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Business Advocatethe
Oakville Chamber of CommerceMarch / April 2017
2017 LEADERS’ RECEPTION
TEN WAYS TO BUILD ACANADA THAT WINS
YPEG CONTINUES THECONVERSATION ON MENTAL
HEALTH
MEMBER PROFILES:ACTIVITIES IN OAKVILLE
Caroline Hughes, Chair of the Board; Mark Buzzell, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; Carol Patterson, Senior Director Government Affairs and Sustainability
at Tim Hortons; Mary DeSousa, Executive Vice President Marketing & Communications at FirstOntario Credit Union and Vik Sachdev, Tax Partner at PwC
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3 CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
04 Chair’s Message
05 Save the Date
05 Members to Recognize
05 Marketplace
06 Ten Ways to Build a Canada that Wins
08 Ontario Government 2017 Pre-Budget
Submission
10 YPEG Continues the Conversation on
Mental Health
11 Volunteer Profile: Wayne Fowler
14 Member Profiles: Activities in Oakville
18 2017 Leaders’ Reception
19 Oakville’s Canada Day
20 Seen on the Scene
21 Members in the News
22 President’s Message
ON THE COVER: Caroline Hughes, Chair of the Board, Oakville
Chamber of Commerce; Mark Buzzell, President and CEO of Ford Motor
Company of Canada, Limited; Carol Patterson, Senior Director, Government
Affairs and Sustainability at Tim Hortons; Mary De Sousa, Executive Vice
President, Marketing & Communications at FirstOntario Credit Union; and Vik
Sachdev, Tax Partner at PwC.
FEATURES 06 Ten Ways to Build A Canada That Wins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair of the Board
Caroline Hughes Ford Motor Company of Canada
Vice Chair and Chair Elect
Ken Nevar Cooper Construction Limited
Vice Chairs
Tim Caddigan Cogeco and Mark Emmanuel, P.Eng
Union Gas
Immediate Past Chair
Kerry Colborne Force 10 Capital Management
Treasurer
Barry Wylie Canadian Club of Halton Peel
Corporate Secretary
Cameron Neil Feltmate Delibato Heagle LLP
Directors
Don Bassindale Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.,
Todd Courage Courage Distributing Inc., Mary DeSousa
FirstOntario Credit Union, Doug Eglington Euro-Line
Appliances, Ishrani Henry Integra Tire Oakville, Orla
Johnston SOCS Retail Solutions Inc., Jennifer Kazmaier
Cala Care Ltd., Lisa Piccolo Sheridan, Rafal Piotrowski
PwC, Hal Shaw Intelligent Office, and Susan Towle
Cherrington Consulting.
w
ADMINISTRATION 905.845.6613 President
John Sawyer, ext. 202 [email protected]
Executive Vice President
France Fournier, ext. 212 [email protected]
Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy
Faye Lyons, ext. 211 [email protected]
Vice President, Membership Development
Marc Tremblay, ext. 204 [email protected]
Events Manager
Jad Haffar, ext. 205, [email protected]
Communications Coordinator
Kristen Curry, ext. 209 [email protected]
Administrative Services Coordinator
Katherine Marino, ext. 201
Administration & Event Support
Karen Pomfret, ext. 210 [email protected]
The Oakville Chamber is the voice of the Oakville business
community. We provide member benefits including:
advocacy, corporate benefits, networking opportunities,
business development and educational forums. Our
mission is to foster a healthy, engaged and sustainable
business environment and economy in Oakville.
REFER A NEW MEMBER AND
RECEIVE $100 OFF YOUR NEXT
YEAR’S MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL!
CONTACT US
700 Kerr Street, Suite 200
Oakville, ON L6K 3W5
905.845.6613
oakvillechamber.com
10 YPEG Continues the Conversation on Mental
Health
18 2017 Leaders’ Reception
0
Cover Photo courtesy of Fotografia Boutique
4 CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Their optimistic approach lists key opportunities that
Canada can seize to give itself a stronger competitive
edge, improve its productivity and grow its economy.
The release includes specific recommendations on
how Canada can do better, and the opportunities to
improve its economic success. I encourage you to read
about these ten opportunities on pages 6 and 7. As
we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, I
can’t think of a better gift to the nation then building
a foundation for the next 150 years of Canadian busi-
ness success.
Touching on Canadian business success, in this issue
of the Business Advocate the Chamber profiled three
unique activity-oriented businesses located in Oakville:
Aerosports Trampoline Parks, Dave & Buster’s and iFLY.
Learn all about what these businesses have to offer on
pages 14 and 15.
I wish you all continued success this Spring and look
forward to seeing you on the greens at our 63rd An-
nual Golf Tournament in May!
CHAI
R’S
MES
SAGE
March began with one of my favourite Chamber
events; the Annual Leader’s Reception, where
the Oakville Chamber gives the opportunity for
business, government and political leaders to
network in an informal environment. This year
was especially exciting for me; not only was it
my first year in attendance as Chair of the Board,
but I also had the opportunity to introduce Mark
Buzzell, Ford Canada’s new President and CEO, to
the Oakville business community. You can learn
more about the Leader’s Reception and view pho-
tos from the event on page 18.
So far, 2017 has been labelled as a year of politi-
cal and economic uncertainty with Brexit and the
election of President Donald Trump. To focus on
stability and strength, the Canadian Chamber of
Commerce released their annual list of priorities
to the federal government. However, instead of
their usual list of ten barriers to business suc-
cess, the Canadian Chamber released a list of
Ten Ways to Build a Canada That Wins.
5UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATEGOOD MORNING OAKVILLEPRESENTED BY INTELLIGENT OFFICE OAKVILLE7:30am – 9:00amGlen Abbey Golf Club1333 Dorval Drive
TOWN ECONOMIC UPDATE WITH MAYOR ROB BURTON7:30am – 9:30am Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre2515 Wyecroft Road
LUNCH & LEARN: LEADERSHIP BY ENGAGING OTHERS PRESENTED BY GEORGE ANASTASOPOULOS11:30am - 1:00pmDave & Buster’s2021 Winston Park Drive East
APRIL
For more details about our events or to register, please visit Oakvillechamber.com
MEMBERS TO RECOGNIZE
10 YEARS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR VALUED MEMBERS
MARKETPLACE
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS5:00pm – 7:00pmSheridan Conference Centre 1400 Trafalgar Road
63RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Glen Abbey Golf Club1333 Dorval Drive
GOOD MORNING OAKVILLE PRESENTED BY INTELLIGENT OFFICE OAKVILLE7:30am – 9:30amGlen Abbey Golf Club 1333 Dorval Drive
26TH
MAY
OLG Slots Mohawk
Operating Capital Inc.
Royal Ready Mix
Teine Financial
Workload Solution Services Inc.
Budds’ GM
Genuit Inc.
Infinity Communications
North Ridge Family Chiropractic
Oakville Chamber Orchestra
Oakville Federal Liberal Association
Panera Bread Oakville
Personal Service Coffee
Procor Limited
Pryor, Linder & Associates
Royal Ontario Golf & Country Club
Sandpiper Energy Solutions Inc.
St. Joseph’s Banquet and Conference Centre
Richard B. Day
Downtown Oakville B.I.A.
Holiday Inn – Oakville Centre
Uniglobe Adventure House Travel
Gary Burnstein, C.P.A., C.A.
Nasa Stainless & Alloys
The Bee Hive Hair Studio
Home Suite Hope
Staples – The Business Depot
1720413 Ontario Ltd.
ARJAY Engineering Ltd.
CAA South Central Ontario
Can-Am Instruments Ltd.
40 YEARS
14TH19TH BUSINESS AFTER HOURS5:00pm – 7:00pmOakville Executive Golf Course4414 Fourth Line
GOOD MORNING OAKVILLE PRESENTED BY INTELLIGENT OFFICE OAKVILLE7:30am – 9:30amGlen Abbey Golf Club 1333 Dorval Drive
21ST
35 YEARS
30 YEARS
15 YEARS
17TH
JUNE
5 YEARS
10TH
28TH 24TH
6 6 10 WAYS TO BUID A CANADA
TEN WAYS TO BUILD A CANADA THAT WINS
For the last several years, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has published an annual list of the Top Ten Barriers to Canadian Competitiveness.
That document listed some of the self-inflicted wounds that have prevented Canada’s economy from achieving its full potential and set out our recom-
mendations for change. Many of those recommendations were acted upon by government while others remain unaddressed.
This year instead of focusing on barriers, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce set out ten opportunities to improve Canada’s economic success. It
still makes some specific recommendations that the Chamber Network will add to and advocate throughout the year. Ten Ways is designed to offer
a focused view of measures governments can take to improve our competitiveness. Identifying the issues that make up the list is as much art as
science. It involves bringing together all of the policy input mentioned above and making a judgement about which issues will be particularly timely
in the year ahead.
This year’s list comes at a time of both challenge and opportunity for Canada. The global economy’s slow growth and the rising tide of protectionism
and geopolitical insecurity provides an uncertain canvas on which to paint the Canadian picture. However, we continue to possess important advan-
tages, including our rich resource inheritance, the skills and industry of our citizens and our proximity to the world’s richest market. With imagination
and plain hard work, we can translate these advantages into business success that will benefit every Canadian family.
1. Promote Innovation and Harness the Power of DataCanada’s innovation agenda must leverage the private sector and help companies get from idea to product. Harnessing the power of “big data” and ensuring data
are secure will also be critical to competitive success.
2. Fight Global ProtectionismAs a trade-dependent nation, Canada must combat protectionism by leveraging its critical resources and other products and services its partners need. The comple-
tion of CETA and the Trade in Services Agreement will also open markets to Canadian business.
3. Upgrade Canada’s Regulatory System to Get Natural Resources and Other Exports to World MarketsCanada needs a regulatory environment that makes it possible to develop natural resource projects and to build the infrastructure required to get those resources to
customers. Its regulatory system must also be open, transparent, fact-based and efficient.
4. Work with Business to Combat Climate Change and Maintain Canada’s CompetitivenessCanada needs a national carbon-pricing policy that has one objective: lowering GHG emissions while preserving Canada’s competitiveness. For the benefit of the
environment and of the economy, Canadian business must be at the centre of the design and execution of Canada’s climate change strategy.
5. Build Canada’s BrandCanada must provide reliable and sufficient funding to Destination Canada’s international marketing budget. A well-marketed national brand would increase foreign
investment, encourage the world’s most talented people to immigrate to Canada and add value to quality-dependent exports, like agri-food products.The Honourable Kathleen Wynne addresses Chamber members and guests
7 10 WAYS TO BUID A CANADA
6. Grow Small Business to Take on the WorldCanada must ensure small businesses have innovative access to capital, the talent and the programs that will get their goods to international markets so they can
grow and flourish in the global economy.
7. Build Digital Skills to Compete in the New Talent EconomyCanada must build its capacity to harness digital technologies and apply them across its economy. It must also grow its pool of information and communications
technology workers by encouraging student enrolment in computer-centric fields, improving the digital literacy of Canadians or hiring foreign workers.
8. Assure Better Access to Capital for Indigenous EntrepreneursCanada must support Indigenous entrepreneurs in their efforts to access the capital needed to invest in equipment, training and other tools that can translate the
benefits of short-to-medium term projects into the long-term benefits of jobs and wealth for their communities.
9. Dismantle Internal Barriers that Cost Consumers and Discourage InvestorsCanada must develop a new Agreement on Internal Trade that includes the mutual recognition of regulations. Allowing business to operate more freely between
provinces and territories will increase economic growth and job creation.
10. Encourage Investment by Cutting the Cost of Doing Business in CanadaCanada must reduce the cost of doing business in this country. Reducing those rising costs will provide a significant boost to our competitiveness and leave more
money for businesses to invest.
Excerpted with permission from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Ten Ways to Build a Canada That Wins 2017. For the full report, visit www.chamber.ca
MAIN ST. RELATIONSHIPS, BAY ST. RESULTS
CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL CIVIL LITIGATION
LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT ESTATES & TRUSTS CRIMINAL LAW
REAL ESTATE ENVIRONMENTAL & MUNICIPAL
700 KERR STREET,
OAKVILLE, ON
905.842.8030
OMH.CA
8 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
As part of our advocacy efforts, the Oakville Chamber recently had the opportunity to present our
budget recommendations to the Provincial Minister of Finance, the Honourable Charles Sousa as part
of the Ontario Government’s 2017 pre-budget consultations.
Our submission outlined the Chamber’s budget priorities that we believe the Government of Ontario
should adopt to restore fiscal balance and spur economic growth for the economy.
The Oakville Chamber believes that addressing the current fiscal context should remain the
government’s top priority. Ontario’s current fiscal environment deters private investment, reduces
the government’s capacity to make productivity-enhancing investments, and compromises the
government’s ability to respond to future economic slowdowns. With Ontario’s net debt projected to
rise by $64 billion over the next five years to $370 billion by 2020-21, Ontario must demonstrate fiscal
prudence and fulfill its commitment to balance the budget by 2017-18.
However, the Government of Ontario must ensure that it utilizes the budget as a tool for economic
growth and to support Ontario business. This requires removing the costs of doing business in Ontario,
emphasizing strategic infrastructure development and working to foster business competitiveness
that allows municipalities like Oakville to thrive.
For instance, Ontario’s infrastructure deficit is delaying recovery in all parts of the province. Meanwhile,
congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) costs the region an estimated $6 billion
in lost productivity each year. While we support Ontario’s commitment to invest about $160 billion
over 12 years in direct infrastructure spending, it is not yet clear where these funds will be deployed,
and which principles will guide infrastructure funding allocation. With Ontario’s population expected
to grow approximately 30%, by 2041 our infrastructure needs will justifiably grow with it.
To that end, the Oakville Chamber has prepared a comprehensive infrastructure resolution that
encourages the Ontario government to develop an infrastructure strategy that demonstrates how
infrastructure dollars will be allocated linking investment in core infrastructure to productivity
performance and enhancement, economic growth and job creation. We will continue to encourage
all levels of government to allocate infrastructure funds effectively and efficiently to the right types
of projects. It is vital that investments are made strategically into projects that support the long-term
growth of our economy.
ONTARIO
GOVERNMENT 2017
PRE-BUDGET
SUBMISSION
BY FAYE LYONS VICE-PRESIDENT
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
9GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), every $1 billion
invested in infrastructure generates between $1.20 billion and $1.64 billion in real
GDP growth; a proven multiplier effect guaranteed to boost the economy.
Similarly, every $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates approximately 16,000
jobs which are supported for one year across multiple sectors.
The Oakville Chamber also encourages the government to continue to use
Alternative Financing Projects and Private, Public Partnerships (P3) models to meet
local and provincial infrastructure demands.
Alternative Financing and Procurements (AFP) are a highly viable option for risk
sharing on major infrastructure projects and should remain a priority across Ontario.
This method allows projects to be managed with a higher level of certainty for cost,
schedule, quality, availability and service. The result is a significant opportunity for
innovation in design, construction, financing, asset management and delivery of
construction services.
The Oakville Chamber also reiterated its ask of the government to reinstate the
scheduled corporate income tax reductions by 2017-18. In the 2009 budget the
Government of Ontario pledged to reduce the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate
to 10 percent by 2013. Within ten years it was estimated that the value of this
CIT reduction would see Ontario benefit by increased capital
investment of $47 billion; increased annual incomes of up to 8.8%,
or $29.4 billion; and an estimated 591,000 net new jobs.
However, the CIT reduction promise was halted in 2012 in light
of the province’s deteriorating fiscal situation, and so the CIT rate
remained at 11.5 percent. With Ontario promising to return to fiscal
balance the Oakville Chamber urges the government to reinstate
scheduled corporate income tax reductions by 2017-18.
By adhering to its comprehensive tax reform package, the
government would send a clear message of stability to Ontario’s
business community, who are looking to the provincial government
for a stable policy regime and responsible fiscal and economic
stewardship.
On behalf of our members the Oakville Chamber will continue
to work with our local Members of Provincial Parliament and
the government on public policies that will encourage economic
growth benefiting business in Oakville.
10 YPEG CONVERSATION ON MENTAL HEALTH
YPEG CONTINUES THE
CONVERSATION ON
MENTAL HEALTH
On Thursday, February 16 the Oakville Chamber of Commerce’s Young
Professional and Entrepreneur Group (YPEG) partnered with Bell Canada
and the Bell Let’s Talk campaign to continue the conversation on mental
health. For the first time, the Chamber’s annual mental health breakfast
was sold out! Over 200 business and community leaders filled Otello’s
Banquet and Convention Centre to listen to keynote speaker Dr. Ian Dawe,
Program Chief and Medical Director of Mental Health at Trillium Health
Partners. Dr. Dawe is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the
University of Toronto and a frequent invited lecturer with the Bell Let’s
Talk campaign on topics including suicide prevention, mindfulness and
workplace mental health.
During his keynote address, Dr. Dawe shared the statistic that over half
of the population has suffered from some form of mental illness and that
each one of us knows someone that has, or has had, a mental illness;
proving that it is a prevalent issue that cannot be ignored. Appealing to
the business audience, Dr. Dawe further added that every week half a
million Canadians miss work due to mental health. This adds up annually
to $6 billion lost productivity in Canada due to mental health illnesses.
However, Dr. Dawe pointed out that society has come a long way regard-
ing the conversation around mental health, and gave the deserved recog-
nition to Bell for the Bell Let’s Talk initiative. Dr. Dawe explained that we
can’t work alone to support those with mental illness. The business com-
munity, hospitals, and community organizations must work together to
become a healthy community that provides the needed support, tools and
resources for those suffering to overcome their mental health challenges.
Dr. Dawe left the audience with a new perspective on mental health, tips
on how to look after themselves, and inspired to work together as a com-
munity. With the support of our business partners, including Ford Motor
Company of Canada Limited, O’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP, SB Partners
LLP, Sheridan and Union Gas, and community partners, including The Town
of Oakville, Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch,
Halton Catholic Children’s Education Foundation, United Way of Oakville
and YMCA of Oakville, in attendance Oakville demonstrated that it is ready
to have a zero suicide rate and be designated a healthy community.
The Oakville Chamber will continue to work with business and commu-
nity partners to openly discuss mental health, its challenges and ways
to support those who suffer to ensure that Oakville is a safe and healthy
community for all to live and work in.
Dr. Ian Dawe leading the important discussion on mental health.
Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville and Minister of Labour; Lena Demarco, Bell Canada; Dr. Ian Dawe;
Mayor Rob Burton and John Oliver, MP Oakville.
The event concluded with Bell Canada presenting a $20,000 cheque to Distress Centre Halton.
11VOLUNTEER PROFILE
VOLUNTEER PROFILE:
WAYNE FOWLER
Helping Leaders and Organizations Realize More of
their Full Potential!
Wayne Fowler is a frequent attendee of Oakville Chamber events. As a mem-
ber of the Small Business Week Committee, he is often the first to welcome
you to our Lunch and Learn events. As a small business owner himself, Wayne
wanted to volunteer his time on this committee to assist in organizing the
quarterly Lunch and Learn events and Small Business Week in October.
Wayne is a certified coach who runs his own leadership and business de-
velopment company. Under the leading, award winning global brand of LMI
(Leadership Management International), where he serves the Halton region
and Greater Toronto Area. Wayne spent the majority of his professional life in
various leadership roles ranging from Operations, Sales, Marketing to General
Management, where he learned the contribution a leader can make to one’s
success. He has also successfully launched four businesses. This experience
inspired Wayne to coach individuals on how to create positive change for
themselves and those they lead, achieve more of one’s full potential, and be a
more effective and successful leader.
Wayne coaches a scientifically based and time proven process which helps
leaders effect the necessary changes in Attitude and Behaviour to achieve
their personal and their organization’s goals. Wayne shares that busi-
ness planning must be aligned to optimize success. He elaborates; “If you
achieve your goals, this delivers your Vision and Mission, and if you
successfully execute your defined plan of action or strategies, then
you achieve your goals. Here’s the million-dollar question; What is it
that supports the successful execution of your plan of action?” People
and organizations rarely look deep enough for the solutions in developing their
strategic plans nor addressing their challenges and obstacles. Through his
unique process and program, they reach higher levels of success.
Wayne shares, given that everyone is a leader, “Successful Personal
Leadership of one self is a prerequisite to Successful Formal Lead-
ership”. He also shares that you and your employees are the number one
single largest and most valuable investment in your business – just check your
monthly income statement. Accordingly, like any investment, you deserve to
realize an appropriate Return on (your) Investment. Wayne believes that as a
leader, your number one priority is to hire good people, develop them, and sup-
port them. Wayne shared one of his favourite quotes, by Sir Richard Branson:
“Success in business is all about people, people, people. Whatever
industry a company is in, its employees are its biggest competitive
advantage” This quote resonates with the work Wayne does, as he believes
that an organization’s most important asset are its people. This is why he is in
the business of developing enhanced leadership from the top of an organiza-
tion to the bottom.
Wayne specializes in Transformational Leadership Development, Executive
Coaching and Mentoring, Strategic Business/Personal Planning, Productivity
Enhancement, Communication and Life Balance.
What he enjoys most in his work is the privilege of witnessing individuals and
organizations achieve MORE OF their full potential.
Wayne was born and raised in Ottawa, he lived abroad in New Zealand for 10
years, has lived in the Halton region for 16 years, and now calls Halton Hills
home. Wayne has two adult children and a Chocolate Lab named Hudson.
When he’s not working, Wayne likes to travel and play golf. He is a member
of Toastmasters and is the President of the Halton Hills Toastmasters Club.
Wayne has been a Lunch and Learn speaker for organizations across the GTA
discussing Leadership Development, Goal Setting, Productivity, Communica-
tion, Behavioral alignment and Stress Management.
He ended our interview by sharing another of his favourite quotes; “Unless
I change something within me . . . Nothing Changes for me” – Camp
Exhale
Next time you see Wayne at one of our events, introduce yourself and you’re
sure to be engaged in a great discussion.
B91
6
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14 MEMBER PROFILES
MEMBER PROFILES: UNIQUE ACTIVITIES IN OAKVILLE
Aerosports Trampoline Parks Oakville
Aerosports Trampoline Parks Oakville is Oakville’s one and only trampoline facility. They saw
the opportunity to bring trampolining to the Oakville community and located the business
on Bristol Circle. They take jumpers of all ages to new heights through a wide-range of
activities at their family-friendly facility.
Aerosports has something for every age group, including a toddler zone that is equipped
with its own trampoline area, foam fit and a lounge for parents to sit back, relax and watch.
They are proud that they have highly trained staff to ensure that your children have a safe
and fun experience.
Aerosports always looks for new ways to grow and expand the activities they offer. Their
latest edition includes rock climbing walls: a 16ft wall for teens and adults, and a 10ft wall
for kids. A foam pit was added right beside the rock walls equipped with a singing cargo net. It has already become a favourite attraction for children to try
and jump and grab onto the swinging net.
Aerosports markets trampolining not only to children and teens, but to adults as well. They promote trampolining as an exciting way to reach your fitness
goals, highlighting that it helps you lose weight, speed up your metabolism, and improve your balance in addition to other benefits. To coincide with their
promotion of an active lifestyle, Aerosports offers a special exercise class named Aerocise; a trampoline aerobics class where participants can improve
their flexibility and coordination, strengthen their posture and burn over 1,000 calories in the one-hour session! It is a fun way to mix up your workout
routine! Aerocise classes are $10 and take place every Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm, when the facility is closed to the general public. Aerosports
takes participants who are parents into consideration by offering supervised jumping for their children for only $5.
Included in the large trampoline facility for all ages to enjoy are basketball hoops and a trampoline dodgeball court. Every Monday night from 7pm to 10pm,
Aerosports hosts co-ed dodgeball leagues with referees. It has become quite a popular evening for groups of friends and work teams. Corporate groups can
also take advantage of renting out the whole facility or a designated area, such as the dodgeball court. Aerosports has some regulars who come in to play
dodgeball and exercise during their lunch hour.
If you haven’t already been, visit Aerosports Trampoline Parks Oakville to jump, play and exercise. It can be an activity for you, your friends, colleagues or
the whole family.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s, a restaurant and entertainment business, opened their second Canadian location right here in Oakville. The franchise is well-known for
their arcade games; however, they also have a bar, restaurant, private rooms and meeting spaces available.
Your organization can host a variety of events at Dave & Buster’s, ranging from a meeting of 15 people to a building-wide event of 2,000! The staff at Dave
& Buster’s is very flexible and open to new ideas to ensure your event is a great success. They will provide you with your very own event planner, who will
take care of all your needs from catering to AV.
There is a lot to do and see in Oakville including events and festivals, culture and recreation, visiting parks and gardens, and – of course – shopping and
dining! Among the long list of activities to do in Oakville, there are three unique activity-oriented businesses that have found a way to stand out: Aerosports
Trampoline Parks Oakville, Dave & Buster’s and iFLY. We decided it was time to learn more about these businesses that have made Trip Advisor’s Top 10
List of Things to Do in Oakville.
15MEMBER PROFILES
During the week, the restaurant at Dave & Buster’s is a great location to host a business
lunch. The dining room is separated from the bar and arcade area with plenty of seating. The
menu has a variety of choices including sharable appetizers, soups and salads, “super stack
sandwiches” and of course their “legendary burgers.”
Dave & Buster’s offers daily promotions including half price games on Wednesdays. Unique
to the Oakville location, there are magic shows on Friday and Saturday nights with high
calibre entertainers that have performed in Las Vegas, such as hypnotist Dave Curran.
While Dave & Buster’s has only been open since December 2016, staff have already gotten
to know regular customers. Customers who first visit Dave & Buster’s for a business function
often return for a social outing with friends and family.
Dave & Buster’s truly believes in supporting and being engaged in the local community. This belief led them to join the Oakville Chamber of Commerce almost a year
before they officially opened. They also employ over 200 people from Oakville and the surrounding area. Dave & Buster’s is a proud supporter of the Make-A-Wish
Foundation and is affiliated with local sports organizations who host post-game celebrations at the restaurant.
While Dave & Buster’s core clientele is labelled as PTYA (Play Together Young Adults) aged 19 to 38, it is a place for everyone. Their customers range from
toddlers to grandparents and from social gatherings to corporate events.
Next time you’re planning a meeting, corporate event or social outing, why not consider Dave & Buster’s Oakville.
iFLY Toronto
iFLY Toronto is an attraction you can’t miss with its 45 ft. tall flight chamber. The family-run
business brings their passion for skydiving to the Oakville community, allowing participants
to have a real sense of what skydivers experience during the free-fall portion of their jump.
You will defy the laws of gravity and enjoy indoor skydiving in an environment so safe
that children as young as 4 can participate. At iFLY Toronto, they believe indoor free-fall
skydiving is for everyone. So whether you are an experienced skydiver or have never tried
a sport like this before, this experience is just right for you. They also have an amazing
accessibility program which allows the sport to be accessed by people with disabilities. The
iFLY team is committed to understanding each person’s specific situation and working to create an unforgettable flight experience for everyone.
Indoor skydiving is an experience that can be done by yourself, with friends and family, and even with your co-workers. iFLY Toronto specializes in team
building flights to improve the way your team communicates and interacts. It gets your team up and moving and exercising in a way that is both impactful
and accessible. Your team will bond through the new and exciting experience of flight. Completing a group activity builds camaraderie and is a way to
engage team members while they learn about each other’s skills on a more personal level.
iFLY Toronto is more than just an indoor flight simulator, the facility has a unique and flexible event space suitable for Large or Small Group Events,
Conferences, Meetings, Corporate Team Building, Client Entertaining, Year End Functions, Staff Rewards, Birthday Parties and more! They have a conference
room that can seat up to 36 with tables or 50 individuals with chairs only. The conference room is complete with audiovisual set up including a 152cm/60”
plasma screen, free wireless internet, catering area and can be configured to suit your requirements.
For something smaller and less formal there are additional break out spaces including a party room that overlooks the flight chamber. The space is perfect
for anything from small staff team events or parties. iFLY Toronto also has a spacious flight deck which can accommodate up to 150 people at a time, which
can be used for exclusive private events. The iFLY team will assist you with creating anything from interactive brand launches, film and TV shoots to a truly
unforgettable year end event for the whole company.
Next time you are driving down the QEW - come in and say hello to the team at iFLY Toronto!
16 NEW MEMBERS
A.D. RUTHERFORD INTERNATIONAL
Mike Cancilla
www.adrutherford.com
Customs Brokers
AVANTIKA SPA
Diane Hack
www.avantika.ca
Spa
BAZAR MCBEAN LLP CHARTERED
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
David Bazar
www.bazarmcbean.com
Accounting
B.C.M. HOME INSPECTIONS
Bruce McFetridge
Home Inspection
BLUE VIBRATO INC.
George Dalle Ave
www.bluevibrato.com
Product and Market Development
CASA FINA HOMES STAGING AND
RE-DESIGN
Sharon Montgomery
www.casafinastaginghomes.com
Home Staging
ECO TABS CANADA
Jeremy Wyeth
www.ecotabscanada.com
Waste Water Treatment
EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE
Brian Ramrattan
www.europeanautomotiva.ca
Auto Repair & Services
FETCHIT TECHNOLOGIES
INCORPORATED
Matthew Karabelo
www.gofetchit.ca
Logistics Transportation
FOUNDATION CHIROPRACTIC CO.
Dr. Jason Yakimishyn
www.foundationoakville.ca
Chiropractic & Family Wellness
FREDERIKSE LAW BARRISTER &
SOLICITOR
Barbara Frederikse
www.frederlaw.ca
Commercial Law
FRIENDLY GIANT TREE SERVICE
Steve Kemic
www.friendlygiantgroup.ca
Tree Services
GARY A. HOFTYZER – BARRISTER,
SOLICITOR & NOTARY PUBLIC
Gary Hoftyzer
www.hoftyzerlaw.com
Legal Services
HEART & STROKE – HALTON AREA
OFFICE
Donna Bedell
www.heartandstroke.ca
Charitable Organization
HOLISTIC BLEND
Debbie Pelczynski
www.holisticblend.com
Distributor & Supplier
HYGIENE PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
Wieslawa Stepkowska
Consulting
J.J. BALL RENOVATIONS INC.
J.J. Ball
www.jjreno.com
Renovations
JNB AUTO CENTRE INC.
Brian Ramrattan
www.jnbautocentre.com
Automotive Services
WELCOME TO THE OAKVILLE CHAMBER
NEW MEMBERS: JANUARY & FEBRUARY
17 NEW MEMBERS
PIRANHA STUDIOS
Nick Tolentino
www.piranhastudios.ca
Branding
RHAPSODY STRATEGIES
Derek Millar
www.rhapsodystrategies.com
Business Coaching
SENDOUTCARDS
Mary-Anne Selwa
www.sendoutcards.com
Relationship Marketing
SHOEBOX TAX & BOOKS INC.
Sandra Janicki
www.shoeboxtax.ca
Accounting & Taxation
SPARK POWER CORP.
Gord Reynolds
www.sparkpower.ca
Power Management
SPRAY-NET TORONTO
Mario Allard
www.spray-net.com
Construction Services
SSD TRAINING INC.
Steve Bratt
www.ssdtraining.com
Training and Development
THE CLOTHESPIN
Patricia Hopkins
www.theclothespin.ca
Dry Cleaning Services
THE MAGNES GROUP
Michele Johnson
www.magnesgroup.com
Insurance
THE OFFICE BARISTA
Gaynor Groenewald
www.office-barista.ca
Food & Beverage
TURKINGTON PUBLIC RELATIONS
Peter Turkington
www.peterturkington.com
Public Relations
VECTOR ACCOUNTING INCORPORATED
Sohail Chaudhry
www.vectoraccounting.ca
Accounting & Taxation Services
3D COLLISION
Brian Ramrattan
www.3Dcollision.ca
Autobody & Collision Repair
LISGAR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Grant Gorchynski
www.lisgardev.ca
Commercial Real Estate
MOHAMED EMARA – EDWARD JONES
Mohamed Emara
Financial Services
OAKVILLE INDOOR GOLF CENTRE
Craig Hayman
www.oigc.ca
Golf Practice and Teaching Facility
PROLOGICS
Shyamal Addanki
www.prologics-it.com
Business Process Management
PART TIME CFO SERVICES INC.
Paul Kroetsch
www.parttimecfoservices.ca
Management Consultant
PEAK PERFORMANCE OAKVILLE
Wade Glasspoole
www.peak-oakville.ca
Lifestyle & Casual Apparel
18 2017 LEADERS RECEPTION
2017 LEADERS’
RECEPTION
Oakville’s business leaders and government officials gathered at Compass
Restaurant on March 2nd for the Oakville Chamber’s Annual Leaders
Reception. As in past years, the event successfully provided a unique
opportunity for Oakville’s key decision makers in business and government
to connect in a relaxed environment.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton; John Oliver, MP Oakville; Caroline Hughes, Chair of the Board,
Oakville Chamber of Commerce; Pam Damoff, MP Oakville North Burlington; Gary Carr,
Regional Chair, Region of Halton
Dr. Tom Murad; Natalia Lishchyna, Oakville Town Councillor – Ward 6; Lucy Casacia, Siemens
Canada Limited; and Dave Gittings, Oakville Town and Regional Councillor – Ward 3
Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of Police, Halton Regional Police Service; Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville and
Minister of Labour; Pam Damoff, MP Oakville North Burlington; and Milton Mayor Gord Krantz
Eric Crowley, U.S. Consulate General Toronto; Director Jennifer Kazmaier; Sharif Farsakh, U.S.
Consulate General Toronto; Director Ishrani Henry; and Vic Sachdev, PwC
Caroline Hughes, Chair of the Board, Oakville Chamber of Commerce; Mark Buzzell, President
and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; and Roberto Ficzere, Edge Hospitality
19OAKVILLE’S CANADA DAY
OAKVILLE’S CANADA DAY – CELEBRATING
CANADA’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Join us at this year’s event!Saturday July 1, 2017
11:00am – 11:00pm
Bronte’s Heritage Waterfront Park
Visit us in Bronte this July 1st as we celebrate Canada’s 150th and the
Town of Oakville’s 160th birthdays! For over a decade, the Bronte BIA
has put on one of the best Canada Day celebrations in the province,
and this year promises to be no exception.
This year’s celebration is proudly presented by Lexus of Oakville
and the merchants of the Bronte BIA with support from the Town of
Oakville, Government of Canada ‘Celebrate Canada’ program and our
generous current corporate sponsors signed to date. Sincerest thanks
to you all: Cogeco, Mattamy Homes, Oakville Customs Brokerage,
Tim Hortons, Access Abilities, Canadian Tire Bank, Dave and Buster’s
Oakville, Davis Webb LLP, Engine Developments, Fengate, Higgins
Event Rentals, Innomar Strategies. LiUNA and Niagara Inflatables.
Save the date! We invite you to be part of this great event that
features all day entertainment on three stages, a vendor village, crafts
and fun activities for the whole family culminating in one of the best
fireworks displays in Ontario, synchronized this year to a very special
Canadian music mix.
Interested in participating on a corporate level or as a vendor?
Learn how you can position your business as a community leader with
your involvement in this spectacular event. More details included on
our insert in this month’s issue of the Business Advocate.
For full details check out brontevillage.net/Canada-150/
20 SEEN ON THE SCENE
JANUARY BUSINESS AFTER HOURSHosted by Dave & Buster’s
FEBRUARY GOOD MORNING OAKVILLE
presented by Intelligent Office Oakville
Pitch from the Podium Speakers and Committee Members: (Back row) Jae,
Allison, David, Shymala, Donna and Michael. (Front row) Shane, Gayle,
Tatiana, Anja and Ishrani
Erik and Mike with our host Brian Brenda, Past Chairs John and Kerry,
Karen and Councillor Dave Gittings Director Todd Courage with Trent and Annette
JANUARY GOOD MORNING OAKVILLE presented by Intelligent Office Oakville
Pitch from the Podium Speakers and Committee Members: Jae, Stephen,
Ted, Thanh, Donna, Nikki, Matthew, Peter, Ron, Tom and Shane
LUNCH & LEARN: POWER PITCHING WITH JIM GRAY
The Small Business Week Committee hosted an informative and engaging
Lunch & Learn on Power Pitching presented by Jim Gray.
FEBRUARY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Hosted by FirstOntario Credit Union in partnership with Christine M.
Langevin Professional Chartered Accountant
Our hosts Christine, Anika and Joanne
Carly, YPEG Committee Member
Jennifer, and Gianna Warren, Jason, Wayne, guest and Mo
Jim Gray with Committee Members: Christine, Warren, Joanne,
Marybeth, Juan, Ann, Jim and Wayne
Ashok, Brian, Thanh and Fred
George, Kelly, Awais, Dave and
Maureen
21
Congratulations to the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption on celebrating their
25th Anniversary!
Congratulations to Caroline Hughes, Vice
President of Government Relations at Ford
Company of Canada Limited & Chair of
the Oakville Chamber and Perrin Beatty,
President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber
of Commerce on making The Hill Times’ list of
the Top 100 Lobbyists in Canada!
Congratulations to Oakville Chamber Past
Chair, Mary Cardamone of The Cardamone
Group on receiving the Royal LePage Award
of Excellence – Lifetime Member and the
Chairman’s Club Award for 2016!
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Congratulations to Chamber Member Carol
Goriup, who owns Florence Meats with her
husband Damian, and Oakville Chamber Past
Chair Gerry Popp for receiving a Paul Harris
Award. Carol and Gerry were honoured at the
three Rotary Clubs of Oakville’s 2017 Paul Harris
Fellowship Community Dinner.
JAE associates Ltd. won silver in the
2017 Pyramid Award Competition sponsored
by Promotional Productions Association
International. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Sheridan on celebrating
their 50th Anniversary!
Siemens was named The World’s Most
Sustainable Company by Corporate Knights
annual list, the Global 100. Congratulations!
Piper Foods/McDonald’s Restaurant
achieves a significant milestone in their support
of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with
the completion of their $25,000 pledge to the
Oakville Hospital Foundation.
Lawyer James A. Kay celebrates 25 years in
the practice of law! Congratulations James on
this milestone!
CertaPro Painters celebrates 25 years in
business this year. Drop by to congratulate them
in their new office on Speers Road or send a
note via their newly updated website!
22 22 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
This year the saying “Spring Forward” not only
applied to moving our clocks ahead, but to the
advocacy work at the Oakville Chamber of
Commerce. With Spring came our submissions
for the federal and provincial budgets, the
announcement of Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan and
the creation of the Canadian Business Growth
Fund.
A united voice of the Chamber Network was
heard by government at both the federal and
provincial levels. Earlier this year, the federal
government proposed to tax employer-sponsored
health and dental benefit plans. In addition to
the hundreds or thousands of dollars that would
be added to Canadians’ tax bills, this proposal
would have meant that many employers could
no longer provide benefits and insurance
coverage to employees. The Oakville Chamber of
Commerce, along with Chambers of Commerce
and Boards of Trade across the country, actively
lobbied against this proposal. We received
immediate support from our local MPs Pam
Damoff and John Oliver on our position. A
united front promted the federal government
to reconsider and announce that they were no
longer considering taxing these benefits.
The federal government also heard our collective
voice calling for them to support Canadian
entrepreneurs. They responded with their
announcement of the Canadian Business Growth
Fund, which will aim to help small-and-medium
sized businesses access capital to help them
grow. This is another important win for business.
On the provincial level, the Ontario government
responded to the Ontario Chamber Network’s call
for a reduction in electricity rates with the release
of the Fair Hydro Plan. At the Oakville Chamber
we hear from numerous members that energy
rates in Ontario are affecting their ability to be
competitive. We heard from members who were
paying more for hydro than their monthly rent.
Unfortunately, this is a burden that businesses
are facing across the province. 51% of Ontario
businesses ranked energy concerns among their
top three policy priorities. We are encouraged the
government is taking steps associated with the
cost of electricity in the short-term. We continue
to advocate for further amendments to the
province’s energy strategy that will enhance the
long-term sustainability of the energy sector and
address the needs of the business community.
The depth and strength of the Chamber Network
never ceases to amaze me. We have a powerful
voice when we all work together.
PRES
IDEN
T’S
MES
SAGE
oakvillehydro.com/smallbusiness
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YOU WORK HARD.
DOES YOUR LIGHTING?
