HIRINGENGAGED

EMPLOYEESThe Perks of Beinga Nine-Hole Golfer

Demystifyingthe Chamber

AGM

Digital York The latest news on

broadband in York Region

Meet OurNew MembersRobin Hardman

Certified Life and Executive CoachSoulSalt (Canada) Inc.

Chamber

CONNECTIONSummer 2013

The official publication of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce

INSIDEWhat’s

Features

4 Hiring Engaged Employees

5 The Perks of Being ANine-Hole Golfer

9 Demystifying the AnnualGeneral Meeting

7 Digital YorkA Broadband Strategy for York Region

8 One Manufacturer’s Opinion

9 Funding the Big Move –How will it Affect You

From Your Chamber

3 Messages from the Chair and CEO

11 Member Announcements

12 New Members

15 2013 Home Show

3

Aurora Chamber of CommerceOffice Address:

14483 Yonge StreetAurora, ON L4G 0P3

Mailing Address:6-14845 Yonge Street, Suite 321

Aurora, ON L4G 6H8

Tel: 905-727-7262Fax: 905-841-6217

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

The Mission of the Aurora Chamberof Commerce is to move Aurora

business forward.

Our Vision is Aurora businesspeople living, learning, and

thriving together.

Judy MarshallChief Executive Officer

Nancy Eveleigh BrowneEvent Manager

Teri HastingsMember Services Coordinator

Crystal WalshAdministrative Assistant

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013Chair

Paul SmithKilroy & SmithPast-President

Bob InceThe AuroranVice-Chair

Peter DickensThe Iris Group

Secretary/TreasurerBrian Roberts

van Nostrand & Partners

DirectorsJames Beechey

Beechtree Marketing Inc.Lee Helkie

Helkie Financial & Insurance ServicesJennifer Copley

Highland Chevrolet CadillacPatricia Poulin-UlbrichtMorneau Shepell Ltd.Dr. Sabrina Crossley Align Health Centre

Jay GutteridgeThe BannerEric Skillins

Investors Group

Town of Aurora RepresentativeAnthony Ierullo

Manager of Long Range andStrategic Initiatives

Our volunteers did it again! They wereeverywhere at the recent Home Show. They

helped out with planning, organizing and workinglong hours, even late into thenight. Without our volunteers,our Home Show and othermajor events would beextremely difficult to stage. TheChamber can't thank themenough for the many hours theydedicate to helping make ourevents successful.

Planning for the Home Showstarts in the summer andcontinues right through to theevent day. The Home ShowCommittee, chaired by Past-president Robin Taylor-Smith,puts in many hours to develop creative ideas tomake the Show different every year. TheCommittee assists our key staff organizer andEvent Manager, Nancy Eveleigh Browne.

Why do our volunteers help us? There are somany reasons. They can connect and engagewith the public, exhibitors and other businesses.They can help build self-esteem while gainingvaluable experience. There is a sense ofachievement through bringing their skills andtalents to staging a successful event. They candevelop fun relationships by working as a teamand gain knowledge from associating with otherbusiness professionals and learning more aboutother businesses. They set an example foryounger adults to become more engagedcitizens when they see someone they admirehelping out. There is satisfaction from knowingyou helped out, just for the fun of it.

Thank you to all of our volunteers. We appreciateyour dedication, enthusiasm and the time you setaside for us. We hope your experience wasrewarding. You made the 2013 Home Show ahuge success. By the way, what are you doingJune 2 for the Aurora Chamber Street Festival?

While looking through our list of Home ShowSponsors and in-kind donations, I was proud thatthe businesses and organizations in ourcommunity are committed to making sure wehave a successful event. It is a great feeling toknow that you value the Chamber so much. Yourgenerous contribution helped make our vision areality. As we continue to grow, please know thatpartnerships with our sponsors are vital to oursuccess. You are truly appreciated.

Cheers to all,

PaulChair, Aurora Chamber of Commerce

At the end of April I attended a PromenadeArea Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

meeting. A Community Improvement Plan is avehicle for facilitatingrevitalization and redevelop-ment efforts in a defined area(s).A CIP allows municipalities toestablish grants, loans andother programs to encourageprivate sector investment indevelopment and renovationprojects which seek to improveareas in accordance with localgoals and priorities.

This consultation could havebeen a great opportunity forlandowners, business owners,property developers, property

owners and managers to provide input into thedevelopment of the downtown area. The SierraPlanning and Management Group, retained bythe Town to prepare a CIP, provided an overviewof their plan, asked questions and, mostimportantly, provided information on financialincentive programs to support futuredevelopment in the “heart” of Aurora. Very fewpeople attended – three Chamber members,including one who is at many public consultationsand contributes significantly with his questionsand insight, one developer, Town staff, acouncillor and the Mayor.

I was disappointed at the turn-out and wonderedwhy there wasn’t better attendance. Communityplanning for downtown Aurora has been goingon for years with public consultations throughoutthe process. That was the answer – apathy! Theexcitement and the vision of something actuallyhappening has gone. There have beenconsultations galore, but no proof that anyonehas listened.

When I started representing the Chamber on theAurora Promenade Design Strategy, I was lost interminology. Since then I have tried to attend townplanning meetings and consultations. Townplanning plays a vital role in achieving greatcommunities, and effective engagement of thecommunity is vital to the planning process. I wouldencourage you to get involved as often aspossible so your voice will be heard before theapplication for development begins. Then, it’s toolate! You can still contribute to the overallplanning by visiting: surveymonkey.com/7FKJ8PB.It will take 10-15 minutes to complete the survey and you will be heard. Keep up to date on the planning process by visiting the town’s website: town.aurora.on.ca/promenadecommunityimprovement. The completion date forthe project is September 2013.

It is finally warming up outside. Enjoy thesummer; it goes by too fast.

‘til next time...Judy

Paul Smith & Judy Marshall

Messages from the Chair and CEO

Many years ago, afailing and flailing

junior employee wastransferred to my teamin a last ditch attempt tosalvage a bad hire.Instead of the down-ward spiral ofperformance we hadexpected, the employeeeasily integrated intothe new team’s structureand identity. The ideasand recommendationshe presented clearlycontributed to the on-going goal attainmentof the team. Theemployee we hadthought of as a bad hire

went on to receive several promotions and lead several significantinitiatives….a great hire for the company.

So what happened? For this employee, it wasn’t a matter of a goodor bad hire, or good or bad management. It was a matter ofemployee engagement: engagement of personal character strengthsto the required role, engagement with the interpersonal relationshipsof co-workers, engagement with team cohesion. In essence, theyoung employee connected with the new team and newresponsibilities in a way that allowed him to positively use hisstrengths on a daily basis. Success followed.

Recent research has shown that engaged employees contributepositively to productivity, profitability and employee retention. Inaddition, employee engagement is significantly greater whenemployees have the opportunity to use their character strengths ona daily basis. And, unlike when our young employee started hiscareer, there are processes and tools available to help an employerunderstand, hire for and manage the character strengths that workwell within the company.

The definitions of character strength traits are the result of asignificant body of work related to determining what makes us happyand what we care about. Understanding our character strengthsprovides us with insights that connect us to what we do and to thosewith whom we interact. Think about it….don’t you put more energyinto the jobs you like to do?

We’d all like to hire engaged employees, wouldn’t we? Employeesthat care about their work and contribute positively to achieving thecompany’s goals and objectives? Before we start reviewing thoseresumes, there is an advantage to being aware of our own characterstrengths. This allows us to understand how we evaluate those weinterview and manage. Next, align the job position we’re looking tofill with the character strengths that work with it and the company.For example, a character strength of perseverance could help in a

sales role where cold calling is required. Then, use the tools availableto check the applicant for strengths connected to the position. That’sa good start to hiring an engaged employee.

If you’d like to investigate your own character strengths, there’s anon-line tool that provides you with a free survey and results. Just goto https://www.viame.org/survey/Account/Register. A business coachtrained in Character Strengths can help you get the most out of yourresults, or help you take a strengths-based approach to buildingeffective and engaged teams.

Current estimates state that over 50 percent of employees aredisengaged with their work and approximately 20 percent activelydisengaged to the detriment of the company. As an employer, whatwould it mean to you to gain that back by having engagedemployees?

Robin Hardman is a certified life and executive coach. She is trainedin the use of Character Strengths for individuals and teams. Robinowns and operates SoulSalt (Canada) Inc., now in its ninth year ofoperation.

Hiring EngagedEmployees

4

By Robin Hardman

Cover & story image by Merk Photography

5

Golf is a game that can’t be rushed. The tranquility of the rustlinggrass, the distant flag fluttering in the wind, the satisfying sound

of the ball hitting the cup after a perfectly paced putt – these aresensations to savor, not speed through.

Pace of play shouldn’t be about meeting a deadline; it should beabout maintaining the rhythm of your game. Where’s the joy inwatching the clock when you could be enjoying the great outdoorsand tweaking your technique? Wouldn’t you love to swap your watchfor a glove, hop in a cart and leave the world behind?

Sadly, everyday responsibilities often get in the way of this idyllicexperience on the links. After all, who has time for 18 holes whenyou’re needed at the office or when your daughter is waiting to bepicked up from dance class? The last thing you want is to be stuckon number 14 when you realize there’s somewhere else you need tobe. Nothing can ruin a good round faster than the buzz of a cellphone reminding you that the real world is waiting, and you’d betterhurry up and get back to it.

Ask many golfers and they’ll tell you the most valuable commodityon the course is time – time for reading the green, time for practiceswings, time for considering your next shot and taking it all in.

The solution? Cut your game in half. Suddenly it’s not a matter ofrushing back to the office, it’s about taking a well-deserved break.Where 18 holes might make you late for dinner or absent for the bigmeeting, nine can leave you relaxed, satisfied, back on time andready to tackle the world.

In a NY Times article from July 2012, Phyllis Korkki assemblesevidence that productivity actually increases when regular breaksbecome part of the work day. Quoting John P. Trougakos, assistantmanagement professor at University of Toronto Scarborough, Korkkiexplains that employees generally need to detach from their workand their workspace to recharge their internal resources. Sneakingaway for a quick nine holes sounds like a great way to detach andreturn refreshed and ready to work!

Many golfers prefer the nine-hole option because it fits better withtheir lifestyle and provides a more accessible and simple form of thegame. One golfer shares his preference on a nine vs. 18 discussionboard via TheSandTrap.com: “I can leave work at five, play nine onthe way home, and still be in my recliner sipping a beer by seven. Iam getting to play four to five times a week now, instead of maybeonce.”

A simpler round, a chance to practice, and a more flexible scheduleare just a few ways that nine-hole golf can help improve your gameand feed your need for the green this summer. Quicker, cheaper, andmore accessible – nine holes is the way to play!

Lauren Nisbet is a graduate of media studies and corporatecommunications with eight years (seasonal) experience working atWestview Golf Club in Aurora. She enjoys the occasional nine-holeround and comes from a big family of golfers. Follow her on Twitter @WestviewGolf, or visit www.westviewgolf.ca.

The Perks of Being a Nine-Hole GolferBy Lauren Nisbet

6

Running a small business is hard enough

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Some people avoid attending the AnnualGeneral Meeting (AGM) of their

association or chamber because they thinkit will be boring. However, it is an importantmeeting for members as it fulfills the needfor the organization to be accountable, andenables members to participate in thegovernance or leadership byelecting the board ofdirectors or confirming thenominations. The AGM givesthe organization anopportunity to communicatewith members, sponsors andthe general public as well asfulfill the legal requirement ofa non-profit organizationunder the Incorporations Act of Ontario orCanada. Not holding an AGM and notfollowing up with a report on the AGM tothe ministry responsible for theadministration of the Act can put anorganization in jeopardy of losing their non-profit status.

Last year (September 2012), the AGM waswell attended and members enjoyed the

reports on the previous year’s activities,asked questions about the financialstatements, passed a motion to accept theslate of board members as presented, andlistened to the passionate words of PaulSmith, the elected Chair of the Board, as hespoke of his vision and plans for his term of

office. Members wereengaged in the agenda ormandated requirementsunder the Incorporations Actand, following the formalportion of the meeting, hadan excellent time networkingand speaking with the newlyelected board, colleaguesand chamber staff. Plan to

attend the next AGM which will bescheduled in September 2013, following theaudit of the 2012 financial statements.

Ongoing input from members will berequired as the Chamber repeals and re-writes the current By-Laws to comply withthe new Ontario Not-for-Profit CorporationsAct. The Chamber could also ask membersto support the Chamber in registering under

the Federal Boards of Trade Act. There areadvantages to incorporating under this Actas it will:

• legally protect the Chamber’s name,territory and brand. No other organization inthe defined territory can use the term“Board” or “Chamber”

• potentially stop the chamber networkand brand from being openly challenged

• ensure that individual members of thechamber are absolved of liability for thedebts of the chamber, provided that annualreturns are made in accordance with theprovisions of the Boards of Trade Act

• mean chambers of commerceincorporated under the Board of Trade Actwill not be governed by the provisions of theCanada or Ontario Not-for-Profit Acts (Note:organizations can only be incorporatedunder one Act).

We will keep members up-to-date on the re-writing of the by-laws as the chamber is yourorganization and your input is vital in theprocess.

Demystifying the Annual General Meeting Why You Should Plan to Attend

Plan to attend the

next AGM which will

be scheduled in

September 2013

7

In the Spring issue of this publication, youheard about a broadband feasibility

initiative that the Region of York has begun,in collaboration with the nine regionalmunicipalities. The contract has beenawarded to a consulting firm that has beeninstrumental in helping other communitiesdevelop their own strategies for broadband.Sessions with key stakeholder groupsincluding businesses, government, schools,hospitals, libraries, police, and also withresidents, are underway now. The inputgathered will provide critical insight intocurrent and future needs related to highspeed internet, and will directly impactfuture plans.

All residents and businesses in York Regionare invited to participate in the process, soplease take a moment and do the onlinesurvey found at www.investinyork.ca/broadband. Help spread the word andencourage your colleagues, family andfriends to participate as well.

The information they are compiling is asfollows:• What sectors of the population requirebroadband services?• Where are these sectors located withinYork Region?• What services do those sectors haveavailable to them now?• Are the services currently delivered by

service providers adequate and pricedcompetitively?• Are the service providers willing toexpand their footprint and services to meetthe needs of the population of YorkRegion?• If not, what would be the cost to build anetwork(s) to satisfy this need?While the consultation sessions so far havegenerally focused on increasing connectivityin rural areas for support of home-basedbusinesses, there have also been discussionsabout building on existing infrastructure inurban areas to better support businessgrowth, advanced applications and supportsfor innovation.

There have been some interesting ideas putforward, including:• Providing Wi-Fi services on the Region’stransit network• Exploring 1 Gigabit communities – in newresidential development areas and along theRegion’s centres and corridors• Ensuring that both urban and ruralresidents can connect to municipal andhealthcare services via voice and video• Wi-Fi services in community centres andgathering placesThe consultant’s report is expected tocontain a summary of internet servicesavailable now by location and arecommendation to satisfy the needs andwants of York Region constituents. The

report is due mid-summer for presentationto York Region Council in mid- September.

In the Spring issue of the ChamberConnection we learned there are two highspeed data networks, ORION (provincial)and CANARIE (federal). Although thesenetworks are connected and run throughYork Region, they don’t stop here. If YorkRegion could connect to ORION, we wouldalso be connected to CANARIE. The federalnetwork now offers businesses access to aDigital Accelerator for Innovation andResearch (DAIR) – providing access to a hightech, cloud-based, on-demand digitalenvironment for companies to design, test,prototype, validate and demonstrate newtechnology apps, services and products. Forthis reason, a potential connection toORION in York Region would support bothour local businesses and institutions seekingto develop new products and services, andalso support our priority to bring more post-secondary presence into the Region. DigitalYork continues to work with stakeholdersand partners to bring a point of presenceinto York Region for ORION. Stay tuned forupdates as this project evolves!

David Daniel, President of Danco Solutions,is a telecommunications consultant. For more information visitwww.digitalyork.org, or contact David atdavid@dancosolutions.ca.

Digital York – A Broadband Strategy for York RegionThe third article in a series examining broadband in the community.

By David Daniel

BUSINESS DIRECTORYThe annual Chamber

Business Directory, whichincludes a list of all currentmembers, will be circulatedto over 22,000 Aurorahouseholds, businesses andChamber membersthroughout York Region.Your business is included asa benefit of membership.This valuable advertisingtool will promote Chambermembers and continue topromote “Shop Locally.”

We encourage you toverify the accuracy of your current listingin the electronic directory on the Chamber’s website(www.aurorachamber.on.ca) and let us know if you havechanges.

25 Years

+

Please contact the Chamber office by the endof June, if your company has been in business

for 25 years or more.

In the 2013 / 2014 Business Directory, we will recognize Chamber members who have reached this important milestone.

How long has your company been in business?

STAND OUT and advertise. Contact Teri Hastings by phone at 905-727-7262 or email t.hastings@aurorachamber.on.ca. There are a few advertising opportunities remaining. Call now!

8

One Manufacturer’sOpinion

By Vern Cunningham

Ihave beenassociated with

manufacturing inCanada for over50 years and have

seen our industrial might dwindle to thecurrent sad state of affairs. All levels ofgovernment want to help but in my opinion,they have been unable to provide anyconsistent vision for the future for ourmanufacturing base.

When you walk into your home, lookaround, everything has been“manufactured” somewhere, including thedwelling itself. Every piece of furniture, thestructure, the wood, the walls, everything, atone time, was made by your neighbours, bypeople just like you. Not so much anymore.

All of these people were proud to see theproducts of their labours shipped to theirfellow citizens and, often, to those in othercountries. They could walk into buildingsand stores and show their children what theyhad made. This pride of workmanship stillexists but has been devalued by all of us.Every time we make a purchasing decisionbased solely on price, one more Canadianjob is in jeopardy or lost.

Manufacturing, for the longest time, hasbeen considered dirty and unworthy of ourintellect. “Get an education,” our childrenhave been told over and over again so thatthey can achieve a standard of living betterthan their parents. Let’s outsource themenial jobs to low cost countries and keepthe higher paying, white-collar, jobs inCanada. Our children have been saddledwith considerable debt for this educationbased on our recommendations and whenthey graduate and apply for these higherpaying jobs, they are told that these white-collar jobs have also been outsourced. Thegovernment supports this position and evenencourages outsourcing so that largeprofitable companies can make still moremoney and shelter this profit in offshore taxhavens. Some of these companies want allthe advantages of being Canadian, yet arenot prepared to contribute to our society.Don’t forget that our health care system isfunded through the payroll of companiespaying salaries to workers in Canada.

Business is complex and requires a numberof different steps to make it succeed. Toillustrate this point, consider that an

automobile has literally thousands of partsthat make it a finished product. Each parthas to be designed, and equipmentconceived, designed and fabricated to makethese parts. Dies and moulds have to bedesigned and built. Assembly and testinghas to be fine-tuned to insure that the finalproducts will meet or exceed the customer’sexpectations. Personnel have to be hiredand trained. If one small part or element isremoved from this product or process, it canfail to operate.

Governments always like to provide grantsto companies for equipment. It makes forgood press and everyone looks good.Unfortunately, it is only a small part of whatis required. The machinery has to bedelivered, installed and commissioned, andin a lot of cases these installation costs equalor exceed the cost to purchase themachinery. Governments don’t providegrants or assistance for shipping, installationand training.

The machinery usually requires some type oftooling. Governments don’t provide grantsor assistance for tooling.

Operators and maintenance personnel arerequired to keep this machinery operating.Governments don’t provide grants orassistance for this type of personnel.

Downstream material handling equipment isrequired to handle the output from thismachinery. Governments don’t providegrants or assistance for material handlingequipment.

It’s a lot like the system we have to subjectour young people to long-term debt for theireducation. If you are not prepared to supportthe entire process, why bother at all?

Another sad example is intellectual property.Research and development is encouragedand financially supported by ourgovernment and they always lament that we

lag behind the rest of the world with newproduct development. Developing newproduct is costly and time consuming withno guarantees that competitors will not copyyour products and supply these products ata lower price. Competitors can do this asthey have not invested in any up-frontdevelopment costs and don’t have torecover this initial investment. Governmentswant you to protect your intellectualproperty by getting a patent, yet theCanadian legal system does not help thesmall and medium size companies with anydegree of support. This support could be assimple as a review process that provides anopinion on infringement and not necessarilya financial one. This opinion would have tocarry some degree of enforcement. In mostcases, the amount of money you would haveto spend to defend or enforce your patentwould be considerably more than what youwould gain if you won such an action. Whereis the logic and long-term vision in this typeof approach?

Remember, everything in this world startssmall and grows, providing the rightconditions exist. It is essential thatgovernments provide a helping hand, butthe programs should include all thenecessary elements to insure that therecipient is successful; these smallercompanies are our future.

Vern Cunningham is the founder of AlutronModules Inc., a manufacturing companyproviding electronic controls for variousindustries, which has operated in Aurora forover 20 years. Vern currently holds over 20Canadian and US patents, with morepending.

9

The Big Move is a $50 billion dollar transitinfrastructure that is under construction

with Metrolinx, an agency of theGovernment of Ontario, charged withplanning and delivering a “seamless,integrated transportation grid” in theGreater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA).Three levels of government have committedto funding $16 billion of the $50 billionproject. The remaining $34 billion requires$2 billion in new revenue annually. Wheredoes the funding come from?

In April, members of the Advocacy andGovernment Relations Committee togetherwith Paul Smith, Chair of the Board,participated in a round-table discussion withMetrolinx on funding The Big Move. Otherparticipants were the Ontario Chamber ofCommerce and the Newmarket and EastGwillimbury Chambers. The group wasgiven an overview of funding models usedin other cities around the world, options thatare being considered to fund the projectlocally, and then a short list of 11 possibleoptions. The proposed revenue toolsinclude:

• Vehicle Kilometres Travelled – drivers pay for every kilometre travelled

• Highway Tolls• Commercial Parking Levy – owners of a

commercial building would pay a daily fee or levy based on the number of parking spaces

• Regional Sales Tax• Employer Payroll Tax – employers pay a

tax based on the number of employees they have

• Fuel Tax – additional tax added to the sale of transportation fuel

• Property Tax – percentage based tax applied on the value of the property

• Development Charges – one-time levy on new development and eligible redevelop-ments

• Transit Fare increase – a surcharge added to all transit trips in the GTHA

• High Occupancy Tolls – paid by a single person in a vehicle who uses the High Occupancy (HOV) lanes

• Land Value Capture – the collection of a share of the increased value in property development that results from the transportation project

Funding by Employer Payroll Tax andDevelopment Charges were quicklydismissed and the government is expectedto narrow these options further over the nextfew months.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has stated thatresidents of Ontario will need to acceptsome form of tax increase to pay for The BigMove. Without a doubt, the province will beimplementing new revenue tools to coverthe cost associated with this project.

The Advocacy and Government RelationsCommittee is monitoring developments inThe Big Move Strategy that will have directimpact on Aurora – including the YongeSubway extension, vivaNext Bus Rapidwaysexpansion and improved GO service.

If you have any questions or commentsregarding any issue that the committeeshould be aware of, please contact JimBeechey, Chair of the Advocacy andGovernment Relations Committee atjim@beechtreemarketing.com or JudyMarshall CEO at j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION / LOOKING AFTER YOUR INTERESTS

FUNDING THE BIG MOVE – HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU!

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11

Awards and AnniversariesBobHawkins.com was recently honouredwith the presentation of the CanadianProfessional Disc Jockey Association’sCustomer Service Excellence Award inrecognition of the superior level of serviceprovided to its clients. Congratulations.

2 Thumbs Up Productions was recentlyhonoured as a Bronze winner in the 34thAnnual Telly Awards for their piece titled“RBT™” for Teknion and as a Bronzewinner for their piece titled “In an Instant”for Performins Canada. With nearly 11,000entries from all 50 states and numerouscountries, this is truly an honour.Congratulations.

Cupid & Psyche is celebrating their 10thanniversary. Congratulations.

Diamond Trim is celebrating their 30thanniversary. Congratulations.

Empression is celebrating their 5thanniversary. Congratulations.

Marquee Theatrical Productions iscelebrating their 10th anniversary.Congratulations.

Mastercut Property Services is celebratingtheir 25th anniversary. Congratulations.

New Member-to-MemberDiscountsExtreme Pita is offering Chambermembers a 15 percent discount off a firstcatering order.

Krown Aurora is offering a $15 discount toChamber members on any full vehicle rust-proofing treatment. This offer is not to becombined with any other offers and is onlyredeemable at the Krown Aurora location.

Noize Boyz is pleased to offer Chambermembers a 10 percent discount onproducts and services.

Sushi Den Teppanyaki is pleased to offerChamber members a 15 percent discounton food orders.

Westview Golf Club is pleased to inviteChamber members to a ChamberAppreciation Day on July 22, 2013 andreceive a discounted rate of $39 for 18holes and optional power cart for $11 perrider.

Member NewsAurora Online won the “pay yourmembership online” contest for February,2013. Congratulations Rob Scheutze.

Clifford’s Haulage won the “pay yourmembership online” contest for March,

2013. Congratulations Brendan McMahon.

Krown Aurora is now an official OES(Ontario Electronics Stewardship) recyclingdrop off location.

Sadly Persechini Fitness & SquashComplex is closing after 38 years inbusiness. “I’d like to thank our membersand our staff for their support all theseyears,” said Joe Persechini. “It’s veryunfortunate we weren’t able to continue,but my commit-ment to the community willcarry on. We hope you enjoy a healthylifestyle for years to come.” Mr. Persechiniis a long-standing Chamber member andhas been very active in supportingChamber events over the years.

Rowan Hardwood Floors is pleased towelcome Derrick and Lisa Chapman as thenew owners.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

12

A.I. Construction Corp.Construction ProjectManagers Edgar Trujillo, ProjectManager

Aurora, ON 416-896-2291aiconstructioncorporation@gmail.comwww.aiconstructioncorp.comA.I. Construction primarily providesconstruction service support for propertymanagement and disaster restorationcompanies. Our philosophy is to providereliable and trustworthy service backedwith years of experience in renovation,restoration and remodelling.

AAA Atlas Roofing Inc.Roofing Contractors Todd Moddejonge, VPOperations & Partner2-11 Allaura Boulevard

Aurora, ON L4G 3N2905-503-7663aaaatlasroofing@gmail.comaaaatlasroofing.caAAA Atlas Roofing’s number one goal is toensure our clients are 100 percentsatisfied. From new construction, tocomplete roofing system replacement, ourprofessionals have the knowledge andexperience necessary to get the job doneright. We do it and we guarantee it! Weare fully insured and offer 24-houremergency service, seven days a week!

Auntie Jo's Kettle CornCatering Joanne Mele, OwnerKing City, ON 416-731-8239

jo.mele@auntiejoskettlecorn.com www.auntiejoskettlecorn.comSnack smart! Freshly prepared kettle corn,cooked on-site for your corporate event,fundraiser or wedding. Our corn is peanut,gluten, dairy and trans fat free. Specialorders are no problem and we deliver.

AuroraToyotaAutomobileDealers

Chris Elwood, Sales Manager

669 Wellington Street EastAurora, ON L4G 0C9905-727-1948sales@auroratoyota.cawww.auroratoyota.ca

Canadian Residential Inspection ServicesHome Inspection Doug Armstrong, Certified HomeInspectorRichmond Hill, ON 905-751-9030djarmstrong@canadianresidential.comwww.CanadianResidential.comWe are one of Canada’s oldest homeinspection companies providing one-on-one consultation with inspection services.We feature a certified Level I InfraredImaging Thermographer and provide areport at time of inspection.

Consult to BusinessConsultants: Business, Management &Personal Chris De Guerre, Director23 Eastman CrescentNewmarket, ON L3Y 5T9905-758-5825chris@consulttobusiness.comwww.consulttobusiness.comConsult to Business is a generalmanagement consulting firm providingintegrity business solutions with expertmarket knowledge. Specializing inbusiness development, strategic insightand direction, minimizing risk andmaximizing growth and profitability forsmall to medium sized companies who arein transition, or seeking to gain acompetitive edge.

Curb-EaseLandscape Contractors & PropertyMaintenance Carlos Renderos, Owner1-1111 Davis Drive, Suite 194

Newmarket, ON L3Y 9E5905-960-8636carlos@curb-ease.comwww.curb-ease.com

Dee FashionsClothing, Shoes & Accessories Marco Dee, Owner15480 Bayview Avenue, B3, #105Aurora, ON L4G 7J1905-841-2167customer.service@deefashions.comwww.deefashions.comAre you looking for purses, handbags,wallets, sunglasses, fragrances, watches,jewellery, apparel, Décora? Get it all atone reliable upscale boutique...for all yourneeds. We offer competitive pricing andquality service! We carry Fossil, adidas,GGL (George, Gina & Lucy), Dissona (Italy)and Soprano. We are an upscaleaccessories boutique featuring authenticimported European high-grade fine leatherdesigns.

Extreme PitaRestaurants & Cafes Aman Grewal,Manager3-84 First CommerceDrive

Aurora, ON L4G 0C9905-751-0132ep344@extremepita.comwww.extremepita.comYou and your co-workers may be lookingfor something fresh, healthy, and tasty foryour next lunch, meeting, or holidaygathering. We would be pleased to offeryour business delicious, healthy andsatisfying meal options for your cateringneeds. The Extreme Pita Catering Programis designed to provide your group withdelicious and nutritious meal options. Weare pleased to offer Chamber members a15 percent discount off their first cateringorder.

HomewatchCaregivers of YorkRegionNursing Services Gary Spector,President

200-30 Via Renzo DriveRichmond Hill, ON L4S 0B8905-918-1662cyr@homewatchcaregivers.comwww.homewatchcaregivers.com/richmond-hillHomewatch CareGivers wants to makesure your loved one maintains the dailyquality of life they deserve. We design a

AURORA TOYOTATOYOTA SCIONSCION

669 Wellington Street East, Aurora ON (905) 727-1948

MEMBERSNew

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customized home care service plan toaddress their personal needs, whether it isAlzheimer's, ALS, stroke recovery, cancerrecovery, respite care or any other type ofcare. Contact us for a free initialevaluation for a personalized care plan.

In2Sports - The Soccer SuperstoreSporting Goods Anthony Magnotta, OwnerAurora Shopping Centre108-14800 Yonge StreetAurora, ON L4G 1N3905-751-0716aurorastore@in2sports.cawww.in2sports.ca

Inquiring MindsBusiness Services Bonnie Tiffin, OwnerRichmond Hill, ON 905-773-3854tiffinbo@rogers.com

Janet Adams PhotographyPhotography Janet Adams, PhotographerAurora, ON 289-221-1571info@janetadamsphotography.cawww.janetadamsphotography.caBeautiful moments deserve to last alifetime. Janet Adams is a child and familyphotographer, shooting on location inAurora and the surrounding area.

Lori Mofford - RoyalLePage YourCommunity Realty,BrokerageReal Estate Lori Mofford, BrokerAurora, ON 905-727-3154

lorimofford@royallepage.cawww.lorimofford.caAs a realtor/interior designer/investor, mymotto in life, as well as in business, is -Intend It! I am a hard-workingentrepreneur, and mother of four with apassion for teaching my clients how tobuild future wealth through real estateinvestments.

LT Fundraising Inc.Promotional Marketing Products & Services Lynn Thompson, PresidentRichmond Hill, ON 416-434-1009lynn@ltfundraising.comwww.ltfundraising.com

RenovationAdvisorHome Improvements &Renovations Martin Paivio, RenovationConsultant & ProjectManager

Aurora, ON 647-464-6753martin_paivio@yahoo.caRenovationAdvisor is a consultingcompany ready to assist and advisehomeowners on the most economical andefficient ways to renovate. With over 40years experience in construction, we canoversee your project from beginning toend.

MIYA InternationalConsultants: Business, Management &Personal Kristina Osterman, Principal ConsultantAurora, ON 905-727-4615info@miyainternational.comwww.miyainternational.com

My Home - ShedStorage Solutions Marlon Isaac, OwnerNewmarket, ON 416-525-5159marlon.mzac@gmail.comwww.myhome-services.caWe build and install wood structuresincluding pool houses, outdoor changerooms, studios, storage units and more.We serve residential clients as well ascommercial and rural industries.

Noize Boyz Audio & VideoRetail Specialty Stores Chris Hine, Owner16-265 Edward StreetAurora, ON L4G 3M7905-751-0626noizeboyz@gmail.comwww.noizeboyz.comNoize Boyz has been proudly servingcustomers for over 11 years offering awide range of products and services.Fellow Chamber members will receive a 10percent discount on all products andservices.

Shoebox Bookkeeping ServicesAccounting & Bookkeeping Services Fatima Rito, Certified ProfessionalBookkeeper17705 Leslie Street, Suite 15-173Newmarket, ON L3Y 3E3905-717-7018fatima@shoeboxbookkeeping.netwww.shoeboxbookkeeping.netShoebox Bookkeeping Services offers highquality, detailed bookkeeping and taxservices to individuals and small tomedium size business. Fatima Rito, CPB -Certified Professional Bookkeeper andowner of Shoebox Bookkeeping Services,is highly qualified, experienced and verydetail oriented. Come and check us out.

Sushi Den TeppanyakiRestaurants & Cafes Harry Tu, Manager155 Wellington Street EastAurora, ON L4G 1J5905-841-3848susan_dong6@hotmail.comwww.sushiden.ca

Upper Canada SignsSignage Mike Visser, Owner17-1228 Gorham StreetNewmarket, ON L3Y 8Z1905-853-7446sales@uppercanadasigns.comwww.uppercanadasigns.com

Vitality Vibe Aurora Inc.Health & Wellness Products & Services Debra McNaughton, Owner44-2 Orchard Heights BoulevardAurora, ON L4G 3W3905-503-8423aurora@vitalityvibe.cawww.vitalityvibe.ca

Zone Marketing Group Ltd.Marketing Services & Consultants Kurt Evans, Director of Operations1-21 Industry StreetAurora, ON L4G 1X6416-970-3860kevans@zonemarketinggroup.cawww.zonemarketinggroup.ca

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Ms. AJ Jakubowska and Ms. Eun-Kyung Lee16945 Leslie Street, Unit 19, NewmarketTel: 905.898.8500Enquires: Carolyn Pearson, carolyn@jakubowska.cawww.ontariofamilylawblog.blogspot.ca

WHO WE ARE: we are a boutique, two-lawyer and two-staff law firm focussing on all aspects of family law. We appearbefore all levels of Court in Ontario. We also have experience with non-court methods of resolving family law disputes,including mediation and arbitration. We deal with our clients’ legal needs professionally, quickly and cost-effectively, whilekeeping in mind that they may be facing an emotionally difficult time. Our goal is to demystify legal jargon and help eachclient be an active part of their case.

Here are some examples of common misconceptions in family law:

1. A married couple cannot be “legally” separated until they live under separate roofs: - not true: separated spouses can continue to live in the matrimonial home after their separation and while their case is being sorted out.

2. Children are entitled to support only until they are 18: - not true: there are circumstances when kids even over the age of majority receive financial support from their parents. For example, when they continue with their schoolingor are unable to work because they are sick.

3. At the end of the marriage, all property is divided in half: - only partially true: - Ontario has a very specific formula for how property and assets are divided (equalized). This formula gives spouses various credits, for example, for items brought into the marriage and items which are gifted or inherited.

Chamber Summer Barbeque LunchTuesday, June 25, 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Expiry stickers havearrived for 2013/2014!

Please come to the AuroraChamber office at thecorner of Yonge andIndustrial Parkway South topick up the current stickerfor your UltimateNetworking Card – it will

identify you as a member-in-good-standing when attendingevents at other chambers. Visit www.yorkregionchambers.ca toview the calendar of events for the Region.

Ultimate Networking Card

Another Successful Year for the AuroraChamber Street Festival!

The 18th Annual Street Festival held Sunday, June 2, 2013was by many accounts, a HUGE success.

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support:WestJet, Bell, GoodLife Fitness, Town of Aurora, and SunriseSenior Centre.Thank you to the many volunteers who assisted with thevendor set-up early Sunday morning. Without their support,we simply could not hold this event. Thank you to our friends at Tilemaster and Attridge CustomMouldings who generously provided trucks that we used aselevated stages. Registration packages for next year will be available on theChamber’s web site at www.aurorachamber.on.ca in earlyJanuary 2014. Mark your calendar now for the 2014 StreetFestival – Sunday, June 1, 2014.

What better way to kick off the summer than witha barbeque lunch at the Chamber! Our fallbarbeque proved to be very popular so wethought we would offer our members anotherchance to enjoy lunch and casual networkingbefore we all head off in different directions forsummer vacations. Join us on Tuesday, June 25 in the Chamber parking lot, at the corner of Yongeand Industrial Parkway South, from 11:30 am to2:00 pm. Greg Foster of M & M Meat Shops willbe serving up hamburgers and hotdogs, alongwith a soft drink, all for just $5. Parking is verylimited so we suggest parking further up Industrial Parkway South, or in the Metro lot north on Yonge Street and plan to walk a little!

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Photos by Merk Photography (Rows 1, 2), Adrian Holmes (Rows 3, 4)

HOME SHOW2013