minding our business april 2009
DESCRIPTION
business magazineTRANSCRIPT
BUSINESSM I N D I N G O U R
PUBLISHED IN COOPERATION WITH THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER
CENTRE WELLINGTON VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4
BeautifyingYourBusiness
April 2009
PAGE 2 | April 09
MINDING OUR
BUSINESS is mailed to all registered businesses in Centre Wellington. Not registered as a business with Canada Post? Misplaced your copy?
Pick up a copy of Minding Our Business at: Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, The Wellington Advertiser, Fergus BIA, Elora BIA,Wellington-Waterloo Futures Development Corporation
MILE STONESNew to the Fergus Industrial Park2 New Businesses:CMJ Manufacturing, have moved into theirnew location at 935 Gartshore St Fergus.Congratulations to John Lake on yourbeautiful new facility. 519.787.4162
Jim White Auto Service –Jim has relocated his Vehicle Repair andEmissions Testing Business to 935 GartshoreSt. Fergus. Phone number remains the same –519.843.7566
New to the Beckett Centre2 new openingsBest BAA Dairy Store relocated to820 Gartshore St. Fergus, is open Thursday toSaturday 12 – 6. Phone number is519.787.0707.
Mackenzie Printing is now open at 820Gartshore St, Unit 22. Brett Mackenzie andDean George may be reached at519.787.1221. Best Wishes on your newventure.
New GM at the Ostic GroupMike McKinnon, is the new General Managerfor the Ostic Group, offices are located inElora, Fergus, Guelph and Shelburne. Mikemay be contacted at 519.843.2540.
New Business – left to right Danielle Hildebrand, Carmen Mooney and MaryChester, manager. Carmen’s Sequel Café has opened at 240 St Andrew St W.Fergus. Great to have Carmen back! Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm.Phone number is 519.787.1212
Ribbon Cutting – Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates, Elora location official openingtook place March 27. Helping Jackie Sinkeldam, cut the ribbon were husband Jamie,children Mason & Taite and staff members Stephanie Sittington, ChristinePratt,Kristen Long, Lisa Milne and Sarah De Spiegelaere. Walt Visser and RobertFoster represented CW council, and Garth Green. EPA is located 6488 WellingtonRoad 7, Elora. Phone number is 519.846.9919. Congratulations on your new location.
aboutMINDING OUR
BUSINESSMinding Our Business is a business magazinefocusing on items of interest to commercial,
retail, industrial and service businesses inCentre Wellington.
Our cover storyfocuses on
beautifying yourbusiness to attract
customers.Local horticulturist
and nursery ownersshare their expertiseon how to get your
business “blooming”.
general policyAdvertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event oftypographical error, that portion of the advertising spaceoccupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonableallowance for the signatures, will not be charged for, but thebalance of the advertisements will be paid for at theapplicable rate. In the event of a typographical erroradvertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods orservices may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell,and may be withdrawn at any time. Persons wishinginformation regarding circulation, rates and additional serviceare invited to contact our office for further details. Thepublisher accepts responsibility for claims and honorsagreements made by himself or by regular staff on his behalf.No responsibility is accepted for actions by person(s) not inthe employ of the paper, or otherwise over whom thePublisher has no control. All Advertising accepted is done so ingood faith. The Publisher maintains the right to approve orreject advertising and articles submitted for publication.
contactMINDING OUR
BUSINESSBox 252, Fergus, Ontario
N1M 2W8519-843-5410 telephone
519-843-7607 [email protected]
April 09 | PAGE 3
THISISSUE
2 MILESTONESOpenings | Awards | Moves
4 FERGUS BIAMember Reviews of Retail Seminar
5 ELORA BIAIs It Over Yet?
6 HYDRO SMART METERSAdvertorial
7 EDCHome Sweet Home
8 BEAUTIFYINGYOUR BUSINESSDavid Meyer
THE CHAMBER PAGES10 On the Web:
Sprucing Up Your Website
Chamber Calendar
11 Meet the Members:POWER BEAM
11 Harmonized Sales TaxProposalMichael Weinstein
13 Minimum WageOntario Chamber ofCommerce
14 Awards of ExcellenceNominees - Press Release
15 CONTACT LISTING &BUSINESS DIRECTORY
COVER
APRIL MINDING OUR BUSINESS
On February 24th the Fergus BIA
sponsored a retail seminar with it’s
partners, the Guelph, Kitchener and
Waterloo BIA’s. The keynote speakers,
Kevin Graff and Barbara Crowhurst,
are well renowned within the retail
industry throughout North America.
Here is what our BIA members had to
say about the event:
Linda Sinclair (Special Effects)
“It excited me about my business. I felt
invigorated again and I implemented
what I learned the next day. ”
Michael Kavanagh (SunArt)
“ A great source of ideas for business
during current economic times. The
importance of downtown unity was
emphasized.”
Roxanne Beale (Roxanne’s
Reflections) “Relevant information
which I’ve already put into effect at my
store. I enjoyed the networking, too.”
Cheryl (I Love Chocolate) “Time
well spent, we learned lots that we will
be using immediately.”
Nathalie McNeill (The Fountain
Head) “These seminars are so useful.
I wish we could have another one
closer to home so more members
could attend. Well done BIA!”
Robyn (Country Forge) I shared
what I learned with my colleagues, we
all benefited from the seminar.
Member Reviews of Feb ‘09 Retail Seminar
3RD ANNUAL FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA AT
GRAND THEATRE ON WED APRIL 8TH AT 7 PM.
FASHIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT ‘ELVIS
PRESLEY’ TICKETS $12 @ BRODERICKS, SPECIAL
EFFECTS, & SHAW MUSIC. FOR INFO CALL BIA
519 787-1384 - PROCEEDS TO CAMP FREEDOM
FF
SPRING IN FERGUS!
WHERE BIA DOLLARS HAVE BEEN REDEEMED IN 2009
SunArt Abby Rose
Chameleon Fountain Head
As We Grow Country Forge
Hooligan’s Interior Company
Arsic Jewelry Breadalbane Inn
Special Effects Roxanne’s
Fergus Pet Cherry Hill
Black & White William’s Paint Store
Frabert’s Grand River Running
Holland’s Fine Tea
TARTAN DAY APRIL 5TH. NOON - 4PM
DOWNTOWN FERGUS
THE FERGUS BIA
TARTAN DAY APRIL 5TH NOON 4PM
PAGE 4 | April 09
As submitted by the Fergus BIA
April 09 | PAGE 5
ELORA BIA - IS IT OVER YET?
Visit www.rlproyalcity.com for a selection of homes like no other,
all you have to do is click and view.or a selection of homes like no other,
ll h t d i li k d i
Visit www.rllproyaalllcciiitttyy.ccoommor a selection of homes like no other,
Matt Bennett-Monty Sales Rep.
Debbie KurtSales Rep.
Kim MurphySales Rep.
Bernice NelsonSales Rep.
Bryan O’ConnorSales Rep.
David OldfieldSales Rep.
Iris SmithBroker
Colombe SummersBroker
Frank WilsonSales Manager
Michael ZettelSales Rep.
Michael BrownBroker
John DybleSales Rep.
Lynn GlapskiSales Rep.
Diane GraySales Rep.
Gloria HuttonSales Rep.
Tom JohnsonSales Rep.
Glen KelleyBroker
Makea movewith us!
Royal LePage Royal City Realty, located at840 Tower St. S. Fergus (Zehrs plaza)
and 131 Geddes St. Elora are part of a teamof six offices –
Speedvale and Waterloo Ave., in Guelph,Alma St. Rockwood and a state of the art kiosk
in Stone Road Mall Guelph.
Broker of Record, Robb Atkinson, a Fergus native,has built a company that maintains the highest volume of
sales and listings in our Multiple Listing Service area(according to stats obtained from Guelph & District
Association of Realtors™).
The roots of our company go back to the 1950’s,making us the oldest operating real estate company
in the area.
With that history and reputation comes the responsibilityto provide our clients with above average service,
cutting edge technologies, well trained, knowledgeableand experienced sales representatives and brokers.
We feel we have met and exceeded those standardsand invite you to call on us for all of
your real estate needs.
Economic times are difficultbut our real estate market has proven
year after year to be your best investment.
Make a move with confidence.
Make a move with us!
Fergus 519.843.1365 | Elora 519-846-0959 | 1.888.268.2283
After spending the previous three winterswrestling with the elements in PancakeBay, Ontario (think 6 hours north, and 3hours west), I started the winter of2008/2009 with a smile, confident that theweather in southern Ontario would bemore civilized; the wind chills restrictingthemselves to a balmy -25C or so – thesnow content to fall no more than 5cmto 10cm at a time. So much for thattheory.
I think I actually developed Shoveller’sWrist sometime in early February, afteran hour of lifting snow off our walkwayand on to the five-foot pile to either sideof it. And walking the dogs at night was –for about five weeks – more a chore thana pleasure, as I trudged quickly throughthe biting cold, always hoping for an earlyperformance and a sharp about-face forhome.
But the unexpected cold and snow wasnicely offset by the equally unexpectednumber of local shoppers in Elora over
the first three months of the year. Now I’m not saying that people werecoming through the door in droves oranything. But my expectations had beenset quite low by the market researchLaura and I had done before setting upshop here last spring: we were certainthat the whole town would go into deephibernation after Christmas – our cashflow would freeze up and one of us wouldbe spending many a long, lonely daybehind the counter. Not so.
After a bit of a lull in the second half ofJanuary, business started to pick up again,due largely to the support of localcustomers. The week leading up toValentine’s Day was, at times, almost busy,and the “Family Day” long-weekend wasalso a pleasant surprise. And on thosewarm days in March, we started towelcome both local and visitingcustomers in numbers that reminded usof our first few weekends in May of ‘08.Now if this was the fifth season in a rowthat we had experienced these little mid-
winter rushes, then I might be willing todraw some broader conclusions; I thinkit’s still a bit early for that.
But since it’s never too early to say “thankyou,” I think I’ll go ahead and do it: Onbehalf of all the retailers andrestauranteurs in downtown Elora, I’d liketo thank all of the local people – and by“local” I mean you people from Fergus,Elmira, Alma, Elora and all the little spotsin between – who, at some point oranother, braved this brutal winter weatherand came downtown for a birthdaypresent, a Valentine’s Day card, a coffeeand a muffin, a four-course meal, a pint ofbeer, a work of art, a comfortable pair ofshoes, a spring dress or a door knocker.
Thanks for stopping in to see us.
We’ll see you again soon.
TIM HORTON FOR THE ELORA BIA
PAGE 6 | April 09
CENTRE WELLINGTON HYDROSET TO INSTALL SMART METERS
MARCH 16, 2009 --- Smart meters are on the way for homeowners in Fergus and Elora as CentreWellington Hydro prepares to begin an extensive project to install new electricity meters designedto help residents manage their energy costs.
The project to exchange current residential meters with a new one, known as a “smart meter” willbegin this spring and should be completed by the end of the summer.
Current meters only measure the total amount of electricity used in a billing period, so homeownersdo not have the ability to track their ongoing electricity consumption. A smart meter measures howmuch electricity is used on an hourly basis and the time of day it was used.
By working together with over 40 other utilities, Centre Wellington Hydro was able to takeadvantage of bulk purchasing for the meters, installation services and the communication system.
Residents who have an outside meter will not need to be at home when the switch to the smartmeter is done. If the meter is inside, a representative of the LDC will call and book an appointment.For the safety of the installation crew, there will be a short power interruption during the meterexchange, but it should not affect the temperature in refrigerators or freezers. Clocks and timerson equipment may have to be reset. An information package on smart meters will be provided ateach location. LDC representatives will be carrying identification and will not be asking for thehomeowner’s hydro bill. No contracts are required and the customer doesn’t need to sign anydocuments.
The smart meter, along with the planned introduction of “time-of-use” electricity rates, will allownon-retail customers to better manage their energy costs. Under the “time-of-use” rate plan, theprice of electricity will vary over each period during a weekday, as well as during weekends andholidays, and from season to season.
However, it’s important to note that until the “time of use” rate structure is implemented at a laterdate, there will be no change to how electricity rates work and how homeowners are currentlybilled for electricity. Customers will be notified well in advance of any changes.
For additional information please go to our website at: www.cwhydro.ca and click on “SmartMeters” or call 519-843-2900.
Centre Wellington Hydro will be hosting a series of information sessions about the smart meterprogram.
Centre Wellington Sportsplex Thursday April 9th at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm 550 Belsyde Ave.Fergus
Victoria Park Seniors Centre Tuesday April 14th at 2:00 pm150 Albert St. WFergus
Heritage River Retirement Centre Thursday April 16th at 3:00 pm25 Wellington DriveElora
April 09 | PAGE 7
SherryClarkeDISPLAYAD SALES
BUSINESSM I N D I N G O U R
call to reserve your ad space!
[email protected] Gartshore St., Fergus
The renovations are finished. The walls arepainted. The furniture is in place and thepictures are on the wall. We’re homesweet home in our new location at 9 MillStreet East.
After months of watching this old homestripped down and restored to its newglory, the crew has finished the task ofbuilding an office space big enough to holdus all, and by “us” I mean a vibrantcollective of community members:Economic Development, Elora FergusTourism, Sensational Elora, the Elora BIA,the OPP extended services office and theTourist Information Centre, completewith a public, wheelchair-accessiblebathroom.
Our new building includes a communityboard room that offers small groups aplace to hold meetings. This is a greatvenue to bring people together, withresources at hand.
Our location, near the intersection ofMetcalfe and Mill Street, makes this anideal location for visitors to our TouristInformation Centre. The inclusion of awheelchair ramp and accessible doorsensures that we can accommodate theneeds of all who visit our community. Theparking lot behind the building, soon to bepaved, adds the extra benefit for thosewho visit.
Having one central office and informationlocation that allows each of ourindependent projects to amalgamateunder one roof has been a challenge, butthe results are already proving beneficial.We can make better use of resources andspace here by working together withenough room to function in ourrespective roles. In terms of a publicpresence, this location allows thecommunity to connect with what we dohere.
The Ontario Provincial Police have asatellite office on the main floor, not to beconfused with a detachment. Thisextended services office is one of severallocated throughout Wellington Countythat allows the OPP officers to haveaccess to a computer when they arepatrolling regions, like ours, and need to
get information or have an opportunity toupdate on their network. Their presencein this new location has a community-friendly feel to it and the public isexpressing their approval of this new spotfor our community police service.
Deb Dalziel, of Elora Fergus Tourism says,“I absolutely love the energy andengagement of community partners thatthe new location brings. It is much moreconducive to a team environment and onecan’t help but feel connected with fivedifferent organizations all working in onebuilding. The community board room isalready booked with various meetings,events and community groups. What awonderful venue to connect people topeople.”
All in all, this hub of activity and the newatmosphere brings with it a renewedenergy for everyone housed here. This isa good fit for the community, the groupsinvolved and the public at large.Economically, it was the right decisionlong-term. Our open house will take placein late spring. Stay tuned.
HOME SWEET HOME economicDEVELOPMENT
Dave Rushton
PAGE 10 | April 09
the chamberOF COMMERCE
NETWORKING BREAKFASTSWednesday, April 29th at JJ’s Family Dining.Kevin Coghill of The Door will bring us up
to date on the happenings there.Wednesday, May 27th between 7:30-9:00AM at Elora Mill Inn. This is our Annual
General Meeting. We invite you to comeand attend to meet our Directors and findout what the Chamber has been up to inthe last year. You will also have a lovelybreakfast buffet and have a chance tonetwork with your business peers.
Cost is $15 for Members and $20 forFuture Members.
Our 1st ever MP Breakfast will be onWednesday, May 20th from 7:30 to 9:00 AM
at a venue to be determined. Michael Chong, MP will give us an updatefrom a federal perspective. Mark this on
your calendars now! Cost is $20 forMembers and $25 for Future Members.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
The Garden’s Edge & Fergus HorticultureSociety will be our host between 5:30 and
7:00 pm. RSVP to Marg Gollinger [email protected] or call
519-846-5574
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Centre Wellington….
Argghhh – It’s a Treasure! All the nominations are in and the decisions
as to who gets the treasures are in thehands of the qualified and impartial judges.Book your tickets now to join the feast andawards evening on Thursday, April 23rd at
the Community Sportsplex. Call theChamber at 519-843-5140
GOLF… Fore!! It’s time to get back into theswing of things!
Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at Ariss ValleyGolf and Country Club. Our prices for
sponsorship and to play have remained thesame this year. For more info contact
Roberta at 519-843-5140
ChamberCalendar
ON THE WEB
SPRUCING UP YOUR WEBSITE
Maybe your website could use a little bit ofgood old spring cleaning? Weed out somestale content, plant some nice new pictures(and how about a video?) or add somefeatures that will enhance your site’sinteractivity. Granted, it may take blood,sweat and tears, but it will be worth it. Trustme.
First step in this process is an assessmentof your site’s current condition. Whichparts of your site could benefit most froma renovation? Why not ask a friend, atrusted client or a web professional for aquick review. I am certain that you willlearn things about your website that younever realized. An outside perspective canbe a very powerful kick-off for an effectivewebsite redevelopment project.
Then you should ask yourself what youwant to add to the site. No, I am not talkingabout all kinds of animated features – youmay think it is cool, but it only annoyspeople. Remember: it is not about you, it’sabout your visitors. What would theyappreciate seeing on your website? Perhapsyou should replace that printable PDF withan online order form? Could adding anonline credit application bring more peoplein?
It may also be worthwhile looking intoacquiring more visitors. The Internet isused more and more by potentialcustomers to research their suppliers, evenon a local level. Make sure that yourwebsite is being found and that it convertswell once people do find it.
Conversion levels will go up once you havespruced up your site with improvedusability, accessibility and functionality. Yourwebsite statistics program, phone or emailinquiries and order volume should be ableto tell you if you are on the right track.
For more information: contactNardo Kuitert
at [email protected] 519-787-7612.
NARDOKUITERT
While you’re looking after business,who’s looking after you?
Barney Tracy, CFP, FLMIPh: (519) 820 1283e-mail: [email protected]
April 09 | PAGE 11
the chamberOF COMMERCE
MEETTHE MEMBERS
POWER BEAM
The current economic environmentprovides challenges across all industries,value chains and continents. Themanufacturing industry is one of thesectors that is being hit hard by theeconomic downturn. Lawrie Smith,President of Elora’s Power Beam, isconcerned but also sees opportunities.Power Beam was primarily known for itslinear motion systems. These products,originally developed by Ascolectric ofBrantford continue to be manufactured byPower Beam with updated designs andfeatures. But the company added a newservice, as they will also be a stockingindustrial supply centre for local businesses.“We are the only industrial distributioncompany within Centre Wellington,” Lawriesays.
“Many manufacturers are doing OK still,”he continues, “but they are certainlychallenged by the economy. So naturallythey are looking for ways to be even moreefficient and frugal. Cost effective repairs totheir machinery get more priority asinvestments are stopped or slowed down.” Power Beam can provide replacement partsor new applications, and it has tubing, valves,fittings and other parts in stock. It supportsall brands like Numatics, Smc, Festo, andmore. Because of local stocking and fastdelivery, it takes Power Beam’s customersless time to get machines up and runningagain and that might even mean that theycan get an extra shift in. This is a hugeadvantage, as downtime is costly.
Currently consisting of four people, PowerBeam was established in 2001 as amanufacturer of premium linear actuatorsand distributor of other linear motionsystems. The Elora company has assistedmanufacturing businesses and institutionalclients with its technical products andsolutions – such as linear actuators(pneumatic, electric belt drive or electricball screw), rodless and cable cylinders,linear bearings/guides or vacuum handlingconsulting. Smith is mainly focusing on salesand consulting. “Being a manufacturerourselves we understand things like quality
control, inventory control andmanufacturing efficiency methods. We tooneed to keep our costs down,” he says– adding that applying technicalproducts and techniques to solvehis customers’ problems is themost rewarding part of hiswork.
Lawrie’s technicalbackground and more than20 years of experiencemake him a skilledsalesman and consultant.“Sometimes you need tofind alternative solutions.Let’s say you have an Italianmachine. You don’t want towait until a part comes infrom Italy - we may know aNorth-American supplier thatcan fit parts for it. Or perhapsstandard components can bemodified to better suit theapplication.”
He is often called upon to help companieswith their automation concepts. Most ofthese customers are local or regionalmanufacturers, from Guelph, Arthur,Mount Forest, Orangeville - and CentreWellington, of course. Fergus’ GSW is oneof the manufacturing companies thatbenefit from Power Beam’s locally availableexpertise. “If necessary we can be on thescene promptly to assist plants with theirproblems,” Lawrie says. Being able to talkwith his customers’ engineers face-to-facehas proven to deliver exceptional resultsfor the Power Beam team and their clients.
“One of the benefits of being a CentreWellington Chamber member is being ableto connect with other local businesses,especially those outside your ownindustry,” Lawrie says. “You can learn a lotby sharing challenges and opportunities. Iam committed to keeping localmanufacturing alive. So many industrieshave already been lost for Canada; we don’twant that production to move to Michigan,or China. It is a symbiosis – we need eachother to succeed.” The Centre WellingtonChamber of Commerce realizes this as
well, and organizes industry luncheons tofacilitate industry networking and learnfrom local manufacturers about theirchallenges and opportunities.
Power Beam is located at 7454 SpeersRoad, off of Highway 7 in Elora. You cancontact Power Beam at 519-846-5835 oremail [email protected].
PAGE 12 | April 09
HARMONIZEDSALES TAX PROPOSAL
The Centre Wellington Chamber is amember of the Ontario Chamber ofCommerce (OCC). Recently, a proposalhas been presented to the OntarioGovernment by the OCC regarding theimplementation of a “harmonized salestax” (HST). This would replace thecurrent PST and GST. There are manypotential benefits resulting from thetransition to an HST system – for bothbusiness and consumers.
As background information, at both the2004 and 2007 OCC Annual GeneralMeetings, the provincial chamber wasgiven a “go ahead” to pursue the HST.(see page 6 of the 2007 approved OCCresolutions at:http://occ.on.ca/Policy/Resolutions/367.
President and CAO of the GuelphChamber of Commerce, Lloyd Longfield,has prepared the following excellentsummary of some of the key points in theproposal. Thanks to Longfield for allowingus to share this information in MindingOur Business.A link to the full HST reportis available on our Chamber websitewww.cwchamber.ca. Key page numbersare noted in the information below.
The final report on HST was released lastmonth and is currently being debated atQueen’s Park; what was begun a few yearsago is very important now to give ourindustrial and construction sectors aboost, and to reduce administration costsfor all Ontario businesses.
OPTIONS OFFERED IN REPORT:
• Replace 8% Provincial Retail Sales Taxand the 5% GST, with a tax harmonizedOntario Sales Tax of 13%. There are twoproposed options for consideration ofexemptions;
• Made-in-Ontario alternative Aexempts purchases of childrens clothing,clean energy, labour intensive services(like car repair or hairdressing) and theMASH sector (Municipal, Academic,Schools, Hospitals) from the Ontarioportion of 8%;
• Made-in-Ontario alternative B zero-rates financial services from the Ontarioportion of 8%;
• The HST follows the experience inAtlantic Canada, where a harmonized taxhas been in place for over 10 years. The"Made in Ontario" solution has somevariances but is very similar.
Combining taxes will save business inOntario an estimated $100 million inadmin costs combining audits andsubmission of taxes. Those are prettysubstantial savings on their own.
The big savings really come fromremoving taxes on inputs tomanufacturing, including machinery andmaterials. This will make Ontariomanufacturers much more competitive,and protect jobs - a huge benefit to anindustry under pressure. In Atlantic
Canada machine investment is up 12%with their harmonized tax system, whichapplies to both small and largeinvestments in equipment.
Housing construction will also benefit,with a proposed reduction of PST payableon the taxable portion of residentialbuilding construction from 8% to 4% (seepage 45 of the report).
A criticism is out there that it is pushingtax to the consumer because some itemsnot currently taxed will have tax applied,with an estimated impact of $14 to $70per person. There are several proposalsto compensate consumers for theseincreased taxes. Low income people willreceive a $500 tax credit in the HSTprogram. Farmers will receive a refund onthe provincial portion, which will givethem more benefit than what theycurrently receive (farmers pay PST onmany items they don't get credit for).
The Centre Wellington Chamber ofCommerce believes initiatives, that striveto reduce costs and improve efficiency forOntario businesses, will benefit allresidents of Ontario. A strong businessenvironment creates and maintains jobs!
Submitted by Michael Weinstein
Note:Harmonized Sales Tax was recently
approved in the 2009 Budget
If you are interested in making a difference locally & internationallyJOIN ROTARY!BREAKFAST MEETINGS - THURSDAYS 7 A.M.At the Gorge Country Kitchen, EloraCentre Wellington Centennial Rotary ClubFor info. call 519-846-0971
Make Dreams RealCentre WellingtonCentennial Rotary Club
April 09 | PAGE 13
MINIMUM WAGEONTARIO
CHAMBER OF COMMERCESEEKS A HOLD
ON MINIMUM WAGE& AN INDEPENDENT
RATE SETTING BOARD
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC) is calling for a postponement ofthe minimum wage increase scheduled forMarch 31, 2009, and a new process todetermine the appropriate level.
Until February 2004, Ontario’s minimumwage rate had remained unchanged foralmost nine years. After consultation withthe OCC, the government phased-inminimum wage increases over four years.In 2007, three more annual increaseswere scheduled to end in a $10.50/hourwage in 2010.
At the time, it was felt that a stagedincrease would help achieve a balancebetween the needs of Ontario’s low-income workers and the needs ofOntario’s businesses to be competitive.Businesses would be able to budget inadvance for the increased cost of wagesagainst anticipated revenues.
Today, however, the business environmentis vastly different. OCC members arefaced with a rapid turn in economicfortunes that was unforeseen at the timeof the minimum wage consultations. As aresult, the balance expected to beachieved by a staged increase, and thebenefits of increased wages for allstakeholders, has been thrown intojeopardy.
Garry McDonald, President of the SarniaLambton Chamber of Commerce states,“Next to the general economy, theincrease in the minimum wage at this timeis the most concerning item to members.They are reducing hours of work a littlebut not laying-off people. When the wagegoes up, this will change.”
The OCC is calling for the government topostpone the increase set for March 31,2009. It’s also pressing for a process ofreviewing and setting minimum wage thatis transparent, inclusive and based on awide variety of economic factors to
ensure minimum wage increases helpworkers benefit from economic growthon a sustainable basis. The Ontariochamber network supports anindependent, third party board orcommission, comprising representativesfrom various sectors such as business,labour and social groups, to recommendan appropriate minimum wage level.
An independent process will minimize therisk of rising business costs in periods ofeconomic uncertainty, thereby protectingjobs and the competitiveness ofbusinesses—all the while ensuring that allbenefit in times of economic prosperity.
CHAMBER LOBBYING GETS RESULTS
December 1st, 2003: Ministry of Labourannounces an increase in the minimumwage. The increase, after consultationswith OCC, is to be phased-in over 4years.
February 1st, 2004: The first of four an-nual increases in minimum wage occurs.
January, 2007: Under pressure from vari-ous groups for an immediate minimumwage increase to $10, the governmentagain consults with the OCC.
January 25, 2007: OCC surveys membersand finds that an immediate increase tothe minimum wage to $10 per hourwould affect some sectors harder thanothers, causing the majority of membersto be opposed to the increase.
February 5, 2007: OCC writes to Premiersharing survey results and support forgradual increases in the minimum wage.
March 30, 2007: Government announcesthree more annual minimum wage in-creases, starting March 31, 2008, to bringit to $10.50/hour in 2010.
May 5, 2007: OCC members pass resolu-tions at the 95th AGM requesting, amongother measures, that an independent re-view board or commission be formed torecommend appropriate minimum wages.
January 5, 2009: OCC writes to Ministerof Finance requesting the formation of arate-setting board or commission.
March 3, 2009: OCC writes to Minister ofLabour, requesting a moratorium on min-imum wage increases during the currenteconomic climate and the formation of arate-setting board or commission.
the Food Bankin delivering our service.
Visits to the Food Bank have increasedPlease donate food to help fill theneeds within the Community.
Tax receipts will be provided for financial donations
Joinwe require donations year round!
170 St. Andrew St. E. Fergus | N1M 2W8 519-787-1401 email: [email protected]
www.cwfoodbank.org
PAGE 14 | April 09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ahoy, Centre Wellington! The CentreWellington Chamber of Commerce isexcited to announce the nominees forthis year’s OLG Centre WellingtonChamber of Commerce Awards ofExcellence. We have received over 50nominations this year and we want toacknowledge and thank all nominatorsand their supporters for their hardwork in submitting the nominations.
The Awards of Excellence is a businessand community event that recognizesindividuals, groups, organizations, andbusinesses in Centre Wellington fortheir contributions, hard work, andaccomplishments throughout thepreceding year. Any business, group orindividual in Centre Wellington can benominated and everyone is welcome toattend the Gala event on April 23,2009.
This year’s Nominees for the OLGCentre Wellington Chamber ofCommerce Awards of Excellence are:Alana Dunbar, Allan Wallace - WallaceFarms, Belwood Country Market,Centre Wellington Food Bank, CentreWellington Fire & Rescue Department,Coneybeare Honey, Daniel MacKenzie- D-M Design, DeBoer FarmEquipment Ltd., Don McAlpine, Dr.Robert Wright, Elora Empty BowlsProject, Elora Festival, Elsa Mann andPaul Kaye, Eric Goudie - GrinderProductions, Fergus 175th AnniversaryCommittee, Fergus BIA, Fergus TruckShow, Fraberts Fresh Foods, FryettArchitect Inc., Groves HospitalVolunteer Association, Horizon FamilyRestaurant, I Love Chocolate, Joanne'sArtistic Flower Shop, Ken Hall, KodyKirton, L & M Foodmarkets, LarryPeters, Macadi Jewellery, Mach One –A Communications & Design Agency,
Mary Lloyd, Matt Harris, NewdonIndustries, Nishin Nathwani, Norm andLorraine Manning, Royal CanadianLegion Branch 275, Russ Kelly, SarahHennekens, Scotiabank, SensationalElora, Shoppers Drug Mart, SunRunnerLogistics, Ted Ecclestone, TheBreadalbane Inn, The Elora Farmers’Market, The Fergus Elora News Express,The Wellington Advertiser, ThomsonFuneral Home, Upper Grand FamilyHealth, Vervoort Family, WellingtonCounty Museum & Archives, WhiteCar Limo, Wightman Telecom.
Awards Chairperson MichaelWeinstein reminds us that the themefor this year is “CentreWellington….Arrggh! It’s a Treasure!”and this year's event weighs anchor onThursday, April 23rd, sailing from theCentre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus."We're looking for all ye swashbucklers,landlubbers and sea dogs to comeaboard as we share our treasure ofnominees and winners and shiver metimbers, what would a pirate gatheringbe without a feast fit for Captain JackSparrow, himself!” Come in yourbusiness or buccaneer-best attire for arollicking good time on the high seas!
For more information about the OLGCentre Wellington Chamber ofCommerce Awards of Excellence Galaplease contact the Chamber office at519-843-5140 or email [email protected].
For more information contact:Roberta ScarrowGeneral Manager
Centre Wellington Chamber ofCommerce
the chamberOF COMMERCE
PRESSRELEASE
AWARDS OFEXCELLENCE
Congratulationsto all the
Award of ExcellenceNominees
April 09 | PAGE 15
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The Centre WellingtonChamber of Commerce
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