcare systemsserving seniors – programs that are already under strain.

In order to better address the needs of our rapidly growing seniorpopulation, an ambitious partnership involving the Ontariogovernment, postsecondary sector and Schlegel Villages has beenestablished that will develop Canada’s first centre of excellence forresearch, training and innovation in senior health care andwellness at the University of Waterloo.

The full development on Waterloo’s north campus will be built inthree phases, starting with a 192-bed long-term care home ownedand managed by Schlegel Villages. It will include a specializedbuilding where faculty, staff and students from the University ofWaterloo, Conestoga College and the Schlegel-UW ResearchInstitute for Aging (RIA) will work and learn with residents andstaff from the adjacent long-term care home. Construction on thefirst phase should begin in late 2012 and be completed late spring2014.

Two later phases will develop assisted living and independentliving for seniors as well as a primary care health centre to create afull continuum of care.

"This project is a sterling example of government, university,college and private collaboration," said Ron Schlegel, chair ofSchlegel Villages and Founder of the RIA. “We have a universitythat is tops in Canada for innovation and entrepreneurship, acollege with a passion for building a workforce better equipped tomeet the needs of growing numbers of seniors, a research institutewith a strong track record in practice-relevant research, and aprovider of long-term care and retirement that is a leader in theprovince."

Four research chairs are already in place and actively working inthe areas of geriatric medicine, geriatric pharmacotherapy,

vascular aging and brain health, and nutrition, while a fifth chairin enhanced senior care is at Conestoga College. The newlearning, research and innovation centre will be operated as partof RIA.

The provincial government is also expanding services at GrandRiver Hospital to ensure local residents have better access to thequality care they need, close to home.

With financial support from Queen’s Park, the hospital will beable to provide care for more patients in expanded programs thatinclude mental health, intensive care, ambulatory care andsurgical services. This increased capacity will help to decrease waittimes for patients.

Grand River Hospital’s redevelopment project will provide moreservices in the following areas:

• Acute adult mental health (eight additional beds)• Child and adolescent inpatient mental health program(4 additional beds)

• Intensive Care Unit (6 additional beds)• Operating rooms• Ambulatory care• Medicine (30 additional beds)

The investment and redevelopment will provide the staff,physicians and volunteers with an improved and modern healthcare environment in which to deliver high quality care.

President & CEOMalcolm Maxwell relayed that Grand RiverHospital is delighted to receive this funding. “It will go a long wayin helping us provide exceptional care for more patients in ournew, expanded care spaces.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Mary Sue is Vice President Family PhysicianResources and Health Advocacy.

feature


Meet the 2011/2012 Chamber Board of Directors

BACK ROW: RON SCHERTZER- NEXTENERGY INC,MARTIN VAN NIEROP- UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, AL HAYES-WALTERFEDY,

SANDRA SCHELLING- CONESTOGA COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED LEARNING,MURRAY COSTELLO- UNION GAS A SPECTRA ENERGY COMPANY,

KATHRYN ALLAMBY-MANULIFE FINANCIAL, RICK BAKER- SPIRITED LEADERS CORPORATION, IAN MCLEAN- GREATER KITCHENER WATERLOO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

SANDRA STONE- CONESTOGA MALL,NEIL HENDERSON- BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP, LINDA DANCEY- GRAND RIVER PERSONNEL LTD.

FRONT ROW: ROSA LUPO- GOWLINGS LLP, KAREN MASON- EQUITABLE LIFE OF CANADA, TIM SOTHERN- BDO CANADA LLP, LOIS NORRIS- DARE FOOD LIMITED,

BRIAN BENNETT- BME CONSULTING, JEFF MACINTYRE- SO THERE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS/WINEXPERT KITCHENER SOUTH,

GINNY DYBENKO- UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, SABRINA FITZGERALD- PWC LLP, CAMERON KOZLOWSKI- BMO BANK OF MONTREAL - COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOT PRESENT: PAUL EICHINGER- COLDWELL BANKER PETER BENNINGER REALTY, BROKERAGE, DAVE JAWORSKY- RESEARCH IN MOTION

*Photography by Adamski Photography

networking


it’s our 125th anniversary!join us to celebrate a year of special events may 2011 to may 2012

www.greaterkwchamber.com

Autumn networking

1) (L TO R) PAUL EICHINGER, MURRAY COSTELLO, JEFF KIENAPPLE, DAN FLANAGANON THE GOLF COURSE.

2) (L TO R) DOUG DENNON, PETER MCFADDEN AND ROB BERNARD AT THE REGIONAL TRADESHOW.3) SHELDON RIER FROM MITO GRAPHICS, WITH HIS LIVE DISPLAY.

4) A GROUP OF ATTENDEES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, (L TO R) DIANE FREEMAN, MARTINVAN NIEROP, TOM GALLOWAY AND KEN SEILING.

5) THE ROGERS’ WINNING GOLF TEAM OF (L TO R) RYAN MCCOLL, GREG HEFFERNAN, JAY DETLORAND STEPHEN LANGAN .

6) GUESTS OF THE AGM ENJOY NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AFTER THE OFFICIAL MEETING PORTION.

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networking


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 519-894oigeRoolretaWehtraproesitrevdaoTTo

4-2250.droceRnohtiwrentr

7) A HAPPY GROUP FROM YMCA OF CAMBRIDGE AT THE REGIONAL TRADESHOW.8) NETWORKING AT THE CHAMBER AFTER 5 REGIONAL TRADESHOW.9) PAST CHAIR JEFF MACINTYRE PASSES THE GAVEL TO INCOMING CHAIR BRIAN BENNETT

10) (L TO R) RICK BAKER, RUTH KENNEDY AND IAN MCLEAN AT THE AML/ROGERS CHAMBERCONNECTIONS HELD AT THE WATERLOO WELLINGTON FLIGHT CENTRE.

11) INTRODUCTION OF THE 2011-2012 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

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new members

August 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011

AccqtechComputer NetworkingTodd Raymore, Chief Technology Officer2969 Kingsway Drive, Unit 606Kitchener, ON N2C 2H7Email: [email protected]: www.accqtech.caPhone: (519) 880-3693 / Fax: (519) 894-0481

AIM Corporate HealthHealth Care Supplies & ServiceMike Sehl, Medical Director340 Hagey BoulevardWaterloo, ON N2L 6R6Email: [email protected]: www.aimcorporatehealth.comPhone: (519) 747-2677

All Occasion WrappingPackaging Materials & ServiceSherri Vautour, Owner37 Fourth AvenueKitchener, ON N2C 1N9Email: [email protected]: www.alloccasionwrapping.caPhone: (519) 880-5337

The Athletic Club (Waterloo) IncHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceMike Nolan, Managing Partner405 The BoardwalkWaterloo, ON N2T 0A6Email: [email protected]: www.theathleticclubs.caPhone: (519) 256-2010 / Fax: (519) 256-2015

CascadeEmployment AgenciesJulie Spilger, Manager871 Victoria Street North Unit 226Kitchener, ON N2B 3S4Email: [email protected]: www.cascadedisability.comPhone: (519) 883-7138 / Fax: (888) 897-9038

Chervin Kitchen & BathKitchen CabinetsJeff MacIntyre, Business Development Manager20 Benjamin RoadWaterloo, ON N2V 2J9Email: [email protected] / Web: www.chervin.caPhone: (519) 885-3542 / Fax: (519) 884-2512

Dairy Queen - LaurelwoodRestaurantsRobert Maxwell, Owner600 Laurelwood Drive, Unit 140Waterloo, ON N2V 0A2Email: [email protected]: (519) 883-0000

Danipa Business SystemsWebsite Design & DevelopmentDanielle Reynolds, Vice President Sales andMarketing38 Indigo StreetKitchener, ON N2E 4E6Email: [email protected]: www.danipa.comPhone: (519) 748-6874 / Fax: (519) 342-6332

Dan's Discount WindowsWindows & DoorsDan Kuepfer, Owner199 Victoria Street South,Kitchener, ON N2G 2C1Email: [email protected]: danswindows.caPhone: (519) 579-1994 / Fax: (519) 579-4292

Dunrite Manufacturing Inc.ManufacturersGordon Holden, President666 Colby Drive, Unit BWaterloo, ON N2V 1A2Email: [email protected]: (519) 886-9700 / Fax: (519) 886-4043

Grand & ToyOffice SuppliesSuzanne Birch, Inside Account Manager200 Aviva DriveVaughan, ON L4L 9C7Email: [email protected]:www.grandandtoy.comPhone: 1(416) 401-6300

GWS Water Store & Supply Co. Ltd.Water Equipment, Service & SuppliesJeremy George, Owner183 Frobisher DriveWaterloo, ON N2V 2G4Email: [email protected]:www.gwsltd.caPhone: (519) 747-2227 / Fax: (519) 747-9613

Human Resources ProfessionalsAssociation (HRPA)Associations & OrganizationsCarla Calderon, Territory Marketing Specialist150 Bloor Street West, Suite 200Toronto, ON M5S 2X9Email: [email protected]: www.hrpa.caPhone: 1(416) 923-2324 / Fax: 1(416) 923-7264

LAF Design Inc.Graphic DesignersLee Fitzgerald, Creative Director203 Corrie CrescentWaterloo, ON N2L 5W3Email: [email protected]: www.laf-design.comPhone: (519) 653-6042

Malcolm Creative CommunicationsGraphic DesignersJennifer Malcolm, Creative Director Designer418 Robert Ferrie DriveKitchener, ON N2P 2Y3Email: [email protected]: www.malcolmcc.comPhone: (519) 841-2841 / Fax: (519) 894-1708

Mondor Design AssociatesGraphic DesignersPhilip Mondor, Owner33 Flanders RoadBreslau, ON N0B 1M0Email: [email protected]: www.mondorassociates.comPhone: (226) 444-2076

National Home Health CareHome Health Care ServicesCorrine Chenier, Manager148 Weber Street EastKitchener, ON N2H 1C9Email: [email protected]: (519) 578-3188 / Fax: (519) 578-9109

Ontario HealthCare ClinicHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceAnnie Puran, Director, Busines Services &Development585 Queen Street SouthKitchener, ON N2G 4S4Email: [email protected]: www.myohcc.comPhone: (519) 208-7125 / Fax: (519) 208-6082

Pet Valu - Bridgeport RoadPet Shop & SuppliesKevin Brooks, Owner94 Bridgeport Road EastWaterloo, ON N2J 2J9Email: [email protected]: www.petvalu.comPhone: (519) 886-6234



Pet Valu - Highland CenterPet Shop & SuppliesKevin Brooks, Owner324 Highland Road WestKitchener, ON N2M 5G2Email: [email protected]: www.petvalu.comPhone: (519) 744-2941

Pet Valu - Ira NeedlesPet Shop & SuppliesKevin Brooks, Owner235 Ira Needles BoulevardKitchener, ON N2N 0B2Email: [email protected]: www.petvalu.comPhone: (519) 744-7475

Pet Valu - Stanley ParkPet Shop & SuppliesKevin Brooks, Owner1005 Ottawa Street NorthKitchener, ON N2A 1H2Email: [email protected]: www.petvalu.comPhone: (519) 744-7411

Phillips Lytle LLPLawyersThomas Popek, Associate3400 HSBC CenterBuffalo, NY 14203Email: [email protected]: www.phillipslytle.comPhone: 1(716) 847-5469Fax: 1(716) 852-6100

Rees Communications Inc.Marketing ConsultantsGillian Rees, Owner579 Altheim CrescentWaterloo, ON N2T 2Z5Email: [email protected]: www.reescommunications.comPhone: (519) 880-1736

RT Projects Inc.Management ConsultantsRobert Taweel, President105 Pinnacle Drive, Unit 17Kitchener, ON N2P 1B8Email: [email protected]: www.rtprojectsinc.omPhone: (519) 342-6629 / Fax: (519) 342-6629

Teletek Structures Inc.EngineersLaura Marciniwe, President490 Dutton Drive, Unit A2Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7Email: [email protected]: (519) 954-8714 / Fax: (519) 954-8716

The Children's Wish Foundation ofCanada - KitchenerCharitable & Community OrganizationsAnne Boehm, Regional Development Specialist725 Westney Road South, Unit 7Ajax, ON L1S 7J7Email: [email protected]: www.childrenswish.caPhone: 1(905) 427-5353 / Fax: 1(905) 427-0536

Tilted Pixel Inc.Website Design & DevelopmentMatt Inglot, Chief Executive Officer279 Weber Street North, Unit 119Waterloo, ON N2J 3H8Email: [email protected]: www.tiltedpixel.comPhone: (519) 885-2922

WingsUp - KitchenerRestaurantsChris Rau, President2399 Kingsway DriveKitchener, ON N2C 1A5Email: [email protected]: www.wingsup.comPhone: (519) 893-0202

WingsUp - WaterlooRestaurantsChris Rau, Vice President65 University Avenue, Unit 18Waterloo, ON N2J 2V9Email: [email protected] / Web:www.wingsup.comPhone: (519) 725-5252

Your Advantage InsuranceInsuranceLesley Burke, Broker122 Herbert StreetBrantford, ON N3R 4A5Email: [email protected]: www.youradvantageinsurance.comPhone: 1(519) 752-0911 / Fax: 1(519) 752-0948

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feature


An Integrated Approach to Immigrant EmploymentBY ARRAN ROWLES AND NORAWHITTINGTON

In 2009, the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network(WRIEN) participated in engaging the community in discussionsabout the potential to improve the lives of immigrants in WaterlooRegion through the development of a local ImmigrationPartnership. WRIEN worked with community partners to launchthe Immigration Partnership in 2010. After extensive communityplanning and consultation, the Integration Task team made arecommendation that “WRIEN be integrated within theImmigration Partnership.” As part of this process, it wasrecognized that WRIEN could best achieve its employerengagement mandate by being part of this broader initiative.On August 1, 2011 WRIEN formally integrated into theImmigration Partnership.

WRIEN, which existed from 2006-2011, acted as a catalyst for anumber of initiatives that were focused on engaging employers tohire Internationally Trained Immigrants (ITI’s). During these fiveyears, programs such as Mentorship and Internship wereestablished and many educational and networking events wereheld. Many employers in Waterloo Region participated and actedas leaders in recognizing the valuable role that ITI’s could play increating a diverse and competitive business environment.

The new Immigration Partnership is comprised of a broad rangeof stakeholders, including employers, service providers,immigrants, municipal government representatives, health careproviders, and other representative groups. The ImmigrationPartnership is built on three pillars: Settle, Work, and Belong.Current funding for the Immigration Partnership has beenprovided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), theRegion of Waterloo and the United Way. The mandate of theImmigration Partnership is to help facilitate successful settlementand integration of immigrants and refugees in Waterloo Region bycreating and enhancing partnerships. Collaborative strategies suchas coordination, information sharing, problem-solving andimplementing strategies for change will be used to create a systemwhereby immigrants have opportunities to engage fully withintheir communities, including within the business sector.

The integration of WRIEN into the Immigration Partnership iscurrently underway. The goal is to continue various WRIENprograms and the support it has provided to both employers andservice providers. Programs such as Mentorship and Internshipwill continue to support individual ITI’s in their goals of guidingjob-ready newcomers into the workforce. An Action Group and

Advisory Group have been launched to support the “Work” pillarand members of these groups will focus on developingopportunities to engage and support employers in the recruitmentand retention of ITI’s. Some members of the former WRIENSteering Committee will sit on the new Action Group along withothers from the community. Additionally, work has begun toensure that job postings are distributed in an organized mannerand all newcomers have the opportunity to access them. We arepleased that our linkage to the Chamber of Commerce and itsmembers will continue throughout this process.

While some things, with respect to the work of WRIEN, willremain the same, the launch of the Immigration Partnership andthe integration of WRIEN bring new opportunities forcollaboration. As part of this process we want to engage with asmany employers as possible. We value your ideas and input andwould welcome hearing from you. Please feel free to contact us ifyou wish to become involved or have an idea that will help us toreach our goal of ensuring that immigrants and refugees haveaccess to employment that matches their training andqualifications while enriching the workplace environment.The staff member responsible for supporting the “Work” pillaris Nora Whittington. She can be reached [email protected] , 519-575-4757 ext. 3173.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Arran Rowles & Nora Whittington

Arran Rowles joined the ImmigrationPartnership in May 2011 and works as theManager.

Nora Whittington previously worked forWRIEN and is now the CommunityEngagement Coordinator for the“working” pillar of the ImmigrationPartnership, where she has worked sinceJuly 2010.

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cover story

Business Improvement Areas -Supporting Small BusinessBY PATTI BROOKS ANDMARK GARNER


Downtown KitchenerThe Downtown Kitchener BIA formally known as the KDBA(Kitchener Downtown Business Association) has seen significantchange over the last few years. We conducted a rebrand of theorganization a few years back providing clarity in the communityon the significant role we play in downtown Kitchener. BIA’s playa specific role in the community mandated by the Municipal Actand have very clear roles based on that definition which ismarketing, events and advocacy based.

We have worked on some significant projects over the last coupleof years with an increased focus on traffic flow in the core throughthe expansion of a vibrant and diverse event portfolio, taking intoconsideration all months of the year.

The strategic direction ofthe BIA has led to apartnership with the Cityof Kitchener in thedevelopment of a retailattraction program. Thisprogram will generateincreased traffic flowdowntown and will supportand grow existingbusinesses. Our membersrealize that infilling vacantspace with complementarybusiness opportunities willprovide for an overall retailexperience in thedowntown, which willsubsequently provide an overall healthy business community.

We are starting to see transitional change and investments in thecore with the addition of businesses like Gloss, White Tiger andBead Boutique to name just a few recent additions.

We could not do this program without the partnership andinvestments the City of Kitchener has made in recent years incollaboration with the Region of Waterloo, Government ofOntario, and Federal Government on these catalyst projects.

The King Street Master Plan and related redevelopment was onesuch catalyst project to bring forward a unique design which is

pedestrian friendly and more flexible, providing a key driver in theevolution of downtown.

This is a streetscape which is now keenly sought after by othermunicipalities and BIAs and has won awards for the team atKitchener City Hall.

The Downtown Kitchener BIA has implemented “DowntownIncentive Cards” reaching large employers in the core as well asthe surrounding neighbourhoods, showcasing retail offerings andshop local initiatives for the downtown.

Additionally, we offer ongoing support to our membershipthrough increased training in partnership with UpTownWaterlooBIA and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. We are

running ongoing trainingsessions to help themembership develop theskills needed in today’ssmall businessenvironment, such as theapplication of social mediatools and helping them toremain competitive in atough retail market.

By marketing downtown asa destination, we areshowcasing the importanceof Downtown Kitcheneron the health of the overallcommunity and re-establishing the core as the

economic heart of the community it once was.

We have developed this program in a partnership which will focuson the BIA looking after the core of the boutique businessopportunities - those which are stores that may have 1 to 5 retaillocations, and the City of Kitchener focus is on those operationsabove 5 employees or franchise type businesses.

We are also focusing on attracting businesses that are successful inother geographic locations around southwestern Ontario, newbusinesses looking at start up opportunities or even the relocationof businesses on existing side streets to the main King Streetlocations.

cover story

UpTown WaterlooSmall businesses are the job engines that make our economy. As aBusiness Improvement Area, UpTownWaterloo is aware of thechallenges for small business and we are committed to assisting inthe promotion of a strong, effective and successful businesscommunity in the city core.

It is the mandate of all BIA’s to “oversee the promotion andbeautification of the core area and to promote the area as abusiness and shopping destination.” Our office and Board ofDirectors communicate with our businesses on a regular basisthrough newsletters, personal visits and of course, our open doorpolicy. Through the exchange of information, experience and ideasharing, we support all businesses in UpTownWaterloo withseveral initiatives. Beautification projects include floral displaysthroughout the core, Holiday/Christmas décor, maintenance andcleaning of our streets and sidewalks, accessibility issues and agraffiti removal program to name a few. Marketing andadvertising co-op opportunities are available year round andfestival and events bring thousands of guests to our core. Parkingprograms are available to our UpTownWaterloo employees withtwo parking initiatives in partnership with the City of Waterloo.

We lobby on behalf of our membership at municipal andprovincial levels through our association with the Ontario BIAAssociation. Our efforts to maintain and revitalize UpTownWaterloo are and always will be ongoing. Having a wonderful

variety of business in UpTownWaterloo, a healthy financial sector,proud independent business owners, wonderful samplings ofeateries from casual to café, fine dining to international cuisine, aswell as health and wellness providers make UpTownWaterloo apopular shopping destination. A good percentage of people livingin our core area certainly help with the vibrancy and health ofUpTownWaterloo.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Patti Brooks & Mark Garner

Patti Brooks is Executive Director ofUpTown Waterloo Business ImprovementArea.

Mark Garner is Executive Director ofDowntown Kitchener BusinessImprovement Area.

events

Mark Your CalendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


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November 3, 2011Knightsbridge Leadership SeriesPresents Marketing Your ProductInternationally7:30am-9:00amLocation: Hacienda SarriaMember: $35General Admission: $50Pre-registration is required.A key aspect to marketing a productinternationally is possessing a strong brandidentity - part of which is “country of origin”influence. Dr. Brad Davis, Laurier Chair inBrand Communication and AssociateProfessor of Marketing, will be discussingwhy branding is of the utmost importance toCanada’s economic growth both in domesticand international markets. Dr. Davis willfocus on how to build strong Canadianbrands and in what ways this branding willenable Canadian founded brands to obtainmore recognition in the marketplace.

Title Sponsor:

Speaker provided by:

November 9, 2011Point of View with James Templefrom PwC11:30am-1:00pmLocation: Bingemans, Embassy RoomMember: $35General Admission: $45Pre-Registration is requiredWith all of the demands on small businesstoday, how do emerging companies look atintegrating good corporate responsibilitypractices into their day-to-day operations?Hear more about a recent PwC reportlooking at Canadian Private Companies andsee how these findings relate to developingthe business case behind “CSR” and how ittranslates into the small businessenvironment.

Title Sponsor:

November 23, 2011Point of View with Jim Prentice11:30am-1:00pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $35General Admission: $45Pre-Registration is required.Protecting Canada in Uncertain Times: Jointhe Honourable Jim Prentice, SeniorExecutive Vice-President and Vice Chairmanof CIBC, as he will describe how Canada canchart a different course in a period of globaleconomic uncertainty

Title Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

November 24, 2011Research In Motion ChamberYoung Professionals PresentsComedy Night7:00pm-10:00pmLocation: Rum Runner’s Pub – Yuk Yuk’sMember: $10General Admission: $15Pre-Registration is required.Come out to the Chamber YoungProfessionals Comedy Night to have a laugh,make new connections, and learn how toentertain clients in a non-traditionalenvironment!Title Sponsor:

events


CORPORATE CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 9th or 10thA great opportunity for smaller size companies to join in for

a big size Christmas Party in Rushes Restaurant!

PRIVATE HOLIDAY FUNCTIONSCelebrate the season with family, friends or business associates in

Rushes Private Dining Room , perfect for small luncheons or large dinners!

CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER BUFFET - DECEMBER 25thLet us look after Christmas dinner and the cleanup!

NEW YEARS EVEFive course dinner plus DJ music and dancing in Rushes Restaurant!

NEW YEARS DAY BRUNCHCelebrate 2011 with the finest brunch in town!

www.waterlooinn.com475 King Street N., Waterloo ON 519.884.0220 or 1.800.361.4708

December 1, 2011Networking Breakfast SeriesPresents Social Media Strategies7:15am-9:00amLocation: Holiday Inn Kitchener-WaterlooMember: $28General Admission: $40Just a decade ago, the term 'social media' wasvirtually non-existent in the lexicon of thebusiness world. Now, it has become avaluable (and in some sectors necessary) toolfor networking, marketing, customer serviceand a variety of other facets of doingbusiness, from the local level right upthrough to international organizations. JoinErin and Ryan Schnarr of Springpad Mediaas they discuss strategies for success,potential pitfalls and field your questionsabout how using social media can benefityour business.

Media Sponsor:

December 7, 2011AML/Rogers ChamberConnections5:00 PM - 7:00 PMLocation: Chervin Kitchen & Bath20 Benjamin Road, Waterloo ON, N2V 2J9Member: Complimentary AdmissionGeneral Admission: $10Exhibitors: $75Does networking intimidate you or do youthrive on meeting new people? Come out tothis casual event with friendly faces and easyconversation that provides an opportunity forB2B networking.

Title Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

December 9, 2011Knightsbridge Leadership SeriesPresents Leading Change7:30am-9:00amLocation: Hacienda SarriaMember: $35General Admission: $50Pre-Registration is required.The skills needed to facilitate change are keycompetencies for those wanting to make adifference. Uncertainty and complexitydefine our world and competencies in changemanagement play a critical role in helpingindividuals and organizations successfullyadapt. Organizations that fail to recognizeand value this do not survive. Join Dr. GeneDeszca, Professor and the Associate MBADirector at Wilfrid Laurier University, as hediscusses the two important areas of changemanagement.

Title Sponsor:

Speaker provided by:

December 14, 2011Chamber Holiday Open House4:30pm-6:30pmLocation: Chamber of Commerce Office80 Queen Street North, KitchenerComplimentary / RSVP requiredPlease join us and celebrate the season!Complimentary hors d’oeuvres andbeverages provided. Come and see familiarfaces and make new connections to welcomethe Holiday Season!

HolidaySEASON

PLANNER

feature


Success in Small Business Starts With the RightBanking SolutionsBY CAMERON KOZLOWSKI

Success in small business includes having the right banking productsand services to support your business foundation. As a result, smallbusiness owners will have more time to plan and execute on theirbusiness strategy to the take their business to the next level ofsuccess.

The banking sector provides small business a host of services tomeet their needs. The number of services and which ones a smallbusiness needs or should consider can be an overwhelming task.Talking with your financial service provider’s small business bankingadvisor is the best place to develop a customized solution that willwork for you. By key questions, you can help prepare for suchconversation and determine what products and services are neededfor your business. Below are some key questions to consider:

Q: I am a small business. Where should I start?Consider some of the following options to help you get started as asmall business owner.

• Start with a cost-efficient business chequing account.Look for a banking plan with a fixed monthly fee matched toyour business volumes to minimize your banking fees.

• Start with online banking.You will remain completely up-to-date with 24/7 access toyour accounts.

Q: Money in. Money Out. How do I control the flow?You can control the flow of cash with easy and accessible cashmanagement solutions for receivables and payments.

• Control the flow with debit and credit cards.Encourage your customers to pay with MasterCard, Visa,Amex and Interac payments. This ensures money is depositedinto your account either the same or next business day.

• Control the flow with Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)Your customers can pre-authorize their regular payments(like a fitness membership fee), ensuring you are always paidon time.

• Control your expenses with a Credit Card for BusinessPay everyday expenses and take advantage of interest-freeborrowing until the payment date. A consolidated expensestatement means less time spent on reconciliation and moreon business.

Q: I’d like to take care of my employees. Can a bankhelp me out?

Banks have products and services to help you aim for high moraleand low turnover to boost productivity.

• Ensure paydays run smoothly.You can save the time you spend on payroll administration anduse such time to build your business. Banks have partnerrelationships with industry Pay Roll Services. The service canhelp you stay current with provincial and federal legislation,file remittances to government agencies on your behalf,manage employee data and ensure your employees are paidaccurately and on time.

• Ensure employees feel valued with employee benefits.You can keep employees satisfied with a Group Banking Plan.Financial institutions will offer your employees value-addedbanking services and products such as free banking for severalmonths, preferred-rate loans, investments and retirementplanning.

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Q: My business is growing. How do I keep up?With access to bank financing, your business can continue to grow.

• Keep up with a Business Line of Credit.For day-to-day operating requirements and for exceptionalopportunities, a line of credit can provide access to additionalfunds to qualified businesses at the time it is needed most.

• Keep up with financing for fixed assets and real estate.You can ensure financing comes with payments you canhandle. Business Loans and Commercial Mortgages can makemajor purchases possible with a range of terms, a choice ofamortization and a repayment schedule suited to your needs.

Q: I’m making money. What’s the best strategy forinvesting it?

When your business generates extra cash, choose from theseoptions to invest your money.

• Plan to have money available when it’s needed.Your money can grow without being “locked in” with a HighRate Savings Account.

• Plan for secure growth.With Guaranteed Investment Certificates or Term DepositReceipts, you can choose from a variety of terms and flexibleoptions to meet your shorter or longer term goals.

• Plan for long term growth.Mutual Funds offer the potential for higher returns and easyaccess to global markets.

• Plan and manage your own investments.With an online Brokerage Account and market information,locate and make your own investment decisions from a rangeof financial products and options.

• Plan to get expert advice.Add confidence to your investing. Build and maintain aportfolio for your business with a Financial Planner orRegistered Investment Professional.

The above questions and answers touch on the key productsavailable. There are also a number of more specialized productsand services available. Now, you are ready to take advantage ofone-on-one advice from a knowledgeable small business bankingprofessional who can help you choose a customized businesssolution that makes sense for your particular business.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cameron Kozlowski

Cameron Kozlowski is the CommercialBanking Area Manager, Waterloo Region(Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge), atBMO Bank of Montreal. Cameron is on theBoard of the Greater Kitchener WaterlooChamber of Commerce.

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Did the CEEO Do the Right Thing by Investing inSmall Local Businesses or Should We HaveFocused on Local Arts & Culture?BY HEATHER SINCLAIR

In the recent edition of Rotman Magazine, Roger Martin andJennifer Riel point out that “technology is meaningless until andunless it solves a human problem.” They use the example of MarkZuckerberg and his Facebook phenomenon to illustrate thatZuckeberg’s art side (psychology and computer science majors) wasinstrumental in the creation of something that addressed not onlyhow things work, but how people work (Rotman Magazine, Fall2011, University of Toronto).

The success of Facebook’s modern marriage between art, scienceand technology has defined the early part of this century, andFacebook is now a household word, reaching every corner of theglobe. At its heart is the notion that modern innovation comes outof a symbiosis between art, science and technology.

The idea that this cross-discipline partnership should be extendedbeyond individuals to entire communities is a key principle onwhich the Creative Enterprise Enabling Organization (CEEO) wasfounded. In Waterloo Region, science, arts and technology do notyet enjoy equal representation at the innovation table. CEEO hasrecognized that Canada’s technology hub needs to significantlybolster its creative sector; not only to make the Region moreattractive for the talent that arrives from far and wide to work andlive here, but also for the arts to be heard along side of the scienceand technology titans that dominate the Region.

Providing the arts with an equal voice to science and technology(including industrial and advanced manufacturing) is no small taskand the CEEO has its work cut out for it. First, it must enforce thenotion that the arts sector is made up, in part, of small businessesand entrepreneurs. This group deserves the same treatment as anystart-up business. The region must undergo a paradigm shift sothat the idea of small business encompasses arts businesses as well.Creative sector initiatives must be seen as being as vital to allaspects of the community as their “familiar” business counterparts.To accomplish this the CEEO must secure investment for thesector and strategically invest in it, while providing the services andresources it needs to succeed. It will happen on various levels andinclude micro-financing, mentoring, book keeping, bulkpurchasing, business planning, as examples. All the while, theCEEO must make every attempt at tracking the sector’s economicimpact – before, during and after its direct involvement.

The CEEO recently invested $50K total into twelve local entities.The criteria - the money had to be used to enable sustainablerevenue growth. 59 applications were received ranging fromindividual visual artists to one of the largest cultural employers in

the area, and everything in between (retailers, production studios,festivals, magazines, galleries, education programs, and touristdestinations). One-third of applicants sought capital investment togrow their businesses reinforcing CEEO’s priority to addressmicro-financing to enable the sector to better compete.

As the CEEO works to change the nature of the dialogue betweenarts, technology and science, it changes the thinking andnomenclature around business and art itself. Challenging the long-standing perceptions that our approaches to enabling sustainablebusinesses for the Region is by definition separate and distinct thanwe take toward investing in the economic viability andsustainability of arts and culture moves the Region toward endingthe ghettoization of its creative sectors, and this is a good thingwhen it comes to attracting investment, talent and business to thearea. To compete with places like Austin ‘Creative City’ Texas, lookno further than our own backyard.

Our creative leaders are visionaries who can galvanize the Regionas truly distinct as we move into the 21st Century. The PerimeterInstitute has attracted Stephen Hawking, and what Rob Deymanhas done with the TD Kitchener Blues Festival is as notable -bringing in nearly 150,000 people over 4 days - and we should notethe relative local economic impact. The brand equity inherent inthe Boathouse is the stuff that would be the envy of many“traditional” small businesses and cannot be bought. The list goeson: Cambridge’s Folk Festival and Library; Waterloo’s UptownJazz Festival, the Jazz Room; Kitchener’s RareFunk, Kwartz Lab,Walper Hotel; the Region’s Art Allies, Pat the Dog, The NewQuarterly, to name but a few. The potential for the area to be asunique and innovative as anywhere on the world stage is real. Weare rich with content, innovation and leadership. It’s in our DNA,has been growing for over 200 years and informs our inherent andauthentic brand. The tipping point is here and together, we areabout to accelerate the creative vitality and sustainability of ourcommunities well beyond our borders. The economic impact forthe Region is beyond our imagination.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Sinclair

Heather Sinclair is the CEO of the CreativeEnterprise Enabling Organization.

feature


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sponsor profile

Equitable Life of Canada’s story is one that many small businessowners can likely relate to. It began in November 1920when Sydney Tweed started the Company in a 2ndFloor Office on King Street in Waterloo withlittle more than a rented typewriter, $150 infurniture and just one clerk.

But Tweed didn’t let his modest beginningshold him back. Within one week of startingThe Ontario Equitable Life and AccidentInsurance Company, he had chalked up$300,000 in sales. And by the end of the firstyear, Equitable Life had more than $7million of insurance in force – a recordunequalled by any Canadian life insurancecompany.

In 1936, the name changed to The Equitable LifeInsurance Company of Canada, demonstrating thecommitment to provide all Canadians withprotection. In 1963, Equitable Life adopted amutual ownership structure, a move that has servedthe Company well ever since. We are proud to be one of Canada’slargest mutual life insurance companies, and we believe our mutualstatus continues to best serve the long-term interests of our largeand growing base of policyholders.

Since then, the Company has continued to grow. In 1971, weopened our new Head Office Building on Westmount Road inWaterloo, and an addition was added in 2005. In 2010, EquitableLife surpassed $2 billion of assets under administration and $60billion of life insurance in force. Today, more than 500 employeeswork at the head office and in our regional offices, and theCompany is represented by more than 10,000 independentproducers across Canada.

When Sydney Tweed started the Company more than 90 yearsago, he chose the image of a lighthouse shining in the darkness torepresent the Company’s commitment to providing Canadianswith financial protection. That commitment was instilled from thebeginning and has carried on ever since. During the GreatDepression it meant pioneering an inexpensive family incomepolicy that offered families security in insecure times. Now, it

means offering a wide selection of competitive individual life andhealth, savings and retirement, and group products to

meet the financial and health needs of Canadians.

Equitable Life in the CommunityEquitable Life has always believed in givingback to the communities in which we operate,and we support various charitable initiativesin Waterloo Region. Most notably, ourannual United Way campaign helpsstrengthen our community and improves thequality of life for those living in WaterlooRegion. In 2010, our employees alsodemonstrated tremendous generosity throughthe "Movember" fundraiser for prostate cancer

research and awareness, and our annual Adopt-a-Family initiative to support local needy familiesduring the holiday season. As well, Equitable Lifeprovides financial support to a number of othereducational and healthcare institutions in WaterlooRegion, including:

• The John M Harper District Branch Library,

• The Waterloo Region Hospital Foundation,

• Wilfrid Laurier University, and

• The Museum


Equitable Life of Canada: A Waterloo Success StoryBY DON BISCH

SYDNEY TWEED, FOUNDER,EQUITABLE LIFE OF CANADA.

EQUITABLE LIFE EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY’S DAY OF CARING.

sponsor profile

Equitable Life’s PeopleLike all businesses, the key to Equitable Life’s success is ourpeople. Under the leadership of President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Ronald Beettam, we invest in our employees in a variety ofways, including through professional development and workplacehealth initiatives. These investments were acknowledged earlierthis year as Equitable Life was named one of theWaterloo Area’sTop Employers for the third year in a row.

Equitable Life was also recently recognized by Waterloo Regionwith a Gold Award for workplace health. This is the second yearthe Region has run its Healthy Workplace Awards Program toprofile workplaces that demonstrate a strong commitment toimproving the health of their employees.

Equitable Life and the ChamberOver the years, Equitable Life has enjoyed a close andlongstanding relationship with the Greater Kitchener WaterlooChamber of Commerce. Since 1984, Equitable Life has been theproud provider of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of

Commerce Group Benefits Plan. We have partnered with Cowanand the Chamber to provide members and their employees with acomprehensive and cost-effective group benefits program.

At the same time, we have supported many Chamber initiativesand events, including the Chamber Challenge Bonspiel, theCorporate Challenge and the Chamber’s Annual Golf Scramble.Most recently, we participated in the Chamber’s After 5 RegionalTradeshow and presented the Michael R. Follett CommunityLeader of the Year Award at the Business Excellence Awards Galaheld earlier this year. And now, Equitable Life is proud to be aKeystone Sponsor of the Chamber’s 125th Anniversarycelebrations.

Some of our senior leaders have also been active on the Chamber’sBoard of Directors. Karen Mason, Senior Vice-President of GroupBenefits, is our latest executive to serve as a member of the Board.She was recently appointed treasurer of the Board’s ExecutiveCommittee and serves as a Board liaison for the Chamber HealthCare Resources Council. The impressive success of the HealthCare Resources Council is only one example of the Chamber’sstrength and its dedication to preserving and improving the vitalityof our community. It is in all of our best interests to ensure thatour Chamber remains strong, so that it can continue to be aneffective advocate for our businesses and citizens alike.

As the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commercecelebrates its 125th Anniversary, Equitable Life congratulates boththe Chamber and its business leaders in working together tostrengthen the ties within our expanding community and to keepour local economy healthy and prosperous for many years to come.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Don Bisch

Don Bisch is Director, CorporateCommunications at Equitable Life of Canada.Prior to joining Equitable Life in 2010, Donworked at Rogers Publishing as editor ofmagazines for the insurance industry. Donholds a Masters of Journalism degree fromCarleton University.

JON SIDER AND KAREN MASON ACCEPT AN AWARD FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH FROMWATERLOO REGION ON BEHALF OF EQUITABLE LIFE.

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Canadian Chamber Focuses onCompetitiveness IssuesThe Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to assist businesses inrapidly changing global markets, has identified 10 barriers thatimpede our ability to compete effectively.

With pressure from competitors intensifying, strategicinvestments and smart public policies are urgently required andessential for Canadian business. It is the responsibility of theprivate and public sectors to direct greater investments towardsinnovative practices and technologies, equip Canadians withsufficient skills and training, and position Canada as an attractiveenvironment for entrepreneurs.

The Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness are:1) Getting qualified workers to meet the needs of employers

Government investment in higher education provides a highreturn. A skilled and educated workforce is also critical forattracting foreign direct investment.

2) Designing better policies to help people find and keep jobs

Canada’s labour market policies have to be improved, particularlythose that assist youth securing their first job and long-termunemployed individuals re-entering the workforce. An assessmentof minimum wage laws and employment insurance benefits isurgently required.

3) Delivering a better tax system

Canada’s tax system is over-dependent on high-cost sources of taxrevenue causing the national economy to grow at a lower ratethan might be possible with a more efficient system.

4) Abolishing interprovincial barriers

In an era of increasing globalization, internal trade barriersartificially raise prices and significantly increase the cost of doingbusiness, keeping firms from growing to a size large enough tocompete effectively in foreign markets.

5) Implementing regulations that make things easier forbusiness

Although high regulatory standards can enhance Canada’sreputation globally, application and administration can be thedifference between success and failure for business. Resourcesspent on unnecessary and overlapping regulations cannot beinvested on efficiency and competitiveness.

6) Facilitating foreign investment in Canadian business

Foreign direct investment can convey great advantages bybringing to Canada knowledge, technology, efficiencies, andeconomies of scale. As an enduring policy, Canada shouldembrace foreign direct investment and reduce related barriers.

7) Stimulating the need for research, innovation anddevelopment of new products and tools

Research & Development in Canada can be promoted byadopting a strong intellectual property regime, fosteringcollaboration among educational institutions, developing robustinnovation clusters, and investing in the education and skills ofour people.

8) Encouraging investment in new technologies andequipment to boost productivity

Canadian businesses are well behind our competitors, includingthe US and UK, on investing in machinery and equipment.Between 1987 and 2009, Canadian businesses invested 23% lessper worker in machinery and equipment than the United States.Canadian workers have fewer tools do their jobs, a trend which isdetrimental to productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

9) Investing made easier for the launch and growth ofCanadian businesses

Greater effort must be directed toward attracting foreigninvestment into Canadian venture capital and developing astronger venture capital sector to maximize the overallcompetitiveness of the national economy.

10) Creating reliable funding for investment and infrastructure

In an environment of deficit reduction, governments will notalways be able to provide sufficient funds to meet all infrastructurerequirements. As a result, public decision makers must also createtools/foster the environment for bringing private sector andcommunity partners together to fill infrastructure gaps whentaxpayer dollars are not available.

The CCC has asked local chambers and boards of trade to analyzethe preceding list and identify those barriers which are the highestpriority. The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber policyadvisory committees will be reviewing this issue over the nextmonths and a response will be forwarded to the CCC.

member notables


Member notables

(continued on page 28)

Ginny Dybenko Appointed to CSA Board of Directors

Ginny Dybenko, Executive Director of the University of Waterloo Stratford campus, wasrecently appointed to the Board of Directors of the CSA Group.

The CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association servingbusiness, industry, government and consumers through standards development, applicationproducts, and services in training, testing and certification.

Ms. Dybenko is former Dean of the Wilfrid Laurier University School of Business andEconomics and a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors.

Liaison College Grand Reopening

Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr were in attendance onSeptember 22, 2011 for the grand reopening of Liaison College in the refurbished DoonTwines factory at 50 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener.

Established in 1996, Liaison College is a private career institution focused exclusively onpreparing students for employment in culinary arts. Graduates have secured positions insome of the most prestigious restaurants in Canada.

ABCO Group Grand Opening

Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr and National Hockey League legend Bobby Baun were inattendance at the September 22, 2011 Official Grand Opening of ABCO Group OfficeSolutions at 107 Manitou Drive in Kitchener. Local radio station 96.7 CHYM-FM wasalso present for the event.

Serving Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph, the new 10,000 square foot ABCOsuperstore features pre-owned furniture including desks, chairs, file cabinets, tables andwork stations.

Congratulations to Manager Glenn Elliott and his staff on this successful opening.

eSentire secures New Contracts

Cambridge-based security firm eSentire has secured new multi-year contracts ofapproximately $1.5 million with clients across North America and Europe.

The contracts are with mid-sized enterprises in financial services including assetmanagement and insurance. The clients have contracted for Collaborative ThreatManagement services for security event monitoring, intrusion detection and preventionand defenses against Advanced Persistent Threats. With these new contracts, eSentire isadding managed security services for an additional user base of approximately 10,000.

member notables


(continued from page 27)

MTE Named to 2011 Zweig Letter Hot Firm List

Local engineering firm MTE Consultants Inc. has once again been named to the ZweigLetter Hot Firm List. Recognition of the firm’s tremendous growth from 2007 to 2010allowed the organization to receive this designation for a third year in a row. MTE, one ofonly 11 firms with head offices located in Canada, placed 67th out of 176 firms.

During the 2007-2010 period, MTE merged with five firms – Frontline EnvironmentalManagement, Waterloo Geoscience Consultants, GlobalTox International Consultants,McNeil Surveying Inc. and Finelli Engineering Inc. Through these acquisitions andorganic growth, MTE has increased the size of its staff compliment from 125 to over 200people.

Angelo Innocente, Vice President, Business Development at MTE, is a former memberof the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Glenbriar Technologies Inc. Reorganizes Ontario Operations

Effective October 1, 2011, Glenbriar Technologies software division, Peartree Software,was absorbed into Glenbriar by vertical short form amalgamation. Going forward, thePeartree name will be used only as a brand name for Glenbriar’s software products, andall operations have been consolidated into Glenbriar.

Robert Matheson, CEO of Glenbriar, is pleased to announce the appointment ofChristine Padaric as Vice President, Human Resources, with responsibility for Ontariooperations effective immediately. Ms. Padaric has been an employee of Peartree since1996, and has taken an increasingly greater role in the management of the Waterloooperations of Glenbriar and Peartree.

Len Crispino Retires from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

After ten years leading the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO LenCrispino has announced his retirement.

Prior to joining the OCC in April of 2002, Len held a series of senior positions in theOntario government, including Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of EconomicDevelopment and Trade, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Exports Inc.

Apart from his work at the OCC, Len and his wife Marisa own and operate The ForeignAffair Winery near Vineland Station. He is also Chair of the Board of Governors atNiagara College.

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Len for hisexemplary service to the provincial business community, and wish him well in his futureendeavours.

Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishmentor event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraints

make it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

Technologies Inc.Glenbriar


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feature


The Benefits of Chamber MembershipBY BILL PEGG

As a member of the Chamber since 1988, Hallman BusinessForms, Labels & Printing Ltd., has enjoyed many of the benefitsfrom the programs offered to member businesses.

We have participated in the TD Credit Card/Merchant and EssoCredit Card programs almost since inception. The attraction ofthese and other programs offered by the Chamber is that a smallbusiness enjoys the benefits and savings that are generally reservedfor much larger companies.

In addition to taking advantage of specific programs, Chambermembership has allowed us to participate in all of the events thatare offered at reduced member rates. But most important andsomething which supersedes all of the various available programsare the tremendous networking and business opportunities thatHallman has enjoyed over those many years. It would be almostimpossible to calculate the tangible and intangible benefits thatwe’ve derived from our membership.

When we (or rather I) first joined the Chamber as owner ofHallman, (I had been a member with my previous employer since1978) the Chamber was the sounding board and discussion groupthat I didn’t have in house as a sole proprietor. That wasinvaluable. As a Chamber member, I’ve always strived to stayinvolved in committee work, some years heavily and some years

not so depending on available time. Regardless, I’ve always beeninvolved somehow. That involvement has returned dividends tothe company over and over again throughout the years.

In short, Chamber membership is well worth the investment!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Pegg

Owner Hallman Business Forms, Labels &Printing Ltd., since 1988

Member of the ChamberNetworking/Breakfast Committee

Other current volunteer activities include:

Chair, K-W Gaming Centre SponsorsAssociation

President, Kitchener Panthers Baseball

Commissioner, Junior Inter County BaseballLeague Inc.

Operating Committee Member, KitchenerSports Association (KSA)

For spreading the gift ofkindness on November 4th!

Thank-You!

Tell us your stories online at www.kwcf.ca.

sponsors

Helping us make our vision possible


A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

MEDIA PARTNERS

TITLE SPONSOR

CHAMBER PATRON

CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE

CHAMBER TRUSTEE

CHAMBERCHAMBERCONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS

Manulife Financial

LEADERSHIP SERIES

Documents

The Advocate Magazine - November | December 2011