The Advocate Magazine - January | February 2013

advocate JANUARY |

Adversity Drives Headlines, But Diversity Drives Our Economy University – Community Partnerships Support Regional Economic Diversity Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) Continues as Local and National Leader Different Kind of Bubble – A Tech Perspective

FEBRUARY 2013

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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

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FEATURE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

University – Community Partnerships Support Regional Economic Diversity

Art Sinclair EDITOR:

Dr. Max Blouw

Heather Hutchings

COVER STORY

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:

Adversity Drives Headlines, but Diversity Drives Our Economy

Cober Evolving Solutions

Scott McNeil-Smith

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PHOTOGRAPHY:

Adamski Photography

FEATURE

Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) continues as Local and National Leader Michael Kuntz

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FEATURE

Different Kind of Bubble – A Tech Perspective Douglas Grosfield

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FEATURE

Expect the Unexpected!

David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Michelle Kienitz – mkientz@greaterkwchamber.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Dr. Max Blouw, Murray Costello, Beverley Cunningham, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, Douglas Grosfield, Terry Kratz, Michael Kuntz, Ian McLean, Scott McNeil-Smith, Art Sinclair, Derek Weidl CONTRIBUTORS:

Teri Hetherington and Julie Tedesco

Terry Kratz

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ADVERTISING AND SALES:

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:

FEATURE

THEMUSEUM Offers Amazing New Exhibition Derek Weidl

January 23, 2013 for March | April 2013 March 22, 2013 for May | June 2013 July 19, 2013 for September | October 2013 September 20, 2013 for November | December 2013 SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:

Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com

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SPONSORSHIP

Chamber Sponsors MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND THE PRESIDENT

The Waterloo Way Continues a Decade Later Murray Costello & Ian McLean

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ADVOCACY

The Confederation of Farming and Manufacturing Art Sinclair

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SUBMISSION POLICY:

10 12 18 24

EVENTS

Autumn Networking NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

October 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012 Mark Your Calendar

#40026716

FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS

Heather Hutchings - hhutchings@greaterkwchamber.com PRINTED IN CANADA BY:

PUBLICATION OF:

SPONSOR PROFILE

S.G. Cunningham Builds Relationships, Goodwill Beverley Cunningham

Family Physicians Explore Local Practice Opportunities

MEMBER NOTABLES

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT:

EVENTS

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

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Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or email c/o Editor - Advocate. Please do not send originals.

All contributors articles must be accompanied by a head shot in a jpg file and a 40 word author’s bio.

Achieving Success Chamber Members

POSTMASTER ADDRESS CHANGES: C/O

ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREET NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber.

The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The 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.

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sponsors

Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE

CHAMBER PATRON

Presented by:

Chamber

Academy TITLE SPONSOR

CHAMBER TRUSTEE

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message from the chair and the president

The Waterloo Way Continues a Decade Later

BY MURRAY COSTELLO & IAN MCLEAN It has been almost seven years since the Globe and Mail published a series of articles in 2006 which highlighted for all of Canada the immense economic potential possessed by Waterloo Region.

At that time, a suddenly soaring Canadian dollar, surging commodity prices and globalization had closed some major manufacturing facilities in the Region with thousands of accompanying layoffs. A similar predicament, according to the Globe, would have devastated less resilient communities.

However, Waterloo Region was instead leading Canada in economic activity by transitioning to a new knowledge-based economy, initiated in a large part by the long-standing connection between post-secondary institutions and business. The unemployment rate, despite the turbulence in manufacturing, was among the lowest in the nation.

The ability to transition to new economic sectors has primarily resulted from a diversified economy. While other communities across Canada have focused in one area of manufacturing, such as automotive, we have traditionally allocated our resources across diverse sectors including furniture, electronics, and food. The diversification extends beyond manufacturing into financial services where 21,000 people are employed locally. The percentage of the workforce in this sector has been increasing over the past decade, leading to stable prospects for future growth. Large companies such as Manulife, Sun Life and Equitable are complemented by the University of Waterloo Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, one of the premier institutions in North America, and the expanding Wilfrid Laurier University School of Business.

A year ago in January of 2012, a report from CIBC World Markets ranked Waterloo Region third in Canada behind Toronto and Edmonton for third quarter economic activity in 2011. The recent success was the result of our reinvention and diversification of the economic engine in a very significant manner over the past decade.

Benjamin Tal of CIBC noted that the local high tech sector has in reality become Waterloo Region’s oil, referring to the commodity boom that has placed Alberta and Saskatchewan ahead of the rest of Canada. Our region’s former heavy dependence on traditional manufacturing has successfully shifted to high technology valueadded manufacturing and services. Also, manufacturers and other businesses are integrating into the more sophisticated and profitable American and foreign supply chains serving upscale markets. The economic diversity of Waterloo Region has lead to stable housing markets, high quality and well paying jobs, and

relatively low consumer and business bankruptcies.

A subsequent report from the Conference Board of Canada last July noted that strong manufacturing will provide Waterloo Region with the highest economic growth among mid-sized Canadian cities for 2012. Report author and former Kitchener resident Robin Wiebe noted that the region’s historically diverse manufacturing base has ensured on-going survival in a high-dollar and high-wage economy. He also observed the base has moved from boots and skates to satellites and cars, most notably the Cambridge Toyota facility.

Potential job generators, according to the Conference Board, include construction on the light rail transit system, a planned expansion on Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and on-going construction at the Conestoga College Doon Campus. The LRT project provides huge prospects for jobs and related economic activity.

Seven years after the “Waterloo Way” became common vocabulary in the Waterloo Region business community, our history of innovation and diversification positions us well for future economic growth and prosperity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Murray Costello CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Murray Costello is the Union Gas District Manager for the Waterloo/Brantford district. He is accountable for the safe and efficient construction, operation and maintenance of the natural gas distribution system within the district.

Murray received his Engineering Degree from the University of Waterloo and is an active community volunteer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean Ian McLean is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

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awards nominations

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advocacy

The Confederation of Farming and Manufacturing

BY ART SINCLAIR The strength and success of the Waterloo Region economy has been built upon innovation and diversification. These two factors have allowed us to survive downturns such as the past four years and prosper during subsequent years of economic growth.

Two major pillars of the Waterloo Region and southwestern Ontario economy are agriculture and manufacturing. Agriculture remains the largest land use activity in the region as approximately 65 percent of the base, or a quarter of a million acres, are farmed.

Manufacturing, despite recent GM and Chrysler bankruptcies and the impacts throughout Canada and the United States, still provides one in five local jobs (55,000 people) across 1493 establishments.

The Waterloo Region Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) Summit conducted in May of 2012 was a significant success. The participation of attendees from local organizations and interests from outside the Region, particularly Toronto-based financial services, provides a strong indication of the resiliency residing in our manufacturing sector. A follow-up summit is in the planning stages for 2013 with larger attention and attendance anticipated.

Despite the pending closure of Maple Leaf Foods in Kitchener, food processing maintains a viable local presence with Piller’s in Waterloo, Grand River Foods in Cambridge, and Conestoga Meat Packers in Breslau. Martin’s Family Fruit Farm is emerging as a provincial leader in apple processing technology, receiving a major investment from federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz last July to further develop new products. The Institute of Food Processing Technology at Conestoga College continues to expand their education and training services that will assist companies in securing skilled employees for meeting increasingly rigid food safety standards.

Dynamic and sustained prospects for Ontario agriculture are emerging in the area of bioproducts and the use of soybeans, wheat, corn and other crops for auto parts and fuel. Current research is aimed at reducing global dependence on petroleum materials and shifting to renewable sources such as agriculturalbased commodities.

crossover contained third row plastic storage bins from this new technology. The application has a major Waterloo Region connection as Ford was initially approached with wheat straw products by the University of Waterloo as part of the Ontario BioCar initiative, a collaborative research effort with the Universities of Guelph, Toronto and Windsor. An additional local benefit is that the Flex is assembled at Ford’s massive Oakville plant at Highway 403 and the Queen Elizabeth Way. Reports have indicated that the decision to use the Flex as the first vehicle for this new technology was heavily influenced by geography, primarily Ontario’s immense manufacturing and agricultural industries. This factor alone leads to significant prospects for future applications, investment and jobs.

The Ontario BioAuto Council, an industry-led not-for-profit organization, is coordinating efforts to make the province a global leader in the use of renewable bio-based materials. Their membership base is Canadian manufacturers selling into global markets combined with foreign multi-nationals looking to establish partnerships, eventually accelerating the commercialization of new technologies, building supply chains, and expanding global markets.

The Ontario government asserts that the strength of the provincial bioeconomy is a diverse agri-food industry – confirmation again that innovation and diversity are the pillars of Ontario and Waterloo Region economic growth. With the presence of local post-secondary institutions collaborating with business, future prospects are highly promising.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair Art Sinclair is the Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

In late 2009, Ford emerged as the first major automaker to develop and use wheat straw-reinforced plastic when the 2010 Flex

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perspective on health care

Family Physicians Explore Local Practice Opportunities

BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK Local family physicians, business and community leaders joined volunteers of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce this past November in hosting 18 family medicine residents and their partners from across Ontario.

Organized by the Chamber Health Care Resources Council’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force, the annual Family Medicine Resident Weekend is a major recruitment initiative that positively engages family residents and promotes the community as a welcoming, attractive, leading edge centre of medical excellence with promising practice opportunities “Word is getting out to health care professionals that our region is a centre of excellence and entrepreneurship offering quality of life, education, arts and culture, recreation and leisure,” said organizing committee chair Al Hayes of WalterFedy. “Physicians are seeing the potential for living and practising in our type of innovative, leading edge urban centre which also affords the benefits and warmth of rural life.”

During their three-day community visit, residents toured Grand River Hospital and Andrew Street Family Health Centre and discussed practice opportunities with local family physicians.

Their partners toured our rural and urban communities and had the chance to explore employment opportunities. This year’s family medicine residents and their partners met some high profile business and community leaders and learned more about the region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

They were guests of Communitech at a special luncheon at The Hub. In the high tech environment, our visitors enjoyed Kennedy’s famous Waterloo County fare while Communitech’s Iain Klugman gave them an overview of our leading-edge, collaborative and innovative communities. They also enjoyed virtual tours in The Hive.

According to Chamber President & CEO, Ian McLean, this weekend has been instrumental in residents’ decisions to establish their family practices in the area. “We have had wonderful success with our recruitment weekend over the past fourteen years,” said McLean. “This year many of the visiting family medicine residents expressed serious interest in K-W. We fully expect to see a good number of them establishing practices in K-W over the next year and a half.”

Chamber Health Care Resources Council initiatives are made possible by the generous support and investment of Research In Motion, Home Hardware, Cowan Insurance Group, Ernst & Young,

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Manulife Financial, Sun Life, Reid’s Heritage Homes, BDO Canada, WalterFedy, S.G. Cunningham, Melloul Blamey, The C3 Group, Bingemans, Deloitte, Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Borden Ladner Gervais, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, Union Gas, Conestoga Mall, BME Consulting, Karen Mason, Ian McLean and the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo and the Township of Woolwich.

Along with these major corporate and community investors, the Chamber Health Council extends special thanks to this year’s resident weekend supporters who added the special touches that thoroughly impressed our visiting family medicine residents and their partners:

perspective on health care

Brentwood Livery, Communitech, Airways Transit, Brick Brewing Company Limited and Kennedy’s Catering.

Members of the Health Council’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force are to be congratulated on another successful Family Medicine Resident Weekend. Your support and involvement and that of Chamber Board members and local business and community leaders over this important annual weekend made it especially warm and welcoming for our visiting residents and their partners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick Mary Sue is Vice President Family Physician Resources and Health Advocacy.

Working with community partners, the Chamber has helped to attract over 150 family physicians since 1998 and the number of people without a family doctor has been cut in half, from over 40,000 to 20,000 today.

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networking

Autumn Networking 1

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1) BOB BALLANTYNE AND SARAH YETKINER ENJOYING A DRINK AT THE CENTRE IN THE SQUARE MEMBER’S LOUNGE FOR THE OCTOBER BUSINESS AFTER 5 EVENT 2) PART OF THE CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CROWD AT BOREALIS GRILLHOUSE & PUB 3) CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT CIGI

Photography by Adamski Photography

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4) CYP GUESTS SHOWCASING THE CIGI ARTWORK 5) THE DEAN GROUP TEAM AT THEIR BOOTH FOR THE BUSINESS EXPO 6) GUESTS SPINNING THE WHEEL AT THE BELL BOOTH AT THE BUSINESS EXPO 7) MIKE JENNINGS, LINDA OCKWELL-JENNER AND CRAIG HERNER AT THE OCTOBER BA5 EVENT

networking

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KERRY KULAK, GLENN THORPE AND NATALIE SACHS REPRESENTATIVES FROM LITTLE MUSHROOM CATERING AT THE BUSINESS EXPO MIKE HEWITSON AND HANNAH SMITH AT CIGI FOR A CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT SOME OF THE CROWD AT GOLF’S STEAK HOUSE FOR THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON WITH SUSAN CRANSTON

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ART SINCLAIR & LEO TOBI NETWORKING NATE TEDESCO, DAVE LACKNER AND YVAN LAMOUREUX AT THE BUSINESS EXPO SOME OF THE CYP CROWD AT THE OCTOBER EVENT HELD AT CIGI DAVE TUBBS, LISA MCDONALD AND GILLIAN REES AT THE CYP EVENT AT BOREALIS GRILLHOUSE & PUB

Photography by Adamski Photography

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new members

October 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012 Add-Type Business Equipment Ltd

Blue Lizard Productions Inc.

Davenport Catering

Jen Weber

Photocopiers & Supplies John Given, Sales Manager 298 Marsland Drive Unit 2 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z1 Email: jgiven@addtype.ca Web: http://www.addtype.ca Phone: (519) 885-2570 / Fax: (519) 886-1221

Video Production Scott Clevely, Video Producer 1200 Beaverdale Road, Cambridge, ON N3C2V3 Email: info@bluelizard.ca Web: http://www.bluelizardproductions.com Phone: (519) 654-2099 / Fax: (519) 224-3099

Caterers Harald Braun, Owner 100 Frobisher Drive Unit 6 Waterloo, ON N2V 2A1 Email: harald@davenportcatering.com Web: http://www.davenportcatering.com Phone: (519) 746-0152 / Fax: (519) 746-3350

Artists - Fine Arts Jen Weber, Artist 12 Ernst Street, Elmira, ON N3B 1K5 Email: jen@jenweber.ca Web: http://www.jenweber.ca Phone: (519) 807-6056

ADP Canada

Brian Lehmann Snowplowing

Drouillard Sambrook Kingston LLP

Computer Consultants Doug Palubiski, President 230 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2M 2C8 Email: doug.palubiski@jfxconsulting.com Phone: (519) 880-8247 / Fax: (519) 880-8923

Human Resource Consultants Steve Chretien, District Manager 6200 Kenway Drive, Mississauga, ON L5T2N3 Email: steve.chretien@adp.com Web: http://www.adp.com Phone: (519) 591-0022

ADVIDEO INC. Video Production Francois Gand, Founder 121 Charles Street West, The Tannery District Kitchener, ON N2G 1H7 Email: info@advideoproduction.com Web: http://www.advideoproduction.com Phone: (519) 571-7155 / Fax: (519) 571-8991

Aha Design Graphic Designers Amanda Ha, Graphic Designer/ Marketing Consultant 558 Mount Anne Drive Waterloo, ON N2L4W3 Email: amanda@ahadesign.ca Web: http://www.ahadesign.ca Phone: (519) 501-0314

Amy Awnings and Signs Awnings & Signs Ken Amy, Owner 34 Bloomingdale Road Kitchener, ON N2K 1A2 Email: kenamy@rogers.com Web: http://www.amyawningsigns.com Phone: (519) 742-6003 / Fax: (519) 742-1324

Amy Custom Welding Welding Chris Amy, Owner 34 Bloomingdale Road Kitchener, ON N2K1A2 Email: amy.custom.welding@sympatico.ca Web: http://www.amycustomwelding.com Phone: (519) 886-0949 / Fax: (519) 886-0949

Ballet Jorgen Canada Charitable & Community Organizations Gabrielle Clermont, Waterloo Region Coordinator 79 Joseph Street, Kitchener, ON N2G 1J2 Email: gabrielle@balletjorgen.ca Web: http://www.balletjorgencanada.ca Phone: (519) 239-6972

Barbosa & Co Photographers Nancy Barbosa, Owner Operator Artist 21 Devonglen Drive, Kitchener, ON N2E 1Z6 Email: nancy@nbphotos.ca Web: http://www.nbphotos.ca Phone: (519) 496-2625

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Snow Removal Service Brian Lehmann, Sole-Propreitor 83 Arnold Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 6C9 Email: prohomecom@hotmail.com Phone: (519) 749-1060

Brookfield Golf Club Golf Courses Mike Garside, VP Operations 3700 Beaverdale Road Cambridge, ON N3H4R7 Email: info@golfnorth.ca Web: http://www.golfbrookfield.ca Phone: (888) 833-8787

Campus Pizza Pizza Marko Radisic, President 160 University Avenue West Unit 2 Waterloo, ON N2L 3E9 Email: mradisic@hotmail.ca Web: http://www.campuspizza.ca Phone: (519) 747-9888

Mulrooney & Associates Incorporated Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Carrie Mulrooney, Director 64 Maplewood Place, Kitchener, ON N2H 4L5 Email: cmulrooney@mulrooneyandassociates.com Web: http://www.mulrooneyandassociates.com Phone: (519) 954-9248 / Fax: (519) 954-9246

Cecilia De Martino Naturopathic Doctors Cecilia De Martino, Owner 49 Albert Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 3S1 Email: cecilia@seronacentre.com Web: http://www.drcecilia.ca Phone: (519) 954-2100 / Fax: (519) 954-8380

Cherrey Bus Lines/Maxey Travel Buslines Warren Delany, Sales/Marketing 219 Frederick Street, Stratford, ON N5A 3V6 Email: info@cherreybuslines.com Web: http://www.cherreybuslines.com Phone: (800) 265-8980 / Fax: (519) 271-6609

Cocreo Graphic Designers Ashley Lukasik, Customer Service Project Member 620 Davenport Road, Unit 9 Waterloo, ON N2V 2C2 Email: ashley.l@cocreo.co Phone: (226) 970-1827

Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Paul Drouillard, Partner 344 Queen Street West Cambridge, ON N3C 1G8 Email: info@dskcga.com Web: http://www.dskcga.com Phone: (519) 249-1209 / Fax: (519) 249-1225

Employee Wellness Solutions Network Health & Fitness Program Consultants Karen Gamble, Corporate Program Director 6 Musselman Crescent, Conestogo, ON N0B1N0 Email: karen@ewsnetwork.com Web: http://www.ewsnetwork.com Phone: (519) 504-3123

ERAssure - Estate Risk Protection Plan Inc. Insurance Myron Neufeld, President 30 Duke Street West Suite 302 Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5 Email: mneufeld@erassure.com Web: http://www.erassure.com Phone: (855) 636-3777 / Fax: (866) 897-8901

Flag Raiders Paintball Corey Kimpson, Owner 259 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2M 2C9 Email: corey@flagraiders.com Web: http://www.flagraiders.com Phone: (519) 570-2769 / Fax: (519) 650-9303

Grand Valley Human Resources Professionals Association Bettina Burgess, President PO Box 40043, RPO Waterloo Square Waterloo, ON N2J 4V1 Email: bettina.burgess@gowlings.com Web: http://www.hrpagrandvalley.ca Phone: (519) 747-8102 / Fax: (519) 489-2736

Green-Seal Technologies Inc. Insulation Contractors Corey La Chanse, General Manager 7324 Sideroad 5 East Mount Forest, ON N0G 2L0 Email: corey@greensealtech.ca Web: http://www.greensealtech.ca Phone: (519) 261-0822

Grey Silo Golf Club Golf Courses Mike Garside, VP Operations 2001 University Avenue East Waterloo, ON N2K 4K4 Email: info@golfnorth.ca Web: http://www.golfgreysilo.ca Phone: (888) 833-8787

JFx Consulting

John Tadros Video Production John Tadros, Videographer 453 Bolingbrooke Place Waterloo, ON N2T 2E2 Email: john.tadros@yahoo.ca Phone: (226) 600-8235

Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre Health Care Service & Supplies Eric Goldberg, Executive Director 44 Francis Street South Kitchener, ON N2G 2A2 Email: mail@kdchc.org Web: http://www.kdchc.org Phone: (519) 745-4404 / Fax: (519) 772-0290

KW Children's Drama Workshop Charitable & Community Organizations Deanne Bingleman, Artistic Director 42 Erb Street East, Waterloo, ON N2J 1L6 Email: info@actoutkw.com Web: http://www.actoutkw.com Phone: (519) 954-5931

LaserJob Inc. Laser Cutting Jan Szlauzys, Manager 55 Fleming Drive, Unit 24 Cambridge, ON N1T 2A9 Email: info@laserjob.ca Web: http://www.laserjob.ca Phone: (519) 620-1221

Ledgers - Waterloo Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Adelfo Galido, Owner 169 Holborn Drive, Kitchener, ON N2A2E6 Email: agalido@ledgers.com Web: http://www.ledgers.com Phone: (519) 893-4454

Lesley Johnston, Naturopathic Doctor Naturopathic Doctors Lesley Johnston, Naturopathic Medicine 620 Davenport Road Unit 21 Waterloo, ON N2V2C2 Email: lesleyjohnston.nd@gmail.com Web: http://www.barnesfamilychiropractic.ca Phone: (519) 725-4242

new members

Lesley Warren Design Group

RiteBite Orthodontics

Solar City Co-Operative

Totally Awesome Events Ltd.

Graphic Designers Lesley Warren, Creative Director 51 Breithaupt Street Unit 201 Kitchener, ON N2H 5G5 Email: lesley@lwdg.ca Web: http://www.lwdg.ca Phone: (519) 634-1124

Health Care Service & Supplies Nancy Rodrigues, Practice Director 60 Bridgeport Road, Suite 102 Waterloo, ON N2J 2J9 Email: info@ritebite.ca Web: http://www.ritebite.ca Phone: (519) 888-6666

Associations & Organizations Felix Munger, Co-Chair 91 Shanley Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 5P1 Email: info@solarcitycoop.com Web: http://www.solarcitycoop.com Phone: (519) 589-7788

Training & Development Rob Provenzano, Co-Founder 24 Rochefort Street, Kitchener, ON N2R1V8 Email: totallyawesomeevents@gmail.com Web: http://www.totallyawesomeevents.com Phone: (519) 208-0284

LPGA Classic

Rodney N. Goetz Professional Corporation - CGA

Golf Tournaments & Tour Organizers Corey Morrow, VP Business Development 584 Colby Drive Unit 1 Waterloo, ON N2V 1A2 Email: corey@manulifeclassic.ca / Web: http://www.sportspropertiesinternational.com Phone: (519) 884-5742

Lucas Information Technology Services and Management

Accountants - Certified General Rodney Goetz, President/CEO 706 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2G 2M5 Email: rod@rngcga.com Phone: (519) 742-7700 / Fax: (519) 745-9913

Associations & Organizations Dan Rowe, General Manager 44 Beasley Drive, Main Floor Kitchener, ON N2E 1Y6 Email: generalmanager@swrsa.ca Web: http://www.swrsa.ca Phone: (519) 894-5965 / Fax: (519) 894-9186

Roslyn Ramsay

StratEX Marketing Inc.

Information Technology Management Patrick Lucas, Project Manager 57 Mitchell Street, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 Email: patricklucas72@gmail.com Phone: (519) 632-8300

Artists - Fine Arts Roslyn Ramsay, 42 Erb Street East (Studio) Waterloo, ON N2J 1L6 Email: ramsay.verity@gmail.com Web: http://www.roslynramsay.com

Matteo Painting and Finishing

Screaming Tree Media

Painting Contractors Matt McHugh, CEO 7 Joshua Street, Kitchener, ON N2C2T4 Email: info@matteopainting.ca Web: http://www.matteopainting.ca Phone: (519) 589-6169

Marketing Consultants John Clendenning, Chief Visionary Officer 61 Arthur Street North, Elmira, ON N3B 2A1 Email: john@screamingtreemedia.com Web: http://www.screamingtreemedia.com Phone: (519) 669-3255

Morty's Pub Restaurants Jay Taylor, Owner 272 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J2Y9 Email: mortyspr@rogers.com Web: http://www.mortys.com Phone: (519) 886-0440 / Fax: (519) 886-0440

Sculption

Peter Hannoush - ReMax Twin City Realty Inc. Brokerage

Sky Bloom Services

Real Estate Brokers & Sales Representatives Peter Hannoush, 83 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2 Email: peter@hannoush.ca Phone: (519) 781-2626

R & R Financial Insurance Agents & Brokers Roger Joycey, Owner 37 Vanier Drive Unit 1001 Kitchener, ON N2C 2P6 Email: rojoycey@gmail.com Phone: (519) 741-7029

Ring Productions Video Production Rob Ring, President 254 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 3T6 Email: rob@ringproductions.ca Web: http://www.ringproductions.ca Phone: (519) 591-3449

South-West Regional Soccer Association

Artists - Fine Arts Sally Pfeiffer, Potter/Pottery Instructor 42 Erb Street East, Waterloo, ON N2J 1L6 Email: sally@sculption.ca Web: http://www.sculption.ca Phone: (519) 722-1901 Business Consultants Nouman Siddiqui, President 100 Frobisher Drive Unit 1 Waterloo, ON N2V 2A1 Email: 1skybloom@gmail.com Phone: (519) 208-5959

Skylight Productions Video Production Nelson Dunk, Owner/Director/Producer 18 Paige Street, Kitchener, ON N2K 4P5 Email: inquiries@skylightproductions.ca Web: http://www.skylightproductions.ca Phone: (519) 574-0018

Slip & Trip Safety Solutions Safety Consultants & Training Mickey Poulin, Owner 1554 Mannheim Road Petersburg, ON N0B2H0 Email: mickeypoulin@slipandtrip.ca Web: http://www.slipandtrip.ca Phone: (519) 569-0220

Marketing Consultants Arne Michalski, Owner 706 Breakwater Crescent Waterloo, ON N2K 4H8 Email: amichalski@stratexmarketing.com Web: http://www.stratexmarketing.com Phone: (519) 998-2427

TELUS Communications

Vetica Interactive Inc Educational Teaching Aids & Supplies Suraj Srinivas, Co-Founder 151 Charles Street West Suite 100 Kitchener, ON N2G1H6 Email: suraj@vetica.com Web: http://www.planboardapp.com Phone: (519) 729-3666 Charitable & Community Organizations Jeremy Steffler, Chair 42 Erb Street East, Unit K Waterloo, ON N2J 1L6 Email: yourwrrc@gmail.com Web: http://www.yourwrrc.ca

The Community Fundraiser.com Charitable & Community Organizations Rick Warner, 3 Field Street, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 Email: info@thecommunityfundraiser.com Web: http://www.thecommunityfundraiser.com Phone: (416) 464-3231

Think Shovels Internet & Technology Products & Service Marc LeBlanc, Owner 71 Hedgestone Crescent Kitchener, ON N2E3K5 Email: marc.leblanc@thinkshovels.com Web: http://www.thinkshovels.com Phone: (226) 868-1501

Consultants Tom Nunn, Principal 118 Homewood Avenue Kitchener, ON N2M1W9 Email: tnunn@sympatico.ca Web: http://www.tomnunn.ca Phone: (519) 497-3437

Import & Export Services Kevin Vantyghem, VP 10 Eaglecrest Street, Kitchener, ON N2K 0B6 Email: kevin@vantyghemdiamonds.com Web: http://www.vantyghemdiamonds.com Phone: (519) 591-5727

Waterloo Region Rainbow Coalition

Telecommunications Brian Herman, Account Manager 45 Marksam Road, Unit 55 Guelph, ON N1H 6Y9 Email: brian.herman@telus.com Web: http://www.telus.com Phone: (519) 581-2048

Tom Nunn Strategic Communications

Vantyghem Diamonds

Wellington Winds Inc Musicians David Arthur, Board Chair 31 Arthur Street North, Elmira, ON Email: info@wellingtonwinds.ca Web: http://www.wellingtonwinds.ca Phone: (519) 669-1327

YourHSA Human Resource Consultants Jeff Solomon, Partner 110 Manitou Road, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3 Email: info@yourhsa.ca Web: http://www.yourhsa.ca Phone: (519) 569-7778

Zycom Technology Inc. Internet & Technology Products & Service Marian Wiens, Senior Account Executive 27 Janine Street, Kitchener, ON N2A4L7 Email: marianwiens@zycomtec.com Web: http://www.zycomtec.com Phone: (519) 589-2433 / Fax: (866) 645-7765

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

13

feature

University – Community Partnerships Support Regional Economic Diversity

BY DR. MAX BLOUW For more than 100 years, business and civic leaders in Waterloo Region have understood the vital link between higher education and community prosperity.

In 1911, the Waterloo Board of Trade helped bring the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada to Waterloo by providing the five acres of land upon which the seminary was established. Without this foresight, our community today would not have Wilfrid Laurier University, which evolved out of the seminary’s humble beginnings. It can also be argued that we would not have the University of Waterloo either, since that institution evolved out of the Associate Faculties of Waterloo College, as Laurier was known in the mid-1950s.

Over the years, our post-secondary institutions have contributed significantly to the diversified economy that has been the hallmark of this region’s enduring prosperity.

One obvious contribution is the supply of well-educated graduates we produce, many of whom provide a source of talented workers for area employers. For example, a 2011 graduate survey found that 25 per cent of Laurier alumni who reported a location of employment were employed in Waterloo Region.

Laurier’s co-op education programs deserve special mention. In addition to having the largest business degree co-op program in Canada, Laurier has a significant number of arts and science students engaged in co-op education. Approximately 20 per cent of Laurier coop students spend their work terms in Waterloo Region with a wide range of employers, including RIM, Open Text, Manulife, Sun Life Financial, Ernst and Young, KPMG, PWC, Toyota and many others.

These work-term experiences lead many of our co-op students to accept full-time positions with local employers once they graduate.

Our post-secondary institutions also provide the community with a source of convenient, high-quality professional development. Laurier’s part-time MBA programs, our new Executive Masters in Technology Management, the Laurier Executive Development Centre, and our Continuing and Part-time Studies programs allow area residents to enhance their knowledge and job skills while pursuing their careers.

In addition to producing talented graduates, the higher-education sector is contributing to the community in new and exciting ways.

One of the most important examples is the way in which postsecondary institutions are becoming a vital source of innovation, often in partnership with business, government and other organizations.

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Laurier, for example, is extending its expertise in entrepreneurship across all academic disciplines and out into the community. As a founding educational partner in the Communitech Hub in Kitchener, we are bringing together knowledgeable faculty, highly motivated students and experienced business people to collaborate in a variety of new and innovative ways.

At the heart of our Hub activities is the Laurier Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, which invites students from any program at the university — be it business, arts, science, or music — to engage in a unique course that encourages them to build their own business while earning course credit. It’s an experiential and collaborative process that enables the university and the community to interact in a truly innovative new way.

These kinds of programs are encouraged by the Ontario government, which is urging post-secondary institutions to enhance their role as “centres of creativity, innovation and knowledge.”

In pursuit of this goal, the province recently directed all universities and colleges to outline their three top priorities as part of a process to develop strategic mandate agreements. One of Laurier’s top priorities is to pursue research and partnerships that will be distinguished by complementary outcomes of knowledge creation, community development, improvements in the modern economy, and learning enrichment.

We believe this approach acknowledges the importance of both theoretical and applied research. We also believe it builds on a tradition that encourages the kind of university-community partnerships that have benefited the people of Waterloo Region for more than a century.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Max Blouw Dr. Max Blouw is President and Vice-Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University.

feature

Jeremy Auger, EMTM ’12 Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President Desire2Learn Incorporated

Yvan Couture ’84, ’89 CEO, Co-President and Chairman Primal

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

GROWING BUSINESS IN T E C H N O LO G Y S I N C E 1 9 6 6

Celebrating 50 years in 2016

A cornerstone in Canada’s Technology Triangle, Laurier’s School of Business & Economics produces Canada’s best business professionals who have made their mark in leading technology organizations across the world. Laurier leverages this technology community into the classroom and prepares their students with an outstanding educational experience. Laurier inspires lives of leadership and purpose by allowing students to find their passion and to provide them with the skills and knowledge for the path and career they choose.

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY

Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto

SBEC-59-NOV 12

The Best Business Schools in the World

wlu.ca/sbe

advocate MAY | JUNE 2012

15

cover story

Adversity Drives Headlines, but Diversity Drives Our Economy Manufacturing Diversity a Key Reason Why Ontario’s Economic Engine Did Not Cease

BY SCOTT MCNEIL-SMITH We have all seen it and most of us have felt it. The past few years have been devastating for Ontario manufacturers and our economy as a whole. Most companies have struggled and several have departed.

Hardly a week goes by without seeing a mainstream media article on the latest plant cutback or closure. The bruises are evident.

sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture / agri-food processing, and some measure of resource related companies, such as wood products, water, quarry/stone (not to mention, mining, oil and gas that is prevalent in other regions)… with strong community support and service sectors around them.

Yet in spite of the headlines, the constant focus on negatives affecting industry and the economy, many manufacturers are in fact succeeding… bruises and all! Their ability to remain competitive globally and prosper locally is one of the better kept secrets in many communities, and that in itself is one of the challenges.

Economic diversity also means a mix within each of the elements.

For the Manufacturing mix, this means a diverse group of complementary or even competitive subsector companies, ideally mobilized to collaborate via vibrant industry clusters. For the Agriculture mix, this means focusing not only food crops, but biodiversity, as well as livestock, dairy etc., and the incorporation of innovative processes and leading technology. For the Resource mix, this means ‘all of the above’, as well as employing sustainable practices as part of the business model, which renew the natural resources they rely on.

So how are some manufacturers succeeding while others struggle?

Why do some communities seem better suited for sustainable growth? Why did our economic engine merely stall and not cease altogether? The simple answer is diversity.

While adversity is what seems to drive headlines, it is diversity that keeps things moving.

The Three Ways to Generate Wealth in our Economy While debating a service model with an economics professor of mine, I learned something that stuck with me for the past 20+ years. He said “there are only three true ways to generate new wealth in our economy. 1) You build it. 2) You grow it. 3) You dig it out of the ground. Everything else is just moving money around from one pile to another.”

Although I would not admit defeat in that debate (as services are an important part of the economy and I’m sure our financial sector friends would contend moving money around from one pile to another is a ‘good thing’), he was right about economic wealth generation and these three elemental themes.

The last twenty years have also seen the definition of ‘grow it’ expand to include the three I’s (Innovation, Invention and Intellectual Property) and research & development, as a means to enhance wealth generation.

Economic Diversity: Communities Need a Mix… Build, Grow, Dig Through EMC’s industry networks, we work with thousands of manufacturers located in over 450 communities. It is apparent the more prosperous regions have all three of the wealth generating elements at their disposal. This usually includes an assortment of

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Waterloo Region is fortunate to have all three of these wealth generating elements, including a diverse group of manufacturers, agriculture and resource companies all adding value and developing raw materials into finished goods. We also have the essential support services for industry, including good schools, hospitals and professional trades, and (yes) financial and other service sectors.

The Region is diverse, vibrant and growing.

Manufacturing Diversity…

When looking at what successful manufacturers have in common, diversity is even more apparent. This means diversity in plant, people and process capabilities, as well as diversity in customer base. It means honing a skilled and agile workforce, whose leadership and employees are able to adapt to changing customer needs and continuously improve.

Manufacturing diversity means the ability to attack new markets and opportunities that you may not otherwise consider. Don’t just look at what you currently build. Based on the capabilities that exist within your organization – plant, people and processes – what other business streams can you target? What new capabilities do you need? What could you build if the right opportunity aligned with your own capabilities?

Achieving diversity also requires the presence of a skilled workforce, the adoption of GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices) and the implementation of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques.

cover story

Finding the right skilled workers is one of the greatest barriers to success manufacturers are facing.

EMC conducts an annual (national) plant survey and participates in a manufacturing outlook study involving our members. It is apparent many Canadian manufacturers want to hire, but can't find the right people.

In a recent study, half of Canadian manufacturers surveyed said they are looking to hire right now, but are having trouble finding workers with the right expertise. Reports cite a flurry of activity in various Ontario sectors (including food, wood products, aerospace, mining, plastics and energy) which is creating a demand for new jobs, but employers cannot find the specific capabilities they need.

There is a lack of skilled workers in virtually every region.

Many companies have told us they are not only competing for new business and customers around the world, but also competing at home to attract skilled workers, talented leadership and the subjectmatter-expertise necessary to enhance their capabilities, to grow and become more competitive.

“Nobody knows the issues affecting manufacturers better than the manufacturers themselves,” said Al Diggins, President and General Manager of Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC).

“Manufacturers are increasingly faced with hyper-competition.

Global influences such as China, India and the Canadian dollar, not to mention productivity and skilled labour issues all readily make the daily news. The only way to help manufacturers remain viable here at home is to level the playing field.”

One example - through our Canadian Manufacturing Network initiative, EMC is working with sector council partners and members to aid in the development of a GMP Assessment Tool, to provide industry with a better way to identify new workers with the right skills needed, as well as current workers seeking to advance.

We learned long ago, the first, best course of action is to listen to industry needs. They need skilled workers. They need to cultivate new capabilities for diversification, engage significant skills development, continuous improvement and implementation of GMP’s and Lean Management Systems. And they need some financial assistance to do it.

The Message is Optimism Many industries have moved from ‘caution’ to ‘cautious optimism’ to ‘optimistic’, and some have moved from ‘optimistic’ to ‘we can’t find

enough skilled workers or produce/ship product fast enough to keep up with all the orders’. All cylinders are firing so to speak and their diversity is fueling continuity.

Communicating the good things that exist within manufacturing will help address these needs. Growth of even a fraction of a percent is still growth. Contraction doesn’t mean the engine has died. Pick your cliché… the patient is still breathing and our economic engine is still running.

Every dollar invested in manufacturing yields more than three times that in secondary and tertiary spending. We need to encourage investment in industry, to remove barriers and enable wealth generation. Now is the time.

History tells us we will always face some adversity. Through upturns and downturns, the moral of this story is an idling engine is really a working engine just waiting to be revved. The key is to rev the engine by investing in the right fuel… those elements which create wealth. Build. Grow. Dig. We need to change the economic message about manufacturing from that of adversity, to one of diversity. When enough people read that message, they will start to believe it. When they believe, more good things will happen and our economic engine will rev higher once again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott McNeil-Smith Scott McNeil-Smith Director of Marketing & Development Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) www.emccanada.org EMC is a unique not-for-profit, grass-roots organization that has grown to become the largest manufacturing consortium in Canada.

EMC’s network within the Waterloo Region includes hundreds of manufacturers working together in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the surrounding area.

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

17

events

Mark Your Calendar

BY CHAMBER STAFF

January 16, 2013

January 24, 2013

January 31, 2013

Point of View with Micheál Kelly

WalterFedy Networking Breakfast Series presents a Business Case Study with KW Symphony

Economic Development Series: Education

11:30am-1:30pm Location: Waterloo Inn Member: $40 General Admission: $50 Have you ever wondered how our community is perceived from outside the boundary lines of Waterloo Region?

Micheál J. Kelly, a life-long resident of Ottawa, joined our region in July of 2012 as the new Dean of Laurier's School of Business & Economics, bringing with him extensive experience to build Canada's best business school. Join Micheál as he provides a newcomer’s perspective on the state of our region and why he believes post-secondary institutions and business schools are putting Waterloo Region on the international stage.

Title Sponsor:

7:15-9:00am Location: Holiday Inn KitchenerWaterloo Member: $28 General Admission: $40 Join Edwin Outwater, Music Director and Genevieve Twomey, Executive Director of KWS, as they take you through a case study to share insights about how the symphony, as a business, achieved an impressive turn around, going from a difficult financial situation and negative media coverage, to financial stability, a restored presence in the community, growing audiences and renewed pride in the orchestra.

11:30am-1:30pm Location: Waterloo Inn Join Feridun Hamdullahpur, President of the University of Waterloo, Dr. Max Blouw, President of Wilfrid Laurier University, and Dr. John Tibbits, President of Conestoga College as they discuss the importance of post secondary education to the Region of Waterloo, Ontario and Canada.

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events

February 12, 2013

February 21, 2013

February 27, 2013

Rogers Business After 5

Business Excellence Awards Gala

5:00-7:00pm Hosted by Golf’s Steak house & Seafood Member: Complimentary General Admission: $10

6:00-10:00pm Location: Bingemans Member: $150 Member Table of 8: $1150 General Admission: $175 General Admission Table of 8: $1350

Second Foundation Chamber Young Professionals Speed Networking Event

Does networking intimidate you or do you thrive on meeting new people? Come out to this casual event with friendly faces and easy conversation that provides an opportunity for B2B networking.

Title Sponsor:

5:00-7:00pm Location: Delta Kitchener-Waterloo Members: $5 General Admission: $10

Don’t miss the region’s largest gala event with 12 awards presented to Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community.

Maximize your networking opportunities with mentors and other young professionals, one on one, a few minutes at a time and find hidden opportunities and new connections.

Come and enjoy the celebration!

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advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

19

feature

Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) continues as Local and National Leader

BY MICHAEL KUNTZ The Waterloo Region manufacturing sector remains a critical component of the provincial and national economy. Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) is a family owned and operated business that has grown to become a world leader in the supply of Premium Plated Products to automotive, motorcycle, appliance and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) around the world.

2008. The bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler, which over a decade ago would have been unthinkable, was a significant challenge.

The transition to a new global manufacturing base has been challenging but we are well positioned to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Being globally competitive is critical in today’s business environment.

KEI is currently North America’s largest and most advanced independent metal finishing operation for OEM’s of steel, stainless steel, zinc and aluminum components. We are the first metal finisher to simultaneously achieve ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 certification and have become the benchmark for industry quality and service.

Our survival is closely linked with our embrace of a new lean manufacturing culture that started from the top of the organization and required the buy in from every level of employee. Without our employees’ dedication and determination in “finding the least-wasteway” in everything we do, we would not be here today. Providing the best value proposition to our customers around the world is clearly understood by management and our employees.

As a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier, our services include polishing, bright buffing, copper-platting and decorative nickel-chrome plating, painting, fabrication and manufacturing, supply chain management, subassembly, packaging, warehousing and logistics support. We operate one of the largest and most advanced plating production operations in the industry for large and medium-sized contracts. Our robotic polishing systems utilize the most advanced technology available today and are supported by our own team of automation and programming experts. We’ve embraced technology and innovation as a way to remain globally competitive and believe in keeping supply chains short.

In the 1990’s we installed our own co-generation facility, the first of its kind in our industry, which today can produce up to 75% of our own power requirements. The five 1600 HP Caterpillar natural gas engines can also run production and waste treatment systems during emergency power outages. A new high-tech water treatment facility was recently constructed to meet current and future production requirements. Our commitment to production in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner is core to our long term corporate strategy.

Manufacturing in Waterloo Region generates one in five jobs across the workforce (55,000 jobs) in 1493 establishments such as ours. We are working with our local universities and Conestoga College to engage co-op students and foster new research projects, so our contribution to the regional employment and education base is significant.

The Ontario manufacturing sector has witnessed a series of changes over the past decade and KEI, like many of our competitors, has been required to adjust. The appreciation of the Canadian dollar was first apparent around 2005 and closures such as BF Goodrich followed in 2006. It was apparent that our sector was under immense pressure far in advance of the global recession which commenced in September of

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Today, we continue to grow and deliver the highest quality polished, painted and plated parts to the world’s most recognized manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, GM, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Volvo, Nissan, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley to name a few.

Examples of KEI Premium Plated Products seen on the road today include most engine components on Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles, roof rails and trim on various North American made cars and SUV’s and the majority of chrome plated running boards (step boards) seen on Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota and Honda SUV’s and pick-up trucks. If it’s shiny, it still looks like new and it’s on the exterior of a vehicle, there’s a good chance you are looking at a KEI Premium Plated Product.

Our commitment to continuous improvement, quality, the environment, our employees and our community maintains our position as a leader in North American metal finishing. Our mission is simply “to be the best at what we do.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Kuntz Mike is a third-generation business owner and currently Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI). Mike has been working in the family business since 1986 and was hired on full-time in 1998 to help lead the company's business development and strategic planning activities. Mike is a graduate of McMaster University and an MBA graduate of Ohio University

feature

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

21

feature

Different Kind of Bubble – A Tech Perspective

BY DOUGLAS GROSFIELD

We all remember the term “tech bubble” with regard to the financial devastation that occurred when the “bubble” burst near the turn of the century down in Silicon Valley, a lot of dramatic change in a heartbeat!

We here in Waterloo Region also live in a tech bubble of sorts, mind you a very different kind though. It is not built on hope and hype (read: vapour-ware), rather it is built on a very solid foundation of some of the most brilliant tech icons so admired around our eversmaller world!

Xylotek, as a rapidly growing member of the high-tech community in Waterloo Region, enjoys a unique perspective on the Teflon nature of the largely absent ill effects on our local economy that so many other areas of North America have endured over the last few years. The sheer diversity of the business sector around these parts is an everevolving and very important component that contributes to the success of the community as a whole. It is important to note, however, (and I know I may be just a tad biased here…) that the tech sector in the Region has played a massive role in the sheltering effect that exists here. By that I mean economic stimulus and growth has flourished, attracting new businesses and investments/funding to the Region, despite the last few years seeing entire cities going bankrupt elsewhere, people losing their jobs and homes, and economic distress that has long and far reaching effects on the global economy.

As a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce since our early days, and a member of the business community as a whole, being a tech company experiencing growth that puts us in the 200 fastest growing companies in Canada and the 100 fastest growing IT services providers in North America, I feel blessed to be a business owner in Waterloo Region. From rampant opportunity to social responsibility and the many levels of diversity in our Region, the abundance of arts and entertainment available to us, the truly world-class education and scientific research facilities, thinktanks and consortiums, to say nothing of the non-stop pace of innovation and thought-leadership our local tech community and it’s evangelists produce, it is no wonder Waterloo Region attracts the very best to live, work and play here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Douglas Grosfield Douglas Grosfield is President and CEO of Xylotek Solutions, a full-service, IT consulting firm focusing on managed services, IT outsourcing and cloud. Xylotek services clients from a wide variety of sectors – tech, insurance, education, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, automotive, government, and charitable organizations.

I am not going to say that there have not been troubles on the home front for businesses here, but we see so much more continued success and reinvestment in our local communities and economy. Companies such as Xylotek, RIM, Open Text, Sandvine, Google, Microsoft, IBM, the list goes on and on in a veritable “Who’s Who” of tech giants, are stronger than ever and cementing Waterloo Region’s reputation as Silicon Valley North.

presents

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$85 Reception & Theatre

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$75 Early Bird (until February 14th)

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

TAKE T AKE T THE HE

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Throughout the winter winter,, it’ it’ss essential esssential to keep walkways and parking lots ice-free. At the same time, tim me, it’ it’ss important to reduce our reliance environment property.. Excess on salt to help protect the en nvironment and our property Exxcess sources salt can seep into the groundd and ultimately affect our sour rces of water.. It can damage drinking water damagge buildings, properties and landscaping, landdscaping, expense. resulting in needless expens se se.

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Smart about Salt is a trademark of the Smart S about Salt Council.

Thank You!

Individual and Small Business Contributors

BME Consulting

Karen Mason

Ian McLean

for helping the Chamber continue its goal of eliminating the doctor shortage in Waterloo Region Since 1998 the Chamber and a team of dedicated volunteers have cut the number of residents without a family doctor in half. However the battle is not over.

Our Recruitment efforts can only happen through the financial dedication of our Corporate Community through which it is funded advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

23

sponsor profile

Local Contractor Builds Relationships, Goodwill

BY BEVERLEY CUNNINGHAM Local general contractor George Cunningham has had a little bit of wisdom hanging on the wall behind his desk for more than 30 years.

It’s a piece of framed calligraphy that reads, “We are going to do it once and we are going to do it right.” It’s George’s take on the old Carpenter’s Rule: measure twice, cut once, and it has served him well. It’s a philosophy he lives, breathes and promotes throughout his organization.

It’s a sound business strategy for any organization that wants to enjoy business longevity.

Those who know George know he’s serious, not only about doing things right, but also about doing the right things. He’s seen too many people fall into the trap of wanting to take shortcuts or pinch pennies on construction projects – penny pinching that can sometimes have costly future repercussions. That’s why he willingly shares his years of experience and expertise to help clients avoid those pitfalls – sometimes whether they want it or not.

Recently the firm has been privileged to play a role in downtown Kitchener’s urban renewal. George has had a crew at the Lang Tannery building, on Charles Street in Kitchener, intermittently for the past two years, and he’s now also working in the new Breithaupt Block, on Breithaupt Street. Originally established in 1904 as a rubber manufacturing plant, it’s being reinvented as loft-like urban offices. George and his employees are delighted to help rejuvenate these century-old buildings, maintaining the exposed bricks and beams and juxtaposing them with elegant additions of glass, chrome and brushed nickel.

It’s this type of forthright honesty and transparency that has won S.G. Cunningham Limited (SGC) the respect of local engineers, architects, construction consultants and subtrades. As one client states, “When you hire this firm, you won’t always get the answers ‘you want to hear.’ You’ll get the actual and accurate answer.” This is how respectful and trusting client relationships are built and it’s why S.G. Cunningham Limited has a high percentage of long-term, returning clients.

Supporting urban renewal George launched S.G. Cunningham in 1976 and quickly established a niche in commercial renovations, although they also handle new building and industrial construction.

“It’s great to preserve and repurpose these old plants,” says George.

“You gain character and warmth that’s difficult to recreate, and they link us to our heritage – they’re the historic fabric of our community.”

PROJECT MANAGER PERRY CASH (LEFT), CFO GEORGIA BOLGER AND PROJECT MANAGER JOHN DEANS REVIEW PLANS.

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sponsor profile

Membership matters S.G. Cunningham Limited has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years. “Chamber membership conveys a certain level of business credibility,” says Project Manager John Deans, “and we appreciate the local business information, workshops and networking opportunities membership provides.”

SGC was recently one of the sponsors of a Chamber “Business After 5” event held at the new Centre in the Square Members’ Lounge.

“The event was well attended, a great opportunity to meet people, and for S.G. Cunningham, it was also an opportunity to showcase our work,” says Project Manager Allan Doerr who oversaw construction.

“We were the design-build contractor which means our firm managed the entire renovation from start to finish.” This included selecting a talented local interior designer to transform the ambiance of the lower-level office space into an upscale oasis for members to relax before and after performances. “Business After 5” attendees loved the venue and its soft, monochromatic cream colour scheme.

Centre in the Square Director of Development Deborah Currie was delighted with the result and also with the way SGC helped them remain on budget. “We were creative in carefully choosing interior finishes that are polished and luxurious looking, but didn’t break the bank!” says SGC CFO Georgia Bolger. “It’s a matter of sourcing the right materials and being discriminating – keeping your standards high.”

Caring for our community Through the years, S.G. Cunningham has enjoyed sharing their success. They’ve developed a tradition of giving back to the community through a variety of initiatives. They’ve supported arts organizations like THEMUSEUM, The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and local theatre.

As an investment in healthcare for their employees and the community, they also support health and wellness. Employees have raised funds for the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre by participating in Grand River Hospital Foundation Rides with Lance.

They also support the Motorcycle Ride for Dad to raise funds to fight prostrate cancer. St. Mary’s and Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundations have also benefited.

On a lighter note, along with a local law firm, they recently donated four Justin Bieber tickets to two young fans who lost their tickets (and money) in an online scamming scheme.

S.G. Cunningham has received so much appreciation for their corporate giving that Georgia Bolger is now being asked to speak to groups of high school students about the power of generosity.

IN 2010, SGC PROJECT MANAGER JOHN DEANS (LEFT) AND SITE SUPERINTENDENT JAVIER MONTERO CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN $50,000 TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER WHEN THEY RODE 115 KM IN THE GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION’S RIDE WITH LANCE.

She says, “It’s a privilege to give back – and not just for business reasons. We believe that every gift we are able to give, whether that’s time, talent or treasure, has an impact – and that perhaps some day the person who benefited will be able to give back too, creating an ongoing circle of giving. We’re so pleased we’ve been able to encourage other local businesses to give as well. When you support a cause and start spreading the word (especially through social media), it’s amazing to see the gifts multiply.”

Georgia has worked with S.G. Cunningham Limited for more than 25 years and although she primarily played an administrative role earlier on, through the years, she learned the importance of building strong business relationships. She is now an active participant in new business acquisition and thoroughly enjoys the client relations element of her job.

“We owe a big thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for all they do to facilitate relationship building in this community,” she says.

“They’re a vital resource for local businesses.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beverley Cunningham Beverley Cunningham is a local communications consultant who handles public relations for S.G. Cunningham Limited.

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feature

Expect the Unexpected!

The Chamber Travel Series Continues to India

BY TERRY KRATZ India is one of the most geographically diverse nations in the world.

It is the seventh largest land mass, has the tenth largest GDP, and a population of 1.2 billion, second only to China, though India is growing at a much faster rate. Unfortunately its GDP per capita ranks fairly low at $1,514, compared to $5,419 for China and $50,496 for Canada.

After our first night at Le Meridian in New Delhi, we were up early to board the bus to Jaipur. As we left the beautiful colonial area of the city built by the British, we passed the new gleaming buildings of Goa, the call centre to the world and then on to the freeway.

Expect the unexpected–our guide reminded us—as we watched out the window while we drove through the other side of India- small villages with a myriad of retail stores and outdoor stalls, with hundreds and hundreds of people by the roadsides, coexisting with a wide variety of animals running free. A horn seemed to be more important than a steering wheel on the roads that, especially in the villages, are shared with cars, new industrial and old model trucks, small auto-rickshaws (tuk tuks), carts being pulled by local farmers, children, motorbikes, scooters, retailers moving their produce on their head, and villagers on camels.

We arrived after two stops, one at a Hindu temple and for lunch, at Jaipur. We stayed just outside the old town at the Trident- a 4 star hotel with a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool. It was from here that I ventured out to take a rickshaw ride to the old town. Expect the unexpected- as our driver told us his nickname was James Bond as he drove us for a tour of the old city squeezing between traffic lanes at breakneck speeds too fast for even my camera to take a picture. The next day we tried a more traditional method of transportation as we rode elephants up to the Amber Fort/Palace just outside of the city.

Later we toured the City Palace and attended a gem cutting demonstration and then on to a carpet weaving textile factory to witness how Indian carpets are made, and of course there was time after each tour to hone our bargaining skills at the factory outlets.

After we had a tour of the old city, we left for Agra. Again the bus ride was longer than expected, but we stopped early afternoon just outside of Agra to tour Fatehpur Sikri- an architecturally beautiful fort and city built as a Mughal capital in mid 1500s. The entire walled city is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles and is presently abandoned, some say for its lack of water.

We then went on to Agra and arrived after dark to another of the Trident hotel chain. Again expect the unexpected- as we were lucky enough to be in India at the time of the festival of Lord Ganesha- the elephant headed god and son of Shiva and Parvati and one of the most popular deities in India—and so though we often witnessed special parades with music, chanting, flowers and statues of Ganesha, in Agra a

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new capital in 1911. He used a unique style that combined Western Classicism with Indian decoration. This part of the city was laid out using many concentric circles with large avenues and vistas. The following day we also took a bus tour of this area that includes India Gate (the WW1 memorial), Parliament House, and many ministry buildings. The tour also included other architectural highlights as well as a stop at Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, and at the Qutb Complex, which includes a 5 story Islamic Victory Tower built in 1192. Our day ended with a stop at a modern shopping complex where although we had to go through security to get into the mall, once inside it almost felt like we were back in North America since there was a Blackberry outlet!

large section of town was blocked off due to a huge festival celebration.

Our bus became part of a large procession that seemed to take forever to maneuver.

The following day was the most special of the trip. The entire group was up before dawn around 5am and boarded the bus to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. A number of the group were dressed in their Indian saris and dhotis and as the bus pulled away in the dark the level of anticipation was high. We arrived and were not disappointed. The building’s marble surface with stone insets and surface design glistened a multitude of colors as the sun rose in the sky. The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous buildings. It is a tomb and memorial built by Emperor Shahjahan as a shrine for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. It took 12 years to complete by 20,000 laborers and is described as an Islamic garden of paradise.

The next day we visited a few other historical sites, then made the final leg of our trip back to Delhi, rechecked into El Meridian and then had time to explore selected colonial parts of the city. This area has some of the most impressive buildings in Delhi that were designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who was commissioned to design India’s

When I look back at our six days in India, I am amazed at how much I experienced and learned. India mixes historic and modern, many ethnic cultures, and different lifestyles. The trip is one that some chose to stay close to the hotels and guides on the bus, and others took some of the free time to visit other attractions (with a little bit of the guides’ help) on their own to create some of their own adventures. It is certainly a memorable experience where you have to remember to expect the unexpected!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Kratz Terry is a past chair and current treasurer of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. He is a partner in a local public accounting firm Hemmerich, Flanagan, Kratz, Eamer & McRae LLP. advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

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feature

THEMUSEUM Offers Amazing New Exhibition

BY DEREK WEIDL An incredible journey commenced when THEMUSEUM’s CEO David Marskell completed a 10 day, 4 city, 8 museum whirlwind trip across China in spring 2011, where he made perhaps the greatest find of his career – 50,000, thousand-year-old, ancient Chinese rock carvings in the District of Dazu. With foreign visitors unaware of the Dazu Rock Carvings until 1980, Marskell was determined to be the first to bring a collection from this World UNESCO Heritage Site to a North American audience. In 14 short months, the impressive feat was accomplished. But it wasn’t easy.

What began as a great opportunity quickly morphed into THEMUSEUM’s largest undertaking in its nine year history.

The pace was not for the faint of heart. “In terms of the museum world, it was lightning speed,” remarks Marskell on the 14 month turnaround. The first step required cooperation with another sector whose reputation for speed rivaled that of the museum world.

Receiving permission from the Chinese Ministry of Archeology and the Ministry of Culture proved to be the first challenge of many with shipping logistics becoming the next hurdle.

“It wasn’t my brightest idea – shipping rocks from China,” jokes Marskell. A price tag in the neighbourhood of $80,000-$90,000 to bring the 48 artifacts – with sizes ranging from small football-sized heads to two-metre-high carvings weighing close to a ton – and an incredibly tight timeline meant that there wasn’t a lot of room for error.

The rock carvings epic trek to North America encountered an early obstacle with an actual traffic jam on the Yangtze River. With a nearly 200 boat queue, construction on the dam forced the rock carvings to backtrack to Chendu and journey to Shanghai by truck.

The delay led to a missed cargo ship leaving from Shanghai, putting the already tight timeline at further risk. Monica Chen, specially hired for the exhibition, flew out to rendezvous with the artifacts in Shanghai to diligently inspect all 48 carvings for the detailed condition reports before being packed away in customdesigned shipping crates, specially created to withstand the punishing voyage across the Pacific Ocean. The rock carvings finally left Shanghai, but the possibility of delays at Canadian Customs remained a very real threat.

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The September 20 opening date for the exhibition crept closer.

Nights were sleepless and nails were bitten short as Marskell and THEMUSEUM staff nervously anticipated the arrival of the rock carvings. The modes of transportation used resembled a sequel to the John Hughes film Trains, Planes and Automobiles with trucking stops in Dazu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Hefei, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Next, a 17 day crossing of the Pacific Ocean by freight ship stopping in Los Angeles, Seattle, and eventually Vancouver.

Train was featured next en route to Toronto with the carvings finally arriving at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener by truck, completing a 19,000 km odyssey over the course of nearly a month.

THEMUSEUM team feverishly got to work, manipulating the rock carvings with winches, forklifts, hoists and sometimes brute human strength. The finishing touches to the exhibit were made mere hours before the show opened. And now after over a thousand years, North Americans are privileged to see a collection of some of China’s most spectacular cave art.

Treasures of China featuring the Dazu Rock Carvings was the result of an incredibly long and complex journey with many obstacles, further complicated by language and time zone barriers. The exhibition represents an impressive accomplishment by Marskell’s team at THEMUSEUM, the organization’s most ambitious project to date. Treasures of China is now open at THEMUSEUM and is a North American Premiere and exclusive engagement that will be returning to Dazu, China at the end of its run in Kitchener.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Derek Weidl Derek Weidl, Manager of Digital Media & Marketing at THEMUSEUM. Visit www.THEMUSEUM.ca for information on Treasures Of China and other great programs and exhibits from THEMUSEUM.

member notables

Member Notables The Cake Box Founder Wins Entrepreneur Award Yvonne Zensner, owner of The Cake Box in Kitchener and Waterloo, recently received the prestigious Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest Women of the Year award in the entrepreneur category.

Ms. Zensner was acknowledged as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and inspiration to other women. She teaches cake decorating at her two locations which are both experiencing significant growth due to her leadership and vision. She was recognized along with seven other local women for outstanding personal achievements and service to the community.

RBC Royal Bank Supports Entrepreneurship at Conestoga College On October 23, 2012, RBC Royal Bank presented Conestoga College with $325,000 to partner on the College’s new Centre for Entrepreneurship.

The partnership includes the creation of a new RBC Ventures Lab that will serve as a hub for entrepreneurship education and the development of a Small Business Ventures graduate certificate program, where participants will work with expert advisors to initiate small enterprises, the backbone of the national and local economies.

The Small Business Ventures program will commence in 2013 for university and college graduates along with individuals with a minimum of two years work experience in a designated sector. Students will learn business planning and develop skills in all areas relevant to the operation of a small business.

Donovan Insurance Wins Brokerage of the Year Award Waterloo-based Donovan Insurance Brokers has been awarded the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario Brokerage of the Year –more than 10 brokers – for 2012.

The company received this same ward for 2011.

President Kevin Donovan and the firm were recognized for exemplary community involvement, business vision, innovative marketing and customer service, and on-going promotion of the profession. Donovan Insurance has serviced Waterloo Region clients for 43 years.

My IT Guy Acquires Schiller Networks Kitchener-based My IT Guy has acquired Schiller Networks, further growing and diversifying their operations.

The acquisition merges the staffing complement of the two organizations, encompassing ten years of operation at Schiller Networks and eight at My IT Guy. Founded by Adam Smith in 2004, My IT Guy has maintained a growing IT customer base throughout Waterloo Region.

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Miovision Technologies Receives Provincial Recognition At the 2012 Ontario Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards Gala held in Toronto on October 24, Miovsion Technologies of Kitchener was a recipient of the prestigious RBC Royal Bank Small Business Award.

Since its founding in 2005, Miovision has been growing and developing into a technology leader across Waterloo Region with innovative traffic and parking technology that has been adopted by governments and engineering firms on a global level.

Flourish has moved to downtown Kitchener Kitchener based eco-friendly florist Flourish has opened a new boutique retail store in downtown Kitchener. The store is full of local and Canadian gifts as well as locally grown and Fair Trade flowers at 32 Ontario St. N. Flourish was founded in 2007 and has grown into an award winning, full service florist serving Waterloo Region, Guelph, and surrounding areas.

Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishment or event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraints make it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

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