WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012

100 w i s d o m w o r t h s h a r i n gWOrtH kNOWING

Event Guide

march 28 and march 29, 2012

Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre, Markham

for CEoS, PrESidEnTS and ownErS of onTario’S LEading growTH firMS

100 WOrtH kNOWING

table of Contents

Minister’s Message 1

Speakers 2

Moderator 5

Panellists 6

Concurrent workshops 7

fast-tracking Effective Partnerships 7

Social Media and the Bottom Line 8

Strategies for raising Capital and Securing financing 10

Hr Strategies 12

Program details obc

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012

1

i am very pleased to welcome you to the Ministry of Economic development and innovation’s wisdom Exchange 2012.

This program serves as a proven resource for CEos, Presidents and owners of ontario’s Leading growth firms, providing a forum for business leaders to discuss key issues, share strategies and best practices.

Changing business conditions, both in north america and around the world, continue to impact ontario. However, what remains a constant is the resilience, ingenuity and dedication of our province’s business leaders. where others view global events and see only daunting challenges, ontario entrepreneurs continue to look forward in pursuit of their next opportunity. with this, small and medium enterprises continue to provide both the foundation of the provincial economy and a path for the future.

The government of ontario aims to support the efforts of firms to innovate, expand, export and grow. The wisdom Exchange is an example of the ministry’s commitment to provide ontario’s business leaders with the tools to assist in meeting dynamic challenges and to seize the potential ahead.

The goal is to provide access to decision-makers and offer an opportunity to network with peers and leverage their experiences to help develop your business. Together, we will continue to build a strong and prosperous ontario.

i would like to thank you, on behalf of the Province of ontario, for all of your hard work in building your companies.

Brad duguid

Minister

welcomea message from ontario’s minister of Economic

development and innovation

2

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012S P E A K E R S

douglas reid has taught strategy and implementation in all Queen’s School of Business programs, including initiating the first teaching and learning Ph.d. course.

douglas is one of the highest-rated instructors in strategy planning, implementation, and leadership at Queen’s. Specializing in strategic planning with boards and senior management, and in building organizational resilience, he currently delivers courses or consults to corporate and government executives in Canada, the US, Europe, africa and the Middle East.

His research focuses on understanding how busy executives learn, especially using education to accelerate the formation of professional judgment. He is researching a book on the effects of measurement within organizations.

Before joining Queen’s, douglas was vice-president of an international consulting company, and has worked in government for a former ontario Premier and as Chief of Staff to a provincial Cabinet Minister. He has also served on two corporate and one Crown agency boards.

Forum and discussion

dr. douglas reidassociate ProfessorQueen’s University School of Business

3

100 WOrtH kNOWING

S P E A K E R S

robert J. deluce is one of Canada’s most knowledgeable and respected airline owners and operators.

robert brings to the industry over 50 years of deluce family experience in successfully owning, financing, restructuring, operating and managing a number of regional airlines in Canada.

His involvement in the aviation industry includes white river air Services, norontair, austin airways, air Creebec, air ontario, air Manitoba, air alliance and Canada 3000 airlines.

He has been President of deluce Capital Corp. since 1987, and is currently President and CEo of both Porter aviation Holdings inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Porter airlines inc.

networking reception and dinner

robert J. delucePresident and Chief Executive Officer Porter airlines inc.

Keynote speaker

4

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012S P E A K E R S

dani reiss has Canada goose in his dna.

for three generations, dani’s family has owned and operated Canada goose, a Canadian manufacturer of the world’s best and warmest parkas and extreme outerwear. Under dani’s guidance, Canada goose has developed into one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. a vocal advocate of “Made in Canada,” dani has earned a reputation for his ongoing commitment to authenticity by refusing to move the company’s production outside of Canada’s borders.

dani not only understands the needs and challenges of outerwear manufacturing, he excels at strong brand management. His passion and commitment to developing superior quality, and authentic and functional products has truly made Canada goose an iconic brand. His strategic approach to marketing has earned Canada goose a strong hold in the north american, European and asian marketplaces, beyond scientists, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. in fact, Canada goose has become a staple in contemporary fashion, as fashion and lifestyle retailers answer the call of consumers who seek strong, authentic, heritage brands that refuse to compromise.

Besides serving as President and CEo of Canada goose, where he has worked in every department of the Toronto-based factory—including the down-filling, linings and assembly departments—dani is Chairman of Polar Bears international, a director of the down association of Canada, Canada’s 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, a member of YPo (Young Presidents’ organization), recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2008 and is on the advisory board of Queen’s School of Business Centre for responsible Leadership.

Plenary session

dani reissPresident and CEoCanada goose

5

100 WOrtH kNOWING

Tom Clark is global national news’ chief political correspondent and hosts global Television’s weekly political program The West Block with Tom Clark, which discusses issues Canadians want to hear about the future of their country.

Tom has covered every federal election campaign since 1974, as well as numerous provincial campaigns. He has interviewed nearly every Prime Minister since Pierre Trudeau and secured Canada’s first televised interview with a sitting U.S. President in over 30 years.

Tom has reported from five war zones, most notably from Southern iraq in 2003. Prior to his “tour” there, he was the only Canadian reporter in Belgrade during the Yugoslav war. He also did two coverage tours in the Persian gulf war, as well as two tours of duty in Bosnia. in the early 1980s, he was the Bureau Chief in CTV’s Beijing bureau in China.

moderator

tom ClarkChief Political Correspondent global national news

6

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012P A N E L L I S T S

in the current volatile global environment, understanding the influence of world events on the economies of Canada and Ontario is critical information for SME leaders.

growth rate estimates, future financing prospects, government policy, the fiscal health of the United States and our other major trading partners are only a few of the key issues shaping business conditions today.

The wisdom Exchange has gathered five prominent economists to bring their perspectives and opinions of what business can expect for the year ahead and near future.

after a discussion moderated by Tom Clark of Global National News, the panel will be available for questions from the audience.

Economist Panel

derek BurletonVice-President & deputy Chief EconomistTd Bank group

Benjamin taldeputy Chief Economist, CiBC world Markets inc.

Peter hallVice-President and Chief Economist Export development Canada

robert hogueSenior EconomistrBC

warren JestinSenior Vice-President and Chief EconomistScotiabank group

7

100 WOrtH kNOWING

C O N C U R R E N T W O R K S H O P S

Fast-tracking Effective Partnerships

Business partnerships can be a fast and powerful way to grow the capabilities and reach of a company, expand its access to capital and market share, and increase its flexibility while reducing risk. However, partnerships can also be complex and require a strategy to address broader issues if different organizations are to collaborate in a way that meets individual and shared objectives. Share and discuss winning strategies for building effective partnerships that benefit all parties.

Christopher Comeau is the founder and Practice Leader of the catalysis3 team and the Collaborative Transformation (CT) methodology at the intersol group.

CT is a field-proven approach to engage small to large numbers of diverse stakeholders so that they may arrive at a collaborative solution and accelerate business results. Christopher and his team work with leading strategic consultants, facilitators and trainers with over 20 years in the marketplace who collectively have delivered over 5000 projects in both the public and private sectors.

Christopher is a new Brunswick-born acadian with over 30 years’ experience in strategic planning, change management, collaborative solutions, complex problem solving, facilitation and international marketing. Christopher and the CT team work in both official languages in a variety of sectors including Health, Environment, finance, information Technology, Higher Education, research, Hydro & Telecom Utilities, Transportation, agriculture, defence and aerospace.

Chris Comeaufounder and Practice Leader catalysis³

Presenter

8

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012

Social media has become an essential way for companies to connect and communicate with customers. But for traditional manufacturers, the potential benefits of using social media may seem less clear. This workshop will demonstrate the importance of an effective internet presence, search engine optimization, and show how companies in many sectors are benefiting from increased communication and interaction with customers, markets and suppliers via social media.

C O N C U R R E N T W O R K S H O P S

social media and the Bottom Line

an online advertising and start-up veteran with over two decades of experience, derrick has led marketing communications for over a half-dozen start-ups, headed up The Globe and Mail’s first Internet division, and taken many of the Fortune 500 online for their very first time.

as one of the original co-founders of the interactive advertising Bureau of Canada, www.iabcanada.com, derrick has been using email before it became mainstream and netscape iPo’d. at BMir, derrick leads business development, focusing on digital marketing solutions. His current clients include The altus group, Toronto financial Services alliance (TfSa), Health Quality ontario, Cancer Care ontario, Toronto-dominion Centre, and of course The Ministry of Economic development & innovation (MEdi).

follow derrick on Twitter @derrickcho, friend him on facebook, www.facebook.com/derrick.cho or connect with him on Linkedin, http://ca.linkedin.com/in/clangclang.

derrick Cho Vice-President, Business development Bryan Mills iradesso (BMir)

workshop moderator

9

100 WOrtH kNOWING

Jeff Quipp is the founder and CEo of Search Engine People inc. (SEP), Canada’s largest search and social media marketing firm. SEP has been the recipient of Profit Magazine’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada awards in 2009, 2010, and 2011, a feat Jeff claims is the result of practicing the key tenets of social media marketing.

Jeff is a frequent speaker at various internet marketing conferences worldwide, and is widely recognized as one of the pre-eminent authorities on search and social media marketing. He has an MBa and an undergraduate degree in economics.

Spencer is a sought-after digital media consultant and the President of The Juice agency inc. Spencer has a rare blend of expertise that includes years as a designer and programmer, a project manager, creative director and finally as a consultant.

Spencer holds a Bachelor of fine arts (Bfa) in new Media from ryerson University (2001) as well as a Masters of design (M. des) in Strategic foresight and innovation from oCad University (2011). Spencer’s Master’s thesis, The Future of Connection: Serendipity and Control in a Networked World, examines the fundamental tensions in interpersonal communication technology from an end-user perspective and posits potential futures that may lie ahead.

Jeff Quippfounder and CEoSearch Engine People inc.

spencer saundersPresidentThe Juice agency inc.

Presenter

Presenter

10

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012C O N C U R R E N T W O R K S H O P S

strategies for raising Capital and securing FinancingCapital to finance operations and growth is essential for businesses. However, with traditional lenders limiting their risk exposure, increased global economic uncertainty and rising debt, accessing capital is becoming more and more difficult. Share and discuss the strategies that are being used by innovative SMEs to finance and capitalize on unique opportunities in today’s economy.

Mr. wilkes is an active angel investor, who helps high-growth potential businesses accelerate growth in traditional and technology sectors – including software/transaction processing, clean technologies, biomaterials, warehouse automation, water technologies and financial services. He has a personal passion to help grow globally oriented businesses internationally.

Mr. wilkes is a partner in Management initiatives inc., a business advisory and investment firm located in Toronto, ontario, where he invests, mentors, raises capital and advises business owners and investment funds.

Mr. wilkes is also the volunteer co-Chair and a founding member of the national angel Capital organization (naCo), and past-Chairman of the naCo Public Policy Committee. He is active on numerous boards of directors with private and public businesses, and volunteer organizations (naCo, the Centre for Commercialization and the Venture Lab).

Mr. wilkes holds an MBa from the ivey School of Business (1998 dean’s Honours List), a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and a Chartered accountant designation. He is an active long distance runner, having completed numerous half and nine full marathons – including the Boston Marathon three times. in 2010, he completed his second Boston Marathon with his daughter, hand in hand – a great family achievement!

andrew wilkes Partner, Management initiatives inc. and Co-chair, national angel Capital Corporation (naCo)

workshop moderator

11

100 WOrtH kNOWING

John Marshall is serving as the President and CEo of the ontario Capital growth Corporation (oCgf), the agency overseeing the $250 million ontario Emerging Technologies fund (oETf) and manages ontario’s limited partnership interests in the $205 million ontario Venture Capital fund (oVCf). John has served in that role since the agency’s establishment in february 2009.

Since launching the oETf, oCgC has been one of the most active investors in Canada – committing $53.6 million through 32 investments.

in addition to working at oCgC, John has led a range of venture capital policy and program development work at Mri, as well as leading the ministry’s international, business development and marketing activities. John has served in the public service for almost 25 years.

Mark began his career in 1988 at royal Bank and has worked in a number of commercial banking roles.

Mark was then recruited by Cisco Systems in 2000 to join Cisco Capital’s structured finance team in Toronto, where he financed the sales of Cisco equipment and services to sub-investment grade customers in Canada and the U.S. East Coast. Mark returned to royal Bank in 2001 to lead the bank’s information Technology Banking team in the greater Toronto area. in Mark’s last role at rBC, he was the executive responsible for rBC’s entire Knowledge Based industries practice in the ontario marketplace in addition to the Toronto Tech Banking group. Mark joined wellington as a Partner in the summer of 2006. while at wellington, Mark has led over $95 million in transactions with 17 different companies. Mark has his MBa from Queen’s University and is involved in a number of technology associations and organizations across north america.

John marshallPresident and CEoontario Capital growth Corporation

mark UsherPartnerwellington financial LP

Presenter

Presenter

12

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012C O N C U R R E N T W O R K S H O P S

hr strategies

Jill is responsible for driving market awareness and client development for Knightsbridge’s Leadership Solution Practice.

Previously, she worked at Sheridan College in oakville, where she was the Vice- President, Business development. in that role, Jill was responsible for a $40 million business unit which included marketing communications, government relations, corporate training, continuing education, fundraising, and applied research.

Prior to joining Sheridan, Jill was associate director, in-Company development, international Training and Partnerships for the Schulich School of Business at York University, where she was responsible for building Schulich’s leadership practice. She has worked with a wide variety of clients in high-tech, health, energy, public sector, manufacturing and telecommunications.

Jill has also held VP level roles in some of Canada’s top trade associations including the Canadian Marketing association, retail Council of Canada and the Canadian association of Broadcasters.

Jill received her M.a. from the University of Toronto where she researched how Chief Executive officers learn to lead and learn to learn. She is currently a Ph.d. candidate with griffith University, australia, where she is researching relational leadership processes. Jill is a frequent speaker on leadership and management development, sponsorship and marketing communications.

Jill BirchPrincipal and national Capability Lead, Market developmentKnightsbridge Human Capital Solutions

as the economy stabilizes, companies that continue to delay critical hiring decisions are potentially limiting their growth. a solid human resources strategy can serve as a foundation for tackling this issue and support corporate innovation plans. Learn how to build comprehensive Hr strategies that help you deal with demographic changes, increased competition for talent and a new generation of workers with a unique set of values, needs and expectations of an employer.

workshop moderator

13

alex rodov is the founder and CEo of Qa Consultants, north america’s largest software testing and quality assurance company.

alex is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker on industry best practices, Qa standards and iT governance. alex has spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative Qa strategies and methodologies for a variety of industry leaders including nike, BMo, Citigroup, the ontario government, Manulife, the government of Canada, air Canada, and Bell. Previously, he managed BearingPoint’s north american Qa Practice. alex will be publishing a book on testing developments and trends – “Testing: a-Z” – in 2012.

alex rodovfounder and CEo Qa Consultants

100 WOrtH kNOWING

Presenter

Bill Greenhalgh was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Human Resources Professionals association (HrPa), Canada’s leading association for human resource professionals, in april 2006.

His previous positions include President of The globe and Mail, CEo of Thomson’s western Canada newspaper group, President of Cinram international, and Coo of Shred it international, as well as various line and staff positions in general Management, operations, Marketing and finance with nortel networks.

He is Secretary of the Board for HrPa; a member of the Boards of the north american Human resources associations (naHrMa), the Human resources research institute (Hrri) and The Scarborough Hospital; a member of the Champions Council of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care association; and a past member of the Boards of the Toronto Symphony, the Commonwealth games Club and the Canadian foundation for the Preservation of Chinese Cultural Treasures.

william greenhalghChief Executive officerHuman resources Professionals association

Presenter

wisdom Exchange 2012 hilton suites, markham

wednesday, march 28

3:00 p.m. registration opens

4:20 p.m. Forum and discussion with dr. douglas reid associate Professor, Queen’s University School of Business

5:30 p.m. opening reception and dinner

6:45 p.m. welcome remarks

8:15 p.m. Keynote speaker featuring robert J. deluce President and Chief Executive officer Porter airlines inc.

Thursday, march 29

7:00 a.m. registration (Breakfast provided)

8:00 a.m. Four Concurrent workshops • Fast-tracking Effective Partnerships • social media and the Bottom Line • strategies for raising Capital and securing Financing • hr strategies

10:00 a.m. workshop summary by moderators

10:30 a.m. Economist Panel Moderated by tom Clark Chief Political Correspondent, global national news derek Burleton Vice-President & deputy Chief Economist, Td Bank group Peter hall Vice-President and Chief Economist, Export development Canada robert hogue Senior Economist, rBC warren Jestin Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, Scotiabank group Benjamin tal deputy Chief Economist, CiBC world Markets inc.

12:00 p.m. Plenary session featuring dani reiss President and CEo, Canada goose

1:00 p.m. Event summation and networking Lunch

WISDOMEXCHANGE

2012P R O G R A M D E T A I L S