the advocate magazine - september | october 2012

advocateS E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

Employee Development:An Investment or an Expense?A Big Step Forward for LocalHealth Care

A Provincial Vision for Technologyand Education

The Importance of Your PersonalBrand

Employee Development:An Investment or an Expense?A Big Step Forward for LocalHealth Care

A Provincial Vision for Technologyand Education

The Importance of Your PersonalBrand

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Art Sinclair

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:Cober Evolving Solutions

PHOTOGRAPHY:Adamski Photography

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Brian Bennett, Catherine Fife, Jeff MacIntyre, Greg McCauley,Andrew McDowall, Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, Greg Viner

CONTRIBUTORS:Bryan Atcheson and Teri Hetherington

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:Sept. 21, 2012 for November | DecemberNovember 23, 2012 for January | February

SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:Darlene [email protected]

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

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT: #40026716FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS

Heather Hutchings - [email protected]

PRINTED IN CANADA BY: PUBLICATION OF:

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

The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication ofthe Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of thecontributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber.The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards(1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chambercannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that mayoccur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamberwill not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims andhas the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false,misleading, or inappropriate.

features

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4 MAKING YOUR CHAMBERRELEVANTBrian Bennett

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 PEOPLE WITHOUT JOBSAND JOBS WITHOUTPEOPLEIan McLean

ADVOCACY

7 THE UNIVERSALIMPERATIVE OFEDUCATIONArt Sinclair

EVENTS

10 SUMMER NETWORKING

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 APRIL 1, 2012TO JULY 31, 2012

EVENTS

18 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MEMBER NOTABLES

28 ACHIEVING SUCCESSCHAMBER MEMBERS

SPONSORSHIP

31 CHAMBER SPONSORS

departments

FEATURE

8 A BIG STEP FORWARD FOR LOCAL HEALTH CAREJeff MacIntyre

FEATURE

9 THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR PERSONAL BRANDGreg McCauley

COVER STORY

16 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT:AN INVESTMENT OR AN EXPENSE?Why building and maintaining the right workplace culture is the keyto organizational successGreg Viner

FEATURE

21 2012 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE’S SLATE OF CANDIDATES NOMINEEPROFILESFEATURE

24 R&D CHANGES IN FEDERAL BUDGETAndrew McDowall

FEATURE

26 A PROVINCIAL VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY ANDEDUCATIONCatherine Fife

FEATURE

30 CHAMBER STAR - KEVIN HOFFMAN

advocateSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

message from the chair

MAKING YOUR CHAMBER RELEVANTBY BRIAN BENNETT

This edition of the Advocate focuses on education, both secondaryand post secondary, and the critical role that skills development playsacross all sectors of our economy.

It is hard to believe that almost a year has gone by and it will soon betime to pass along the gavel. It has been a fun, rewarding, busy andinspirational time. This has been an incredible year of significantaccomplishments, including the celebration of our rich historyduring the 125th anniversary.

Through ongoing feedback from our members, the Chambercontinues to ensure that we remain relevant as evidenced by a vibrantand growing membership base. We continue to focus on the four keypillars that are most important, including networking, education,member rewards and advocacy.

The Chamber staff does a remarkable job of hosting in excess of 80events annually to drive the networking and educational componentthat our members have indicated is essential to the local businesscommunity. One of the newest and very well received initiatives isour Peer to Peer program which focuses on business development,marketing , hospitality and tourism, and a CEO day. All groups bringbusiness sectors together to learn from each other, and this programwill be expanded in the fall.

We are leveraging technology and providing more current andrelevant tools, and as you can see from our expanding website thisincludes resources such as social media tutorials, social media starterkits, as well as marketing and networking tips - be sure to check itout!

It is often said that collaboration is the cornerstone of thiscommunity, and the Chamber is doing its part. We are workingtogether more with the Cambridge Chamber including the new 570News Business to Business program, the satellite leadership programLeadercast, and the Regional Trade Show which also includes theGuelph Chamber. Our Chamber was a partner in the inauguralManufacturing Innovation Network Summit, which focused oninitiatives to enhance the local manufacturing sector.

Our Member Rewards program continues to expand - are youreceiving your 3.5 cent per litre discount with the Esso gas card?

On the Advocacy front our Chamber successfully lobbied theOntario Chamber of Commerce on a resolution to immediatelycommence construction, as promised in 2007, on a new four laneHighway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph with completion by 2016.Economic development is being negatively impacted.

One of the critical initiatives that the Chamber delivers is the FamilyPhysician Recruitment program. Since inception in 1998 over 140family physicians have been recruited to our community, reducingthe number of residents without a physician to 20,000 from 40,000.There will be continuing pressure to recruit new family physicianswith population growth, the retirement of existing physicians, andbalancing the expectations of new medical graduates. A healthycommunity and access to these services is essential to attract andretain talent within our Region. In order to continue to provide thisservice to the community we require the financial support of bothindividuals and business. We will be providing more informationshortly on how you or your business can get involved to support thisessential program.

I thank you for your confidence, support and invaluable feedback tomake your Chamber better and more relevant, as it has been myprivilege to serve as your Chair during the past year.

Our community continues to be resilient, remains visionary,embraces innovation, with business being the catalyst with a "can do"approach. Please take the opportunity to get involved with yourChamber by participating in an event, volunteering, or takingadvantage of a program as we continue business building community.

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian BennettCHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

message from the president

PEOPLE WITHOUT JOBS AND JOBS WITHOUT PEOPLEBY IAN MCLEAN

Across a broad-based organization such as a Chamber ofCommerce with members in the private, public, and non-profitsectors, finding public policy issues where consensus can easily beachieved is at times a challenging exercise.

However, over the past decade, all sectors of the local economy inWaterloo Region have agreed that skills development andproviding the necessary educational opportunities to prepareworkers for the challenges of an emerging global economy is thepriority issue.

The shortage of skilled professionals across the informationtechnology sector is well documented. Public service providers,most notably agencies and institutions in health care, are and willbe managing equally significant challenges.

Four years ago, economist Larry Smith projected that, from 2013to 2017, an additional 2,845 workers will be required to meet thehealth care needs of Waterloo Region and Wellington County.Our Chamber remains a major stakeholder in this portfoliothrough our physician recruitment activities, and we have alsopersistently made MPPs and Queen’s Park officials aware of theserious shortage of workers across the entire system. In thisrespect, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts to secure additionalinfrastructure funding at Conestoga College, where a significantexpansion of health care capacity is rapidly proceeding, havegreatly assisted the region in meeting the service requirements of agrowing population base.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce President Perrin Beatty was inWaterloo Region last June as part of a CCC consultation programon the national skills shortage. Mr. Beatty, a former MP, knowsWaterloo Region well since his constituency included, at varioustimes, Woolwich Township. Two roundtable meetings wereorganized with local business leaders where issues related to theskills shortage were identified and discussed.

Earlier this year, the CCC released a report on the top ten barriersto competitiveness for Canadian businesses. Barrier number one –and it is clear this is the highest priority – is the national skillscrisis. The report very precisely notes that Canada’s growth andprosperity will depend on our ability to be more innovative andglobally competitive. Better trained workers are essential toimproving productivity, and a more highly skilled workforce will

produce value-added goods and services that will in turn improvethe quality of life for all Canadians.

Remedies for the current labour shortage revolve around improvedtraining and access to skilled foreign workers. Related issuesinclude upgrading for employees in SMEs, integration services forimmigrants, and connecting education with employment. All ofthese matters and the overall issue of skills development have beenpriorities of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce for a considerable number of years.

Rick Miner, the former President of Seneca College, produced apaper in 2010 titled People Without Jobs – Jobs Without People.Miner applies data from a variety of sources to illustrate thatOntario needs a larger workforce and increased skills, with aprimary recommendation that we have to accept the attainment ofpost-secondary education or training as the expectation for all buta small minority of Ontarians.

By 2031 (the same year that Waterloo Region’s population growthprojections are directed), Ontario will require a workforce where77 percent of participants possess post-secondary credentials,including apprenticeship, university or college. The compositionin 2010 was approximately 60 percent.

The end of summer and the beginning of September is a majorevent in Waterloo Region as students return to post-secondaryinstitutions and service industries who were relatively quiet duringJuly and August experience significant increases in activity.However the local skills shortage is a year-round priority and thecommitment of all stakeholders – business, government andeducation – is critical.

5advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean

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

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advocacy

THE UNIVERSAL IMPERATIVE OF EDUCATIONBY ART SINCLAIR

The consensus among analysts within media, academia andstakeholder collectives that watch Queen’s Park politics on aregular basis is that that Ontario electoral success is based on arelatively uncomplicated formula.

During a recession or major downturn, strategies and policyformulation evolve around job creation and economic growth. Twodecades ago, when Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton commenced asuccessful campaign for the White House against incumbentGeorge H.W. Bush, now prominent and revered political strategistJames Carville introduced the phrase “it’s the economy stupid” tosymbolize voter obsession over job losses and the impacts deliveredby the prolonged recession of the early 1990s. This stratagem hassurvived and perhaps dominated American – and Canadian -politics for twenty years.

In Ontario politics, two portfolios that can also win or lose anelection are health care and education. Considering that hospitalsand other related services now assume 40 percent of the provincialbudget, any major political mistakes or misstatements on fundingfor or governance over these institutions announced during anelection campaign can be highly damaging.

Although spending does not match health care, education isequally intimidating for all major parties. Former ProgressiveConservative Party Leader John Tory can describe in explicit detailthe long and short-term damage that can result from politicalmiscalculations on all matters related to a $25 billion elementaryand secondary school system.

The relationship between Waterloo Region post-secondaryinstitutions – Conestoga, UW and WLU – and the local businesssector have been documented and acclaimed nationally andinternationally. The productive collaboration between faculty andemerging businesses has been identified as a critical contributor toour success and provides a model for many communities acrossCanada.

Equally important is the role of the elementary and secondarysystem in developing competent workers required for a changingglobal economy. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in theirrecent report Preparing Canada’s Youth for the Jobs of Tomorrow,noted that high schools offer the minimum competencies thatstudents require for entry into the workforce, primarily literacyand numeracy skills.

According to statistics from 2010, students who leave high schoolare unemployed at a rate that is double the level for graduates inthe 20-24 years of age demographic. High school dropoutsgenerally earn less throughout their careers, cost taxpayers morethrough social assistance, and generate far less in tax revenues thanindividuals with higher educational achievements.

On a positive note, the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid LaurierUniversity, which opened in the fall of 2007, will provide anincreasingly important role in local education. The expectation ofan additional 200,000 residents within Waterloo Region over thenext 20 years presents unprecedented challenges for local schoolboards, and the additional resources offered by a post-secondaryeducation faculty will provide significant direction in addressingthese issues as they arise. The WLU Faculty of Education is animportant asset which we are fortunate to possess at this criticalstage in the growth of the community from both an economic andpopulation perspective.

All major parties will be articulating and advancing detailedplatforms on education and training reform for the upcomingKitchener-Waterloo by-election. Our Chamber asks all ourmembers, as employers in Waterloo Region, to critically assessthese proposals and determine how we should prepare the localworkforce for current and future requirements.

As the Canadian Chamber of Commerce noted, equipping youngpeople with the skills and knowledge to successfully transition andintegrate into the labour market will help them reach their fullpotential and ensure Canada’s economy remains competitive in theyears to come.

Important decisions on education are imminent. Be informed andbe engaged.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

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


feature

A BIG STEP FORWARD FOR LOCAL HEALTH CAREBY JEFF MACINTYRE

Kitchener-Waterloohas been challengedto find primary carephysicians for morethan 20,000residents whocurrently do notpossess a familydoctor. Fourteenyears ago theGreater KitchenerWaterloo Chamberof Commerce tookon this challenge onbehalf of our community. Six years ago we ramped up our efforts bydedicating Mary Sue Fitzpatrick full time to focus on the attraction ofphysicians. The Chamber also convened a Facility Task Force towork with interested parties in establishing a medical building thatwould provide a venue for new doctors to practice.

The business community has identified the doctor shortage as a majorconcern with respect to the attraction of new employers andemployees to the area. Previous efforts to attract physicians havebeen based on the many benefits of what K-W has to offer. What hasbeen lacking is a facility utilizing an innovative and efficient model ofhealthcare delivery. On July 19, 2012, Ian McLean joined 125 otherbusiness leaders including local developer The INCC Corporation tobreak ground on The Medical Centre at The Boardwalk. TheMedical Centre is a four-storey building totaling 80,000 square feetand is located at the north end of The Boardwalk’s 90-acre site thatincludes over 1 million square feet of commercial and office spacelocated in both Kitchener andWaterloo. The building tender hasbeen awarded to local builder Melloul-Blamey Construction and isscheduled for completion in the fall of 2013.

This Medical Centre will be designed and dedicated to patienthealthcare by providing a number of services in one place.Designated uses such as pharmacy, laboratory, and medical imagingon-site will create conveniences for the patients. A more efficienthealthcare delivery model will include general practitioners,specialists, specialty clinics and related services in individual physiciansuites, smaller group units and large pods. Integrated technology willminimize wait times for patients and expedite treatment.

The Medical Centre will equally address the concerns expressed bymedical professionals: new graduates want the guidance andmentoring of experienced doctors, while seasoned doctors have

identified thattheir patientswould benefitfrom medicalcollaborationwith otherphysicians andspecialists. Anydoctor who hasworked in thehospitalenvironmentrecognizes theadvantages of

informal hallway consults and the mutual collegial support. The goalis to promote a culture of medical collaboration amongstprofessionals working in the centre.

Patients and clients visiting the Medical Centre by car will appreciateample free parking surrounding the building. The parking lots willbe in close proximity to the building’s north and south entrances,featuring convenient drop-off zones. Grand River Transit nowprovides two bus routes to The Boardwalk and in order to meetincreasing need has planned for two more to be added shortlyproviding more convenience for those who require access other thanby car.

The business community is excited about how effective The MedicalCentre at The Boardwalk will be at attracting physicians to theRegion of Waterloo. We applaud developers Greg Voisin, PaulDietrich and the team at INCC for their commitment to ourcommunity. Early indications are that this medical facility will be avery important tool at reducing and eliminating the shortage ofphysicians in our community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyre

Jeff MacIntyre is the owner of two smallbusinesses in Waterloo Region. WinexpertKitchener South is an on-premiseswinemaking shop. So There BusinessSolutions assists employers to increaseprofitability through market access, salesassistance, business development planningstrategies, mentoring and training.

feature


THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR PERSONAL BRANDBY GREG MCCAULEY

In today’s competitive economy, finding the right people with theright skills to do the job right can be difficult. Employers areconstantly looking to find ways to recruit, develop and retain toptalent.

Many organizations are using innovative talent managementapproaches to gain a competitive advantage and create a strongplatform for growth. Recognizing this, prospective employees areseeking opportunities to refine their personal brands for an advantageover their counterparts. As a result, more value is placed onprofessional development and training to help employees realize theirfull potential.

Retired Partner and People Leader at Ernst & Young KarenWensley,who authored The Power of Personal Branding for Career Success, saysthat “choosing and developing your ‘personal brand’ will help you getwhere you want to go.” Whether that’s inside or outside theworkplace, knowing your ultimate value proposition will be your mostvaluable asset.

These sometimes “hidden” assets may have nothing to do with yourdegree or professional designations. Instead, they have everything todo with what you’re good at and what you feel driven to improve andexploit – the motivators shaping your future success. “If you try tobuild a brand that contradicts your strengths, interests and values,your job satisfaction and consequently your career advancement willsuffer,” explains Karen.

Whether you’re working for a small start-up or a large Fortune 500company, each organization has its own culture and therefore valuesdifferent brands of people. Seek out what they’re looking for, and tryto choose a company whose culture aligns with your own professionaldevelopment.

Hard work alone is not enough to get you noticed. Authenticity is thedifferentiator. Carla A. Harris, Managing Director at Morgan Stanleyagrees. There is only one you, says Carla in her book, Expect to Win:10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace. Bringing the real youto work allows you to be free. Free to learn new concepts, free to becreative and responsive, free to take risks—all of which helps toenhance the professional that you are and makes you valuable to theorganization.

Employers want self-motivated employees who are comfortable withwho they are, and self-confident for developing positive relationshipswith colleagues and clients.

Nurturing that unique personal identity is instrumental to growth.More and more organizations are doing their part to supportemployee personal development and career advancement objectives.

At Ernst & Young, continuing education is a priority for helpingemployees reach their goals and potential. To support employeestaking charge of their own careers, Ernst & Young encourages peopleto make a significant investment in world-class knowledge tools,learning programs, counselling, and tools for mapping careerdecisions. Continuing professional development credits are rewardedto employees who participate in continuing education andprofessional development programs.

Ernst & Young promises its people that no matter where they are inthe world, they will have access to high-quality formal learningthrough a curriculum that includes both enterprise wide and technical(service-line specific) content offered via a variety of formats,including virtual (web-based, videos, webcasts) and face-to-face (casestudies, lectures, conferences and simulations). This globalcurriculum helps to ensure a consistent experience regardless ofwhere the learning happens.

As your career evolves, so must your brand. It’s important toremember that your biggest competitive advantage is yourself. Noone else can be the way you uniquely are. So consider your personalbrand an asset. Invest in it to avoid having its value depreciate overtime. Choose experiences that play to your strengths and interests andfit the dynamics of your career. The rewards you reap will be wellworth the investment

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg McCauley, CA, Managing Partner,Ernst & Young, Southwestern Ontario

In addition to overseeing the client andmarket activities of the region, Greg alsohas direct client servicing roles as anassurance partner. His clients areprimarily entrepreneurial businesses in thetechnology and advanced manufacturingsectors.

networking


SUMMER NETWORKING

1) PETER BRAID MP PRESENTS A LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS ON THE CHAMBER’S 125 YEARS TOIAN MCLEAN

2) GROUP SHOT AT THE COWAN INSURANCE GROUP NEW MEMBER WELCOME

3) JEFF SHEPPARD (COLDWELL BANKER PETER BENNINGER REALTY, BROKERAGE) AND GARY BROWN(FUTURE STATE OF AFFAIRS INC.) AT THE 125TH JUBILEE

4) BENJAMIN BACH (KELLER WILLIAMS GOLDEN TRIANGLE REALTY INC) PRESENTS TIPS ONMAINTAINING A PROFESSIONAL ONLINE PROFILE AT CENTRE IN THE SQUARE

5) BILL PEGG (HALLMAN BUSINESS FORMS LABELS AND PRINTING LTD.), LEO TOBI (BRENTWOODLIVERY) AND ALEXIS BLACK (BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP) AT THE NEW MEMBER WELCOME

6) THIS SMOKED DUCK DISH WAS JUST ONE OF THE FABULOUS COURSES AT THIS YEAR’S 100 MILE ANDBEYOND FEAST

Photography by Adamski Photography

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MEDIA NEEDS!

To advertise or partner with the Waterloo Region Record, please call 519-894-2250.

In Print. Online. Mobile. Magazines.o advertise or partneT egionRaterlooer with the W please call 519-8ecord,Rn 894-2250.

7) KATIE REID (VAN HOUTTE COFFEE SERVICES INC.), STEPHEN SOUTHERN (S.H. SOUTHERNAND ASSOCIATES) AND ANDREA HALL (VAN HOUTTE COFFEE SERVICES INC.)

8) DR. DOUG WEIR FROM THE ONTARIO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCEAT A LUNCHEON FOCUSED ON HEALTH CARE FUNDING

9) ROD PHILLIPS (PRESIDENT OF ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION) SPEAKING AT THE125TH JUBILEE

10) HEATHER HART, ANNIE CONSTANTINESCU AND BRIDGET KING FROM RESEARCH IN MOTIONAT THE CYP EMBASSY EVENT

11) DIANE HAWRYLENKO (NICHOLSON REALTY INC., BROKERAGE), BEV GAY (THE MORTGAGEGROUP ONTARIO INC.) , TRACEY WEILER (WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY) AND NAHLA KOR(KOR CAPABILITIES CONSULTING)

12) GREG LEHMAN OF SPIKE MOBILE, SAMANTHA HUNTER AND KYLE FEUCHT OF THE BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA

13) DR. DOUG WEIR FROM THE ONTARIO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SPEAKING AT A CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Photography by Adamski Photography

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new members

April 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012

Alarmshield INCSecurity Services & SystemsVictor Savtchouk, President55 King Street West Suite 700, Kitchener, ON N2G 4W1Email: [email protected]: http://www.alarmshield.caPhone: (647) 979-4260

ALL-BRITE Glass & TintGlass - AutomobileTerry Aivaliotis, General Manager31 Manitou Drive Unit 6, Kitchener, ON N2C 1K9Email: [email protected]: http://www.allbriteglass.caPhone: (519) 894-4434/ Fax: (519) 894-4288

Allianz Global AssistanceInsuranceDan Keon, Director Marketing & Communications4273 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9Email: [email protected]: http://www.allianz-assistance.caPhone: (519) 742-2800

Anishnabeg Outreach Inc.Charitable & Community OrganizationsLee Ann Hundt, Office Manager151 Frederick Street 5th Floor, Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2Email: [email protected]: http://www.anishnabegoutreach.orgPhone: (519) 742-0300 / Fax: (519) 742-0867

Arjune Engineering & Manufacturing Inc.Machine ShopsDave Arjune, President80 Bathurst Drive,Waterloo, ON N2V 1V6Email: [email protected]: http://www.arjune.comPhone: (519) 725-2305 / Fax: (519) 725-1653

Bauer Convenience Ltd.Convenience StoresSean Lee, Manager187 King Street South, Unit 102, Waterloo, ON N2J 1R1Email: [email protected]: http://www.bauerconvenience.comPhone: (519) 572-5946

Beatties Basics Office ProductsOffice Supplies (Main), Office Furniture & EquipmentIan Greenwood, Commercial Account Manager399 Vansickle Road, St Catharines, ON L2S 3T4Email: [email protected]: http://www.beatties.comPhone: (519) 653-4447 / Fax: 1 (866) 406-5556

Berlinie TuongStudent8 Porchlight Road, Brampton, ON Z6X 4S3Email: [email protected]: (416) 605-1888

BITSPECEducational ConsultantsDorina Grossu, Knowledge Leader416 Draper Street, Norval, ON L0P 1K0Email: [email protected]: http://www.bitspec.comPhone: (905) 702-1708

Borealis Grillhouse & PubRestaurantsCourt Desautels, Director of Operations4336 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P 3W6Email: [email protected]: http://www.borealisgrille.caPhone: (519) 219-9007

Braun's is BicyclesBicycle Dealers, Sales & ServiceRobert Braun, Co-Owner405 Nyberg Street, Kitchener, ON N2G 1Z2Email: [email protected]:http://www.brauns.comPhone: (519) 579-2453 / Fax: (519) 579-8723

Brixton Music Inc.Audiovisual Production ServicesCory Schnurr, Communications & Operations Director283 Duke Street West Suite 340,Kitchener, ON N2H3X7Email: [email protected]: http://www.brixtonmusic.comPhone: (519) 496-6239

Carter Calmont Leasing and RentalsAutomobile Renting & LeasingLori Weinstein, Regional Manager1401Weber Street East, Kitchener, ON N2R 3A7Email: [email protected]: (519) 893-5050 / Fax: (519) 893-2913

Cartridge CounterComputer Supplies & AccessoriesAntonio Fiorillo, Owner875 Highland RoadWest, Kitchener, ON N2N 2Y2Email: [email protected]: (519) 584-2225

Centre Éducatif Village d'ÉlisabethChild Care ServicesChantal Cumming, Director280 Glenridge Drive, Waterloo, ON N2J 3W4Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.ceve.caPhone: (519) 885-4693 / Fax: (519) 880-0492

Chris WilliamsFinancial Planning ConsultantsChris Williams Financial AdvisorDundee Private Investors, 550 Parkside DriveWaterloo, ON N2L 5V4Email: [email protected]: (519) 772-5893 / Fax: (519) 746-6443

Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.Meat PackersArnold Drung, President313 Menno Street, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0Email: [email protected]: http://www.conestogameats.comPhone: (519) 648-2506

Corporate Traveller (Flight Centre Inc)Travel AgenciesFawn Nesbitt-Frei, Business Development Manager130 Thomas Street Suite 300, Oakville, ON L6J 3B1Email: [email protected]: http://www.corporatetraveller.caPhone: (905) 901-0292 / Fax: 1 (905) 901-0549

Costco WholesaleDepartment StoresAndrew Smith, Asst. Whse Manager - Operations4438 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P 2G4Email: [email protected] /Web: http://www.costco.caPhone: (519) 650-3330 / Fax: (519) 650-3355


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China March 30th, 2013 | India April 4th, 2013Find out more about an upcoming information night for these trips by contacting Lester Holley at 519.749.6039


Crabby Joe's Tap & GrillRestaurantsRobert Norcott, Owner65 University Avenue East Unit 19, Waterloo, ON N2J 2V9Email: [email protected]: http://www.crabbyjoes.comPhone: (519) 725-9041 / Fax: (519) 725-5642

Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region Ltd.Real Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesMike Polzl, Broker of Record120 Randall Drive, Suite F, Waterloo, ON N2V 1C6Email: [email protected]: http://www.cushwakewr.comPhone: (519) 585-2200 / Fax: (519) 585-2208

David Fox - Private Music TeacherArtists - Fine ArtsDavid Fox, Owner163 Lancaster Street East, Kitchener, ON N2H 1M9Email: [email protected]: (519) 208-8680

Diana LamStudent4734 Rosebush Road, Mississauga, ON L5M 5H4Email: [email protected]: (647) 295-0523

FIDA/pcHCharitable & Community OrganizationsAlexis Barkman, Events & Communications155 Frobisher Drive Unit H-109, Waterloo, ON N2V 2C9Email: [email protected]: http://www.fida-pch.orgPhone: (519) 886-9520

Fionn MacCool's Irish PubRestaurantsVicky Johnstone, Owner4287 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9Email: [email protected]: http://www.primepubs.comPhone: (519) 653-3111 / Fax: (519) 653-3655

Future State of Affairs Inc.Business ConsultantsGary Brown, Owner448 Brentcliffe Drive, Waterloo, ON N2T 2R5Email: [email protected]: http://garybrown.focalpointcoaching.com/FSAPhone: (519) 279-4449

Girl Guides of Canada - Ontario CouncilCharitable & Community OrganizationsJill Dundas, Executive Director14 Birch Avenue, Toronto, ON M4V 1C8Email: [email protected]: http://www.guidesontario.orgPhone: (416) 926-2351 / Fax: 1 (416) 920-1440

Glass Doctor of Kitchener-WaterlooGlass - AutomobileOscar Angulo, General Manager5 Paulander Drive, Unit D, Kitchener, ON N2M 5B6Email: [email protected]: http://www.glassrepairkitcheneron.comPhone: (519) 342-2124 / Fax: (519) 342-2125

GMP SportswearPromotional ProductsGus Bastias, General Manager30 Manitou Drive, Unit E, Kitchener, ON N3C 1L3Email: [email protected]: http://www.gmpsportswear.caPhone: (519) 748-9255 / Fax: (519) 748-4730

Go Passion JewelleryJewellersIrina Arkhipova, Owner660 Rhine Fall Drive, Waterloo, ON N2V 2V5Email: [email protected]: http://www.sakurabijou.comPhone: (519) 886-3795

GoodLife Fitness - FairwayHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceKyle Wood, General Manager589 Fairway Road South, Kitchener, ON N2C 1X3Email: [email protected]: http://www.goodlifefitness.comPhone: (519) 576-7744 / Fax: (519) 576-3022

GoodLife Fitness - ErbHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceMarcia Grove, Manager450 Erb Street West Unit 417, Waterloo, ON N2T 1H4Email: [email protected]: http://www.goodlifefitness.comPhone: (519) 886-7276 / Fax: (519) 886-3918

Goodlife Fitness - WilliamsburgHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceMarcia Grove, Manager315 Max Becker Drive, Kitchener, ON N2E 4K9Email: [email protected]: http://www.goodlifefitness.comPhone: (519) 576-4440/ Fax: (519) 576-7243

GoogleInternet & Technology Products & ServiceDorothy Skonieczka, Administrative Assistant151 Charles Street West Unit 200Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6Email: [email protected] /Web: http://www.google.caPhone: (519) 880-3491 / Fax: (519) 880-3401

Grand River Sign DesignSignsJohn Pelerine, President/Owner25 Struck Court, Cambridge, ON N1R 7L3Email: [email protected]: (226) 338-2373

Hamilton Insurance & Financial ManagementFinancial Planning ConsultantsMike Hamilton, Financial Advisor535Wasaga Crescent, Waterloo, ON N2V 2Y8Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.hifm.caPhone: (519) 722-5228 / Fax: (519) 489-0593

Harold Albrecht, MPGovernmentLinda Fauteux, Constituency Manager153 Country Hill Drive Unit 2A, Kitchener, ON N2E 2G7Email: [email protected]: http://www.haroldalbrechtmp.caPhone: (519) 578-3777 / Fax: (519) 578-0138

new members

(continued on page 14)

new members


HR ServicesHuman Resource ConsultantsRick Filsinger, Principle134 Middlebury Drive, Waterloo, ON N2T 2M4Email: [email protected] / Web:http://hrservice.caPhone: (519) 503-5449

Hunch CreativeCommunication & Public Relations ConsultantsRay Hurst, President367 Joseph Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1G3Email: [email protected]: (519) 807-9698

Hussein Law Office Professional CorporationLawyersJessica Sipione, Lawyer275 Lancaster Street West, 2nd FloorKitchener, ON N2H 4V2Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.vhlaw.caPhone: (519) 744-8585 / Fax: (519) 744-8569

John Milloy, MPPGovernmentJohn Milloy, MPP1770 King Street East, Unit 6C, Kitchener, ON N2G 2P1Email: [email protected]: http://www.johnmilloy.onmpp.caPhone: (519) 579-5460

K9 NannyHeidi Bechtold, Owner292 Magnolia Place, Waterloo, ON N2V 2A3Email: [email protected]: (519) 571-1896

KW Health ConnectionHealth Care Supplies & ServiceEricka Holenski, Clinic Director, Naturopath417 King Street West Unit B2, Kitchener, ON N2G1C2Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.kwhealth.caPhone: (519) 576-2222

Launch Frozen Innovations Inc.Frozen FoodsBrian Schallhorn, President528 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 5G1Email: [email protected]: http://www.launchbars.comPhone: (519) 489-4686

Lisa Schultheiss - Royal LePage Wolle RealtyReal Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesLisa Schultheiss, Sales Representative842 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON N2B 3C1Email: [email protected]: http://www.llisamichelle.caPhone: (519) 578-7300 / Fax: (519) 742-9904

Little Mushroom CateringCaterersStephanie Tanner, Owner/Operator141Whitney Place Unit 104, Kitchener, ON N2G 2X8Email: [email protected]: http://www.littlemushroomcatering.comPhone: (226) 929-7927

LucasWorks!Employment AgenciesKathryn Cross, Professional Services Division Manager55 King Street West, Unit 700, Kitchener, ON N2G 4W1Email: [email protected]: http://www.lucasworks.caPhone: (519) 772-7544 / Fax: 519-772-7501

Lynda Walter, Registered Holistic NutritionistHolistic Health ServicesLynda Walter, Owner155 Frobisher Drive Unit G113, Waterloo, ON N2V 2E1Email: [email protected]: (519) 589-5224 / Fax: (519) 746-6127

Maher FinancialFinancial Planning ConsultantsFrank Maher, President282 Carson Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 2W2Email: [email protected]: (519) 745-9428 / Fax: (519) 745-5681

March of DimesCharitable & Community OrganizationsJennifer Neill, Regional Employment Services Manager180 King Street South, Suite 220, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P8Email: [email protected]: http://www.marchofdimes.caPhone: (519) 579-5530 / Fax: (519) 579-5479

Mary-Eileen McClear, StorytellerArtists - Fine Arts89 Snyder's RoadWest, Baden, ON N3A 2M2Email: [email protected]: http://www.thestorybarn.caPhone: (519) 634-8973

Max's Golf CentreGolf Practice & Driving RangesSundeep Khosla,800 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.maxsgolf.caPhone: (519) 746-4653 / Fax: (519) 746-5913

Merchant 1 PaymentsBusiness ConsultantsMike Seaton, Regional Account Executive240 London Road Unit 84, Guelph, ON N1H 8N8Email: [email protected]: http://www.merchant1payments.comPhone: (877) 797-1783 / Fax: (800) 541-2613

Michael Harris, MPP Kitchener-ConestogaGovernmentMichael Harris, MPP, Kitchener-Conestoga4281 King Street East Unit 4, Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9Email: [email protected]: http://www.michaelharrisMPP.caPhone: (519) 954-8679 / Fax: (519) 571-8660

Mind MorphosisEducational Teaching Aids & SuppliesUma Vishwanathan, Centre Director645Westmount Road East Unit 17Kitchener, ON N2E 3S3Email: [email protected]: http://www.ucmas.caPhone: (519) 729-3276

Nicole BattistaArtists - Fine Arts619-A02Wild Ginger Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2V 2X1Email: [email protected]: (519) 588-5033

nikharron.comArtists - Fine ArtsNik Harron, Artist24A Eby Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 2V7Email: [email protected] /Web: http://nikharron.comPhone: (519) 636-7612

Nth Sense Consulting Inc.Information Systems - ConsultantsPrasan Raghavan, Director511 Clipper Drive, Waterloo, ON N2K 4B5Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.nthsense.caPhone: (226) 338-4554

Owen Bloomfield MMus, RMTArtists - Fine Arts120 Main Street, Unit 7, Cambridge, ON N1R 1V7Email: [email protected]: http://www.owenbloomfield.comPhone: (226) 339-9150

Perfect ImageCustom TattoosKfir Ohayon, Manager/GM12 University Avenue East, Waterloo, ON N2J 2V7Email: [email protected]: http://www.perfectimage.caPhone: (519) 886-1212

Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-WaterlooGovernmentPeter Braid, MP, Member of Parliament22 King Street South, Unit 204, Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8Email: [email protected]: http://www.peterbraid.caPhone: (519) 746-1573 / Fax: (519) 746-6436

Pinchin Environmental Ltd.Environmental ConsultantsPaul Loney, Regional Client Manager470Weber Street North Unit 103Waterloo, ON N2L 6J2Email: [email protected] /Web: http://www.pinchin.comPhone: (519) 746-4210 / Fax: (519) 746-7108

PM Xcel IncorporatedProject Management ConsultantsDoug Clarke, President265Westcourt Place Unit 1204, Waterloo, ON N2L 4E6Email: [email protected]: (519) 954-3600

Prylynx CorporationComputer SoftwareBryan Simmons, President45Washburn Drive, Kitchener, ON N2R 1S1Email: [email protected]: http://www.prylynx.comPhone: (519) 895-0600 / Fax: (519) 895-0496


April 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012(continued from page 13)

feature

15advocateMAY | JUNE 2012

cover story

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT:AN INVESTMENT OR AN EXPENSE?Why building and maintaining the right workplace culture is the key to organizational successBY GREG VINER


When I first started my training firm, one of my friends sharedwith me his perception of management consultants. He told me“Consultants light the fire for free… then charge you to put it out!”

While this idea explains why I’m a corporate trainer and not amanagement consultant, it also points to a very real dilemma thatmany small and medium-sized firms deal with when it comes tomaking improvements and facing challenges. They know thingscould improve, but they wonder if undertaking a teambuilding orleadership development project will be worth the opportunity costinvolved. They may think if improvements were easily achievedthey would have happened already under their leadership.

I know firsthand this has been the experience for some. When I’mpreparing to deliver a workshop, I regularly encounter people witha very distinct body language. Crossed arms and solemnexpressions are a sure sign of a skeptic. When I ask those particularparticipants what they expect from the session they’re about to takepart in, the usual response is either “nothing around here changes”or “this didn’t work last time.” Clearly when this happens there is aproblem with the process.

Ensuring a return on investmentIs employee development an expense or an investment? If seniorleadership is engaged in the process it can be an extremelyprofitable venture. If not, my advice would be for a company tosave its money. It will need it soon enough.

“Do as I say not as I do” simply doesn’t work. In fact, one of theconditions I have with a new client is the full participation ofsenior leaders. If senior management isn’t involved, I decline towork with the client.

As tempting as it is to accept a lucrative contract to deliver my bestwork, I know that without senior leadership engaged in the entireprocess the project is doomed. The very core of leadership isleading by example. Regardless of the quality of the content all

teambuilding and leadership training efforts will fail if the initiativeis framed incorrectly.

Building a culture of collaborationBoth teambuilding and leadership principles are concepts intendedto get people working together for a common purpose. For me,these concepts are a variation on one thing: perspective.Leadership isn’t about command and control of an organization.It’s about getting the best work done with the available resources.

This isn’t a concept solely for managers. Workers at every levelrespond when they feel inspired by a leader rather than simplymanaged by a superior. A wise leader will recognize they‘re notalways the best person for every job. They’ll communicate to theirteam that they need help because together the team can do the bestjob possible. Every role is important.

There is a direct relationship between employee morale andimproved performance. Some managers still seem to miss thistruth. The challenge for senior leaders is to communicate theirperspective in a way that has meaning and value for the team. Aworkplace culture that fosters honest communication is goodbusiness – with some studies showing workers who feel appreciatedincrease their productivity up to 30%.

Top down dictatorial management styles where the “boss” givesinstructions and communication is unidirectional and isn’teffective. “I outrank you so you have to do what I say” doesn’twork. This style promotes a value system of isolation and fearwhereby employees are “trained” to not report any unwanted truthor to seek improvement because they’re never heard anyway.They’ll end up focusing on their area of responsibility only. Inertiatakes over, innovation is lost.

Learning from a cautionary taleI once had a client say they wanted changes, but wouldn’t doanything differently. They wrote goals and paid me to help write a

cover story

strategic plan. When they didn’t experience the changes theywanted, they wrote new goals and a new plan. But their culturesimply didn’t support change.

No one felt safe telling the president his goals weren’t realistic, sohe continued to have unrealistic goals. He trained the team toengage in this behaviour because it was his habit to “shoot themessenger.” His clever employees quickly learned to give him onlymessages he wanted to hear and real problems weren’t addresseduntil they were too large to ignore. The CFO confided in me thattheir company had the potential to be a “goldmine” yet they werestruggling to break even on $30 million in revenue. Strategy didn’tmatter because the culture was wrong.

When questions are asked, it’s important that honest answers areaccepted. People need to provide open feedback. If employeeslearn to give unrealistic yet favourable answers, problems becomeinevitable. When expectations are regularly unmet, frustrationensues and a round of “pass the blame” and self preservationbecomes the order of the day. Team members begin to spoutrhetoric without saying anything that can be pointed back at them.

In the end, once a company begins to fail its internal clients, failingthe external clients becomes inevitable. Poor culture equals poorperformance. To change that, useful communication must replacepolitical messaging.

Developing people and processesConversely, when senior leaders are fully engaged in the process oforganizational development, the right culture emerges andamazing things happen. People are re-energized and do the extrathings that make such a huge difference. It costs the same to pay afrustrated employee who works to the minimum acceptablestandard as it does to pay a person who is engaged and excited todo their best work. The quality of an organization is directlyrelated to the quality of the relationships.

Want to improve the organization? Improve the relationships.Leadership and teambuilding initiatives, delivered correctly, allowthe opportunity for colleagues to step away from the day to dayand to have a better perspective on how to more effectively facechallenges and opportunities.

Why not inspire a team to work at its best? No one can run abusiness alone. Each individual has a unique perspective of boththe problems and the solutions. When a business is faced withchallenges, some of the best resolutions have already been thoughtof by experts within the team.

A team culture not only provides access to great ideas –management also benefits from workers regularly bringing their“A” game to work. Insightful and innovative ideas continue to flowfrom all members of the organization more often and teammembers automatically come up with better and more efficientprocesses.

It only makes sense to access all the intelligence an organizationhas to offer. It doesn’t cost more to thrive, and taking the time toproperly develop employees and build a culture of teamwork andcollaboration is not only a sound investment but the key toorganizational success.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg Viner

Greg Viner helps teams developunconventional and practical solutions tocomplex problems. Presenting readilyavailable information in a whole new light, hecreates a lasting “eureka effect” with clientsranging from senior leaders to frontline staff.For details, visit www.eldc.ca.

events

Mark Your CalendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


September 20, 2012Chamber Young Professionals Kick-Off Networking Event

5:30-7:30pmLocation: Quarry IntegratedCommunications Inc.Member: $5Future Member: $10

Join some of Waterloo Region’s YoungProfessionals at the first CYP networkingevent of the season!

September 18, 2012Point of View with FeridunHamdullahpur

11:30am-1:30pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $35Future Member: $45

Join Dr. Hamdullahpur as he explores therole of innovation in securing a bright andequitable future for this generation and thenext.

Title Sponsor:

September 19, 20122012 Annual General Meeting

4:30-7:00pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: ComplimentaryRegistration 4:30-5:00pmBusiness Meeting 5:00-5:20pmNetworking Reception 5:20-6:30pm

September 27, 2012WalterFedy Networking BreakfastSeries Kick Off

7:15-9:00amLocation: Holiday Inn Kitchener WaterlooMember: $28Future Member: $40

Title Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

October 16, 2012AML / Rogers Business After 5

5:00-7:00pmLocation: TBDMember: ComplimentaryFuture Member: $10Exhibitor: $50 *New pricing this season!

Does networking intimidate you or do youthrive on meeting new people? Come outto this casual bi-monthly event withfriendly faces and easy conversation thatprovides an opportunity for B2Bnetworking.

Title Sponsor:

What you want to protect the most ...We Protect the Best!

Insurance is the last thing business owner’s think of when times are good. But, when there’s a claim it’s their first call. With Erb and Erb, you know you have best coverage possible.

Get an Expert Opinion on your Commercial Insurance Needs

· Commercial Property · Commercial Auto · · Professional & Business Liability · Surety ·

[email protected] · 519-579-4273 · www.erb-erb.com

events


LUNCH

FRESHSANDWICHESMade to Order

You Pick, You Choose! Fresh Lunch Combos in Rushes.11:30 am - 3 pm Monday - Saturday

at the Waterloo Inn 475 King St. N., Waterloo www.waterlooinn.com

NEW

SOUP & SALADMINI BUFFET

$10

October 11, 2012CHAMBERFEST

6:00pm-9:00pm(Ticket also includes access to the Tent forthe remainder of the Corporate Night)Location: Concordia Hall, Concordia ClubAdmission: $42.50

Don’t miss an opportunity to entertain yourclients at one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s mostdistinctive event attractions: Oktoberfest!For $42.50, receive admission to CorporateNight at Concordia Club, enjoy a sit downGerman Style Dinner, a complimentarybeer and enjoy a networking opportunitythat includes Oktoberfest programmingsuch as authentic German dancers and thetapping of the Keg.

October 17, 2012Chamber Young ProfessionalsNetworking Event

5:30-7:30pmLocation: CIGIMember: $5Future Member: $10

Come on out to this casual networkingevent and meet new contacts and re-connect with existing ones!

November 15, 2012Point of View with Craig Alexander& Professor Mikal Skuterud

11:30am-1:30pmDelta Kitchener WaterlooMember: $35Future Members: $45

Join TD Chief Craig Alexander andProfessor Mikal Skuterud for an engagingpoint of view discussion on Canada's SkillsShortage and Literacy Challenge.

Event Sponsors:

new members


pund-IT Inc.Computer ConsultantsJohn DeMonte, Sales Consultant39 Peppler Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 3C5Email: [email protected]: http://www.pund-it.caPhone: (519) 342-4004

RealitycaveArchitects SuppliesTanya Voisin, Marketing Manager151 Charles Street West Suite 100,Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6Email: [email protected]: http://www.realitycave.comPhone: (519) 489-2525

Reliance Home Comfort Limited PartnershipAir Conditioning ContractorsRoss Beaman, Regional Sales Manager600 Jamieson Parkway, Cambridge, ON N3C 0A6Email: [email protected]: http://www.reliancehomecomfort.comPhone: (519) 635-6961

RLB LLPAccountants - CharteredJason Gibbons, Partner650 Riverbend Drive, Suite D, Kitchener, ON N2K 3S2Email: [email protected] / Web: http://www.rlb.caPhone: (519) 884-4445 / Fax: (519) 884-3858

Salama SHIELD FoundationCharitable & Community OrganizationsPaul Cescon, Director, International Programmes896941Washington Road, Plattsville, ON N0B 2E0Email: [email protected]: http://www.salamashield.orgPhone: (519) 696-3686 / Fax: (519) 696-3727

Scherer Leasing IncAutomobile Renting & LeasingGrant Patterson, Director of Business Development1225 Courtland Avenue East, Kitchener, ON N2C 2N8Email: [email protected]: http://www.schererleasing.comPhone: (519) 893-8888 / Fax: (519) 893-8384

Schlueter ChevroletAutomobile DealersStephen Heron, Director of Customer Experience& Innovation300Weber Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 3H6Email: [email protected]: http://www.waterlooautomall.com/chevroletPhone: (519) 884-9000

Schlumberger Water ServicesComputer SoftwareOle Meldahl, Business Manager - Software72 Victoria Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 4Y9Email: [email protected]: http://www.water.slb.comPhone: (519) 746-1798 / Fax: (519) 885-5262

Schmuck 'N Gourmet FoodsCaterersBrad Schmuck, OwnerEmail: [email protected]: http://www.schmuckngourmetfoods.caPhone: (519) 404-5218

Secure Business InfrastructureComputer ConsultantsSusan El-Nagar, E-Commerce Consultant763 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, ON N2V 2W2Email: [email protected]: http://www.sbi-secureit.comPhone: (519) 208-5006

Sequoia GroupEmployment AgenciesLisa Peirson, Managing Partner161 Bay Street Suite 2700, Toronto, ON M5J 2S1Email: [email protected]: http://www.sequoiasearch.caPhone: (416) 873-4230 / Fax: 905-878-6570

ShopKitchener.comAdvertising - InternetMichael Cohen, Regional Manager9170 Highway 93West, Midland, ON L4R 4K4Email: [email protected]: http://www.shopkitchener.comPhone: (888) 430-7467 / Fax: (705) 528-0897

Stacey BartlettStudent108 Dover Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 1Z5Email: [email protected]: (226) 339-6821

Steve Wand - TD Merchant ServicesMerchant ServicesSteve Wand, Business Development450 Columbia Street West, Waterloo, ON N2T 2W1Email: [email protected]: (226) 339-7506

Summerset Creations (1178912 Ontario Ltd.)Artists - Fine ArtsGerhard S., President1347 Spragues Road, Unit 3, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5Email: [email protected]: http://www.gerhardart.comPhone: (519) 497-7597

Tania NandorStudent927 Pebblecreek Court, Kitchener, ON N2A 0C5Email: [email protected]: (519) 501-2628

Tech Supplies Express Ltd.Computer Sales & ServiceJim Ryder, Service437 Albert Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 3V2Email: [email protected]: http://www.techsuppliesexpress.caPhone: (519) 579-1150 / Fax: (519) 579-1168

TEKsystemsEmployment AgenciesBrian Slomka, Account Manager350 Burnhamthorpe RoadWest, Mississauga, ON L5B 3J1Email: [email protected]: http://www.teksystems.caPhone: (905) 283-1332

Terence Webster Design Associates Ltd.Interior Design ServicesAlicia Kostyria,1310 Osprey Drive, Ancaster, ON L9G 4V5Email: [email protected]: http://www.webstergroup.caPhone: (905) 648-9959 / Fax: 1 (905) 648-9995

The 500 Staffing - The Ian Martin GroupEmployment AgenciesCarole Alain, Account Manager30 Duke Street West, Unit 502, Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5Email: [email protected]: http://www.the500.comPhone: (519) 457-0400 / Fax: 1 (519) 457-3393

The Cambridge CitizenPublishersScot Ferguson, Publisher33 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 7A6Email: [email protected]: http://www.cambridgecitizen.caPhone: (519) 620-2795

The Cardinal Search GroupEmployment AgenciesMadonna Bradley, President55 Northfield Drive East Unit 245Waterloo, ON N2K 3T6Email: [email protected]: http://www.cardinalsearchgroup.comPhone: (519) 603-0328

The Lancaster SmokehouseRestaurantsChris Corrigan, Chef/Owner574 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener, ON N2K 1M3Email: [email protected]: http://www.lancsmokehouse.comPhone: (519) 743-4331

The Mortgage Group Ontario Inc.Mortgage BrokersBev Gay, Mortgage Broker914 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 1G4Email: [email protected]: http://www.bevsmortgages.comPhone: (519) 896-6021 / Fax: (519) 896-6349

Topper's PizzaPizzaEd Medeiros, Owner324 Highland RoadWest, Kitchener, ON N2M 2G2Email: [email protected]: http://www.toppers.caPhone: (519) 743-3363 / Fax: (519) 743-2867

APRIL 1, 2012 TO JULY 31, 2012(continued from page 14)


feature


2012 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE’S SLATE OF CANDIDATESNOMINEE PROFILES

Linda Dancey is the Founder, President and CEO of Grand River Personnel Limited, a Staffing Recruiting company in theKitchener-Waterloo area. Grand River Personnel's 32 years of history has been built on a foundation of commitment to offeringdedicated professional recruiting services with diversity and flexibility to the business community.

Linda is a member of the Human Resources Association - Grand Valley Chapter and received her C.H.R.P. designation in 1990.Linda served as the Chapter President during 2008 /2009 and currently is the Director for Programs for the Chapter.

During her tenure with the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Linda has served as the Board Liaison for the BusinessExcellence Awards Nomination Committee, as a member of the Human Resources Committee, and most recently is a member of theFamily Physician Liaison Task Force.

Linda is also a Board Member with the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society. She is an active member of the Friends of the FoundationCommittee. This is a dedicated group of volunteers who spearhead RAK Day - Random Act of Kindness Day on behalf of TheKitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. Linda is also active within the Waterloo Regional Sales Club and is a member of theKitchener Westmount Rotary Club.

IN HER OWNWORDS:

“The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is the quintessential voice of our community taking the lead in representing our businesscommunity on significant issues. As such, I am delighted to have the privilege of allowing my name to stand as a candidate for consideration by themembership. I look forward to serving the business community and being a part of the positive future results affected by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.”

Al Hayes is the CEO of WalterFedy, a 160 person company offering architecture, engineering and construction management services.WalterFedy has operated from Kitchener-Waterloo for the last 61 years and serves customers in the education, health care, industrial,commercial and infrastructure sectors throughout Southern Ontario.

Al was born and raised in Waterloo, attended the University of Waterloo and the University of Western Ontario and has worked in thelocal consulting engineering field for 27 years. He has been a part of WalterFedy for the last 18 years.

In addition to being active in the Physician Recruitment initiative at the Chamber, Al is a past-president and active member of theRotary Club of Waterloo. Previously he has been active with Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo.

IN HIS OWNWORDS:

“The Chamber plays a critical role for business in the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo area. With such a diverse economy, it is important there be anorganization that recognizes the needs of businesses large and small in our community. By organizing events such as the Business Excellence Awardsand Chamber Connections, providing numerous networking opportunities, supporting important community initiatives such as PhysicianRecruitment and providing a forum for business advocacy, the Chamber is the only organization truly representing businesses of all types. As thisRegion continues to grow and prosper, the Chamber will continue to be a voice for business in our community.”

Rosa Lupo is a partner of the Waterloo Region office of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and a member of the Business LawGroup. Rosa practises in all areas of real estate law with an emphasis on purchase, sale and financing transactions. Rosa advises clientswith respect to development, financing, leasing, purchase and sale of commercial and multi-residential projects. Rosa is activelyinvolved in the preparation and negotiation of complex agreements of purchase and sale, joint venture agreements, commercialagreements and security documentation.

Rosa has been a long-standing active member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce where she has been a memberof the Leadership Committee. Rosa’s involvement in the community also includes being a Board Member of K-W Counselling Servicesand a regular lecturer at the Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

IN HER OWNWORDS:

“Over the past 7 years, I have continually been impressed by the level of service and commitment of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce to this region. The Chamber continues to be involved in important community initiatives such as healthcare and networking/mentorshipfor young professionals. The Chamber takes a holistic approach to the variety of businesses in the community and draws all of the businesses togetheras one voice and one common community. I am delighted to be part of this initiative and contribute to the KW community in this way.”

LINDA DANCY, C.H.R.P.PresidentGrand River Personnel Ltd.

AL HAYES,Partner & Chief ExecutiveOfficerWalterFedy

ROSA LUPOPartnerGowling Lafleur HendersonLLP


feature


2012 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE’S SLATE OF CANDIDATESNOMINEE PROFILES

Jason Kipfer is a Community Small Business Advisor with TD Canada Trust. He works exclusively with TD’s small-to-medium sizedbusiness customers and provides advice and insight into helping his clientele start up and/or expand their businesses. Prior to hiscurrent role, Jason worked with local business owners to set up payment card processing services through TD Merchant Services whichallowed them the ability to accept and process credit and debit card payments in a retail, telephone and/or ecommerce environment.Jason’s initial introduction to the local business community came from his two roles as Events Coordinator and MembershipDevelopment Representative with the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Having grown up in Ontario, New Brunswick and Montreal, Jason now lives in Waterloo with his wife and two daughters. Jason is agraduate of a double honours degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and was recently awarded the Volunteer of the Year award by theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Jason is currently acting as a mentor for the Ontario Summer Company Programand is a volunteer for the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.

IN HIS OWNWORDS:

“Throughout my career at TD Canada Trust, I have worked exclusively with our small-to-medium sized business customers. Time and time again,I draw upon the resources of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce to answer the call of my customers. What makes the Chambersuccessful in my opinion is in their ability to bring businesses and entrepreneurs together through a series of networking and related events; new andinnovative cost saving programs and services; and an organization that listens and responds through advocacy and other support services. I amhonoured to be considered for the opportunity to support the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce at the board level to further realizeand achieve the organization’s mandate.”

Dr. Micheál Kelly is Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. Previously, he was Professor ofStrategic and International Management at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management. He was also Dean of the Schoolfrom 2000-2010.

Micheál has spent several decades working with technology companies and venture funds in North America, Europe and Asia and doingresearch on competitive strategies in technology industries. He is the author of several dozen monographs, articles and studies onventure capital investing and strategic alliances. He has also written on Silicon Valley, innovation and the venture capital and techsectors for the Globe and Mail and National Post.

He is a former Chair of the Six Countries Programme, one of Europe’s first innovation networks. He also served on of the AdvisoryBoard of the Silicon Valley Roundtable where he did the venture capital forecast for its annual “Valley Business and Economic Forecast”panel. Micheál is a former member of on the Advisory Board on Commercialization of the Canadian Institute for Heath Research and isa past President of the Canadian Federation of Business School Deans.

IN HIS OWNWORDS:

“I am a strong believer that universities and particularly their business schools should be deeply embedded in their communities and strongcontributors to the economic growth of local enterprises. Kitchener Waterloo is one of Canada’s most dynamic regions and I look forward to workingwith the Chamber to help ensure its future growth and prosperity.”

Karen Mason joined Equitable Life in September 2006. As Senior-Vice President, Group she leads a $300 million business unit, withan operations team in Waterloo and a sales team in Ontario and the Western Provinces.

Most of her career prior to Equitable Life is also in insurance, and she has held senior roles in marketing, operations and strategy inCanada as well as the United States.

Karen has been on the Board of the Greater Kitchener and Waterloo Chamber since 2008, and currently serves as Treasurer as well asBoard Liaison to the Chamber Health Care Resources Council.

IN HER OWNWORDS:

“The Greater Kitchener and Waterloo Chamber of Commerce plays a vital leadership role in creating an environment that helps businesses throughadvocacy, networking opportunities, services and community initiatives like physician recruitment.

This is a very collaborative community with a strong ‘can-do’ attitude. It is a privilege to be of service to this community through the work of theChamber and Equitable Life is very proud of our long-standing involvement.”

JASON KIPFERCommunity Small BusinessAdvisorTD Canada Trust

MICHEÁL KELLYDean, Laurier School ofBusiness & EconomicsWilfrid Laurier University

KAREN MASONSenior Vice- President,GroupEquitable Life InsuranceCompany of Canada

(continued from page 21)

new members


Tri Star Transport Inc.Transport ServicesGaby Salmeron, Secretary Treasurer69 Rouse Avenue, Cambridge, ON N1R 4M7Email: [email protected]: (519) 623-5333 / Fax: (519) 623-5556

True North BarbellHealth, Fitness & Exercise ServiceJohn Torkos, President300 Mill Street, Kitchener, ON N2M 5G8Email: [email protected]: http://www.truenorthbarbell.comPhone: (519) 772-1018

Trumpeter's Choice ConsultingTraining & DevelopmentJudith Harrison, Chief Executive Officer10 St. Emilion Place, Kitchener, ON N2P 1X2Email: [email protected]: http://www.judithlharrison.comPhone: (519) 578-5797 / Fax: (866) 877-8543

Vancea Financial GroupFinancial Planning ConsultantsJancey-Lu Ballantyne, Networking Co-ordinator120 Ottawa Street, Unit 213, Kitchener, ON N2H 3K5Email: [email protected]: http://www.vanceafinancial.comPhone: (519) 578-3875 / Fax: (519) 578-2876

Versutus Associates Inc.ConsultantsRichard Cleary, Director283 Baldwin Drive, Cambridge, ON N3C 0B8Email: [email protected]: http://www.versutus.caPhone: (519) 841-2186

Vijay's Indian CuisineRestaurantsVijay Thukral, President380Weber Street West, Kitchener, ON N2H 4B3Email: [email protected] /Web: http://www.curry123.comPhone: (519) 743-6060 / Fax: (519) 743-5121

Western IT Group IncTelecommunicationsDan Martens, President1900 Hyde Park Road Unit 4, London, ON N6H5L9Email: [email protected]: http://www.westernitgroup.comPhone: (519) 936-8985/ Fax: 1 (519) 936-8663

WLU Student PublicationsNewspapersAngela Taylor, Advertising Manager205 Regina Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5Email: [email protected]: http://www.wlusp.comPhone: (519) 884-0710

Zoup!CaterersDaryl Hunter, Owner75 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2Email: [email protected] /Web: http://www.zoup.comPhone: (519) 747-9687 / Fax: (855) 747-9687

APRIL 1, 2012 TO JULY 31, 2012(continued from page 20)

Glen DyrdaManaging Partner, Southwest Ontario519 570 [email protected]

Sabrina FitzgeraldPrivate Company ServicesIntegrated Solutions Leader519 570 5758sabrina.r.fi [email protected]

Martin KernTax Partner519 570 [email protected]

Kate PhillipsClient Relationship Executive519 570 [email protected]

Generation to generation, not quarter to quarterIt pays to think long-term. We can help create lasting value

Private Company Serviceswww.pwc.com/ca/private

© 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. In this document, “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. 2175-14 0312

feature


R&D CHANGES IN FEDERAL BUDGETBY ANDREW MCDOWALL

At the end of March, Minister Jim Flaherty announced the details of the2012 Federal Budget. It addressed a number of changes regardinginnovation within Canada which has a direct effect on how business willbe able to support their future development efforts.

Highly anticipated changes leading up to the budget include adjustmentsto the flagship Scientific Research and Experimental Development(SR&ED) tax credit program which currently accounts for up to half offederal support for R&D. The changes to SR&ED were madespecifically to streamline, simplify and improve the cost effectiveness ofthe tax incentive or indirect support program. The changes aresummarized below and although they do not change eligibility, theyeffectively reduce the benefit afforded to taxpayers who are completingwork eligible under the SR&ED tax incentive program.

Expenditure Type Change Effective Date

Contract Payments Only 80% of contract January 1st, 2013amount qualifies for theSR&ED program

Capital No longer an eligible January 1st, 2014expenditure for theSR&ED program

Proxy Overhead Proxy allocation being 60% afterreduced from 65% to January 1st, 201355% of eligible labour 55% after

January 1st, 2014

Federal Credit Rate Reduction in the January 1st, 2014(Large Corporations) SR&ED credit rate to 15%

from 20%. Small companyrate remains at 35%.

Except for the elimination of capital as a qualified expenditure, each ofthese changes result in a change to the calculation of the SR&EDbenefit and do not change the nature in which companies should beidentifying or tracking their costs.

The budget also announced a number of initiatives meant to simplifyand streamline the process for filing SR&ED claims. These initiativesinclude: $6 million dollars for the creation of a pilot SR&ED pre-approval process; increased activity with industry groups andassociations to discuss emerging issues and increased use of CRA ‘taxalerts’ to announce seminars and news related to the program; anenhancement to the online self-assessment eligibility tool; and animproved notice of objection process which will now allow for a secondreview of scientific eligibility for SR&ED. All of these initiativescomplement CRA’s efforts to consolidate and simplify their policy which

will result in a set of 20 comprehensive documents that are set to bereleased late Winter 2012.

The changes resulted in part from the recommendations from the JenkinsPanel, chaired by Tom Jenkins of OpenText who was charged withreviewing and recommending how the Federal Government allocatesapproximately $7 billion in annual funding. The result was InnovationCanada: A Call to Action which outlined a number of recommendationsfor the government to produce an environment where small and mediumenterprises can grow into larger, globally competitive firms and increasethe intensity of business expenditures on research and development.

As a result of the Jenkins report, the government moved to modify theSR&ED program and increase funding in direct support programs, suchas the Industrial Research Assistance Program which saw its budgetincrease by $110 million dollars, as well as additional funding to supportVenture Capital and government innovation procurement programssuch as the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP).It appears $1.1 billion dollars will be ‘rebalanced’ away from SR&EDand towards these and other direct support initiatives. A number ofwebsites and services such as thefundingportal.com are starting to assistin the navigation of indirect and direct support programs.

Beside these changes, it is anticipated there will be additionalannouncements. This was echoed by Minister Flaherty at the localManufacturing Innovation Summit when he stated the report was stillnew and the government had not yet decided which, if any of the otherrecommendations will make their way into future announcements orbudgets. What is clear is that his government is looking towards directsupport programs as a means of kickstarting innovation within Canada.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew McDowall

Andrew McDowall, P.Eng. is a Manager in theR&D Tax Incentives Practice of KPMG LLP.Before joining KPMG, Andrew spent 5 yearsat the University of Windsor /DaimlerChrysler Automotive Research andDevelopment Centre. Since, joining KPMGAndrew has consulted with clients in a varietyof industries on their eligibility for theSR&ED (Scientific Research andExperimental Development) tax credit inaddition to helping clients navigate andunderstand their eligibility for a number ofother government assistance programs.

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feature


A PROVINCIAL VISION FOR TECHNOLOGYAND EDUCATIONBY CATHERINE FIFE

This is an exciting and challenging time to be part of the educationworld. Trustees across the province have a unique opportunity toadvance and accelerate the discussion of learning and teaching in adigital age.

Recently Ontario's public elected school board trustees developed aworking paper on this issue which is a call for the Government ofOntario and the Ministry of Education to lead the way inestablishing a vision.

Student and teacher application of technology in their everydaylives and the possibilities this creates for expanding the integrationof 21st century skills into our learning and our instructionalpractices is at a tipping point.

Many other jurisdictions have moved vigorously ahead to define avision to guide education well into the 21st century and we urgeOntario, which is a leader in student achievement and in educationin so many spheres, to take up this challenge.

This call is not inspired by considerations of funding but by aconviction that it is critical to define how we will move to keep pacewith rapidly evolving technology to ensure our students are globallycompetitive. This is a matter of public confidence in our educationsystem.

Students, teachers, parents, school boards – all our educationstakeholders – are ready to embrace this vision. We have alsoengaged the business community in this endeavor, acknowledgingthat it will take our collective energy to support and empowerstudents for the future.

Our Vision for a Provincial VisionIn a diversity of ways, Ontario School Boards are undertakinginnovative work to engage students and support teachers in a worldwhere approaches to learning and teaching increasingly incorporatethe richness offered by the digital age.

These innovative efforts need to be recognized and articulated in aprovincial vision designed to expand the benefits of digital-agelearning and teaching to every student and every school in Ontario.

This paper, authored by trustees and educators across the spectrumof Ontario’s public school boards, seeks to align and consolidatecurrent dialogue to support the Ministry of Education in building aprogressive and sustainable provincial vision for learning andteaching in a digital age.

Our Vision:

• Requires a purposeful cultural shift in our education system thatfocuses on engaging and inspiring our students, that fosterscreative and innovative minds and embraces the enabling role oftechnology in expanding how, when and where learning takesplace.

• Is founded on the principles of equity of access and equity ofopportunity

• Acknowledges that schools are more than a collection of buildings– they represent a system of learning and a culture where learningand teaching reciprocally drive the use of technology

• Seeks to lay the foundations for creativity and innovation and,through student learning and engagement, shape the future

• Recognizes that we exist in an international environmentrequiring a global set of competencies and responsible, ethicalsocial practices

• Is centred within a provincial curriculum that reflects thesevalues, aspirations and practices

Our Vision Rests On the Pillars of:• Authentic Student Engagement

• Inspiring and Inspired Teachers

• Skills for a Digital Age∙ Responsible Digital Citizenship

Overall, the foundation for this vision is equity across the educationsystem.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Fife

Catherine Fife is the Past-President of theOntario Public School Boards Association andcurrent Chair of the Waterloo Region DistrictSchool. She was a founding board member ofCanadians for 21st Century Learning and is anadvocate for Children's Mental Health andExperiential Learning. Catherine lives inWaterloo with her husband Dale and twochildren.

Catharine Fife drafted this article in her capacity as President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and was submitted prior to her candidacy in a provincial by-election.

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skilled talent or new opportunitiesin Canada’s bio-economy

Bio-business is becoming big business in Kitchener-Waterloo. TheBioManufacturing Skills Transfer Program from BioTalent Canada™connects employers with skilled, BioReady™ professionals — andworkers with the tools they need to pursue bio-economy careers.

Connect with us to access: BioTalent HR Tool Kit | The PetriDish™ job bank

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member notables


MEMBER NOTABLES

Hagon Design Wins DesignEdge Canada Honours

Congratulations to Kitchener-based Hagon Design who walked away with top marks inthis year’s DesignEdge Canada regional design awards. The nationally recognizedDesignEdge Canada publication awarded Hagon with the “Best of Region” honour in theweb category for the website smokefreegreece.org that was produced for Harvard Schoolof Public Health.

Besides being recognized with Best of Region honours, Hagon Design was also a finalistin print and digital categories for work done for clients such as Aecon and also HagonDesign’s new website.

Hagon Design is a creative design agency specializing in brand development, online anddigital solutions, and marketing solutions aimed at both business and consumer audiences.

Martin’s Family Fruit Farm Expanding With New Facility

Martin’s Family Fruit Farm is currently undergoing an expansion that will open a newproduction plant in Woolwich. The planned 17,000 square foot facility will produce anew line of dehydrated apple chips as well as fresh apple slices and cider, dramaticallydiversifying Martin’s product offerings.

The expansion of the new facility, set to be located in the Township of Woolwich isprojected to bring 30 new jobs to the region. Martin’s Family Fruit Farm projects to havethe new facility open sometime in mid-November 2012

Martin’s Family Fruit Farm has been operating since 1820 and started to grow apples in1971. Since then Martin’s has grown into one of Canada’s largest apple producers.

The Sign Depot Member Notable

Kitchener-based The Sign Depot was awarded with BEST IN SHOW honours at the“2012 Sign Media Canada Competition” for their outstanding work on the brand newBeertown pub and restaurant in Cambridge.

In addition to this very high honour, The Sign Depot also received first runner up for topilluminated sign for the Toronto restaurant Gusto 101. They also received yet anotherfirst runner up in the stand alone category for the beautiful sign they did for theWaterloo-based restaurant Sole.

For over 15 years The Sign Depot has developed itself into a nationally recognized leaderin countless different forms of signage and boasts a client list that includes Eddie Bauer,Molson, the University of Waterloo, and Golf North Properties.

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

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


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feature


CHAMBER STAR: KEVIN HOFFMAN

The Chamber Star was developed to recognize volunteers and is away for the Chamber to show appreciation for their significantefforts. It is awarded to an active committee member three times ayear, following a Committee Chair nomination process. We areexcited to announce that Kevin Hoffman is the newest recipient!

Kevin has been involved with the Chamber’s Pilot Peer to PeerGroup Program for business professionals in the Hospitality/Tourismindustry over the past event season. We gathered as a groupdiscussing and sharing industry successes, challenges we face and allthings relative. His professionalism and dedication as a volunteer wasinstrumental in the pilot’s success.

Kevin also greatly assisted the Chamber’s Business Excellence AwardsGala Committee on the event production side. His ideas and generalknowledge were invaluable to the team’s planning stages and theevent’s overall success.

Professionally, Kevin is the Technical Service Manager for AVW-Telav Audio Visual Solutions at the Delta Kitchener Waterloo. Kevinhas been in the audio visual businessfor over 10 years. He overseescustomer relationships, making surehe exceeds customer expectations byproviding a technologicallyinnovative, value-added service withreliability, consistency, andprofessionalism.

Thank you Kevin for all of yourefforts!

Throughout the winter, it’s essential to keep walkways and parking lots ice-free. At the same time, it’s important to reduce our reliance on salt to help protect the environment and our property. Excess salt can seep into the ground and ultimately affect our sources of drinking water. It can damage buildings, properties and landscaping, resulting in needless expense.

Why not become a Smart about Salt™ certified site?It’s a small investment of time that will pay long-term dividends to both you and our community. Become certified and make sure your snow removal contractor is too.

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This message is from the Region of Waterloo, a proud member of the Smart about Salt Council. The Smart about Salt symbol is a registered trademark of the Smart about Salt Council. Smart about Salt is a trademark of the Smart about Salt Council.

REGISTER TODAY: visit www.smartaboutsalt.com or call 647-722-5699 /smartaboutsalt

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