Business Advocatethe

Oakville Chamber of CommerceMarch / April 20152015

LEADERS RECEPTION

THE “CLOUD” Helping small businesses innovate

with new technologies

GEOTAB Leaders in fleet telematics

ONTARIO RETIREMENT PENSION PLAN

What it means to Ontario business

3 Contents

In ThIs Issue04 Chair’s Message

05 save the Date

05 Members to Recognize

05 Marketplace

06 Volunteer Profile: Jason stevens

08 Members in the news

10 Member Profile: Geotab

16 new Members

20 seen on the scene

22 President’s Message

On The cOver: Front row: Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair, Dianne Craig, Ceo Ford Motor Company of Canada, Kerry Colborne, Chair of oakville Chamber, terence Young, MP oakville. Back row: Kevin Flynn, MPP oakville, Rob Burton, oakville Mayor.

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FeaTures 14 2015 Leaders Reception

BOarD OF DIrecTOrs chair of the Board Kerry Colborne Force 10 Capital Management

vice chair France Fournier Whole Foods Market, Caroline Hughes Ford Canada, Ken nevar Cooper Construction Ltd.

Immediate Past chair orla Johnston SOCS Retail Solutions Inc.

Treasurer Barry Wylie Canadian Club of Halton Peel

corporate secretary Cameron neil Feltmate Delibato Heagle LLP

Directors Lisa Azzuolo Genworth Canada, Don Bassindale Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., tim Caddigan Cogeco Cable Canada LP, Claire Drage Mortgage Alliance, Mark egbedeyi-emmanuel P.eng Union Gas, Ishrani Henry Integra Tire Oakville, elaine Holding SB Partners LLP, Lisa Piccolo Sheridan, Hal shaw Intelligent Office, stephen tkaczyk Shred-It International ULC, susan towle

aDMInIsTraTIOn 905.845.6613 President John sawyer, ext. 202 johnsawyer@oakvillechamber.com

vice President, Policy & Government relations Faye Lyons, ext. 211 faye@oakvillechamber.com

Office Manager sharon Molloy, ext. 206 sharon@oakvillechamber.com

events, Marketing & committee Manager Carina Cicero, ext. 205 carina@oakvillechamber.com

communications specialist Danielle Leonard, ext. 209 danielle@oakvillechamber.com

administrative services coordinator Whitney Johnston, ext. 201 whitney@oakvillechamber.com

administration & event support Karen Pomfret, ext. 210 karen@oakvillechamber.com

vice President, Membership Development Marc tremblay, ext. 204 marctremblay@oakvillechamber.com

the oakville Chamber is the voice of the oakville business community. We provide member benefits including: advocacy, corporate benefits, networking opportunities, business development and educational forums. our mission is to foster a healthy, engaged and sustainable business environment and economy in oakville.

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cOnTacT us 700 Kerr street, suite 200 oakville, on L6K 3W5 905.845.6613 oakvillechamber.com

18 ontario Retirement Pension Plan

15 Cloud technology

54 uPCoMInG eVentsCHAIR’s MessAGe

Although oakville is recognized and appreciated for its unique small town charm, it is also known as a growing urban centre. Recent examples of this include the proposed revitalization of Downtown oakville and the construction of the new oakville Hospital; both are poised to have a significant impact on this community. the newly released results of the 2015 town of oakville Citizen survey indicates residents are pleased with many aspects of the town, but believe controlling the rate and type of growth needs to be a top priority.

the oakville Chamber, speaking on behalf of 1,100 member businesses, believes in taking a balanced approach when addressing change such as those mentioned above. While the chamber encourages

development that opens up opportunities for business, it is important to scrutinize such initiatives from the perspective of local businesses to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefit or, at the very least, are not facing disadvantages.

It’s no surprise that the downtown revitalization is on our radar – as it is with many residents. the town’s survey results indicate that the downtown district is the most visited business area in oakville, and almost one-third of respondents agree that the town`s economic growth plan should make support for Downtown oakville, Kerr Village, and Bronte Village a top priority. With a massive reconstruction of the downtown pending, the chamber shares this priority and is vigilant in speaking on behalf of the local businesses to minimize the negative impact of redevelopment once it begins.

Creating new employment opportunities in oakville is another priority that rose to the top of survey responses. the oakville Chamber has consistently championed efforts to build a community that enables residents to work where they live; this means fostering a healthy economic environment that encourages expansion for current companies, as well as attracts new business. Also listed high among the town’s survey responses were: a desire for lower tax rates for small businesses, promotion to attract new companies to oakville, and developing programs that assist oakville companies in global expansion.

these responses indicate that oakville citizens recognize the connection between the outstanding quality of life they`ve come to appreciate and the necessity of a healthy, sustainable, and engaged business community: a belief enthusiastically shared by the Chamber.

Chai

r’s

Mes

sage

BusIness aFTer hOurs5:00pm to 7:00pmBen & Florentine146 Lakeshore West, oakville

TOwn ecOnOMIc uPDaTe wITh MayOr rOB BurTOn7:30am to 9:00amHoliday Inn590 Argus Road

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For more details about our events or to register, please visit Oakvillechamber.com

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Cedargate LandscapingCorporate Finance AssociatesFinbar Management Inc.

MeMBers TO recOGnIze

35 years

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Grawood Image Corp.Pocket Pressthe Pottery supply House Ltd.PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPtandet Management Inc.Whole Foods Market

Allcolour Paint LimitedDavid Faye & Associates Inc.Deeth Williams Wall LLPDML Knowledge Group Corp.edward Jones – tim CarterFreedom 55 Financial – Mike newellGold Phoenix Consultants Inc.Halton Government RelationsHarvey solutionsoakville Golf Club Ltd.Peak Performance systems GtA Ltd.Royal Botanical GardenstCs techeyon Computer services

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7 6 VoLunteeR PRoFILe

Jason Stevens, a long-time member of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and current member of the Marketing Committee, shared his thoughts on business, photography and big plans for the future.

what do you enjoy most about working in the photography business?I spent 12 years working in the broadcast industry before opening my own photo studio, and I’ve found working in the media industry infinitely interesting. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced very diverse projects – everything from celebrity entertainment to tax law. But no matter what the project has been, I’ve always learned something new and fascinating. that’s what keeps me motivated and eager to see what’s around the next corner.

can you tell us what is “around the next corner” for your company?I am very excited about the launch of my new company, CreativeCreative. It’s an agency specializing in image creation, branding, graphic design, and social media support for all sizes of companies. I guess the best catchphrase to use here is “creative services agency.”

what was your motivation for starting creativecreative? I wanted to combine my experience at City tV in broadcast production and editing and my years of running the photography studio. the aesthetics I picked up in those fields naturally led me into branding and graphic design. I have a great eye for detail so I really wanted to bring all those skills together into a focussed synergy. Also, I have been fortunate over the years to meet so many ridiculously talented people, and launching an innovative creative agency allows me for greater opportunities to collaborate.

Do you have advice for local entrepreneurs who are trying to get a foothold in the highly competitive creative industry? My biggest lesson over the years is this: It’s not about you. Whenever I run into a tough decision, whether it’s marketing or client-based, I always find the solution more easily after I remove myself from the equation. In my kind of business, you’re taking on the projects from inception right up to client presentation. You’ve been there from square one – working late nights to get the idea just right. the more that you immerse yourself into the creative process, the less likely you want to change the work you’ve created. ultimately, it’s necessary to take a step back and realize it’s not about you. You’ve done your best work. If the client doesn’t like an idea, it’s not personal!

vOlunTeer PrOFIle

I have Been FOrTunaTe Over The years TO MeeT sO Many rIDIculOusly TalenTeD PeOPle, anD launchInG an InnOvaTIve creaTIve aGency allOws Me FOr GreaTer OPPOrTunITIes TO cOllaBOraTe. ”

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how has your chamber membership benefited you?I’m proud to be a long time member of the Chamber as it has provided me so many opportunities to meet and network with other entrepreneurs. this has been key to my business. Having the support of people experiencing similar challenges and successes is an invaluable tool. I’m also honoured to be part of the marketing committee. not only do I get to work with a smart and talented team, I also get to help guide the image of the organization that has been an integral part of my own success.

clearly you’re passionate about your work. what are you passionate about outside of business?I’m married to my spectacular wife, sandra, and have a superstar daughter, emma. My interests are music, film, photography and southampton FC soccer, Guinness… and bacon.

You can check out Jason’s newly launched business at www.creativecreative.ca

8 8 MeMBeRs In tHe neWs

Par-T-Perfect Oakville was presented the award for Largest sales Growth – Large Market at the company’s national conference in January. the award celebrates the hard work by franchisee Amber Dinda in growing her location into one of the largest in Canada.

A collaborative effort by Chamber members home suite hope, halton region, the Oakville community Foundation, and sheridan college has resulted in a new community-based program called homeward Bound halton. Homeward Bound Halton is an innovative program that helps single mother led families to achieve long-term economic stability through comprehensive education, employment, housing, and childcare and social supports.

MeMBers In The news

the united way oakville surpassed their fundraising goal of $4 million this year, earning $4.25 million during its 2014 campaign. Ford Motor company of canada was awarded the Campaign of the Year for its generous contribution of $738,000.

Congratulations to oakville Chamber members who were 2014 spirit award recipients:

•Agency Division Award – Big Brothers Big sisters of Halton•FinanceDivisionAward–RBCRoyalBank•PublicService/EducationDivisionAward – Appleby College•Joint Union/Management Campaign Award – sheridan College•CommunityLeadershipGivingCampaign of the Year – oakville Hydro Corporation•Outstanding GenNext Volunteer - Liem Vien, real estate broker for Royal LePage terrequity Realty•Outstanding Workplace Campaign Coordinator Award – Colleen Kavanagh of Mattamy Homes

siemens canada and sheridan signed a memo of understanding (Mou) in support of Mechatronic systems education to enrich learning opportunities for students and to provide additional pathways for their career success. At the heart of the agreement is the goal of preparing sheridan engineering graduates to write a siemens certification exam in Mechatronic systems – a credential that is globally recognized.

Geotab has been nominated for the 20th Annual Global Mobile Awards which recognize excellence and achievement across the mobile world. From devices to applications, technology and apps, these awards are foremost about showcasing the ever growing value that mobility brings to users, industries, businesses, communities, and economies.

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1110 MeMBeR PRoFILe

this is where oakville-based Geotab comes in, whose cutting edge technology is trans-forming the way businesses manage fleets.since its inception almost 20 years ago, Geotab has specialized in fleet telematics – a way of monitoring and communicating the location, movements, status and behavior of vehicles to a central office or dispatcher. Geotab’s plug-and-play GPs devices are ready to use minutes after installation in a vehicle. their system accommodates fleets of all sizes – from large logistics companies to businesses with a handful of cars. Its power-ful tracking abilities help put managers in the “driver’s seat” of every vehicle at any time.

Track Driver Behaviourthere’s no need to paste a “Call me if I’m not driving safely” bumper sticker on a company truck. Geotab’s system can track behaviours such as whether drivers are turning too fast, braking too hard, speeding, rapidly acceler-ating, or not wearing their seatbelts. Armed with this data, companies are able to commu-

nicate their findings with drivers and thereby encourage them to significantly improve their driving habits. In turn, this reduces wear and tear on the vehicles.

lower Fuel costssavings in fuel costs are almost immediate once Geotab’s devices are installed. When second Harvest, a food rescue program in to-ronto, added Geotab to their seven refriger-ated trucks and one van, it enabled the busi-ness to reduce idle time by 30% per vehicle per day. they also knew, at any given min-ute, where each vehicle was located. this allowed dispatchers to quickly alert drivers to the fastest routes, as well as know which driver to send where based on who was clos-est to the latest drop-off or pick-up request.

accident Preventionsafety is a top priority for most companies charged with managing a fleet. When drivers know their vehicles are monitored, their driv-ing improves. For one landscaping company,

GeOTaBMaNageMeNT by MeasureMeNT

the results were staggering. Infractions went down and any issues they’d previously had with accidents almost disappeared. In one rare accident involving a driver, the company was able to prove its own driver was not at fault, thanks to the telematics data. In fact, they could even prove the exact lane the driver was in when the accident took place.

Geotab’s products, which are manufactured in ontario, are sold worldwide through its more than 90 authorized resellers across the globe. Recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest-growing companies in north Ameri-ca, Geotab is vastly improving the way the world moves goods. And that’s something that benefits all of us – and not just when the pizza arrives hot.

Whether it’s pizza delivery or transporting dangerous goods, our society has come to rely heavily on moving goods from point A to point B. From the customers’ perspective, unless that pizza shows up cold, they give little thought to how it arrives at the door. To the companies responsible for the transportation of goods, however, managing the vehicles and their drivers is no easy feat. It requires extensive planning and tracking to gauge productivity, lower operating costs, and minimize risks associated with vehicle investment, otherwise known as fleet management.

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1514 CLouD teCHnoLoGYLeADeRsHIP ReCePtIon

While no person can deny the many benefits businesses have reaped through digital technology, that doesn’t prevent many of us from opining about the frus-tration of keeping up with the next “big thing.” today, many are grappling with “cloud” technology. What is it? Where is it? should I be using it? the answer to the last question is a resounding yes, you are using it. Whether it’s watching the latest season of House of Cards on netflix or setting up a reminder in Google Calendar, any time you store or access data and programs over the internet, you’re using the cloud.

simply put, the cloud is a metaphor for the internet. this may be easier to under-stand when the cloud is compared to the traditional model of computing. You are not using cloud technology when you are storing data and using programs from the hard drive of your computer. In those instances, there is no need to access the internet to open a program or document; it is stored in a physical location that is nearby. From the solopreneur with a laptop to a large corporation with an in-house server, investing in, and managing, your own storage is the old-school model of computing and was absolutely necessary before the advent of the cloud.

one of the many benefits to cloud computing is that it can be done anywhere, any-time, on any device. Further, it levels the playing field for businesses of all sizes by providing equal access to powerful programs and data storage capacities that were once the exclusive domain of large companies with the finances to purchase them.

At the oakville Chamber’s recent lunch and learn on cloud technology, guest speaker, Matthew Kenny of PwC explained, “small companies can now access the same tools that large companies are using, with none of the up-front costs that would be part of the traditional model.” For many businesses, this means implementing software-as-a-service (saas), in which they subscribe to an ap-plication that is accessed over the internet. typically, all that’s needed is a credit card to set up monthly payments. this, said Matthew Kenny, offers the addition-al bonus of enabling businesses to try out a new program without a big invest-ment. Further, it enables them to scale the service up or down based on client demand – add a user when demand is high, subtract a user when demand is low.

Kenny described the plight of a toronto yoga studio that struggled to keep up with customer calls, which in turn was hurting business. the owner decided to subscribe to a cloud-based program that not only resolved her customer issues,

clOuD TechnOlOGyPResents An oPPoRtunItY FoR BusIness

but grew her business by 30%. And, the cost to her? A modest investment of $85 per month.

today, the cloud presents an unprecedented opportunity for small to medium-size businesses to pursue innovative solu-tions. What is most necessary is a willingness to explore that opportunity.

sMall cOMPanIes can nOw access The saMe TOOls ThaT larGe cOMPanIes are usInG. ”

“President and Ceo of Ford Motor Company, Dianne Craig, addressed the gathering of business leaders and government officials at the Chamber’s annual Leaders Reception which took place at Ford Motor Company Headquarters on the evening of March 5th. As in past years, the event successfully provided a unique opportunity for oakville’s key decision makers in business and government to connect in a relaxed environment.

oAKVILLe CHAMBeR Hosts 2015 leaDershIP recePTIOn

Dianne Craig, Ceo of Ford Motor Company of Canada and Jim Gray of Cn Rail

Glenda Lloyd of Cogeco Cable Canada

Pam Damoff, town Councillor Ward 2 and Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of sheridan.

Wendy Rinella of FCt and past chair of the oakville Chamber, Paul Goline of empire Communities, and Ishrani Henry of Integra tire and Director, oakville Chamber of Commerce.

1716 neW MeMBeRs neW MeMBeRs

a.B.M. canaDa Inc.Marela Kamericmkameric@abmcanadainc.comManufacturing

aerOsPOrTs TraMPOlIne ParksKate Kozubwww.aerosportsparks.caRecreation

BereskIn & Parr llPMatthew Graffwww.bereskinparr.comLaw Firm

zachary BernarDIZachbernardi1@gmail.comFinancial services

canaDIan BaskeTBall leaGuethomas smeenkthomas.smeenk@gmail.comRecreational

DOTy DesIGnKevin Dotywww.dotydesign.comMultimedia Design

eDukIck Inc.Joseph Bilottawww.edukick.comeducational-soccer

equIPMenT canaDaKaren Ferriswww.equipment-canada.caCleaning supplies

exclusIvely Buyers Inc.Michael Walshwww.exclusivelybuyers.caReal estate

hazel van Der werken cOnsulTInGHazel Van Der Werkenwww.makingchangehappen.netConsulting

hOrnBlOwer nIaGara cruIsesLee Carrwww.niagaracruises.comRecreational

hyPerPersuasIOn cOnsulTInG lTD.Rob Cuestawww.robcuesta.comMarketing Consulting

kenT cuMMInGs Insurance Inc.Kent Cummingsakentc@rogers.comInsurance

kerr vIllaGe hOuseted Westwww.kerrvillage.comRetail shop

lMI canaDa Inc.Wayne Fowlerwww.lmicanada.caBusiness Coaching

lOwell DOuGlas lIMITeDBarry Munhollandwww.ldlaudit.comFinancial services

MaDD canaDaRenata Cvitkovicrcvitkovic@madd.caCharity

OakvIlle DenTalJessie Grsicwww.oakvilledental.comDental office

OnTarIO DucT cleanInGKate Flynnwww.ontarioductcleaning.caDuct Cleaning

PalerMO OrThODOnTIcsPourang Rahimiwww.palermo-ortho.caorthodontics

Plan nexTHelene Pinardhelenecpinard@gmail.comInterior Design

PODGOrskI, Jerrywww.jpodgorski.comReal estate

rDa Inc. – My GeneraTIOn Insurancetravis Beemerwww.rdainsurance.comInsurance

reDaTa PerFOrMance cOnsulTInGGuy Pearcewww.redata.caData Analytics

sTePhen DurBIn & assOcIaTesCarole QuigleyCarole.quigley@icould.comLegal

True rOOTs cOunsellInG servIceKimberly Catokimberlycato@trueroots.orgCounselling

WelCoMe To The oakville ChaMber

new MeMBers: January - FeBruary

The clarITy cenTreFay Chapplewww.theclaritycentre.caYoga studio

The reDlanDs GrOuPDylan shortwww.redlandsgroup.comsafety, Health, Risk solutions

yakIDOOeric McHalewww.yakidoo.comData and Content Management

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1918 GoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACYGoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACY

could the Ontario retirement Pension Plan (OrPP) hurt Ontario’s businesses and the province’s economy?Advocating on behalf of our members is always a top priority for the oakville Chamber. to that end, recently the Chamber joined nearly 50 other Chambers across the Province in a joint submission to the provincial government outlining concerns with the proposed ontario Retirement Pension Plan (oRPP). In particular, we question whether the proposed plan is the most effective solution to assist those ontarians who need it the most while not burdening businesses with increased costs from the mandatory contributions under the oRPP.

the cost of doing business in ontario has been on the rise. over the past few years, ontario businesses have been subject to growing electricity rates, some of the highest Workplace safety and Insurance Board (WsIB) rates in the country, and an uncompetitive regulatory burden. With so few businesses able to absorb another added cost, the Chamber’s ask to the government is that a comprehensive and publicly available economic analysis of the new pension plan be conducted prior to its implementation. there are so many unanswered questions relating to the impact on job creation, ontario’s competitiveness and the consequences for employment and wages in the Province.

In fact, a recent ontario Chamber of Commerce (oCC) survey revealed that in response to the oRPP, 44 percent of businesses will reduce their current payroll or hire fewer employees in the future. And, only 25 percent of businesses believed that they could afford the costs associated with increased employer pension contributions. our concern rests with the other 75 percent of businesses who can’t afford these new costs.

Collectively, the Chambers are also raising the concern expressed by the business community that the oRPP as outlined will have serious consequences for the existing retirement savings landscape and savings in ontario. there are a number of employers that currently contribute to their employees’ retirement savings through a variety of plans, which include Defined Contribution (DC) plans, group Registered Retirement savings Plans (RRsP), Deferred Profit sharing Plans (DPsP) and Group tax Free savings Accounts (tFsA), among others. By considering these plans ``non-comparable”, businesses would be punished for already contributing to a strong retirement savings for many ontarians.

OnTarIO reTIreMenT PensIOn Plan HuRtInG ontARIo’s BusInesses?

As well as adding additional costs to businesses that already contribute to workplace retirement savings plans, the government would counteract the goal of increasing ontarian’s retirement savings. For example, these employers may choose to reduce the contributions in these plans to offset the new costs brought upon by the oRPP or alternatively cancel these plans altogether.

this potentially could erode the retirement income system in Canada by replacing private with public savings. It is for this reason that we are strongly urging the government to revise its definition of a “comparable” workplace pension plan to include other workplace retirement savings plans.

together, until we and our members have a clear understanding of how the oRPP will impact ontario`s business climate and the broader economy, we will continue to press the government to conduct an economic analysis before moving ahead with the implementation of the new pension plan.

on behalf of its members and the business community, the oakville Chamber advocates on issues that matter most to you. We always appreciate hearing from you, and if you have any policy questions or concerns regarding pension reform, the oRPP or any other issues please don`t hesitate to contact us.

a recent Ontario chamber of commerce (Occ) survey revealed that, in response to the OrPP, 44 percent of businesses will reduce their current payroll or hire fewer employees in the future. and, only 25 percent of businesses believed that they could afford the costs associated with increased employer pension contributions.

By Faye lyOns VICe-PResIDent GoVeRnMent ReLAtIons & ADVoCACY

21 20 seen on tHe sCene seen on tHe sCene

lunch & learn On clOuD TechnOlOGyGuest speaker, Matthew Kenny of PwC, addresses the oakville Chamber crowd

FeBruary GOOD MOrnInG OakvIlleGeoff presents a prize to Ali

rOunDTaBle On u.s. TraDeKerry Colborne with Vinani thummalapally, executive Director, selectusA, u.s. Department of Commerce and Philip Davidovits, Chair of the Board, AmCham Halton

January BusIness aFTer hOurs syd, Hema, Maggie, Ron, and Jamie at Film.ca

FeBruary BusIness aFTer hOursshane, Michelle, Jonathan, and Mike at Boston Pizza Dorval Drive

January GOOD MOrnInG OakvIlleChamber members Peter and Joe

yPeG BusIness sOcIal aT eurO-lIne aPPlIances

extreme Bean founders Matt & steve entertain guests

Left to right: Chamber President John sawyer, oakville MP terence Young, Federal Minister of International trade ed Fast, and Chamber Chair Kerry Colborne.

YPeG committee member Dave Hannaberg (centre) with two guests

luncheOn wITh MInIsTer OF InTernaTIOnal TraDeed Fast Canada’s Minister of International trade described how financial stability, low business costs, and a highly skilled and educated workforce have made Canada a top investment destination. Citing the Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP), he explained the federal government’s mission to support the pursuit of commercial success by Canadian companies and investors in key foreign markets.

22 22 PResIDent’s MessAGe

During an interview with a reporter at our 2014 Chair’s Dinner, guest speaker and CBC news broadcaster, Peter Mansbridge said that the oakville Chamber is “trying to encourage the ability for all businesses to do well. that’s why it’s become such a powerful chamber.” When I read this quote in the oakville Beaver’s coverage of the event, I thought to myself: He gets it. this simple yet powerful statement is at the core of everything we do. And, of all the initiatives we lead on behalf of our members, advocacy is among the most important.

We work hard to stay on top of the issues that matter to local businesses by keeping a finger on the pulse of the broader political and business environment. essential to this is our ability to build and sustain productive non-partisan relationships with all levels of government. In addition, we truly value the input of our members, from solopreneurs to corporations. the union of these two factors creates opportunities for constructive dialogue.

our Vice-President of Government Relations and Advocacy, Faye Lyons, works tirelessly on behalf of our members to keep that

conversation going. At the municipal level, this is particularly important when one considers the results of the 2015 town of oakville Citizen survey. the top priority cited by respondents with regard to governing and managing in oakville was “ensuring open, transparent, and accountable government.” the chamber helps achieve this vision by continually engaging representatives of the town of oakville.

equally important are the non-partisan ties we build with the provincial and federal government. A recent example of the power to influence policy can be read about in this issue’s Government Relations & Advocacy article. In it, Faye describes the actions we have undertaken, alongside the ontario Chamber of Commerce, to address concerns over the proposed changes to the ontario Retirement Pension Plan. the collective voice of all ontario chambers (or in the case of federal policy, Canada-wide chambers) is yet another powerful way in which we advocate for business.

the oakville Chamber’s Government Relations and Advocacy committee plays an integral role in helping determine hot-button issues and how to act on them. It is made up of 20 professionals (including Chamber staff) that represent a cross-section of oakville industry and professional experience. they are truly committed to creating an economic environment where oakville businesses can thrive.

the fruits of our advocacy efforts are not always obvious to all our membership, as much of the work is done behind-the-scenes. But, like Peter Mansbridge, I hope you get it. that our motivation is singular: “to encourage the ability for all businesses to do well.” Pr

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Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. saveonenergy is funded by the Independent Electricity System Operator and offered by Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. OMOf� cial Mark adopted and used by the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence.

If you’re a small business owner you can access up to $1,500 in lighting upgrades, including all equipment and labour, at no cost to you. Over 2,000 of our customers have already taken advantage of this program.

Our team of Certi� ed Energy Managers are ready to help you start saving today. Contact us at retro� t@oakvillehydro.com to learn how to get started or visit oakvillehydro.com to learn more about our business programs.

We will pay up to 50% of your energy retro� t project costs.Over 250 Oakville businesses have received more than $2.3 million in saveONenergy incentives to reduce their energy costs.

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