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WORKING FOR YOU
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Mark Your Calendar Chamber Directors
Business After Hours Wed., February 15, 2012 5:30-7:30pm Location: Cheer On! Inc. Address: 820 Gartshore - Unit 25, Fergus Owners: Kimberly Lees, Cyndi Guthrie
Networking Breakfast
Michael Weinstein
Janet Harrop
President
1st Vice President
Nardo Kuitert
nd
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Vice President
Wed., February 29, 2012 7:30-9:00am Topic: Networking Speaker: Margaret Pennyfather, Marketing Network Associates Location: Van Gali‟s Café in Fergus
Business After Hours Wed., March 21, 2012 5:30-7:30pm Location: Sew Original Address: 93 Woolwich Street W. – Unit 1, Elora Host: Ellen Wilson
Networking Breakfast Wed., March 28, 2012 7:30-9:00am Topic: Employer Services Speaker: Northern Lights Canada Location: Lighthouse Restaurant
Networking Breakfast Wed., April 25, 2012 7:30-9:00am Topic: The who, how, and what of the Grand River Raceway Speaker: Dr. Ted Clarke Location: Lighthouse Restaurant
Paul Walker
Garth Green
Barney Tracy
Secretary Treasurer
Past President
Director
Aileen Hawkins
Lynne Bard
Don Cubbidge
Director
Director
Director
Chamber Staff
Awards of Excellence Wed., April 26, 2012 5:30-10:00pm Theme: „Centre Wellington – Oh the places we will go!‟ Location: CW Community Sportsplex, Fergus
Roberta Scarrow
Heather Andrews
General Manager
Membership & Administration
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CONTENTS CWCC Board of Directors and Staff ...................................... 3 Member-to-Member Program ................................................ 5 Presidents Piece ……………………....................................... 6 CANADA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING PROGRAM ....... 8 Welcomes & Renewals .......................................................... 9 Pictures of Chamber Events & Participations ........................ 13 Member Article: UP THE ANTE WITH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ……………......................... 15 Member Profile ...................................................................... 16 FOCUS ON YOUR VISION ................................................... 17 Member Article: TIPS FOR STAYING OUR OF TROUBLE WHEN SENDING E-MAIL MESSAGES ...... 18 Business News ...................................................................... 19 Member Article: HOW TO USE A MARKETING PLANNER .. 20 Member Discounts ................................................................ 21 Member Article: COMPLYING WITH AODA‟S FIRST COMPLIANCE STANDARD........................ 22 Member Article: LIFE INSURANCE FOR RETIREMENT INCOME? HOW DOES THAT WORK? …... 23
MISSION STATEMENT The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce is a memberdriven organization that: Serves as a catalyst for business growth through networking and educational opportunities. Acts as an information resource for local business. Promotes local business, the community and the Chamber. We are a volunteer organization supported by over 350 local business and professional people such as yourself.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:
Heather Andrews PHOTOGRAPHY:
Bill Longshaw, Heather Andrews, Roberta Scarrow ADVERTISING AND SALES:
Nardo Kuitert, Chair of Communications Committee 519-787-7612 | Advertising@cwchamber.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Michael Weinstein, Nardo Kuitert CONTRIBUTORS:
Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:
Roberta Scarrow – TheFocus@cwchamber.ca SUBMISSION POLICY:
Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or email c/o Editor – The Focus. Please do not send originals. Contributors are welcome to include a head shot and a 40 word author‟s bio. If not received, we will use author‟s name, business name and contact information as a credit line. FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS
Heather Andrews – TheFocus@cwchamber.ca PUBLICATION OF:
Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce 400 Tower Street South Fergus, Ontario N1M 2P7 The Focus is a periodical membership benefit publication of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. Copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
Front Cover – PHOTO BY BILL LONGSHAW PG. 13 – PICTURES OF CHAMBER EVENTS in order from left to right:
The Great Wall, Chamber China Trip – October 2011 Chamber Christmas Party – December 2011 Networking Breakfast – November 2011 Bronze Vat, Chamber China Trip – October 2011 PG. 14 – PICTURES OF CHAMBER EVENTS & PARTICIPATIONS in order from left to right:
Your participation in the Chamber helps make Centre Wellington a more rewarding place to live, work and play.
Halloween at the Chamber office – October 2011 Small Business Networking Breakfast – October 2011 Portraits of Honour National Tour – December 2011 Chamber Group, Trip to China – October 2011 Remembrance Day Ceremony – November 2011 Goderich Tornado Relief – November 2011 FERA Gift of Choice Launch – November 2011 Business After Hours at Stonehurst B&B – November 2011
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Elora Christmas Parade – November 2011 Ribbon Cutting, Fancy That Cake – November 2011
MARKET YOUR BUSINESS BY STARTING YOUR OWN MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT One of the things the Chamber encourages is members doing business with fellow Chamber members - Introduce your products and services to over 360 companies who are fellow Centre Wellington Chamber members! This voluntary program not only links you to new customers and helps you to save money, but it also allows you the opportunity to support fellow businesses while promoting your own products and services, at NO COST. These discounts are extended to all employees of businesses that are CW Chamber members. Here is a great way to take advantage of this opportunity: Participating businesses provide discounts or other benefits for their products and/or services. For example, some businesses may choose to provide a 10% discount, a one year warranty with purchase, a $10 gift card with purchase of $100, etc. These are special offers that are available only to Centre Wellington Chamber members that are in good standing. Interested in participating in our Member-to-Member (M2M) program? Contact us at the Chamber for more information on how to get started. We look forward to hearing from you! Please note: the M2M Discount is separate from the national and provincial discount programs also offered as a benefit of Chamber membership. Offers are only effective at those businesses listed, if you are a Centre Wellington Chamber Member. The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the nature or application of any discount by a member business participating in the member to member program. The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to decline a Member-to-Member discount.
ARE YOU PART OF THE CHOICE PROGRAM?
GIFT OF
Looking for a way to REWARD or AWARD your staff members? A special way to celebrate Valentine‟s Day, a birthday, anniversary or other SPECIAL OCCASSION? Want to promote shopping local? Then the FERA GIFT OF CHOICE cheque is your answer! Since the launch of the GIFT OF CHOICE program in November 2011 we have over 100 Participating Merchants signed up! Over $10,000 worth of Gift Cheques have been purchased – so if you haven‟t seen one yet, you probably will soon! Drop by the Chamber of Commerce office or either of the Information Centres and purchase your GIFT OF CHOICE cheques to use around town for your regular purchases! This is an ongoing program so you are invited to sign up as a Participating Merchant. If you receive a GIFT OF CHOICE cheque, you can treat it like cash (as you would a Travellers‟ Cheque) give change and deposit with your regular banking. These cheques are in denominations of $10 or $25 only and are PRE-PAID. Once you sign up as a PARTICIPATING MERCHANT you‟ll get a Training Guide for your staff that note all of the special security features of the cheque, be listed on the FERA webpage For more information, visit www.cwchamber.ca The Focus Autumn 2011 |5
PRESIDENT'S PIECE The New Year always brings up the topic of resolutions. The New Year provides a chance to look forward to new projects and hopefully closing off any nagging projects that just didn't quite get completed last year. At the chamber, we have some exciting projects to which we are looking forward. This is the 2nd edition of our online magazine. We had positive feedback from Edition # 1 and we will continue to produce this "e-zine" for our members. If you can contribute in the form of written articles, please contact us to discuss the details. The most visible Chamber project for 2012 will be the installation of a new electronic sign at the Chamber office. Not only will this sign provide us with a great communication tool to promote Chamber programs and projects, it will also be available to members and nonmembers for local message delivery. We are optimistic that the sign will be installed and operational by February 1st, 2012. Elsewhere, preliminary plans are in place for a repeat of our very successful China Trip. Details will be released shortly as they are still being worked out. Feedback from travelers on the trip last fall has been very positive. We have taken the comments and are looking at ways to incorporate the feedback to make it even better than last year. The target travel window is mid-late September. Start talking to your friends and businesses associates, and see if 2012 is the year for China. As with last year, if there is adequate interest from the business community, our tour operator will co-ordinate a business reception with Chinese business people for those who may wish to explore opportunities in China. Of course plans for the annual Awards of Excellence are well underway. As an insider tip for you regarding this year's theme, I can ask you to think of "all the places you can go!". No awards program is complete without award winners. We can't have winners without nominations so we are happy to announce that nominations are open and documents are available online at our website (www.cwchamber.ca) as well as at the chamber office. We have taken steps to simplify the nomination process this year. If you know a local business, business person or outstanding community-minded individual, please nominate them for an award.
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So what do you have in mind for YOUR business? Is this the year for expansion? Do you have any new projects in mind? Perhaps there are new products or services that you plan to introduce. Will you be moving to new premises? Will you be scaling back as your business changes? Are staffing changes in the works? Whatever your business plans for 2012, please keep the chamber in mind. We will continue to offer networking and educational opportunities. If there is something you would find beneficial, please let us know. We firmly believe that membership with the Chamber has value - but you need to reach out and grab it. Whether the value comes in the form of healthcare benefits, credit/debit card merchant services discounts, educational services or networking, we encourage you to take advantage of them. Membership in a chamber of commerce is the right thing to do for all businesses. A strong chamber can work to help create a better climate for business in the community. Membership locally also provides access to both the Ontario AND Canadian Chambers of Commerce. If you really want to get involved with the business community, why not make 2012 the year to join us on the Board of Directors? Acting as a Director is a volunteer position that is a lot of fun and the chamber benefits from your particular area of expertise - regardless of what it may be! So our resolution for 2012 is to continue to provide good value and new opportunities for our members. What's yours? Keep sending us your announcements, accomplishments and milestones! Michael Weinstein President Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL “Since joining the Chamber I have met a great group of people who I have learned a lot of invaluable information from that I would never have learned otherwise� Allan Teal, Owner of AL-DO-IT.
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CANADA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING PROGRAM Small businesses are an important part of Canadaâ€&#x;s economy, but they face unique challenges when seeking financing. The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to obtain loans from financial institutions by sharing the risks with lenders. Eligibility Small businesses operating for profit in Canada with gross annual revenues of $5 million or less. Farming businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or charitable and religious organizations are not eligible under this program. Loans can be used to finance up to 90 percent of the cost of purchasing or improving land, real property or immovables; purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property; or purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Amount of Financing Up to a maximum of $500 000 for any one business, of which no more than $350 000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Interest Rate The interest rate is determined by the financial institution. The following two options are available: Variable rate: The maximum chargeable is the lenderâ€&#x;s prime lending rate plus 3 percent. Fixed Rate: The maximum chargeable is the lenderâ€&#x;s single family residential mortgage rate for the term of the loan plus 3 percent. How to apply for a loan Financial institutions deliver the program and make all credit decisions. Small businesses must visit their local bank, credit union or Caisse populaire to obtain a loan under the program. For more information on the Canada Small Business Financing Program Tel. (toll free): 866-959-1699 Fax: 613-952-0290 Email: CSBFP-PFPEC@ic.gc.ca Website: www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp
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THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS 2B in Trains Aquarius Water Treatment Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club B & R Nassagaweya Trucking Badges Etc BCR8IV Country Spa Beauty Crest Hairstyling Bert & Marlene Smith Bert's Service Centre Black & White Restaurant Blue Pine Janitorial Service Inc. Breadalbane Inn and Spa Bush Enterprise (a division of Menergy Geothermal Inc.) C.G.C. Inc. (Glomar Technologies) Centre Wellington Hydro Collins Barrow Wellington-Dufferin Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington Cox Creek Cellars Inc. Cunningham Vacuum Sales & Service CVR Machining Inc. Dan Allen Financial Inc. Dixon Home Hardware Building Centre
Dr. Maura McKeown & Associates Dr. Nancy Hopfner Dreisinger Funeral Home Ltd. D's Sports Bar & Grill Ecclestone Financial Group Inc. Edge Realty Solutions Elora Environment Centre Elora Racquets & Fitness Elora Tours Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates-Elora
Family Practice Associates of Elora Fergus Educational Services Fergus Golf Club Fergus Home Hardware Fergus Monuments Fergus Scottish Corner Shop Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games Fergus Truck Show Fergus Welding and Machine Shop Ltd. Gibson Welding o/a 425242 Ontario Inc.
Goofie Newfie Inc., The Gorge Country Kitchen, The Grand River Agricultural Society Grand River Booster Magazine Grant & Acheson LLP GRCA - Elora Gorge Park Gregory Oakes – Lawyer Groves Memorial Community Hospital
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS CEDAR SPRING NURSERY LTD. Locally owned and operated nursery business. Contact Jon Jeffries, President 0352 South River Road Elora ON N0B 1S0 519-846-0048 EPIPHANY Elora's fun and affordable fashion boutique offers trendy, beautiful clothing and accessories that can't be found anywhere else. Looking for that unique dress or top for a special occasion? Come see our wonderful selection. Contact Laura Demers, Owner 36 Mill Street West, P.O. Box 514 Elora ON N0B 1S0 519-846-2577 HANLON PARK MINI STORAGE Self storage business providing heated/unheated rooms, containers and/or outdoor space. Contact Mario Cotroneo, President 56 Kirkby Court Guelph ON N1G 5E1 519-780-0835 mario@mar-cot.ca www.hanlonparkministorage.com MCELWAIN CURLING SUPPLIES Located at the Elora Curling Club, McElwain Curling Supplies is open to all curlers. We carry a full product line from all major curling equipment suppliers including ASHAM, BalancePlus, Goldline, Olsen, Performance, Stabilizer, Tournament, Ultima and more. We also offer services such as toe coating and video delivery ananlysis. We would be happy to order sizes or products we don‟t have in stock. Delivery is usually within 3 business days. Our prices are always at least 10% below MSRP with frequent opportunity buys at or below cost. We can usually provide higher discounts for team orders. Contact Kirk McElwain, Owner Elora Curling Club, 27 David Street W., Elora kirkmc@hsfx.ca www.eloracurling.com LOVETT SIGNS & NEON INC. Manufacture and supply signage. Contact Jamie Young, Controller 525 Southgate - Unit 3 Guelph ON N1G 3W6 519-822-9885 accounting@lovettsigns.com www.lovettsigns.com
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS SHOE VILLA Family shoe store. Contact Jane Lillie, Owner 1-54 Wellington Road 7 Elora ON N0B 1S0 519-846-7463 shoe_villa@hotmail.ca
CURVES FERGUS Curves is the world‟s largest fitness franchise. This success comes from the research and innovation that has been put into developing effective programs that work. In just 30 minutes, the circuit gives you a complete cardio and strength training workout using resistance machines that work every major muscle group. CurvesSmart is a state-of-the-art personal coaching system which is programmed with your body‟s information to give feedback and keep you challenged to achieve your potential on every machine. Curves Complete is the new weight-loss plan that has it all, so you can lose it all! Diet, exercise, and motivation -all in one plan and at one place. Start your success story today! Contact Marlene Morris, Owner/Manager 105 Queen Street West - Unit 11 Fergus ON N1M 1S6 519-787-8555 curves@cogeco.net www.curves.com COMPLETE HOME SERVICE – MCELROY ENTERPRISES Complete Home Service is a general contractor with a wider scope that home building. Our goal is to fit in that special space between the home builder and the home owner at their home or cottage. Our team manages residential additions and renovations, kitchens, basements and bathrooms, windows and painting, repairs including plumbing, HVAC and electrical, walls, flooring and roofing, decks and fences; just about anything you need. Our scope includes minor help to major work inside and outside. Call us to come and have a look at what needs to be done to get those projects completed. Contact Jim McElroy Elora ON N0B1S0 Cell: 519-835-4997 Jimmcelroy.mychoices@gmail.com www.mcelroy.mychoices.biz
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THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS Guelph Lakes Golf & Country Club Herbal One Weight Management Highland Pines Campground & RV Sales HJM Insurance & Financial Services Ltd.
Holyoake Pump Sales & Service Ltd. Holywell Holsteins Hutten Collision Centre Jammed Lovely Jester's Fun Factory John E. Morris - Law Office Kittel Mechanical (2003) Inc. Legge Fitness Stores & Clinics Ltd. Len Robinson Construction (Fergus) Ltd.
Lloyd Scott Enterprises Limited M&M Meat Shops Maplecrest Farm B&B May-Bridge Harrows Mennie Technology Solutions Inc. Mermaid Antiques Mettetech Industries Inc. Minuteman Press Noecker Travel Ostic Group – Elora, The Oxy Acres B&B Power Beam (Division of Lawrie Smith Mechanics Inc.) Ralph Basset Associates Inc. Robert Brown Masonry Ltd. RONA Cashway Building Centre Roxanne's Reflections Book & Card Shop
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275 Royal LePage RCR Elora Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage Santé Schelter Office Pro Scotiabank Sem Wissler House B & B Shoppers Drug Mart – Fergus Snap Fitness Stoneacre B & B Stonehurst B & B Tim Horton Donuts # 659 Trapp Construction Inc. Upper Grand Eye Care Van Gali's Village Inn, The Vision Financial Services Webfoot Farm & Hatchery Limited Weinstein Group, The Wellington Manufacturing Inc. White Car Inc Wightman Telecom WWCFDC
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
DAR’S COUNTRY MARKET Providing Elora and the surrounding area with fresh, local and naturally raised meats; sustainably raised seafood and shellfish; fresh baking and locally grown produce. We also carry a wide range of pantry staples and specialty items such as fine cheeses, dips and nitrate free luncheon meats. We pride ourselves on supporting local farmers, and believe in buying local whenever possible. Here at Dar‟s we‟re always happy to customize an order for you, cutting our own meat ensures the freshest and highest quality product. Come by today to see what we can do for you! Contact Darlene Dunn, Owner 6458 Wellington Rd. 7, Unit 3 – right beside the Beer Store Elora ON N0B 1S0 519-846-8600 thedunnshouse@gmail.com
ELMIRA AUTO CARE CENTRE Auto repair and maintenance including rust proofing, engine repairs, tire balance and install, tire storage, towing services, etc. Contact Phillip Cloutier, Owner 16 Church Street East Elmira ON N3B 2K8 519-669-8502 pcloutier@tillion.com
LAYCON SIGNS Sign manufactory shop - Large and small format Banners, Signs, Canvas, Wallpaper, Poster, Sticker & Photo printing. LED Channel letters, LED Light boxes all sizes Trivision & LED Screens indoor & outdoor. Acrylic letters Acrylic signs, Car, Truck & Trailer wrap, Store window advertisement we do it all. Any questions call us for free quotes. Contact Theo Stork, Sales Manager & Pia van Rees, Manager 820 Gartshore, Unit 16 Fergus ON N1M 2W8 519-341-6455 info@layconsigns.ca www.layconsigns.ca
BRIGHTEN UP The time has come…to „brighten up‟! We are your mind's destination for life-long 'brightening'. Brighten Up carries educational and special interest products for all ages. We have the books, magazines, games, puzzles, toys, DVDs, and other related items to stimulate your mind at all stages of life. Brighten Up also provides tutoring in a variety of subject areas, as well as seminars and guest speakers on educational and special interest topics. Our mission is to make learning and discovery fun for everyone. Contact Christopher Bailey, Owner 67 Main Street, Unit D Erin ON N0B 1T0 519-697-8850 ask@brightenuperin.ca www.brightenuperin.ca
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
HOSPICE WELLINGTON In your home or ours, Hospice Wellington provides expert, compassionate, care to those with a life threatening diagnosis, the dying, grieving and bereaved of all ages and diagnoses. A weekly Wellness support group for caregivers and clients in treatment is provided at Groves Memorial Community Hospital on Monday mornings, and Therapeutic Touch volunteers attend the Chemotherapy clinic. Services for the grieving and bereaved can be offered through trained volunteer one to one visiting at home or groups at our Guelph facility. Other groups include: Families Grieve Together, Bereaved by Suicide, Teen 2 Teen. All services are free supported by donations. Contact Rosslyn Bentley, Executive Director 795 Scottsdale Drive Guelph ON N1G 3R8 519-836-3921 rosslyn@hospicewellington.org www.hospicewellington.org
MINICAB miniCAB is a new taxi company serving Fergus, Elora and Centre Wellington. Currently operating one vehicle during daytime hours, Monday through Saturday. Our goal is to redefine the expectations of what a taxi service should be in our community. Our first vehicle is a 2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback. A small, fuel efficient and safe vehicle that is very spacious and comfortable. Our first driver is Miki (Zoltan) Szinegh, also the owner of the company. We look forward to serving our community in the coming years, by providing a safe, clean and enjoyable experience. Contact Zoltan Szinegh, Owner/Operator Fergus ON N1M 3W3 519-787-3700 zszinegh@minicab.ca www.minicab.ca
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ECLIN MEDIA We are a fast growing video production company that specializes in delivering compelling web videos as part of your online marketing campaign. We have a team of dedicated contract professionals to bring you from concept to completion. Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to tell yours. How you communicate is just as important as what is being communicated. Our mission is to help you communicate with your customers using the power of video while developing a reputation for professional, reliable and high quality video. Contact Andrew Musselman, Director/Producer Elora ON N0B 1S0 226-384-5243 andrew@eclinmedia.com www.eclinmedia.com
H.L. STAEBLER INSURANCE COMPANY LTD H.L. Staebler Insurance has been matching people with individually-tailored insurance solutions for more than 135 years. Staebler shops the insurance marketplace to provide the very best coverage possible for the best price. We offer a variety of insurance solutions for your home, auto, group or business needs. Whether a sole proprietorship, a corporation, charitable or non-profit, businesses rely on Staebler expertise to assess and manage the risks associated with running a business. Weâ€&#x;re one of the largest brokerages in Ontario giving us negotiating power which ensures less burden on your wallet. At home, work or play, rest assured weâ€&#x;ve got you covered. Contact Jennifer Stewart-May, Commercial Producer 871 Victoria Street North Kitchener ON N2B 3S4 519-743-5228 x 262 jstewart@staebler.com www.staebler.com
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
MCELROY ENTERPRISES – RIBBON REWARD AND AWARD GIFT INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Ribbon Gift Program is a sophisticated solution for rewarding and incenting employees and thanking great clients for ongoing business and referrals. It‟s so simple. Order a gift card from a variety targeted market solutions ranging in price from $35 to $350 and give the card away (it comes in a gift envelope). The recipient goes on line with a unique reward number and chooses from a wide range of gifts that they get to choose. People love it and are thrilled with the thoughtfulness and opportunity to choose something that they want. Contact Jim McElroy, President Elora ON N0B1S0 519-835-4997 Jimmcelroy.mychoices@gmail.com www.mcelroy.mychoices.biz
BREW HOUSE ON THE GRAND Brew House on the Grand is a family restaurant and pub in Fergus, celebrating local heritage and the natural beauty of the Grand River. New owners have given a facelift to the original 1851 home; new lighting, ceiling fans and a fireplace enhance the original limestone walls. Two bed & breakfast rooms on the second floor are also newly renovated. The menu combines old favourites with fresh ideas; a children‟s menu and a vegetarian menu are also available. Special events this winter include beer and wine tastings, music, and a euchre tournament. We hope everyone will come to see what‟s new at the Brew House! Contact Katherine Brasch, owner 170 St. David Street South Fergus, ON N1M 2L3 katherine@BrewHouseOnTheGrand.ca www.BrewHouseOnTheGrand.ca
CHAMBER PHOTOS Christmas Party
Great Wall – Chamber China Trip
Networking Breakfasts
China Trip
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CHAMBER PHOTOS
Halloween at the Chamber
Small Business Breakfast
China Trip with the Chamber 2011
Business Donations to Goderich Tornado Relief Elora Christmas Parade
Business After Hours
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Portraits of Honor National Tour
Remembrance Day
Gift of Choice Launch Ribbon Cuttings
UP THE ANTE WITH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Do you want to increase your customer satisfaction, loyalty, and employee efficiency? Focusing on improving your employee engagement will lend to these positive results. Defined, employee engagement is the level of emotional and intellectual attachment that one has to the organization they work for, their job and the colleagues they work with. An engaged employee is more than someone who is just satisfied with their job. A satisfied employee is someone who comes to work every day and is content to motor through their day on autopilot. An engaged employee will come in and do their absolute best to make sure their contribution counts to the company as a whole. Key components to engage your team are simple: Recognition, Relationships and Results. Recognition: When your staff member steps up to plate, acknowledge the effort and applaud them for what they are doing. A simple thank you and pat on the back can increase morale and drive the initiative to propel your employee forward to keep up the good work. Relationships: The people who work for you are the people that the community comes to know as your business – you want to make sure that there is always a positive face representing your company. Getting to know the people on your team and understand them will make them feel more understood and appreciated for who they are, not just for the job that they do for you. Make sure you see each team member both as a person and an employee. Results: Be clear with your team what results you are looking for, and work out strategies together on how you can function as a team to all work towards reaching that goal. Including all team members will foster an environment of cooperation, and having a clear objective will gain better foresight on how to get there. Statistically proven, employees who are engaged with their employers tend to stay in their organization longer, produce better results and take more initiative. The efforts you make can make a world of a difference to your team and to your companyâ€&#x;s success. Submitted by Melissa Macfarlane with Northern Lights Canada, Employment Resource Centre. For more information on how to select and retain a winning team, connect with Northern Lights Canada and inquire about our Employer Lunch & Learns at 519-787-0051.
BOARDROOM RENTAL Did you know that the Chamber office board room that seats 10 people comfortably? It is a perfect spot to host a meeting or seminar! Full or Half days | Weekend and MEMBER Rates available Call today! 519-843-5140 T h e F o c u s A u t u m n 2 0 1 1 | 15
MEMBER PROFILE FANCY THAT CAKE Kellie Barclay started laying the foundation for her cake decoration business Fancy That Cake four years ago. Wanting to get out of retail (she worked at Zellers for many years) and looking for something to do on a full-time basis now that her children were all in school all day, she took several classes. Taking this new venture very seriously, she wanted to learn from the best of the best, including Klara Johnson's School of Confection and Pastry Art and Icing Inspirations School. In the start-up days of her business she still worked an office job 3 days a week, but when that ended she decided it was time to kick her business in high gear. She did her research, built professional relationships with other local business owners, developed a Business Plan and secured financing. Working from home made sense on many fronts. But that doesn‟t mean that Kellie is using the family kitchen. She and her husband slash business partner decided to build a professional kitchen in their basement. The renovations took a little longer than expected, but after passing Health Inspection, Fancy That Cake is now in full swing. Kellie is very involved with local organizations, including the Local Women In Networking group and several local fundraisers. She is also a member of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Even though she cannot attend the Chamber‟s breakfast meetings she really likes how she can pick and choose from the many benefits that the Chamber offers, including the email blasts, newsletter, ribbon cuttings and of course networking with other local businesses. Fancy That Cake is using a wide array of marketing tools to get the word out. “Both of the local papers have been phenomenal, very supportive”, Kellie says. She is also using Facebook, a website and car advertising (“works really, really well!”). TV Shows have made fancy cakes a lot more popular, although Kellie says that many people still prefer a more traditional wedding cake. She recently appeared on the Canadian TV show Cake Walk: Wedding Cake Edition. Kellie did not win the 7 hour timed competition, but had a fabulous time: “The judges loved my design the best, but they called me on stuff I deserved to be called on, and I've taken it and learned from it! But if they would ask me I would do it again in a heartbeat!” And also: “Four years ago, when I took my first classes, and watched the Food Network Challenge and Ace of Cakes, I never imagined that I would be on a TV competition show myself one day!” Fancy That Cake is not a walk-in bakery. Cakes are custom-made to order and visits are by appointment only. “I‟m not for every budget. There will always be people who are going for the Zehrs or Walmart cake – and I‟m fine with that”, Kellie says, indicating that the cake pie is big enough to share. “Because there will always be weddings, milestone anniversaries, birthdays – a reason to celebrate SOMETHING. Or, as our slogan says: “Any occasion is a piece of cake!” Fancy That Cake is located in Fergus. You can contact Kellie Barclay at 519.787.1805 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website www.fancythatcake.ca for more information.
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FOCUS ON YOUR VISION Imagine the disaster when every dog pulling the sled across the snow heads in a different direction. They go nowhere! Your organization goes nowhere too, if everyone isn‟t focused on the same destination. How can you keep your team focused and pulling in the same direction? 1. Start by articulating a clear vision of the organization five or more years into the future; meeting future needs of clients, delivering the right products, using the best skills and sharing rewards. 2. Translate this vision into a series of connected long-term objectives that add up to the vision becoming a reality. 3. Create one-year specific, measureable goals for each objective by asking, “What will have to happen by this time to lead us to this objective?” 4. Find champions to lead the accomplishment of the goals. Focus each champion on the goal. Now, collectively the team is pulling in the same direction heading toward the vision. The organization must support each champion in the development of a success plan outlining how their goal will be accomplished by: Describing a S.M.A.R.T.E.S.T. goal; specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound, expected results, synergistic and true to values. Identifying sequential milestones that define the trail to the goal. Determining who is responsible for meeting the milestones. Assembling, when appropriate, a team to work with the champion to help meet the milestone. All champions and team players now have a focus for their efforts in line with the organization‟s vision, enabling them to pull in the same direction toward that vision. Assist them to meet the challenge of extending efforts toward these milestones in the face of day-to-day job pressures. Ask each team member to break their assignments into a series of actions to be accomplished each week. Have each person schedule appointments with themselves setting aside enough time to accomplish those weekly actions. Insist they treat the appointment as if it is with a V.I.P. This means they shut off all communication devices and allow no interruptions while they work. Also, have the teams meet regularly to report on actions completed, results achieved, whether they are on track, and what is coming next. Now everyone‟s actions are focused on the vision from the perspective of their goals and plans. They are pulling in the same direction. Your organization is on its way to winning its version of the Iditarod. Written by Dr. Kit Silcox of The Achievement Centre International info@tacresults.com | 519-318-4099. T h e F o c u s A u t u m n 2 0 1 1 | 17
TIPS FOR STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE WHEN SENDING E-MAIL MESSAGES Every once in a while I receive an E-mail from a client or partner that really makes me wonder what they were thinking when they hit that “send” button! E-mail is quickly becoming the #1 way we communicate with friends, family, co-workers, employees, and clients. But be careful! E-mail messages cannot accurately deliver the tone of your message and what you thought was funny sarcasm by be interpreted as an insult to your reader. Here are some e-mail etiquette tips to help you be a better e-mail communicator: Take a little time to explain your message and use adjectives or adverbs to clarify tone. Short, blunt messages may come across as being rude. Always address the person with a salutation such as “Hi Name” or “Dear Name”. Using someone‟s first name without a salutation may appear brusque. Using ALL CAPS is the equivalent of screaming at someone. Only use this were it is appropriate. Don‟t send large attachments unless you‟ve gotten permission from the recipient to do so. If the file is too large, it could take up a lot of space in their inbox and prevent them from getting other messages. Make sure you have up-to-date virus protection. E-mail is the number one way viruses are spread. You‟ll lose a lot of brownie points if you send someone a virus that wipes out their hard drive. Get to the point quickly and avoid rambling. Use a short description in your subject line to make filing and referencing your message easy. If you are sending a message to a large group of people, do not cut and paste everyone‟s e-mail address into the cc (carbon copy) field. Most people are very sensitive about giving out their e-mail address to strangers. Either create a group in Outlook or use the bcc (blind carbon copy) field. Do not send off-color jokes, profanity, private information, or other messages that you wouldn‟t want other people seeing via e-mail to anyone. Once you write it down and send it, you lose all control over where that message goes. Even if it‟s a trusted friend, they may accidentally forward it on to someone else or it may get found by another person. This goes double if you are using your company e-mail address. Follow these rules to keep a professional image when sending emails to your clients. Clicking “Send” is a permanent function. Just as with any communication tool, it‟s best to proof-read your message before sending it away to ensure it contains not only the right information, but radiates the right “tone”. You might just save yourself and your business a whole lot of embarrassment! Article written by: Terry Godreau of Planet CPU 18 | w w w . c w c h a m b e r . c a
BUSINESS NEWS ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Discussion Paper Thinks Differently About LowSkilled Jobs Posted on November 1, 2011
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2012 Economic Outlook: Our economic advantages remain, but foreign headwinds will constrain growth Ottawa, December 28, 2011
A new discussion paper released by the Ontario Literacy Coalition suggests that as a result of emerging technology, increased productivity and consumer expectations, jobs that were once assumed to be „entry-level‟ or „low-skilled‟ are undergoing massive changes which require new sets of skills. Menial No More: A Discussion Paper on Advancing our Workforce through Digital Skills proposes that in order for the current labour market to thrive, radical changes are needed to enhance the skills of workers in these positions. While one solution to this problem lies in training, workforce training systems are based on jobs that were once assumed to be „low-skilled‟ and have not been updated to reflect the changing needs of the economy. The report suggests that Ontario‟s adult education system could be enhanced by incorporating digital skills, basic science and jobspecific training into essential skills education. Other jurisdictions are finding success by mixing essential skills, with digital skills and science, technology, engineering and math to bridge the gap between the education system and the 21st century digital economy. Results to date have been positive with workers moving to employment more quickly and earning higher wages. Menial No More invites us to think differently about how employer groups, government and the training community can design an education and training system that supports the growth of Ontario„s workers and key sectors.
In its 2012 Economic Outlook, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce observes that Canada‟s sound banking system, comparatively better fiscal position, resilient housing market and strong corporate balance sheets have steered the economy through turbulent waters in 2011, but 2012 might bring a more challenging reality and constrained growth is expected. “Fortunately, Canada has fared relatively well in 2011 but we expect modest growth ahead, constrained by a very challenging external environment, especially the situation in Europe.” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He added: “Needless to say, these are very uncertain times for the global economy, and the risks are significant.” read full story
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENT HERE Contact the CW Chamber at 519-843-5140 for rates and information.
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HOW TO USE A MARKETING PLANNER As a Business Person, you sometimes feel as if your head no sooner hits the pillow and the alarm goes off. There just aren‟t enough hours in the day. You seem to be busy all the time, but still don‟t hit all the critical dates, or grab all the opportunities to grow your business. Somehow they get lost in the details of day to day activity. If only there was a simple, inexpensive and effective way to plan your business activities so you didn‟t miss opportunities, and had all the details for an event, sorted. There are a number of Business/Marketing Planning tools on the market, but you can achieve the same thing with a relatively low tech item; an ordinary notebook paired with a calendar. Small and home-based businesses rely on an activity-based plan for success. The problem is in the details of the planning process. In planning an activity, people tend to „bake a cake‟ or stay within their comfort zone and focus on one detail they understand. If you are planning a party, there are more details than just the cake. Remember that! One of the most effective tools for small or home-based business is a Marketing Planner. It‟s the first step in the planning process for an effective Marketing Plan. Here‟s a trick that my clients find a really effective way to support the planning process: purchase a nice journal or notebook from your stationers or even your dollar store and use it regularly. Rather than using the computer which you can‟t always take around with you, writing and the white space around your writing allows your brain time to think. You will take ownership if it is a nice book you like to write details into. The quality of the paper and the size of the journal contribute to your enjoyment of writing, so make sure it‟s something you will be comfortable using, and will fit into your purse, bag, computer case etc. It‟s something you need to live with and take with you everywhere: clients, car, coffee shop, grocery shopping, outings, etc. Keep your Marketing Planner Book with you so that when you are at a coffee shop en route to a client or in your home office taking a break, you can easily pull it out and add to it. 1. Reserve the first couple of pages for a list of as many marketing ideas as you can think of. Make this a stretch exercise, something you have wanted to try but never had the time or the nerve to do it. Do not worry about whether or not you have the resources or know how at this time. Add to the list as the thoughts occur to you over time. 2. Write one of those ideas at the top of each page. 3. Now flesh out the idea. What do you want this to look like? What do you want to achieve? Why are you doing this? What is your target market? What is important to them and how can this idea help? Who do you want/need to get involved? What do you need to find out? 20 | w w w . c w c h a m b e r . c a
Who might know the answers? What supplies do you need? Do you need brochures etc.? Other support material? Where can you get them? Do you need a budget? What are the costs involved? When do you want to do this? Start and Finish Dates? Timeline it with critical dates. Do you want PR – media? 4. Use a calendar with large squares to start to write in the activities. Better still, use a write-on wipe-off wall calendar to mark in the activity, and mark in the critical dates in the time-line. If you follow these steps, you will find that the activities plan themselves, and you will hit more critical dates as time goes on, with fewer missed opportunities with the result that your business will grow. Article Copyright Margaret C. Pennyfather Hons BA, C.I.M., Marketing Network Associates
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COMPLYING WITH AODA’S FIRST COMPLIANCE STANDARD Beginning January 1, 2012 (for the private sector), Ontario‟s own Accessibility Act will come into compliance. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is Ontario‟s own proactive approach to make all of Ontario completely accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. This vision will be achieved through five compliance standards that all businesses with one or more employees in Ontario will have to implement; these are the customer service standard, the transportation standard, employment standard, information and communications standard, and the built environment standard. Ontario will implement these standards beginning with the customer service standard and employment standard – emergency management, to which must be complied with by January 1, 2012 for all private sector and non-profit businesses and organizations. All businesses in Ontario with one or more employees that provide goods or services to the public or third parties must comply with the customer service standard. This standards enforces certain legal requirements for business that include setting up a plan of action for how their business will provide goods or services for people with disabilities through assessment and gap analysis, developing applicable policies and procedures (ex. a policy on providing goods and services, a policy about the use of assistive devices, a policy about allowing support people reduced or free admission, etc.), providing training for staff on how to serve people with disabilities, and finally creating and making available a process to receive and respond to any feedback. Businesses that employ 20 or more employees have additional requirements to comply with as well that generally focus on communicating and making available all information about the company‟s practices, taking into consideration all disabilities. Accessibility reports are also required for companies with 20 or more employees in order to inform the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services that they‟ve met the compliance standard. Deadline for submission to the government is January 1, 2012; rumour has it this has changed, but there is nothing on the Ministry website to indicate this is true. The Employment Standard, Transportation Standard and the Information and Communications Standard were rolled out in 2011 as the Integrated Standard. These standards were passed with implementation dates varying from 2011 through to 2025 dependant on the size of the organization and whether the organization is public or private sector. The first steps to compliance with the integrated standards fall under Transportation – dependant on size of the organization deadlines range from 2011 and 2017 (see AODA Timelines @ www.aodaexpert.com), General Requirements – Emergency and Public Safety Information and Employment – Workplace Emergency Information. Typically when thinking of disabilities and barriers to accessibility, only those that are visible come to mind. It is essential to remember that disabilities include those that are invisible such as mental health and learning disabilities. As well, barriers aren‟t just a lack of wheelchair ramps; they can include communication and attitude as well. By ensuring companies understand where their gaps and requirements lie, compliance can be made easier. Be sure to attend upcoming lunch and learn sessions on how to implement your AODA programs at the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the writer – Lynne Bard, President/Senior Consultant Beyond Rewards at info@beyondrewards.ca or visit their website at www.beyondrewards.ca
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LIFE INSURANCE FOR RETIREMENT INCOME? - HOW DOES THAT WORK? Like most business owners, you probably agree that your business has a need for life insurance. It can provide for business needs like key person coverage, covering capital gains tax liabilities at death or provide funding for buy-sell agreements. In many cases, the policies are owned personally but this article explains an opportunity for corporately owned policies. While the strategy works well for individuals with good savings, it is a particularly attractive alternative for corporations with surplus cash sitting in bank accounts earning little or nothing. In addition to the life insurance protection provided, and within certain limits set by legislation, life insurance policies may accumulate significant cash values on a tax deferred basis. Depending on the amount of insurance purchased, there is potential to build a great deal of value within the policy while the growth in the plan remains exempt from taxation. By structuring the ownership of the policy as a corporate asset, the accumulated cash value in the exempt policy remains on the company balance sheet. Either the corporation or shareholder (tax consequences will vary depending on the borrower) may borrow money from a bank using the corporate owned policy as collateral security. Loan proceeds then generate a cash flow that may be applied in a number of ways including supplementing retirement income or buying out a retiring shareholder. This is just one of the techniques available using the business to support retirement income. For more information on this, contact a qualified financial advisor or the writer of this article: Dan Allen, CFP, MFA, EPC, Retirement Income & Protection Specialist, The Heritage Group Private Financial Services Inc. at 519-822-3887 or dan@theheritagegroup.ca.
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Contact Us Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce 400 Tower Street South Fergus, Ontario CANADA N1M 2P7 Phone: (519) 843-5140 Fax: (519) 787-0983 e-mail: chamber@cwchamber.ca website: www.cwchamber.ca
General Manager: Roberta Scarrow email: rscarrow@cwchamber.ca Membership & Administration: Heather Andrews email: membership@cwchamber.ca
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