Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Business Advocatethe
Oakville Chamber of CommerceMay / June 2016
CELEBRATING OAKVILLE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
OAKVILLE AWARDS FORBUSINESS EXCELLENCE:
2015 RECIPIENTS
MEMBER PROFILE:O’CONNOR MACLEOD HANNA LLP
2016 FEDERAL BUDGET:THE OAKVILLE CHAMBER’S POINT
OF VIEW
The Economical brand includes the following property and casualty insurance companies: Economical Mutual Insurance Company, Perth Insurance Company, Waterloo Insurance Company, The Missisquoi Insurance Company. Economical Select® is underwritten by Waterloo Insurance Company. Due to government insurance plans, Economical Select does not o� er auto insurance in British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. Economical Select does not o� er insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Yukon. The agreement between Economical Select and your group sponsor may be terminated in accordance with its terms. Upon such termination, Economical Select will continue to provide the program to existing policyholders until their respective renewal dates. Discount rating is based on a standard auto and home insurance policy underwritten by Waterloo Insurance Company with no previous discounts applied and does not take into consideration other insurance provider policy rates. No purchase required. Contest closes March 31, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. ET (earlier closing dates for some prizes). Skill testing question required. Limit 1 entry / 1 vehicle prize per person. For Sponsor’s privacy policy see: economicalselect.com/privacy. For full rules visit: selectsweepstakes.com/rules. ©2016 Economical Insurance. All rights reserved. All Economical intellectual property, including but not limited to Economical® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Economical Mutual Insurance Company and/or its subsidiaries and/or a� liates and are registered and/or used in Canada. All other intellectual property is the property of their respective owners.
Exclusive to Oakville Chamber of Commerce Members & Member Employees.You’re eligible for exclusive group discounts on car and home insurance through your organization. Call for a quote and be entered for a chance to win a $250 gas card or 1 of 6 new cars!
S E L EC T SWEEPSTAKES
Call today. 905-815-0045 or 800-661-1518 danlawrie.com/member/occVisit selectsweepstakes.com. Enter group discount code D1213.
SAVING ON INSURANCE IS GREAT.
WINNING IS BETTER.IS BETTER.
Prizes may not be exactly as shown.
3 Contents
In ThIs Issue04 Chair’s Message
05 save the Date
05 Members to Recognize
05 Marketplace
06 oakville Awards for Business excellence
08 Queen’s Park Advocacy Day
08 Red tape Campaign
09 Member Profile: o’Connor MacLeod
Hanna LLP
10 ontario Chamber Conference and AGM
11 new Faces at the Chamber
14 2016 Federal Budget: oakville
Chamber’s Point of View
16 new Members
19 seen on the scene
21 Members in the news
22 President’s MessageOn The cOver: 2015 oABe Award Recipients [from Left to Right – FIRst RoW: Jeff Walker of Blue-Pencil Information security Inc., Don and Kyrsten Kotsopoulos of el spero Family Restaurant, tina triano of the oakville Hospital Foundation, Mary Aduckiewicz of Denninger’s, tracey Fischer and Charlene Whalen of Lakeside Logistics Inc. seConD FRoW: Geoff Whitlock of surround Integrated, Vineeta ojha of Hearing excellence Inc., Clive Cawse of Geotab Inc. tHIRD RoW: Brandie sinclair accepting on behalf of Pretty in Pink spa studio Inc., Betty Andreopoulos-Ponte and Lambros Andreopoulos from sunset Grill – oakville south, norm Legault of Denninger’s FoURtH RoW: Vince De Palma of shred-it]
FeaTures 6 oakville Awards for Business excellence
BOarD OF DIrecTOrs chair of the Board Kerry Colborne Force 10 Capital Management
vice chairs Caroline Hughes Ford Canada, Ken nevar Cooper Construction Ltd.
Immediate Past chair orla Johnston SOCS Retail Solutions Inc.
Treasurer Barry Wylie Canadian Club of Halton Peel
corporate secretary Cameron neil Feltmate Delibato Heagle LLP
Directors Lisa Azzuolo Genworth Canada, Don Bassindale Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., tim Caddigan Cogeco Connexion, Mark egbedeyi-emmanuel P.eng Union Gas, Ishrani Henry Integra Tire Oakville, elaine Holding SB Partners LLP, Jennifer Kazmaier, Cala Care Ltd., Lisa Piccolo Sheridan, Hal shaw Intelligent Office, stephen tkaczyk, goeasy Ltd. and susan towle, Cherrington Consulting.
aDMInIsTraTIOn 905.845.6613 President John sawyer, ext. 202 [email protected]
vice President, Operations
France Fournier, ext. 212 [email protected]
vice President, Policy & Government relations Faye Lyons, ext. 211 [email protected]
vice President, Membership Development Marc tremblay, ext. 204 [email protected]
events, Marketing & committee Manager Jad Haffar, ext. 205, [email protected]
communications coordinator Kristen Curry, ext. 209 [email protected]
administrative services coordinator Cindy Fazzari, ext. 201 [email protected]
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
09 Member Profile: o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP
14 2016 Federal Budget: the oakville Chamber’s Point of View
cover Photo courtesy of Fotografia Boutique
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
4 CHAIR’s MessAGe
for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. each recipient has demonstrated commitment to community ser-vice work. I look forward to meeting these deserving students at the oakville Rotary education Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Le Dome Banquet Hall. I will be accompanied by oakville Chamber staff and oABe partners to assist in presenting the bursaries.
the oABe’s would not be possible without our dedi-cated judges who volunteer their time. each brings with them a wealth of professional expertise and unique business experiences, having made signifi-cant contributions to their own professions. I’d like to thank Michael Allington, RBC Dominion securities; Debbie Avery, CIBC; Lisa Azzuolo, Genworth Canada; Michele Bailey, Blazing the Agency; Marybeth edge, Business Development Bank of Canada; Doug eg-lington, euro-Line Appliances Inc.; Robert Krizman, o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP; Pat Madden, KPMG; and Linda stalker, Henderson Partners LLP for serving on this year’s judging committee. It was an honour to work alongside you!
Featured on page 9 of the magazine, is a member profile on o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP, who has been involved with the oakville Awards for Business excellence since the very beginning.
Please keep in mind that nominations for the 22nd Annual oakville Awards for Business excellence open in August. this prestigious award is a public acknowl-edgement of the dedication, risk and sacrifice busi-ness leaders have made to ensure their business is a success and an example of excellence. I look forward to seeing next year’s list of nominees and I know it will be another tough competition as oakville is home to a vibrant and growing business community. Ch
air’
s M
essa
ge
In March, we recognized and celebrated ex-emplary models of excellence and community service by oakville’s businesses at the 21st An-nual oakville Awards for Business excellence gala (oABe’s). After careful review, 55 finalists were selected from over 150 nominees. It is an honour to be nominated by your peers, suppli-ers, or customers and each and every one of the businesses that were nominated deserves rec-ognition. the nominees have all made valuable contributions to oakville’s economy. I offer my sincere congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients. I encourage you to take a look at the award recipients’ photos and nominee list on pages 6 and 7 of the magazine.
the proceeds raised from the oABe’s support the Rotary Club of oakville West’s Oakville Rotary Education Awards. these Awards pro-vide funding to graduating oakville high school students that will benefit from assistance to attend a post-secondary school. A bursary of $2,000 is awarded to each of the 30 students who are registered for post-secondary studies
5UPCoMInG eVents
save The DaTeecOnOMIc uPDaTe wITh MayOr rOB BurTOn 7:30am – 9:00am Holiday Inn, oakville Centre590 Argus Road
BusIness aFTer hOurs5:00pm – 7:00pmoakville Chamber of Commerce700 Kerr street, suite 200
Lunch anD Learn: The POwer OF The InBOx11:30am – 1:00pmHoliday Inn & suites – oakville at Bronte 2525 Wyecroft Road
JUNE
For more details about our events or to register, please visit Oakvillechamber.com
690 Dorval Drive, Suite 310, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3W7www.ggw.net Tel: 905-845-6633 Fax: 905-845-6064
Accounting, Assurance, Taxation, Estate Planning and Business Advisory
GLENN GRAYDON WRIGHT LLPCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
since
1958
MeMBers TO recOGnIze
5 years
Happy aNNivErsary to oUr valUEd MEMbErs
MarkeTPLace
aOn GOOD MOrnInG OakvILLe7:30am – 9:00amHoliday Inn, oakville Centre590 Argus Road
BusIness aFTer hOurs5:00pm – 7:00pmHiggins event Rentals504 Iroquois shore Road #3
aOn GOOD MOrnInG OakvILLe7:30am – 9:00amHoliday Inn, oakville Centre590 Argus Road
15TH
10TH
aUGUstBusIness aFTer hOurs5:00pm – 7:00pmHalton Regional Centre1151 Bronte Road
aOn GOOD MOrnInG OakvILLe7:30am – 9:00amGlen Abbey Golf Club1333 Dorval Drive
*Please note June & July Aon Good Morning Oakville will be held at the Holiday Inn – Oakville Centre.
ACe Heavy equipment Ltd. Caravan Logistics Inc.Community Development HaltonDaniel Wilson – Royal LePage R.e.s. Ltd. Johnston & Daniel DivisionDillon Consulting Jordan CastMirkwood engineeringPeel scrap Metal Recycling Ltd. the olive Press trimco International Marketing Inc.
Barrington’s oaktown Lock & Hardware Ltd.
speers Road BroadloomUpper oakville shopping Centre Limited
Core 1
Automacs Collision Inc. Bronte Creek Provincial Park CMCC Bronte Harbour Chiropractic ClinicJohn C. Munro Hamilton International Airport soCs Retail solutions Inc. the UPs store – Corporate office the UPs store #6two Men and a truck Halton
40 years
10 years
2nd
13TH
25 years
8TH JUly
10TH
17TH
20TH
30 years
6 6 oAKVILLe AWARDs FoR BUsIness exCeLLenCe
tHe 21ST AnnUAL oAKVILLe AWARDs FoR BUsIness exCeLLenCecOnGraTuLaTIOns TO The awarD recIPIenTs!
rBc royal Bank small Business of the yearBrandie sinclair (accepting on behalf of Pretty in Pink spa studio Inc.)Award presented by Greg Belanger, Vice President Commercial Financial services, RBC Royal Bank
Bell Mid-sized Business of the yearJeff Walker of Blue-Pencil Information security Inc. Award presented by Lena Demarco, Regional Director Community Affairs, Bell
Oakville’s Professional services Provider of the year awardVineeta ojha of Hearing excellence Inc. Award presented by Jarvis sheridan, Managing Partner, o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP
The Morris Mercanti restaurateur of the yearKyrsten and Don Kotsopoulos of el spero Family Restaurant Award presented by Roberto Ficzere, edge Hospitality Group
Genworth community Builder of the yearCharlene Whalen and tracey Fischer of Lakeside Logistics Inc. Award presented by Debbie McPherson, senior Vice President sales & Marketing, Genworth Canada
Oakville’s Large Business of the yearClive Cawse of Geotab Inc. Award presented by Christie Henderson, Partner, Henderson Partners LLP
Oakville hydro conservation Leadership awardMary Aduckiewicz and norm Legault of Denninger’s Award presented by Rob Lister, President and Ceo of oakville Hydro
kPMG entrepreneur of the yearGeoff Whitlock of surround Integrated Award presented by Ruth todd, office Managing Partner, KPMG
Oakville’s Franchisee of the yearLambros Andreopoulos and Betty Andreopoulos-Ponte of sunset Grill – oakville southAward presented by Bruce Andrew, senior Vice President, Marketing and Customer experience, shred-it
Oakville’s Business Icon awardVince De Palma, President of shred-it Award presented by John sawyer, President, oakville Chamber of Commerce
7 oAKVILLe AWARDs FoR BUsIness exCeLLenCe
cOnGraTuLaTIOns TO The 21sT annuaL OakvILLe awarDs FOr BusIness exceLLence nOMInees
rBc royal Bank small Business of the yearAroma Kitchens & Baths Inc.Hopedale BowlMtC tire oakville Inc.nancy Robertson team, sotheby’s International Realty Canadaoakville Kitchen & Bath Centreone Health Clubsotello’s Banquet & Convention CentrePainters PlacePretty in Pink spa studio Inc.Rock star Real estate Inc.spartan Impressions Inc. that Pie Place
Oakville’s Large Business of the yearBennington Financial services Corp.Geotab Inc.Reunion Island Coffee Roasters
Bell Mid-size Business of the yearAce Auto CollisionAncam solutions Company Ltd.Blue-Pencil Information security Inc.Finewood Products LimitedInfinity Communications Inc.Knar Jewellerythorvin electronics Inc.top notch Cabinets Inc.total tech Pools and Leisure
Oakville hydro conservation Leadership awardDenninger’s Home Depot Procor UPs
Oakville’s Professional services Provider of the yearCHR Health Centre Inc.Hearing excellence Inc.iCare Home Health services Inc.oakville naturopathic Wellness CentrePeter Watson InvestmentsPositive AccountingWeirFoulds LLPWest oak Medical Clinic
kPMG entrepreneur of the yearBritnell Venturesthe Clarity CentreHearing excellence Inc.Live to Dance Academyoakville nutritionistPrism Care Corporationsurround IntegratedZarr tech
The Morris Mercanti restaurateur of the yearel spero Family Restaurantil Fornello oakvilleKerr street Caféoliver & Bonacini Café Grill, oakvilletaste of Colombia – Fair trade Coffee & Gift shop
Oakville’s Franchisee of the year Par-t-Perfect toronto West/Halton/Peelsunset Grill – oakville southWinmar oakville/Mississauga
Genworth community Builder of the yearthe Cardamone Group – Royal LePage Real estate services Ltd. Brokerage Lakeside Logistics Inc.nachla Law office (aka nachla Law office Professional Corporation)
the oakville Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of oakville West held the 21st Annual oakville Awards for Business excellence Gala on Wednesday, March 23rd at the oakville Conference Centre. this annual event celebrates business excellence in oakville and attracts busi-ness and political leaders, as well as professionals and entrepreneurs from the local business community.
Oakville’s charity or not-for-Profit excellence awardtina triano and eve Willis of the oakville Hospital Foundation Award presented by Antoine shiu, Vice President of Business solutions sales, Cogeco Connexion
Kerry Colborne, Chair of the oakville Chamber, with 2015 Business Icon Winner Vince De Palma, President of shred-it, and simon Pong, President of the Rotary Club of oakville West.
the Rotary Club of oakville West
town of oakville Ward 6 Regional Councillor tom Adams, Ward 6 town Councillor natalia Lishchyna and Ward 2 Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck
8
Take The reD TaPe chaLLenGethe cost of doing business in the Province is increasingly becoming more challenging for ontario and oakville businesses alike. to that end, the oakville Chamber is asking businesses and residents to help identify and improve regulations that are unclear, outdated, redundant or unnecessarily costly through the ontario Government’s new online consultation tool - https://www.ontario.ca/page/red-tape-challenge
through this platform, the Government is looking for input from business, industry associations and other stakeholders to identify regulatory challenges in an effort to streamline services that will ultimately help businesses and economy grow. Community engagement is critical to helping the government create faster, smarter and more streamlined government-to-business services.
Last summer, the ontario Chamber called on the province to adopt a crowd-sourced approach to regulatory change, where the public could submit comments and suggest changes to the regulations that impact them. We continue to encourage the Government to make burden reduction a priority. By seeking new opportunities to reduce the cumulative regulatory burden on businesses, we are helping to grow ontario’s economy.
Making sure that regulations are up to date and relevant is part of the ontario’s Business Growth Initiative – the Government’s plan to modernize busi-ness regulations, lower business costs and make more ontario firms into global industry leaders.
to provide your input or learn more, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/red-tape-challenge today.
QUeen’s PARK ADVoCACy DAy
aDvOcaTInG FOr Our MeMBers aT Queen’s Parkon April 4th the oakville Chamber, along with a delegation of representatives from over 80 Cham-bers of Commerce and Boards of trade, participated in a Chamber network Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park. We had the opportunity to meet directly with Premier Kathleen Wynne, senior Cabinet Minis-ters, bureaucrats, and with Members of Provincial Parliament from across the province.
Advocacy Day provided the oakville Chamber with the opportunity to discuss the impacts of the regulatory burden on oakville businesses, and highlight potential impacts from impending provin-cial policies such as the ontario Retirement Pension Plan and Cap and trade.
We addressed the policy issues that matter most to our members such as skills development, con-gestion, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure and land use planning with officials within the ministries and politicians.
Advocacy Day is one of the many ways that the Chamber network engages in influential advo-cacy work. through the strength of the network’s powerful voice, the Chamber network has seen tangible results including: the removal of the debt retirement charge on business electricity bills nine months early, reshaping and delaying the oRPP, the implementation of a provincial Red tape Reduction strategy, and most recently, a $500 million dollar investment in broadband infrastructure from the federal government. these initiatives are all a result of the collective Chamber network’s ongoing Government engagement.
the oakville Chamber will continue to advance the economic priorities of our members and will en-courage the Provincial Government to continue to engage with all members of the business commu-nity by working with businesses and local community leaders to address challenges that ontario’s diverse economy is facing today and in the future.
Faye and Kerry with the ontario Minister of Finance, the Honourable Charles sousa
John speaking with the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of ontario
Kerry with Andrea Horwath, Leader of the ontario new Democratic Party
9MeMBeR PRoFILe
MeMBer PrOFILe: O’cOnnOr MacLeOD hanna LLPLet’s go back 25 years and picture a recently merged law firm operating on two floors of an office building. there is some empty space on the first floor and staff have organized their own olympic games, including a big game of broom hockey. We all know the saying that time flies by when you’re having fun – and this is the case for o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP (oMH). of course it wasn’t all fun and games for the law firm located in oakville, a lot of hard work was required to become Halton Region’s largest law firm. this year oMH celebrated 25 years as a member of the oakville Chamber of Commerce, 25 years as a merged firm, and 25 years in their office located at 700 Kerr street. to celebrate this milestone, the oakville Chamber sat down with Jarvis sheridan, Managing Partner, and tanya Leedale, Head of the Cor-porate and Commercial Practice, to hear their success story.
In the 1980’s Halton Region was home to two large law firms: o’Connor Leitch Hays and MacLeod Knox Watts. In 1991 the two firms decided that they could better serve clients by combining their talent and becoming Halton Region’s largest law firm. the firm grew in 2000, when it merged with oakville lawyer Brian Hanna and became known as o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP.
the merger allowed oMH to act as a one stop shop for clients, as they have lawyers onsite specializing in various fields of law – Corporate and Com-mercial, Criminal, Labour and employment, and Real estate –to name a few. Jarvis explained that “oMH is small, but big enough to have specialized help for their clients’ needs. If a client needs assistance in Corporate Law tanya will take care of them and should a need for litigation arise, we have the expertise in-house.”
Both Jarvis and tanya have worked at oMH and its predecessors for 25 years. tanya explains she’s stayed with the firm because it works. “It’s not a big or-ganization, but it’s not a small one either. It has provided challenging work and allowed me to have a fulfilling career and work-life balance.” Jarvis added that he’s developed and maintained valuable relationships with staff and cli-ents. oMH staff value themselves on the relationships they build with clients.
not only does oMH engage in relationships with clients, but they are en-gaged with the community at large. oMH encourages their staff to get involved, and many sit on committees and boards for community groups including the yMCA, oakville Community Foundation, United Way oakville, and sheridan. In 2013, oMH received the United Way spirit Award for the Community Leadership Giving Campaign and the firm has been recognized by the toronto star for their long-term commitment to the United Way oakville and other community organizations.
o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP is a long standing Chamber member, sharing the same mission and goals – to help grow local business. tanya volunteered on the Board of Directors and executive Committee from 1994 – 1999. she got involved as a young female lawyer as it was a great opportunity for her to learn more about and participate in the oakville business community. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done!” tanya exclaimed “I’ve made great connections from the Board and attending networking events. I got to meet the business community’s movers and shakers and those wanting to grow their businesses.” tanya says she still relies on these connections for busi-ness referrals, clients and personal friendships
Jarvis is an active participant in the oakville Awards for Business excellence (oABe). In fact, he was involved with them right from the beginning. Ren Hen-derson from the Rotary Club of oakville West called and asked if he would be interested in sponsoring this event and be on the judging panel; Jarvis quickly agreed. He felt it was a logical step for him to get involved with the oABe’s as it allowed him to further engage with the business community.
At the start, the awards were much smaller and the event was less formal. “We judged companies solely on the applications and nominations that came in. then the next year we received such an impressive application that the judging committee wanted to see the company in person and meet the owner.” explained Jarvis.
o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP won oakville’s service Professionals Award, which is now an award they present each year. oMH is actively involved in the oABe’s and they experience the event from all angles – organizing and judging committees, award and presenter, partner, and guest, including nominating other businesses for the awards.
oMH is well recognized throughout Halton Region and they believe it is because of their active role in the community. It is no surprise that they win oakville Beaver’s Favourite Law Firm every year!
People can be intimidated and overwhelmed when going to a lawyer, but oMH prides itself on their approachable and friendly staff. Just check out their ad which shows all 16 lawyers smiling, and their slogan says it all “Main st. Relationships, Bay st. Results.” oMH has the resources and wide range of expertise of a large downtown firm, but creates relationships with clients like a small firm. Jarvis stated “Relationships are the most important thing to o’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP. Good relationships with our clients, community and with each other.”
10 ontARIo CHAMBeR ConFeRenCe AnD AGM
The OnTarIO chaMBer OF cOMMerce cOnFerence anD annuaL GeneraL MeeTInGIn an ever-changing economic environment, Chambers of Commerce play a strong leadership role driving business opportunities and prosperity. As the leading advocate for business in ontario, the Chamber network can have a measurable impact on the success of our members and communities.
Case in point was this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in oakville. Chamber leaders from across ontario met at the oakville Conference Centre where they networked with peers, debated policy issues, and shaped the advocacy agenda for the coming year.
the Conference also consisted of conversations with the Leaders of the three Provincial Parties about jobs and the economy. Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed the conference members and spoke about the benefits to ontario’s economy through the Provinces $160 billion infrastructure investment.
similarly, Patrick Brown, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of ontario, spoke about ontario’s economy and linking skills and education to employment. Brown also stated that affordable energy and cutting red tape for business was critical.
Andrea Horwath, Leader of the new Democratic Party of ontario, sat down with the delegates to talk about her Party’s priorities. she expressed concern regarding the sale of Hydro one as well as with rising electricity rates.
similar to Mr. Brown, Ms. Horwath expressed the need to address the skills gap as part of the solution to grow the economy and create jobs.
Local MPP for oakville and Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn also spoke to the delegates about proposed changes to the employment standards Act and Labour Relations Act through the Government’s ongoing Changing Workplaces Review.
the contributions of AGM delegates in previous years have resulted in many advocacy successes. two of these successes were the Chamber’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the ontario Retirement Pension Plan (oRPP) on business, and their efforts to ensure that ontario’s electricity rates are competitive..
this year policy priorities to keep ontario competitive, such as bridging the broadband gap so that communities across ontario can attract and retain business were adopted. Improving the process for establishing regulations that impact business, will continue to remain a priority. In anticipation of the proposed “cap-and-trade” system for ontario, the network directed the ontario Chamber to urge the Government to design a system that will reduce greenhouse gas emission (GHG’s) but that does not unfairly hurt or penalize ontario businesses in the process.
Hosting the event in oakville gave us the chance to showcase our vibrant community and discuss issues affecting oakville’s businesses with influential business and political leaders from across the Province.
the ontario Chamber’s 104th Annual General Meeting and Conference in oakville was a powerful example of the Chamber network’s advocacy efforts at work!
Kerry Colborne, Chair of the oakville Chamber, with Karl Baldauf, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at the ontario Chamber enjoy dinner with delegates at the Glen Abbey Golf Club.
thank you to Cameron’s Brewing Company for creating our own Chamber Cask and Cn for partnering with us on our thursday night networking event. (From Left to Right: Jim Gray, senior Director. Public and Governmental Affairs at Cn, Kerry Colborne, Chair of the oakville Chamber, Allan o’Dette, President and Ceo of the ontario Chamber and Dom, our Cask Master from Cameron’s Brewing Company).
11neW FACes At tHe CHAMBeR
new Faces aT The chaMBer2016 has brought a wave of changes to the oakville Chamber of Commerce. new positions have been created, new staff members have been welcomed, and new adventures have begun!
In January, France Fournier changed her involvement with the Chamber from being a volunteer Director to a full-time staff member. France served on the Board of Directors for four years and during this time was a member of the small Business Week, young Professionals and entrepreneur Group, and executive committees. the Chamber was pleased to appoint her to the newly created position of Vice President of operations.
In February, Administrative services Coordinator Whitney Johnston began her maternity leave. the oakville Chamber wishes Whitney and her family all the best on this journey! While Whitney is away, Cindy Fazzari is fulfilling the role of the Administrative services Coordinator. Cindy is the first one to greet you when you contact the oakville Chamber, whether by phone, or in person.
Another new staff member was welcomed to the Chamber in March. Kristen Curry joined the team as Danielle Leonard’s replacement as the Communications Coordinator. the dynamic duo worked together for 3 weeks in March and after the oakville Awards for Business excellence, Danielle said her goodbyes. Danielle is starting a new business venture and the Chamber looks forward to seeing her at networking events!
to wrap up the end of March, office Manager sharon Molloy, a 25 year Chamber veteran, is now working on a part-time basis.
the oakville Chamber staff is looking forward to the balance of 2016. Upcoming events include the Chair’s Dinner, small Business Week, and our popular networking events! Make sure you come out and say hello to the new Chamber staff.
[Chamber staff – Back row: Marc, sharon, France and John, Front Row: Karen, Danielle, Jad, Cindy and Kristen.]
THE PLANTHE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN Romance
and RenosWhen Mr. Porter met
Ms. Charles, the heat started
to rise and she couldn’t resist
his gourmet charm. It was the
start of a perfect, private label
pairing. Now our stylish couple is
diving, head first, into a potential
relationship-killer… a kitchen
reno at her house, no less.
With a little luck she’ll dance
around the stress and be back
cooking up a storm on the
double with some good advice
and Mr. Porter’s saucy new line
of European appliances.
Smart, affordable appliances by Porter & Charles, Liebherr and AEG feature sleek European design, green manufacturing and amazing efficiency.
“THE INTELLIGENT HAVE PLANS BUT THE WISE HAVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES.”
euro-line-appliances.com 871 Cranberry Court, Oakville, ON L6L 6J7 | 905.829.3980
2912 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R2 | 604.235.3980B741
EURO-LINE APPLIANCES INC. is the proud distributor of:
STAINLESS, COMPACT & EUROPEAN
Porter & Charles APPLIANCES
Visit porterandcharles.ca or a premium appliance retailer to see for yourself!
“DARLING... I LOVE YOU
TO THE FRIDGE AND BACK!”
B741 Euroline_OakChamb-dps_May16.indd 2-3 2016-05-13 10:53 AM
THE PLANTHE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN Romance
and RenosWhen Mr. Porter met
Ms. Charles, the heat started
to rise and she couldn’t resist
his gourmet charm. It was the
start of a perfect, private label
pairing. Now our stylish couple is
diving, head first, into a potential
relationship-killer… a kitchen
reno at her house, no less.
With a little luck she’ll dance
around the stress and be back
cooking up a storm on the
double with some good advice
and Mr. Porter’s saucy new line
of European appliances.
Smart, affordable appliances by Porter & Charles, Liebherr and AEG feature sleek European design, green manufacturing and amazing efficiency.
“THE INTELLIGENT HAVE PLANS BUT THE WISE HAVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES.”
euro-line-appliances.com 871 Cranberry Court, Oakville, ON L6L 6J7 | 905.829.3980
2912 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R2 | 604.235.3980B741
EURO-LINE APPLIANCES INC. is the proud distributor of:
STAINLESS, COMPACT & EUROPEAN
Porter & Charles APPLIANCES
Visit porterandcharles.ca or a premium appliance retailer to see for yourself!
“DARLING... I LOVE YOU
TO THE FRIDGE AND BACK!”
B741 Euroline_OakChamb-dps_May16.indd 2-3 2016-05-13 10:53 AM
14 GoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACy
Recently, the Federal Government announced its first budget. As the organization that advocates on behalf of business, the Chamber monitors the policy direction of Government and works with our political leaders to find solutions that will improve the business climate. our fundamental belief is that if businesses prosper, our economy thrives.
therefore, we have identified some important policy issues from the Budget 2016 that matter to our members:
InFrasTrucTurethe federal government announced Phase 1 of its infrastructure plan which includes $3.4 billion in public transit, $5 billion for water and green infrastructure projects and another $3.4 billion for social infrastructure. the Government will be investing $3.4 billion over the next five years to maintain and upgrade Federal infrastructure assets, including trade-enabling assets such as airports and border infrastructure.
the Chamber is supportive of this strategy towards infrastructure spending. In fact, this was a specific ask during the pre-budget consultations. However, we maintain, that if the government is committed to address the province’s infrastructure deficits while going into deficit, the focus needs to be maintained on productivity enhancing projects that help ontario businesses and stimulate the economy.
Case in point, according to a recent ontario Chamber of Commerce poll*, half of the membership agree that their organization is suffering from a lack of public investment in infrastructure. Looking at all ontarians, 81 percent agree that Canada needs to invest more in infrastructure in order to grow our economy.
the Government delayed the Phase 2 of their infrastructure plan for another two years. We continue to reinforce that this investment will need to be directed towards strategic projects that focus on productivity and global trade.
sMaLL BusIness Tax creDITAn election promise was made to reduce the tax rate over the next three years for small businesses. However, these promised reductions to the small business income tax rate have been deferred. there was no date or estimate given for the duration of the deferral. this means that small businesses across the country will pay over $1 billion more than expected. the Chamber will encourage the Federal Government to move forward to fulfill the campaign promise to reduce the small-business tax rate from 11 per cent to nine per cent sooner rather than later.
BUDGet 2016:
tHe oAKVILLe
CHAMBeR’s
PoInt oF VIeW
By Faye LyOns VICe-PResIDent GoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACy
15GoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACy
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
Trans PacIFIc ParTnershIPthe Federal Government made no new commitments regarding the status of the trans-Pacific Partnership (tPP). Recently, at a network policy conference, the oakville Chamber introduced a resolution calling on the Government to use the tPP as an opportunity to develop a targeted and coherent intergovernmental strategy for ontario’s auto manufacturing sector. the resolution passed unanimously and we will be working with the government to identify terms in the tPP that will create an equitable trade environment for ontario’s auto sector.
ontario’s auto industry is a top economic driver in the province, contributing more than $16 billion to the economy and supporting over 100,000 direct manufacturing jobs.
the oakville Chamber believes that maintaining a competitive environment for our manufacturers, including auto, is vital to our economic prosperity.
skILLsAttracting and retaining skilled workers is the number one challenge for Canadian businesses. Locally, the Chamber’s members have identified this as a barrier to their success. We appreciate the additional investments of $125 million for the Labour Market Development Agreements, alongside $50 million for the Canada Job Fund Agreements. these will provide a range of training and employment programs. the budget also will provide $85.4 million over five years to support union-based apprenticeship training. In addition it will strengthen co-op and on-the-job opportunities for young people.
Generally, the Chamber recognizes and appreciates the investments in skills, the efforts to stimulate the economy in this first budget of our new Government. However, we will not relinquish our efforts to continue to press the Government on the importance of the reductions in the small business tax rates as well as the focus on infrastructure spending.
When businesses succeed, they create new jobs and investments while paying taxes to help Canada prosper. We will continue to work with the senior levels of Government on their policy direction to create an improved climate for business.
*Results from a survey of Ontario Chamber of Commerce members in January 2016.
16 neW MeMBeRs
anTOn LOLas, sun LIFe FInancIaL Anton Lolaswww.sunlife.ca/anton.lolasFinancial Advisor
aPPareL exPressIOnsCheril Angus-Hollowaywww.apparel-expressions.com tailor
ark.Inc Inc.Janghoon Moonwww.arking.ca Custom Furniture Manufacturing
BeLa casa hOMe sTaGInG & reDesIGnPaula Marqueswww.belacasastaging.caHome staging
cOnsuLTrInG BusIness sTraTeGy neTwOrk Hassan sabry www.consultring.caBusiness Consulting
cOwan Insurance GrOuPPaul Webberwww.cowangroup.caConsultants – Pension & Benefits
Dave & BusTer’sJessica McClearywww.daveandbusters.com entertainment
DOran MaLLarIVeronica Mallariwww.doranmallari.comLawyer
e2a FOruMsshiv [email protected] services
FOreverGreen LanDscaPInG & MaInTenance Inc.Joe B. Medeiroswww.forevergreenlandscaping.ca Landscaping
GraMercy DesIGn ManaGeMenTGen Leewww.gramercystudio.caArchitect
hazeM [email protected] Representative - Real estate in Motion
In hOMe TraInerChristopher Wongwww.inhometrainer.caHealth and Fitness
LeGacy sIGnsLucy Chomolokwww.legacysigns.ca signs
LInDT chOcOLaTenatalia oussatykhwww.lindt.caspeciality Chocolate Products
MeDIaTe 2 aGreeHelene Rivardwww.mediate2agree.caLegal services
MMT charTereD accOunTanT PrOFessIOnaL cOrPOraTIOnsabina todmanwww.mmtca.caAccounting
MOnex canaDaZahid Junejowww.monex-ca.comForeign exchange Risk Management
WelCoMe to the oakville ChaMber
new MeMBers: March & aPrIL
17 neW MeMBeRs
nachLa Law OFFIceDorisa nachlawww.nachlaw.comBarristers & solicitors, notary Public
naDa yasMIneh - nerIuM nada yasminehwww.nadayasmineh.nerium.comHealth & Wellness
OakvILLe wInDOws & DOOrs Inc.Andre Lamarreoakvillewd.comWindows and Doors
OnePLan BusIness cenTresWayne Baijnauthwww.oneplan.caBusiness Centre
PacIFIc PearL InvesMenTs Inc.Zaki [email protected] estate Developers
r. cOPe & assOcIaTes Inc.Roy [email protected] executive search / Recruitment / Career Counselling
rJc IMPOrTsRick Jonkerwww.rjcimports.comsafety Gloves
rOBsOn haLLFOrD DesIGn Inc. erin Hallford and Daintry Robson www.robsonhallford.comInterior Design
rOGers & cOMPany PrOFessIOnaL cOrPOraTIOnethan M. Rogerswww.oakvillelawfirm.com Lawyer
scOTIaBank (DOrvaL crOssInG)Jackie Choiwww.scotiabank.comFinancial services
scs InvesTIGaTIOnsBruno Bonazzawww.scsinvestigations.caInvestigation services
sPeeDPrO IMaGInGCraig thompsonwww.speedproburloak.comDigital Printing
sTraTeGIc hr servIcesPaula Lewiswww.strategichr.caHR Management
syLvIa warrInGTOn - MOrTGaGe One sOLuTIOns LTD. sylvia Warringtonwww.sylviamortgages.com Mortgages & Loans
TrIDeLTa FInancIaLAnton tuckerwww.tridelta.caFinancial services
waLLs aLIve PaInTInGPaul Likuskiwww.wallsalivepainting.comPainting
An employee benefit plan with a twist – rate stability, fair renewals and
innovative offerings for small business. That’s what the
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan®
has been providing small businesses forhas been providing small businesses forover four decades.
Check out a plan that won’t squeeze your budget!
19seen on tHe sCene
March aOn GOOD MOrnInG OakvILLe Bill, James and Veronica enjoy the early morning networking event. Pitch from the Podium speakers, Joti and Mary
aPrIL yPeG BusIness sOcIaLour young Professional & entrepreneur Group jumped into networking at Aerosports trampoline Park
aPrIL BusIness aFTer hOursMo, Maggie, tatiana, Afif and Moon enjoy networking at Golf Canada
aPrIL aOn GOOD MOrnInG OakvILLe GMo Committee members and Pitch from the Podium speakers
Karl with Gavin, our host from Golf Canada
aPrIL Lunch anD Learn the Anatomy of networking presented by Rick Mamros
aPrIL aLL canDIDaTes MeeTInG 2016 Municipal By-election for Ward 2
yPeG Committee members with Aerosports trampoline Park staff
Photo courtesy of snapd Oakville
Conveniently located in Milton near HWY 401, HWY 403 and HWY 407
Specializing in hosting ethnic celebrations of all cultures and traditions
5,000 sq. ft. open concept banquet room can seat up to 400 guests
Beautiful 3,400 sq. ft. terrace overlooking the golf course
Picturesque landscaped grounds and garden
Dedicated in-house event coordinator
Complimentary parking
Customized menus and packages
Open year roundEndless
possibilities
BAPTISMS and CHRISTENINGS
BABY SHOWERS
SWEET 16 PARTIES
BAR/BAT MITZVAHS
MEETINGS
FUNDRAISERS
BRIDAL SHOWERS
REHEARSAL DINNERS
WEDDINGS
BIRTHDAYS
CELEBRATIONS of LIFE
HOLIDAY PARTIES
BRUNCHES
Celebrate all of life’s moments
AT RATTLESNAKE POINT GOLF CLUB
HOST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT AT RATTLESNAKE POINT GOLF CLUB AND LET US MAKE YOUR DAY PERFECT.
Annette Giannini
905-878-6222 ext. 2007
5407 Regional Road 25, Milton // myclublinkwedding.ca
RattleSnakePoint_OakvilleChamberAdvocate_ad_May.indd 1 2016-05-05 2:11 PM
21 MeMBeRs In tHe neWs
MeMBers In The news The Oakville community Foundation is directing more than $120,600 towards special projects intended to help those in need in the community. halton women’s Place (hwP) and Reach out Centre for Kids (RoCK) joint project, the Mental Health Collaborative, received $15,000. this project will provide direct services to children and youth who present mental health conditions while staying at a HWP shelter.
By consolidating lands, Fengate capital Management is now the leading real estate manager and investor in the QeW/403 node.
May court club of Oakville celebrated 60 years in oakville in April with their Let’s Get this Party started fundraising dinner at the Oakville conference centre.
John Piper’s McDonald’s, located at 574 Iroquois shore Road, launched its brand new customer service experience called Create your taste. the new experience includes delivery to your table; self-serve kiosks; Guest experience Leaders who greet patrons, walk them through using the self-serve kiosks, and help them find a seat. they’ve also introduced a new premium Angus burger and new ingredient choices.
Congratulations to the Oakville Beaver, who took a third place win for general excellence at the ontario Community newspapers Association Better newspaper Competition!
Total Tech Pools’ 18th annual spring sale and barbecue raised funds for the Refugee Resettlement Fund of the Oakville community Foundation.
Congratulations to the Oakville & Milton humane society for celebrating 80 years of housing and caring for sick, injured, abused and neglected animals in our community!
FcT was named one of the “top 50 Best Workplaces” for the second year in a row by the Great Place to Work Institute. they were also named one of the “top 50 Best Workplaces for Women” in Canada.
Congratulations to Musikay for celebrating 10 years of performing choral and instrumental classical music in the oakville Community!
22 22 PResIDent’s MessAGe
spring has been a busy time in regards to advocacy and Government Relations for the oakville Chamber of Commerce. on April 5th, the Chamber hosted an All Candidates Meeting for the Ward 2 By-election. All eleven registered candidates participated in the meeting which gave Ward 2 residents, businesses, and the general public the opportunity to hear first-hand from the candidates how they plan to address the issues affecting their community.
the Chamber takes pride in hosting All Candidates Meetings for every election – whether it’s Municipal, Provincial, or Federal, providing an avenue for civilians to engage in the democratic process. the Chamber advocates on behalf of our members and works with Government and elected officials to facilitate changes that will benefit the oakville community.
We were honoured to host the ontario Chamber of Commerce Conference and Annual General Meeting. Chamber delegates and business leaders met in oakville for a weekend of networking with peers, debating policy and hearing from Provincial political leaders.
It was an immensely productive weekend that introduced us to new faces and innovative solutions that addressed a number of concerns shared by Chambers across ontario. I was impressed with the strength of the collective voice of the ontario Chamber network and our combined ability to impact the development of policy and advocacy on behalf of ontario’s business community.
We were very pleased that the ontario Chamber chose to launch their new campaign small Business: too Big to Ignore. over the course of this campaign the oakville Chamber, along with Chambers across the province, will be hosting consultations with local small business owners to find out what is ailing small business in ontario. this is important to all of our members as small businesses are the backbone of the ontario and Canadian economy. they are the wealth creators, job creators and risk takers. A strong and vibrant small business sector is important for all business.
I invite you to contact the oakville Chamber if you are interested in participating in a roundtable discussion and follow this campaign on social media using #tooBig2Ignore.
the ontario Chamber Conference and AGM was a huge success, and I thank the staff at the oakville and ontario Chambers for their hard work and dedication.
In addition to the advocacy portions of the Conference, the oakville Chamber hosted two networking events and I was honoured to showcase oakville’s thriving business community to my colleagues. on the final night of the Conference Allan o’Dette, President of the ontario Chamber, thanked me and my team for hosting the conference. I was personally touched by the standing ovation we received and the ongoing round of applause. oakville’s hospitality did not disappoint Chamber delegates, business leaders and politicians from across the province. Pr
esid
ent’
s M
essa
ge
Subject to additional terms and conditions found at oakvillehydro.com/business. Subject to change without notice. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Oakville Hydro. OMOfficial Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence.
SIMPLEDFIED SAVINGUpgrade to LEDs to reduce lighting costs up to 75% on the factory floor, offices, parking lots and more. Get rebates up to 50% of project costs.
OakvilleHydro.com/Business
Contact our energy experts to get started905-825-9400 Ext. [email protected]
