September/October 2017 Advocate Web

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

Opportunities in the Toronto-Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor

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advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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features COVER STORY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Jan De Silva

EDITOR:

16 Connecting Our Region: The Supercluster Approach FEATURE

22 2017 Election of Directors Nominating Committee's Slate of Candidates Nominee Profiles

FEATURE

25 Post-Secondary Education in the Knowledge Economy John Tibbits

SPONSOR PROFILE

26 Family to Family, That’s the Difference!

Heather Hutchings

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

M&T Printing Group

PHOTOGRAPHY: Adamski Photography Snapd Kitchener Waterloo

ADVERTISING AND SALES:

David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Karen Cross – kcross@greaterkwchamber.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Andrew Tepperman

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Art Sinclair

FEATURE

The Toronto Waterloo Corridor – Canada’s Technology Supercluster Gerry Remers

Jan De Silva, Rosa Lupo, Ian McLean, Jenna Petker, Gerry Remers, Art Sinclair, Andrew Tepperman, John Tibbits

CONTRIBUTORS:

Aislynn Cooper and Teri Egerdeen

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:

September 22, 2017 for November-December 2017 November 17, 2017 for January-February 2018 January 19, 2018 for March-April 2018 March 16, 2018 for May-June 2018 July 20, 2018 for September-October 2018 September 21, 2018 for November-December 2018

SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:

Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com

SUBMISSION POLICY:

departments MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4 Planning with a View to the Future

Rosa Lupo

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 Exciting Opportunities for

NEW MEMBERS

10 April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 NETWORKING

12 Summer Networking HI-LIGHTING MEMBERS

Waterloo Region

18 Where to Book your Holiday

ADVOCACY

20 Mark Your Calendar

Ian McLean

7 The Political Balancing Acts of Bills 148 and 139 Art Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Physician Recruitment

Weekend Showcases K-W Jenna Petker

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.

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MEMBER NOTABLES

32 Chamber Members Achieving Success

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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.

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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message from the chair

Planning with a View to the Future

BY ROSA LUPO

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has had a very productive and exciting year. Throughout this past year the Chamber has worked hard to serve its members and be the voice of over 1800 businesses with the goal of continuously improving our business community.

With a view to the future the Chamber Board invested significant time on developing and honing a strategic plan to take the organization forward over the next three years. Over the course of the next three years, the Chamber has decided to focus its resources on the following initiatives: •To be the advocate for employers and the business community through multiple channels

•Help business and employers build capacity and adapt to our changing world

•Actively engage members of the chamber through multiple services

•Partner and collaborate with other organizations •Establish best practices in governance.

While these initiatives are not necessarily new for the Chamber, the strategic plan will increase the focus of the Chamber’s resources and permit it to assess new initiatives and opportunities with a view to achieving these initiatives.

Many of these initiatives have already commenced. The Chamber has played an integral role in the Innovation Corridor and has partnered and collaborated with other chambers along the corridor to make presentations to all three Ontario government parties on the importance of infrastructure and talent needs along the corridor. The Innovation Corridor is making significant strides in attracting the interest of government to co-ordinate resources and efforts from several municipalities in order to achieve global recognition of the corridor region.

The Chamber actively represents the needs of members and is committed to ensuring a strong and healthy economy in which to live and do business. Its collaborative and cooperative approach to economic development at municipal, regional and provincial levels continues to be a focus of our activities.

Through the quality of programs offered and activities that evolve to reflect our members’ changing needs, the Chamber offers exceptional opportunities for employers to build capacity and adapt. From e-learning opportunities to CAMP programs and more formal training and development workshops,

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members have numerous opportunities to learn how to build capacity and expand. In addition to members learning from industry experts, members are also encouraged to share their own best practices through peer to peer networks and CEO roundtables to grow the collective capacity of our region.

Whether a seasoned business professional or the next generation of business leader, events like the Chamber Academy and Chamber Young Professionals are effective ways to expand your network and build your skills.

During this past year, attendance at the Chamber’s premier networking events continued to grow. The Business Excellence Awards Gala was hosted at a new venue, Centre in the Square, and was attended by over 900 business leaders. Members were also able to enjoy smaller, more intimate Business After 5 events, which allowed for an insider’s view of the many exciting businesses in our community.

It has been my honour and privilege to serve as your Chamber Board Chair this past year. I have been extremely fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated group of local leaders who serve as your Board of Directors. I am very proud of all that the Chamber has accomplished this past year and I look forward to all its future accomplishments. None of this would be possible without the dedicated and remarkable staff of the Chamber. Although not large in number, the Chamber employees, under Ian McLean’s leadership, have a huge impact in the community and continually deliver excellent and exciting new opportunities for our membership and the region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosa Lupo

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rosa Lupo is a partner at the global law firm of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP who practices in the area of corporate commercial law. She is enthusiastic about helping businesses and owners grow, expand and thrive.

message from the president

Exciting Opportunities for Waterloo Region

BY IAN MCLEAN

Imagine combining the innovation and entrepreneurship of Silicon Valley with the manufacturing capabilities of Stuttgart Germany. The result would be a powerhouse of economic activity – enough to drive a nation.

There is a huge opportunity for Canada, Ontario and the Region of Waterloo to emerge as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and applications of technology. A coalition of business, government and academic stakeholders from Waterloo Region to Toronto has recently been formed to ensure the optimal development of our existing business corridor for the benefit of all of Canada.

The 2017 federal budget allocated close to $1 billion for the development of 3-5 select superclusters. The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor includes a diverse but concentrated manufacturing base, a highly skilled workforce, world class research originating from educational facilities, and a remarkable entrepreneurial dynamic. Further development of an advanced manufacturing supercluster will exploit existing dynamics, knit these assets together more effectively, leverage Ontario’s strengths in innovation and technology to supercharge manufacturing competitiveness, and boost the wealth creating capacity of the Canadian economy.

Our goal locally is to see, by 2025, Canadian manufacturing set world benchmarks in competitiveness and growth through the application of advanced technologies. In order to turn this vision into reality, manufacturers will need to speed up the adoption of advanced technologies to produce new products and services, optimize production processes, improve operating efficiencies, and develop new revenue opportunities.

Technology companies will concurrently need to scale up production capabilities more quickly as well.

The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster of southern Ontario will leverage significant resources from the private sector, technology companies, universities, colleges and research centres to meet the objective of creating the premier global centre of manufacturing. Despite major global shifts in production over the past decade, manufacturing remains the foundation for domestic economic growth.

In 2016, Ontario manufacturers produced $300 billion in products, accounting for 13 percent of the provincial GDP and 6 percent of national GDP. The sector directly employed 752,000 full-time workers at higher-than-average wages. Every manufacturing dollar generates $3.50 in economic activity and one job generates four indirect additional positions.

To compete in global markets, Ontario manufacturers must integrate transformative technologies into new and improved products, processes, and business models to grow and create

jobs. A competitive manufacturing sector and dynamic technology ecosystem are vital for Canada’s economic future.

However Canadian companies are struggling to attract qualified workers, investment, and customers for sustained expansion.

With other nations investing heavily to transform their manufacturing sectors, Canada is running the risk of falling badly behind.

Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster will address our chronic manufacturing challenges by focusing on synergies, connections and collaboration between technology and manufacturing sectors with the objective of creating enhanced competitive advantages and business opportunities for both.

The model will also allow connections with other Canadian clusters facing similar challenges, build demand, de-risk product development, leverage local assets, and connect suppliers to domestic and global opportunities.

The Tech North report produced by McKinsey and Company in 2016 indicates that $17.5 billion in direct GDP growth and 170,000 high quality jobs could be generated by creating a global innovation ecosystem across the Toronto-Waterloo Region corridor. This estimate does not include the impacts of linking business with post secondary and related research institutions.

The Supercluster project is still in the early stages of development with well over $350 million being pledged by the private sector to match potential federal funding commitment of an equal amount.

This is the commencement of a game changing strategy for Waterloo Region and the Ontario economy and hopefully the federal government will recognize the immense opportunities it presents.

Waterloo Region can and will lead the way!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean

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

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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advocacy

The Political Balancing Acts of Bills 148 and 139

BY ART SINCLAIR

As the Ontario electorate moves incrementally to a June 2018 or earlier provincial vote, the incumbent Wynne administration is operating against conventional acumen and proposing major legislative changes which could, or could not, shift the results.

regulation. While the legislation as currently drafted constitutes an extensive overhaul of the planning regime in Ontario, a complete understanding of the resulting impact cannot be determined until such regulations are released.

Public consultations by an all-party legislative standing committee heard wide ranging and serious concerns related to the capacity of employers, particularly small business, to absorb these additional costs. As our Chamber noted in a presentation in Kitchener to the committee on July 18, revenues for most businesses are not increasing at a level similar to expenses. The results could be fewer hours, layoffs and business closures which run counter to the stated intention of the legislation to create jobs. Also the potential exists for higher costs passed through to consumers across all sectors of the provincial economy.

Planning reform must balance environmental protection with economic and population growth. Similarly, labour and employment law most balance the interests of employers and employees. There is certainly a sense across the business sector that both balances have been weighted against them. The absence of any formal economic analysis on these proposed changes will expand the opposition.

Public debate and media attention has been largely focused on Bill 148, the proposed changes to the provincial Employment Standards Act and Labour Relations Act. Within that portfolio, the dominant issue is the planned increases in the minimum wage over the next 18 months from the current $11.40 to $15 on January 1, 2019.

Equally critical to the minimum wage increases are a series of legislative proposals related to collective bargaining through the Ontario Labour Relation Act. These measures did not originate from provincial employers and locally do nothing to address our on-going challenges with respect to recruiting skilled talent from the global market.

Also, prior to the summer recess, Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro introduced Bill 139 which contains amendments to the provincial Planning Act and significantly impacts the operation of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Impacting the operation of the OMB could be a gross understatement. The Board as Ontario currently knows it will be gone if the legislation passes.

The province’s oldest administrative tribunal will be replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. Generally, the proposed legislation will expand the authority of municipal councils to make final land use planning decisions. An analysis compiled by law firm Osler noted that while the proposed changes may advance the provincial government’s objective of increasing community control and resident participation in the planning process, builders and developers may be faced with some additional challenges where, regardless of the proponent’s efforts, a project faces local opposition.

Most significantly, as noted by Cassels Brock Lawyers, many of the changes proposed in Bill 139 will be implemented through

Many Waterloo Region stakeholders, including our Chamber, attended a public consultation session on OMB reform at the University of Guelph in late October of 2016. Staff from the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Attorney General indicated the province was not proposing any significant changes to the current legislative and regulatory framework. The result, as demonstrated by the content of Bill 139, is significantly different than the plan from last year. The business sector across Ontario is confused and somewhat annoyed at the entire process and results.

In the final analysis Bills 139 and 148 represent a huge gamble by the Wynne administration. Traditional ideology in Canadian political strategy is to move on contentious issues early in the mandate and hopefully transition them off the public agenda when the next election cycle nears commencement. The final year before the vote generally includes large spending commitments to solidify core support.

Big risks for big rewards.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

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

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perspective on health care

Physician Recruitment Weekend Showcases K-W

BY JENNA PETKER

Having access to Health Care professionals is very important to the lives of those who work and live in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Unfortunately the reality is that many residents are still without a family physician. The objective of the Chamber Health Care Resources Council is to have an adequate amount of family physicians in Kitchener-Waterloo to account for the residents living and working here. One of our greatest initiatives to recruit physicians here is our Annual Physician Recruitment Weekend which we will be hosting again in a couple short months.

In a couple short months, we will be hosting our 19th Annual Physician Recruitment Weekend over the November 3-5th weekend. This weekend brings first, second and third year medical and emergency residents from all over Ontario, allowing us to showcase Kitchener-Waterloo as a great place to live and work. The weekend is thoughtfully planned, organized and hosted by the dedicated members of the Chamber’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force.

This action-packed weekend has been well received throughout the years by the visiting family medicine residents and their partners and it has been our best recruitment tool over the past 18 years. We expect that this weekend will be just as successful as past years.

Aside from the Annual Family Medicine Resident weekend, our efforts continue throughout the year to recruit new and established family physicians through personal community visits. These tours allow us to explore what the physician is looking for and find a practice opportunity that meets their needs.

Our successes and efforts would not be possible if it wasn’t for our generous corporate, municipal and personal sponsors and supporters of this program. The Chamber Health Care Resources Council sincerely thanks our partners for their generous and continued support as we strive to eliminate the physician shortage in Kitchener-Waterloo.

This eventful weekend includes touring the family medicine residents through Grand River Hospital and the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk. They will be introduced to local family physicians and other health care professionals, learning more about the different range of practice opportunities available here in Kitchener-Waterloo Emergency residents will be offered private tours through Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital. These residents will participate in the rest of the weekend’s activities, in hopes of recruiting and retaining new emergency physicians to our hospitals.

Partners/spouses of the residents will be taken on tours of our rural and urban communities and have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities as well as discover the region’s diverse, strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Petker

Jenna is Physician Recruitment Lead for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Photography by Adamski Photography

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new members

April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 5 Star Paving (Cambridge) Inc. Paving Contractors Derek Resendes Operations Manager 1370 Main St E Cambridge, ON N1R 5S7 info@5starpaving.com 5starpaving.com Phone: (519) 624-1712 Fax: (519) 624-1714

Aalaa Conseil Real Estate Brokers & Agents (Main), Immigration & Naturalization Consultants Rehman Khan Sales Representative 53 Water St N, Unit 1201 Kitchener, ON N2H 5A7 teamrk@ocanadarealtors.com ocanadarealtors.com Phone: (416) 710-5608 AC Cloud Inc. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Andrejus Civilis, Owner info@accloud.ca accloud.ca Phone: (647) 989-0990

AIESEC Waterloo Charitable & Community Organizations Chloe Sham VP Incoming Global Talent sungewn.lim@aiesec.net aiesec.ca Phone: (289) 926-9873

AJM Innovations Information Technology Andrew Meyer Owner/Consultant ameyer@ajm-innovations.ca ajm-innovations.ca Phone: (226) 505-1765

ALL Print and Brand Printers Louis Cilibanov, Owner 55 Northfield Dr E, Suite 136 Waterloo, ON N2K 3T6 sales@allprintandbrand.com allprintandbrand.com Phone: (519) 897-5528

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Allegianz Enterprises Inc Security Guard & Patrol Services Marvin Dompig, President 5-420 Erb St W, Suite 217, Waterloo, ON N2L 6K6 m.dompig@k9security.sr k9security.sr Phone: (519) 721-6916

Artemis Canada Inc. Executive Search Consultants Kristina McDougall President & Founder 22 Regina St N Waterloo, ON N2J 3A1 info@artemiscanada.com artemiscanada.com Phone: (519) 594-0913

ArtsBuildOntario Associations & Organizations Lindsay Golds Executive Director 44 Gaukel St, Kitchener, ON N2G 4P3 lindsay@artsbuildontario.ca artsbuildontario.ca Phone: (519) 880-3670

Backpacker College Travel Rob Evans President & Founder 295 Hagey Blvd, Suite 100, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 rob.evans@backpackercollege.com backpackercollege.com Phone: (519) 880-0400 Fax: (519) 513-2421

Benchmarque Institutional Furniture Inc. Office Furniture & Equipment Michele Brittain, President 2139 Canterbury Dr Burlington, ON L7P 1N7 sales@benchmarque.ca benchmarque.ca Phone: (416) 816-1439 Fax: (416) 352-1562

BeSpark Website Design & Development Karim Tarek, Owner 44 Robert Peel Rd Kitchener, ON N2H 0B5 hello@bespark.ca bespark.ca Phone: (519) 781-8875

Cana Factors Inc. Business Services Amir Ali VP of Business Development 5-420 Erb St W, Suite 348, Waterloo, ON N2L 6K6 info@canafactors.com canafactors.com Phone: (519) 497-9611 Fax: (519) 725-4266 Care Tracker.ca Software - Transportation Erik Olsen, Owner 100 Campbell Ave, Unit 2 Kitchener, ON N2H 4X8 info@caretracker.ca caretracker.ca Phone: (519) 489-2650

Clarion Medical Technologies Inc. Health Care Service & Supplies Samson Ling, President & CEO 125 Fleming Dr Cambridge, ON N1T 2B8 samsonl@clarionmedical.com clarionmedical.com Phone: (519) 620-3900 Fax: (519) 621-0313 Complete Hearing Hearing Aids Dale Hewie, Owner/Hearing Instrument Specialist 50 Westmount Rd N, Suite 204, Waterloo, ON N2L 2R5 kw@completehearing.ca completehearing.ca Phone: (519) 896-2654

Conscious Media Publishing Marketing Consultants Kathleen Beauvais, Owner info@consciousmediapublish.com consciousmediapublish.com Phone: (519) 581-8771

Control Janitorial Brampton Janitorial Services Arlyn Cimagala Gasang General Manager 164 Sandalwood Pkwy E, Unit 211, PO Box 1049 Brampton, ON L6Z 4X1 arlyn@conjan.com controljanitorialinc.com Phone: (905) 291-1021 Fax: (519) 745-0813

CryoDragon Inc. Website Design & Development Craig Christoff President, Creative Director PO Box 39044, Columbia PO, Waterloo, ON N2T 0A7 info@cryodragon.ca cryodragon.ca Phone: (519) 573-2796 EA Locksmith Inc. Locks & Locksmith Eli Abbasov, CEO 31 Machado St Kitchener, ON N2R 0C1 eli@ealocksmith.ca ealocksmith.ca Phone: (519) 722-7776 East Side Mario's Restaurants Jordan Gleadall General Manager 135 Gateway Pk Dr, Kitchener, ON N2P 2J9 esm8812@cara.com eastsidemarios.com Phone: (519) 653-3027

Education Credit Union Credit Unions Gary Renouf, CEO 51 Ardelt Ave, Unit 6 Kitchener, ON N2C 2S9 info@ecusolutions.com ecusolutions.com Phone: (519) 742-3500 Fax: (519) 742-6072

Emmetros Limited Software - HealthCare Mary Pat Hinton, CEO 295 Hagey Blvd, Suite 100 Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5 info@emmetros.com emmetros.com Phone: (519) 505-4956

Focus on Performance Training & Development Eugene Bersenas, Owner 49 Pinewood Lane, RR1 St Clements, ON N0B 2M0 eugene@focusonperformance.ca focusonperformance.ca Phone: (519) 577-4488

new members

April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 Four All Ice Cream Specialty Foods Ajoa Mintah, Owner & Maker 141 Whitney Pl, Unit 105 Kitchener, ON N2G 2X8 letsconnect@fourall.ca fourall.ca Phone: (519) 635-0490 Golfplay Inc. Entertainment - Family Steve Harris President/General Manager 4500 King St E, Unit 6Kitchener, ON N2P 2G4 steve.harris@golfplay.ca www.golfplay.ca Phone: (416) 459-3430 Harvest Ventures Inc. Computer Software Alisia Martel Marketing Manager 240, 3553 - 31 St NW Calgary, AB T2L 2K7 sales@harvestvi.com harvestvi.com Phone: (403) 202-0577 Fax: (403) 202-0578 Heart of the Region Relocation Services Diane Wiles, Principal, Employee Settlement Concierge diane@heartoftheregion.ca heartoftheregion.ca Phone: (519) 500-6003 HelloClean Inc. Cleaning Service-Residential/ Commercial/Industrial Lisa Jarram, Co-Founder team@helloclean.ca helloclean.ca Phone: (866) 531-4631 Home Instead Senior Care Home Health Care Service Jeff Matteis, Owner 570 University Ave E, Unit 5, Waterloo, ON N2K 4P2 jeff.matteis@homeinstead.com homeinstead.com/3007 Phone: (519) 571-1665 Fax: (519) 571-7454 Horizon Quest Inc Digital Marketing Agency Kervin Frey, President 265 Bridge St, Unit 1 Fergus, ON N1M 1T7 admin@horizonquest.ca horizonquest.ca Phone: (519) 787-7641 Fax: (844) 874-4176

Innersee Initiatives Inc. Human Resource Consultants Amy Chapeskie Director of Programming 156 Argyle St N Cambridge, ON N3H 1P6 info@innersee.com innersee.com Phone: (519) 653-2337

Intuitive Directions Retreats Health & Wellness Thea Trussler Owner/Facilitator intuitivedirections@yahoo.ca intuitivedirectionsretreats.com Phone: (519) 502-7857

Invaware Corporation Computer Software Mike Ulch, President 55 Samnah Cr Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J7 info@invaware.com invaware.com Phone: (855) 485-8524

J&P Grocery Grocery Stores Sarah Pepper, Owner 8 Queen St. N Kitchener, ON N2H 2G8 pepper@jandpgrocery.com jandpgrocery.com Phone: (519) 954-6700 JAME Capital Inc. Investment Firm Jill Foley, Vice President Waterloo, ON jill.foley@jamecapital.com jamecapital.com Phone: (519) 804-0594

Jar Jewellers Jewellers Lisa Koebel, Owner 501 Krug St, Unit 104A Kitchener, ON N2B 1L3 lisa@jarjewellers.ca jarjewellers.ca Phone: (519) 742-9366

Jelly Triangle Website Design & Development Bhupi Rajput, Naggin Dragon 25 Struck Crt, Unit 6D, Cambridge, ON N1R 8L2 webdesign@jellytriangle.com jellytriangle.com Phone: (519) 624-8888

Keystone Alley Cafe Restaurants Anthony Jordaan, Owner 34 Brunswick St Stratford, ON N5A 3L8 anthony@keystonealley.com keystonealley.com Phone: (519) 271-5645

Lakelands Diet Delivery Inc. Caterers Tom Mitchell, President 401 Weber St N, Unit J, Waterloo, ON N2J 3J2 info@lakelandsdietdelivery.com lakelandsdietdelivery.com Phone: (226) 444-5163

Leaders in Training Training & Development Dean O'Mard, President 2330 Cross St, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6J 2W9 dean@leadersintraining.ca leadersintraining.ca Phone: (647) 361-2220

M&M Food Market Westmount & Ottawa Grocers Chima McLean, President 645 Westmount Rd E, Unit 6 Kitchener, ON N2E 3S3 store026@mmfoodmarket.com mmfoodmarket.com Phone: (519) 744-5797

Midas Auto Service & Tires Automobile Service & Supplies Kevin Gibson, President 20 University Ave E Waterloo, ON N2J 2V7 waterloo@gomidas.ca midas.com Phone: (519) 885-5410

Nicki Qubrossi - Freedom 55 Financial Quadrus Financial Planning Consultants Nicki Qubrossi, Financial Security Advisor 50 Sportsworld Crossing Rd, U-280, Kitchener, ON N2P 0A4 nicki.qubrossi@f55f.com goo.gl/9KMdYK Phone: (519) 616-4556 Fax: (519) 650-8114

O Cannabis Clinic Health & Wellness Morgan Toombs, CEO 218 Weber St E Kitchener, ON N2H 1E8 hi@ocannabisclinic.com ocannabisclinic.com Phone: (877) 278-1929 Fax: (855) 696-3534

Ontario Property Management Group Inc Property Management Lovelyn Valdez, Executive Assistant 3075 - 14th Ave, Unit 12 Markham, ON L3R 0G9 info@opmg.ca opmg.ca Phone: (905) 470-1244 Fax: (905) 470-6651

Optimal Green Solutions Energy Consultants & Management Nicolai Koegler, Sales and Business Development 30 Duke St W, Unit 2203, Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5 nicolai@optimalgreensolutions.com optimalgreensolutions.com Phone: (226) 789-0536 Pivot Financial Inc Business Finance Mike Ponomarew, Senior VP 2425 Matheson Blvd E, 8th Fl Mississauga, ON L4W 5K4 inquire@pivotfinancial.com pivotfinancial.com Phone: (289) 444-3863 Fax: (877) 742-2417 Prime + RE Contractors - General Subhra Dutta, Director 414 Bamberg Cr Waterloo, ON N2T 0B4 subhra@primeplusre.com Phone: (519) 722-3258

Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Grand River Chapter Associations & Organizations Gabriel Tse, Chair, Government Liaison Program chair@grandriverpeo.ca grandriverpeo.ca

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networking

Summer Networking

RACHEL REIST, KELLY BROWN, AND SUSAN BAKER AT THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP EVENT AT THE FOOD BANK OF WATERLOO REGION.

SUSAN BAKER, CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AND PAIGE EATON, LESLEY WARREN DESIGN GROUP PACK SOME NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AT THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SERIES SPRING EVENT, FEED YOUR SOUL.

MEMBERS PAUSE THEIR NETWORKING FOR A PHOTO DURING THE HOME HARDWARE BUSINESS AFTER 5 FINALE EVENT HOSTED BY FOXNET.

JEFF HORST, ECHOSIMS AND CHLOE HAMILTON, WARM EMBRACE ELDER CARE MATCHING AT THE LIBRO CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT, LIVING LA VIDA LOCAL AT BOREALIS GRILLE & BAR. (Photography by snapd)

Photography by Adamski Photography

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CLAIRE BENNETT, WLU, JULIAN HAYWARD, GHD, ANDREW TEPPERMAN, TEPPERMAN’S AND FRANCOIS TROFIM-BREUER SERVED AS OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS DISCUSSING POWER, PROGRESS AND CLEAN ENERGY AT THE 30TH ANNUAL ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

LADIES FROM BREAKTHROUGHS IN LUNCH AT LEADERCAST 2017.

LEARNING POSE DURING

GUESTS NETWORKING AND GRABBING SOME DELICIOUS LUNCH IN THE FOYER AT CIGI DURING LEADERCAST 2017.

THE GROUP WAS ABLE TO SORT AND PACK THREE LARGE PALLETS OF FOOD IN UNDER AN HOUR AND DONATED 94 LBS OF FOOD WHICH WILL PROVIDE 73 ESSENTIAL MEALS IN THE COMMUNITY AT THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SPRING EVENT, FEED YOUR SOUL.

DYLAN BREWER, VICTORIA STAR MOTORS, JEET MEHTA AND SHAHID MAWJI FROM ST. PAUL’S GREENHOUSE AT THE LIBRO CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT, LIVING LA VIDA LOCAL HOSTED AT BOREALIS GRILLE & BAR. (Photography by snapd)

networking

WATERLOO REGION POLICE CHIEF BRYAN LARKIN JOKING ABOUT HOW HIS BLACKBERRY IS ESSENTIAL TO STAYING ON TRACK AT A POINT OF VIEW LUNCHEON IN MARCH.

ALLISON BOURKE AND MONI LAGONIA LEAD THE WAY DURING AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR OF THE FOOD BANK OF WATERLOO REGION TWO STUDENTS REPRESENTED SCHOLAR’S HALL AT DURING THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERCAST 2017.

LEADERSHIP SPRING EVENT, FEED YOUR SOUL.

GUESTS AND VOLUNTEERS GATHER AROUND THE SORTING TABLE AFTER SUCCESSFULLY SORTING THREE LARGE PALLETS OF FOOD AT THE HEFFNER WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SERIES SPRING EVENT, FEED YOUR SOUL.

GKWCC PRESIDENT & CEO IAN MCLEAN GRILLING CHIEF BRYAN LARKIN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF POLICING AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING AT A POINT OF VIEW LUNCHEON.

WATERLOO REGION POLICE CHIEF BRYAN LARKIN POSES WITH STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO AT THE POINT OF VIEW LUNCHEON IN MARCH.

OVER 150 PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE REGION ATTENDED LEADERCAST 2017 HOSTED AT CIGI.

ALLISON BOURKE, NOOR ALATTAR, AND JODI PICKLES OF OXFORD LEARNING WERE SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORS FOR LEADERCAST 2017.

A FULL HOUSE OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GATHERED AT THE LIBRO CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT, LIVING LA VIDA LOCAL AT BOREALIS GRILLE & BAR. (Photography by snapd)

MEMBERS LEARNING FROM THE EXHIBITORS AT THE 30TH ANNUAL ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT FORUM.

Photography by Adamski Photography

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | DOOR PRIZES | DEMOS & MORE

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advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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new members

April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 Puddicombe House Banquet Rooms Nick Cressman General Manager 145 Peel Street New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E7 nick@puddicombehouse.com puddicombehouse.com Phone: (519) 662-2111

Rainbow International of Kitchener Fire & Water Damage Restoration Drago Sindjic, General Manager 26 Carnaby Cr Kitchener, ON N2A 1M7 drago.sindjic@mail.rainbowintl.com rainbowintl.com/kitchener Phone: (519) 578-5050 Rayzor Edge Tree Service (a div. of Elite Forestry Inc.) Tree Service Ray Bowman, President/Owner 7330 3rd Line Wallenstein, ON N0B 2S0 ray@rayzoredgetreeservice.ca rayzoredgetreeservice.ca Phone: (519) 503-9829

Rome Transportation Inc. Transportation Erik Olsen, Owner 100 Campbell Ave, Unit 2 Kitchener, ON N2H 4X8 info@rometransportation.com rometransportation.com Phone: (519) 883-4105 Fax: (519) 885-9657

10 King St

W Kitchener,

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Ronald Hare Photography Photographers Ronald Hare, Owner 76 Regina St N Waterloo, ON N2J 3A5 hare@golden.net ronaldhare.com Phone: (519) 669-9999 Rytech Law Lawyers Amy Reier, Lawyer 130 Cedar St, Unit 23, Cambridge, ON N1S 4Z6 areier@rytechlaw.com rytechlaw.com Phone: (519) 498-7529

S. Nickel Project Consulting Business Consultants Sandy Nickel Owner/Project Consultant snickel@rogers.com Phone: (519) 501-1771

St. Clements Heart & Home Floor Materials, Sales and Contractors Paul Wagler, Owner 1011 Industrial Cr, St Clements, ON N0B 2M0 heartandhome@cyg.net letusflooryou.ca Phone: (519) 699-5411 Fax: (519) 699-5412

Taste at the Tannery Restaurants Sean Mangan, General Manager 121 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6 info@tastetannery.ca tastetannery.ca Phone: (519) 804-9088

Rotation of local

craft beers

Fresh

local food

TC Accounting Solutions Accountants, CPA-CGA Tammy Cressman, Owner 88 Weber St W Kitchener, ON N2H 3Z5 tammy@tcaccountingsolutions.ca tcaccountingsolutions.ca Phone: (519) 497-7376

Wolfe Procurement, Inc. Consultants Andrew Wolfe President & CEO 180 Northfield Dr W, Suite 4 Waterloo, ON N2L 0C7 andrew@wolfeprocurement.com wolfeprocurement.com Phone: (519) 590-3611

The Boardwalk Shopping Centres Cynthia Voisin, Project Coordinator 101 Ira Needles Blvd Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4 cynthia@voisinproperties.com the-boardwalk.ca Phone: (519) 742-7999

Woolwich Web Works Website Design & Development Megan McDermott, Partner 52 Centre St, Elmira, ON N3B 2V6 info@woolwichweb.works woolwichweb.works Phone: (519) 669-8918

V.I.P. Limousine Service KW Ltd. Limousines Emanuel Enache-Nica, CEO 15 Wanless Crt Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 info@viplimos.ca viplimos.ca Phone: (519) 221-5466

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo Associations & Organizations Jessica Wroblewski, Manager, Major Gifts & Planned Giving 153 Frederick Street Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2 general@ywcakw.on.ca ywcakw.on.ca Phone: (519) 576-8856 Fax: (519) 576-0129

TradeForce Tech Inc. Energy Consultants & Management Jonathan Knowles Vice President 5 Manitou Dr, Unit 102B, Kitchener, ON N2C 2J6 jknowles@tradeforcetech.com tradeforcetech.com Phone: (519) 743-3675 Fax: (519) 570-2189

Wright Landscape Services Inc Landscape Contractors & Designers David Wright, President 801 Sawmill Rd Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 infoland@wrightlandscape.ca wrightlandscape.ca Phone: (519) 742-8433

(519) 742-2337 Bthemuseum@gmail.com www.bhere.ca/themuseum

networking

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cover story

Connecting Our Region: The Supercluster Approach

BY JAN DE SILVA

A handful of geographic markets are capitalizing on the economic benefits of being an innovation centre and a magnet for global talent and investment.

Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area are the recognized world leaders giving us Apple, Google, Facebook and Twitter.

New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Tel Aviv round out the top five.

Toronto and Waterloo connect a super region with the potential to elevate Canada’s economy and achieve global top five innovation centre status.

Nine municipalities along a 91-kilometre stretch of Highway 401 are home to world-class educational institutions, advanced research centres, a globally ranked start-up ecosystem and Canada’s commercial, industrial and financial centre. Some reports place us a decade ahead of our global peers in quantum computing and deep learning. Unlike Silicon Valley, our super region has the manufacturing and service sector depth against which to apply these technologies as well as a sizable consumer market with the fourth largest population base in North America.

Applied innovation can transform business, ensure global competitiveness and create trade opportunities.

Picking Up the Pace

According to Startup Genome’s 2017 rankings, the TorontoWaterloo Corridor is Canada’s top centre of innovation but currently ranks 16th globally. We’re being outranked because we haven’t kept pace with the organization of other global innovation centres.

What will it take to reach our potential? Unparalleled alignment and collaboration between business, academia and government to transform research into commercially applied solutions that build a centre of excellence for global leaders.

In 2016, the Toronto Region Board of Trade and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce convened a working group of the Chambers of Commerce/Boards of Trade in the super region—Mississauga, Brampton, Cambridge, Guelph, Halton Hills, Hamilton and Milton—and formed an Advisory Council of 20 CEOs active across a range of sectors in the Corridor.

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Our goal for this business-led collective is to realize the Corridor’s potential. By collaborating across sectors, we’ll create an environment conducive for applying technology that builds global companies, attracts advanced thinking, invests in commercialization and creates jobs.

In this year’s federal budget, the Canadian government introduced an Innovation Supercluster Initiative (ISI) which offers $950 million in matching funds for up to five supercluster initiatives in Canada. The ISI requires a businessled consortium to commit funding and support commercialization projects with the potential of creating a global centre of excellence.

In March, the Board and the Chamber convened a meeting of business leaders, key government and academic stakeholders in the region, led by Steve Carlisle of GM Canada and Tom Jenkins of OpenText.

This meeting formalized a strategy to integrate the region’s manufacturing and technology sectors in establishing Canada’s first advanced manufacturing supercluster.

Through a supercluster approach, tech companies and research institutes in the Corridor can participate in commercialization projects with leading global manufacturing firms as well as small and medium-sized enterprises’ local supply chains. The manufacturing economy can source solutions that optimize production, advance operations and develop new products and services. Underpinning this will be a skills development blueprint that defines talent needs and ensures the training and certification required for our current and next generation workforce.

The Importance of Clusters

For too long, we’ve viewed Canada’s growth as a static national entity, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as our principal metric for growth.

A closer look reveals that our economy is actually the sum of geographically-based concentrations of clusters that elevate regional economies and create markets for global trade.

The Corridor, which already contributes 17 per cent of Canada’s GDP, stands alone as the region in Canada with the

cover story

depth of manufacturing and technology resources to deliver Canada’s first global supercluster. In 2016, Ontario’s manufacturers produced $300 billion in goods, accounting for six per cent of GDP across Canada and directly employed 752,000 full-time workers at higher-than average wage levels.

Today, manufacturing faces a number of strategic challenges arising from increased automation, technological disruption and a lack of investment in R&D. According to Statistics Canada, R&D spending fell 10 per cent over the last 10 years while investments in technology acquisition decreased by 24 per cent.

Ontario’s manufacturers must accelerate technological adoption in order to stay competitive within the region, and globally. The Corridor’s start-up ecosystem, with more than 15,000 high-tech companies and 205,000 tech workers, is primed to foster this clustered cross-sector innovation.

Companies require easier and more seamless access to the innovation ecosystem to meet business objectives. These include R&D and training capabilities, technology demonstration and scale-up facilities and private sector technology providers.

With top-tier research universities, booming urban centres and diverse populations, the Corridor is producing leading technical talent, entrepreneurs and ideas to meet these objectives.

class tech talent. And, the Corridor is home to research institutes which place us a decade ahead of other major centres.

Connecting our assets and stepping up collaboration between key sectors and all levels of government is critical. Establishing Canada’s first advanced manufacturing supercluster requires a group effort on the part of the region’s municipalities, the business community and post-secondary institutions. This is the exactly the kind of organizational structure that is taking shape with top five innovation centres elsewhere.

The benefits of turning the Corridor into Canada’s first supercluster extend well beyond the region, creating jobs across the country. According to a 2016 report by McKinsey & Co., a Corridor supercluster could contribute $17.5 billion in direct annual GDP and create more than 170,000 high quality jobs by 2025. Each job in the tech sector creates up to five new indirect jobs for newcomers, high-school graduates and those who potentially transition out of old manufacturing positions.

Toronto and Waterloo connect a super region with the potential to elevate Canada’s economy and achieve global top five innovation centre status. Making this happen is within our reach.

Many of the Corridor’s post-secondary institutions are already recognized leaders in advanced technology research.

Waterloo stands as a global leader in quantum computing with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics as well as the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing and the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre—the largest nanotechnology engineering program in Canada.

The University of Toronto is recognized as a pioneering centre for artificial intelligence and deep learning. The 2017 opening of its Vector Institute has the twin goals of producing more PhD graduates in deep learning than anywhere else in the world and fostering the highest level of AI commercialization.

Canada’s brand and attractiveness are on the rise and the Corridor is increasingly home to some of the world’s best-in-

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jan De Silva

Jan De Silva is President & CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. Prior to joining the Board, Jan was CEO of Sun Life Financial’s businesses in Hong Kong and Mainland China, co-founded Retail China Limited and served as Dean of Ivey Asia.

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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hi-lighting members

Where to Book your Holiday Party

Proof Kitchen & Lounge A theory can be proven by experiment. Don't experiment with your event, book Proof and take the praise! Designed to delight the senses, our private and semi-private rooms for groups of 10-50 are the perfect backdrop to any occasion. Let us take the work out of your work event.

Delta Waterloo Celebrate the season with your colleagues at Delta Waterloo. Our unique venue offers rooms for groups large or small. Exceptional food crafted from local ingredients through our Holiday or custom menus.

Our impeccable service will leave your guests with lasting memories.

St. George Banquet Hall St. George Banquet Hall represents a fine line of style, service and hospitality.

We do our best to make sure that you receive the best possible type of service.

Our hall can hold anywhere from 20-800 Guests. Give us a try and we can promise you will not be disappointed.

Charcoal Steak House The Charcoal Steak House, Martinis and dels Enoteca would like to help you entertain this holiday season. Superb private and semi-private spaces are available for your group of 10 to 60 guests. Call our group events coordinator Meredith Roberts today at 519-893-6570 ext 243

Never Enough Thyme Inc. From corporate lunches to large events, cakes, breakfast, lunch and dinner, Never Enough Thyme brings a lifetime of experience and a genuine passion for the culinary arts to our catering services.

Obsessively Local

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Proof Kitchen & Lounge 110 Erb Street West Waterloo proofwaterloo.com 519-208-3333

Delta Waterloo 110 Erb Street West Waterloo (519) 514-0404 wat.sales.sm@deltahotels.com marriott.com/hotels/travel/ykfdwdelta-hotels-waterloo/

St. George Banquet Hall 665 King Street North Waterloo (519) 884-0311 gm@stgeorgehall.com www.stgeorgehall.com Charcoal Steak House 2980 King Street East Kitchener (519) 893-6570 meredithr@charcoalgroup.ca charcoalsteakhouse.ca

Never Enough Thyme Inc. Chef Dierre Acheson 83A Arthur St N Elmira, ON N3B 2M8 (519) 669-0374 www.neverenoughthyme.ca

Concordia

Concordia Club

Plan your employee holiday gathering with us! Our private rooms seat 20 400 as well as our Schenke restaurant which boasts our authentic German menu and warm feeling of "Gemuetlichkeit".

We can accommodate all your needs. Book early as space may be limited.

429 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener (519) 745-5617 mail@concordiaclub.ca www.concordiaclub.ca

Borealis Grille & Bar

Borealis Grille & Bar

At Borealis we feature locally sourced and prepared foods, wines and beers because we genuinely believe "Local Tastes Way Better”.

We offer a casual dining experience with comfortable dining rooms and a relaxed bar. Our private rooms can accommodate groups from 4 to 120.

4336 King Street East Kitchener (519) 219-9007 jess.borealis@gmail.com www.borealisgrille.ca

hi-lighting members

Where to Book your Holiday Party

Hacienda Sarria 1254 Union Street Kitchener 519 (585) 1681 reservations@haciendasarria.com www.haciendasarria.com

Conestoga Place & Conestoga Food Services Ltd 110 Manitou Dr Kitchener 519-578-1030 conestogacatering@rogers.com www.conestogaplace.ca

Hacienda Sarria Spend the holidays with Hacienda Sarria. Whether it’s an intimate gettogether or a lavish soirée, our in-house Event Planners will take care of every last detail. Relax and enjoy the holiday season in Old World Elegance.

Conestoga Place & Conestoga Food Services Ltd Celebrate your company or family events with us. From small intimate parties to larger gatherings up to 300. Let us wow your guests with our traditional and festive meals. Use our venue, with lots of parking, or have us cater at yours. We can accommodate all your needs. Let Conestoga catering serve you tonight!

Descendants Beer & Beverage Co.

Descendants Beer & Beverage Co.

319 Victoria Street North Kitchener, (226) 241-3700 www.descendantsbeer.com info@descendantsbeer.com

Just like Santa, Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. has something for you this holiday season!

Our working brewery and bierhalle venue produces craft beer on site plus offers a casual setting for groups of 20-130. We offer a full beer, cider and spirits bar, delicious food, warm approachable service with private and semi-private options and a catering menu. Ask about FREE brewery tours for your party when booking! Experience real craft beer seven days a week.

Taste at the Tannery

Taste at the Tannery

121 Charles Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6 (519) 804-9088 smangan@tastetannery.ca tastetannery.ca

Taste is located right beside The Tannery. This building was revitalized from a turn-of-the century mill to a contemporary trend setting event facility. This is perfect for hosting your holiday party! Tastes’ “craveables” would complement your holiday celebration. Book now!

Gusto & Beckford Catering

Gusto & Beckford Catering

665 Colby Dr. Waterloo, ON N2V 1C2 519-888-0634 info@gustocatering.ca web: beckfordcatering.ca web: gustocatering.ca

Whether you're planning a corporate lunch, gala event or even a festive party at your own residence you'll want to impress your guests with our deliciously creative cuisine! Wonderful options available from both menus (Gusto & Beckford).

St Jacobs Catering

St Jacobs Catering

1396 King St N. St Jacobs 519-664-2288. Ext 277 catering@stjacobs.com www.stjacobs.com/eat

Whether the gathering is at your office, a rented venue or in St. Jacobs, we can provide a holiday feast for groups large and small.

Call today for menus and booking information.

Stone Crock/Jacob’s Grill

Stone Crock/Jacob’s Grill

1396 King St N St. Jacobs 519 (664) 2286 (Stone Crock) 519 (664) 2575 (Jacob’s Grill) www.stonecrock.ca www.jacobsgrill.ca booking@stjacobs.com

Choose the Stone Crock or Jacob’s Grill for your holiday gathering in festive St. Jacobs. We offer a variety of menu options including our traditional Turkey Dinner which can be customized for your guests. A variety of private and semi-private dining spaces are available ranging from 25 to 100 guests.

For group events, call Tracey at 519-664-2288 ext: 304. advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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events

Mark Your Calendar September 13, 2017

September 26, 2017

4:00-6:00pm CIGI Member: Complimentary Join us for our Annual General Meeting where you can learn more about what we are doing to meet the needs of our diverse membership and the public. It’s a great networking opportunity as the new Board of Directors will be installed during the event.

11:30am-1:30pm • Delta Waterloo Member: $47 • General Admission: $60 • Table of 8: $375 The IBC currently represents 90 percent of the domestic property and casualty insurance market. Join us as Don Fergeron, President & CEO of the IBC, addresses the major regulatory challenges across the property and casualty insurance sector and the impacts on small and medium employers across Waterloo Region and Ontario.

Annual General Meeting

Event Sponsor:

MNP Networking Breakfast Series presents Bill 148: Labour Legislation & Minimum Wage

7:15-9:00am Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Member: $35 • General Admission: $45 • Table of 6: $205 Member Season Pass (5 Events): $160

Join us for an educational morning as we discuss Bill 148 and how the minimum wage increase may impact you and your business.

Event Sponsor: Media:

Title Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

September 21, 2017

Title Sponsor:

Point of View Luncheon – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

Event Sponsor:

September 28, 2017

11th Annual Inspiring Women Event

8:00am-4:00pm • Bingemans Ticket: $150 • Table of 8: $1100 The largest event in the area designed to celebrate business and entrepreneurial women featuring dynamic inspirational speakers, book signings, exhibitions, networking opportunities and our Dress for Success Drive!Be motivated by the inspirational stories and success messages from leading Canadian Women: Amanda Lindhout, Kidnap Survivor/Journalist/Bestselling Author and Sherri Stevens, President & CEO of WXN /CBDC / SRG Human Resource & Recruiting Specialists.

October 3, 2017

Home Hardware Business After 5 Kick-Off

5:00-7:00pm • Lot 42 Member: Complimentary •General Admission: $10 Come and see the newly innovated Lot 42, enjoy some complimentary food and make great connections at the first BA5 of the season!

Title Sponsor:

&

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Print:

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Media:

PRINT

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You should have the best coverage possible.

Get an expert opinion on your commercial insurance needs.

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WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

events

October 12, 2017

October 26, 2017

6:00-9:00pm Concordia Club Member: $50 • General Admission: $60

5:30-7:30pm Cambridge Mill Member: $10 • General Admission: $15 You are invited to join us for casual networking to develop key relationships, build your business network and connect with other young professionals and business leaders.

Libro Chamber Young Professionals Kick-Off Event

Chamberfest

Don’t miss an opportunity to entertain your clients or enjoy with coworkers at one of KW’s most distinctive event attractions, Oktoberfest!

Enjoy a German Style Dinner, a complimentary beer, plenty of networking and access to the tent for Corporate Night.

Title Sponsor:

Title Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Marketing Sponsor

Silver Sponsor:

October 30, 2017

Small Business Partners:

6:00-10:00pm Delta Waterloo Ticket: $150 • Table of 8: $1200

100 Mile Feast

®

Andrew Coppolino of Waterloo Region Eats hosts this event and several local chefs will prepare a menu focused on Canadian specialties while using locally sourced ingredients. The multi-course meal includes wine pairings and live auction with proceeds going towards physician recruitment efforts.

October 17, 2017

Business Expo powered by your local Chambers of Commerce

Title Sponsor:

2:00–7:00pm Bingemans Members & General Admission: Complimentary

Bronze Sponsors:

The Cambridge, Guelph and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chambers of Commerce are excited to host this large-scale exhibitor event with aver 200 booths and over 1200 attendees. Local restaurants and caterers will be on hand to provide samples of their delicious specialties.

Design Sponsor: Media Sponsor:

We buy & sell over 100 foreign currencies $ Now buying and selling: SILVER AND GOLD coins/bars/jewellery

.00 fee for all Business or Personal wires

We will beat our local competitors rates on foreign currency exchange Mention

Exchanging Money Just Got Cheaper ~ No Service Fees

this ad for a better rate

355 Erb Street West, Waterloo (between University and Fischer Hallman) 519.884.0043 ~ Toll Free 877.237.4340 ~ www.currencyconvertersinc.com advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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feature

2017 Election of Directors Nominating Committee's Slate of Candidates Nominee Profiles

JULIE BARKER-MERZ, Senior Vice-President, South Western Ontario Division, Bank of Montreal

Julie is Senior Vice-President, South Western Ontario Division for Bank of Montreal where she leads a team of retail and business banking professionals across 11 markets and 150 branches, from Owen Sound to Niagara Falls and through to London and Windsor. Prior to her most recent appointment, Julie was President of BMO InvestorLine and the executive sponsor of the “Women & Wealth” strategic initiative for the Bank. She is a Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League; Advisor to sheEO’s Radical Generosity movement; Board member of The Museum in Kitchener; and is the former chair of the Wealth Management Diversity & Inclusion Council. She is a long-standing and strong supporter of women in business, sport and the community and a 2015 recipient of The International Alliance of Women’s (TIAW) top 100 World of Difference awards, as well as one of Canada’s Top 50 to watch in Wealth Management in 2016.

Throughout her 20+ year career with BMO Financial Group, Julie has earned the reputation of being a leader who executes with pace, courage, and excellence, inspiring multi-disciplinary teams to come together towards a common vision. Julie received her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, her Fellow from the Institute of Canadian Bankers and her MBA from Dalhousie University. She is fluently bilingual (English/French), a mother of 2 young girls and a proud new resident of the Waterloo region.

Scott has lived and worked in Southwestern Ontario for most of his life and in 2015 returned to Waterloo permanently with his family after working for PwC in London, Ontario for seven years.

Scott is a partner with PwC and has over 15 years of experience in accounting, internal and external audit and other assurance services to a broad range of clients including agribusiness/agrifood, commodities, manufacturing, distribution, insurance, not-for-profit and government. Scott’s diverse experience with PwC includes short-term secondments in San Francisco and Miami, and a two-year secondment in Wellington, New Zealand.

Throughout his career, Scott has had a significant client base with private companies, including ownermanaged businesses. Scott acts as a trusted business advisor to his clients.

SCOTT GILFILLAN, CPA, CA, Partner, Scott has lived and worked in Southwestern Ontario for most of his life and in 2015 returned to Waterloo PricewaterhouseCoopers permanently with his family after working for PwC in London, Ontario for seven years.

LLP At Intrigue Media, Kris helps build great companies. His experience in sales and marketing allows him to empower organizations to grow their business through story driven and client-centric marketing solutions.

Winner of the 2017 KW Chamber - 11 - 50 employees Business of the Year Award, Kris and Intrigue Media support many leading organizations in Waterloo Region and demonstrate their belief in the community by supporting many local charities and events. This is highlighted by his committee roles with the Grand River Hospital Foundation and as a past board member with Waterloo Region Crime Stoppers.

KRIS RONAN, Partner - Intrigue Media

22

As a long serving member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kris has been Vice Chair of the CYP committee and speaker of the Manulife Chamber Academy Series for the past two years.

In his spare time, you can generally find Kris sharing a laugh with friends over a pint of craft beer, or searching for the perfect sandwich.

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

feature

2017 Election of Directors Nominating Committee's Slate of Candidates Nominee Profiles Andrea has been in the business of helping organizations succeed through their people for over 15 years.

She has partnered with senior leaders at ATS Automation, BlackBerry and, most recently, Axonify and their respective leadership teams to support both operational and strategic human resources needs. Her ability to build effective relationships has enabled her to understand the needs of the business and proactively introduce and implement innovative solutions that drive business results.

She has extensive hands-on experience leading HR initiatives including policy design, compensation, workforce planning, workforce restructuring, talent management, leadership capabilities, performance and career management.

ANDREA VRBANAC, Senior Human Resources ManagerAxonify

When Andrea isn’t busy doing all of that you can find her at the park with her 3 year old son or sneaking out for a quick run and some “me” time.

Sean M. Sullivan is a partner in Gowling WLG's Waterloo Region office, practising commercial litigation with an emphasis on shareholder disputes, estate litigation, contract disputes, product liability disputes and recovery services.

Sean has argued cases at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, and has represented parties as counsel at trials, applications and motions through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

SEAN SULLIVAN, Partner Gowling WLG

Sean has been actively engaged in volunteer work in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. Sean was a trustee of the Waterloo Law Association for 10 years as well as chair of the Annual Kitchener-Waterloo Secondary School Mock Trial Program.

Sean is a 2012 recipient of the Waterloo Region Record’s Top 40 Under 40, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the Kitchener-Waterloo community. Sean also recently received a Waterloo Region Police Services Civilian Award.

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

23

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

RBC Dominion Securities Waterloo is hiring new Investment Advisors RBC Dominion Securities in Waterloo is seeking motivated individuals for a fulfilling career in the wealth management industry.

If you’re looking for the support you need to build a successful career, RBC Dominion Securities offers several advantages:

O O O O

Strength and stability Independence with support Powerful tools and technology Top-calibre training

With an independent focus that encourages and rewards initiative, industry-leading investment and

wealth management support, and the backing of Canada’s largest financial institution, RBC Dominion Securities is the premier choice for investment professionals who want to build a successful wealth management practice.

For more details, please contact Vice-President and Branch Manager Mark Hodson at 519-747-7790 or mark.hodson@rbc.com.

We value diversity in the workplace, are committed to Employment Equity and will provide reasonable workplace accommodation to applicants with disabilities. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2017 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 17_90561_001

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feature

Post-Secondary Education in the Knowledge Economy

BY JOHN TIBBITS

The three local universities and Conestoga have played a leadership role in the emergence of this region as one of the economic engines of Canada

Economic development has become focused on innovation and the attraction and development of talent due to rapidly changing technology across all sectors and stronger global competition.

Innovation is about small, continuous improvements to both products and processes as well as disruptive changes that can redefine the marketplace. The foundation of innovation is talent. Economic development starts with people and the skills they bring to the workplace.

Prior to the 1960s in Canada the post-secondary system was composed primarily of universities. Approximately 15% of high school graduates attended university. Since the 1960s technological change has increased at an even faster rate and employers need workers with ever-higher level skills.

The emergence of the economies of Europe and Asia after the devastation of World War II started to be felt in North America in the 1960s. Also the increased numbers of high school graduates (baby boomers) looking for further education and careers led to the development of new universities (University of Waterloo 1957) and the growth of others (Laurier, Guelph) as well as the development of the college system in Ontario (Conestoga 1967).

Community leaders in Ontario recognized that we had to ensure that the post-secondary system needed to be available to a larger segment of the population to enhance economic development and meet the needs of individuals to expand their career opportunities. Today, more than 70% of high school graduates participate in one of the three pillars of the postsecondary system (university, polytechnic/college or apprenticeship).

The post-secondary system in this region enables individuals and employers to innovate. The philosophical foundation of this system is built upon the values of excellence and equity. At Conestoga, we are committed to making post-secondary education more accessible. Our programming includes upgrading, language instruction to new Canadians, continuing education (in person and online), and corporate training. We also have a full range of full-time academic programming with pathways from one year to two-year technician, to three-year

technologist and four-year degrees. Our partnership with Laurier includes integrated degrees and graduate certificate programs. We also have 2,600 international students, mainly in STEM programming that will reduce skills shortages and skills mismatches.

The local post-secondary system provides thousands of co-op students and work-integrated learning placements to industry, delivering benefits to the students and providing new energy and ideas for employers.

The universities develop new knowledge through fundamental research that contributes significantly to innovation and economic development in our region. The growing applied research focus at Conestoga contributes to the development of more efficient and effective business practices and manufacturing processes.

Over the last fifty years, our region’s four post-secondary institutions have grown substantially in both student numbers and comprehensiveness as well as in a range of academic programming (universities - more graduate degrees, masters and doctorates; College – degrees and post-graduate certificates). For example, Conestoga opened its doors in 1967 with a few hundred students and now has more than 55,000 full- and part-time students.

The local universities were mainly undergraduate universities in the 1960s and have become major universities with a large research capability that plays a significant role in Canada’s innovation agenda.

The K-12 system, as well as the post-secondary system, are vital to our future economic and social success. Innovation will lead to faster technological change and our post-secondary system will have to be able to both adapt and change and be the catalyst for further innovation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Tibbits

John Tibbits is President and CEO of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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sponsor profile

Family to Family, That’s the Difference!

BY ANDREW TEPPERMAN

Tepperman’s is a great story about an immigrant, Nate Tepperman, who came to Canada with nothing, began to sell towels door to door, eventually growing into one of Canada’s largest family-owned home furnishings companies. He only had one chance to make a first impression. Nate went from selling on foot, to a bike, a car and finally his first store in the 1930’s. Over the years he grew into a larger store location in Windsor. After Nate’s unfortunate accidental drowning in 1970, Bill Tepperman took over and expanded the business throughout South Western Ontario. In 2006, Bill retired and his sons Andrew and Noah assumed leadership roles continuing the growth and expansion, most recently into Kitchener. Today, Tepperman’s operates under 2 brands, Tepperman’s and the Bargain Annex in 5 Ontario markets, selling furniture, bedding, appliances and electronics. Today we have an incredible team of passionate and innovative staff who ask themselves one question every day . . . What is possible?

We just celebrated our 1 year anniversary in Kitchener. We joined the Chamber about 16 months ago. As a new business to the community, the Chamber provided early insights into Kitchener and Region and connections with local businesses.

They helped us understand what is important to the community. Since we joined the Chamber we recently sponsored the Energy and Environment Forum as well as the upcoming Inspiring Women Event. We strategically chose those events since they align with our values and we’ve already developed a business relationship with one of the companies we met at the E & E Forum.

One of our 6 Guiding Principles is about community partnerships. Many chains treat their head office city as the priority for company investments. Our philosophy has always been to treat each market we have a store in as our hometown city. Prior to opening in Kitchener, we challenged community organizations to submit a proposal for a donation. Our goal was to provide $50,000 - $5,000 to 10 organizations. We received 60 applications. Ten well deserving local organizations received the funds. We decided to also distribute $25,000 in Tepperman’s gift certificates to the 50 organizations who did

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not win. One of our big community partnerships has been our scholarship program. We’ve invested over $620,000 in postsecondary education. Anyone can sign up in any of our stores for kids ages 1-10. The funds are invested and can be withdrawn for school. Since we’ve opened in Kitchener we’ve been doing a monthly draw just for this region. We’ve been big supporters of United Way for over 35 years. Before we opened in Kitchener, our staff got together one day and worked at the local food bank. Recently a number of them partnered with John A. MacDonald school to teach them about sustainability and help build living gardens. We’re in our 3rd year of sponsoring the Kitchener Panthers baseball team. The investments that are most important to us are the ones you don’t see, like donating appliances to a school for their breakfast program. We know we can’t solve all the world’s problems but we can make an impact in the regions we serve.

Part of our 10 year 2025 Vision includes a letter that my brother Noah and I wrote to our staff from the year 2025. It talks about who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and how it feels to be working at Tepperman’s. It’s a great way to create team alignment.

Our Mission, When we do it right…they will come back . . . is our North Star, keeping us focused on what we do, why we do it and whom we do it for. Our Guiding Principles are the rules we live by and the levels of excellence we strive for – no matter what. Our Vision is the picture of the future we will build. Together these keep us focused on what we were building, how we were building it, and why we were building it in the first place. These 6 Guiding Principles are incorporated into every department strategy and connects with our annual strategic plans and 10 year Vision. We’ve prioritized our staff experience above everything else for many reasons.

1. An Awesome place to work. What we do isn’t unique, but the way we do it is. . . and it makes a difference.

2. Creating Raving Fan customer experiences. Our customers choose us for the way we make them feel, as much as for the products & services we have to offer.

sponsor profile

3. An Innovative environment of learning & developmental growth. Learning keeps us ahead of the pack and on the right track.

4. Serving our communities. Our communities have supported us in the good times and bad and we have an obligation to give thanks by paying it forward.

5. Practicing environmental sustainability. Our commitment to a healthier future drives practices that insure we’ll leave the environment better tomorrow than today.

6. Solid business results.

In terms of our energy, environmentalism and sustainability programs, we have prioritized this as one of our Guiding Principles. It really took off after we won the London Chamber of Commerce Award for Environmental Leadership. We actually have a goal to be a zero waste retailer by the year 2025.

Today, we divert over 85% of our waste from landfills. With energy reduction we look at everything. From LED light retrofits, to purchasing lighter trucks that use less gas, to planning our first solar installation on the roof of one of our facilities. When we deliver a product to a home all the garbage we remove is recycled and repurposed – cardboard, plastic, wood chips and foam. We found an innovative way to emulsify the foam into condensed blocks that are recycled. For the past 2 years we’ve partnered with students enrolled in Master programs in Environmentalism to help us find more ways to improve. Recently we partnered, and invested, with Western University’s Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources and the City of London to find an innovative way to keep mattresses out of landfills. We know there is no end to sustainability practices. Our Kitchener staff was the first store in our company to develop their own sustainability committee, objectives and newsletter. We’re very proud of their initiative.

We have a saying at Tepperman’s ‘Hope is not a strategy and I’ll do my best is not a game plan’. We’ve come such a long way from 1925 when our grandfather first started going door to door, by foot. So much has changed that we can’t help but ask ourselves: 92 years later, what would Grandpa Nate think?

He’d definitely recognize the key elements of his business model: hiring great people; delivering great service; providing fair & flexible financing; offering affordable, quality products; understanding that we’re only as good as yesterday. As the third-generation leaders, we’ve remained true to the values of Rochelle & Bill Tepperman and of Rose & Nate Tepperman: hard work, always delivering on our promises, and fulfilling our obligation to our community. We believe that our parents & grandparents would be proud of that - and we hope that you’ll be proud of what we bring to Kitchener and the Region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Tepperman Born into a retail family business founded in 1925 in Windsor Ontario, Andrew Tepperman was appointed president of Tepperman’s in 2006. He credits his growth to excellent mentors, new experiences and a philosophy of continuous self-improvement.

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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The Toronto Waterloo Corridor – Canada’s Technology Supercluster

BY GERRY REMERS

The Liberal government’s recent budget included some $950M to support the development of 3-5 superclusters across Canada.

This supercluster initiative is based on thinking that for Canada to have a global advantage it needs to leverage and further develop existing strengths. A critical mass of talent, capital (VC and otherwise), infrastructure and business capability comes together in a virtuous circle – attracting global attention, more investments, better talent. Capability begets development.

Southern Ontario and the Toronto Waterloo Corridor (including Hamilton and Guelph) in particular surely can lay claim to being a technology “supercluster” . This 100km region encompasses 15,000 tech companies, 5,200 start-ups and 200,000 tech workers in areas as diverse as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, health care , clean-tech and automotive. We have 14 top research universities and technical colleges, regional innovation centers like Mars and Communitech, not to mention institutes like Perimeter, CanmetMaterials, Vector and the Xerox Research Center. The start-up density in Waterloo is the second highest in the world and Toronto leads in artificial intelligence, FinTech and life sciences research. At $360B the Corridor accounts for 17% of total Canadian GDP. The basics are in place – and we need to build on these assets if we are to remain competitive globally.

The fact is that Canadian GDP per capita falls well below the US and is roughly 11th out of the top 16 peer countries assessed by the Conference Board of Canada. This shortfall is a function of lower productivity – or lack of investment in R&D, capital and training/talent on the part of industry in Canada. If we are to maintain or improve our quality of life – our prosperity – we will have to increase income per capita by investing more heavily in innovation. Combining the strengths of companies and institutions in the Corridor will greatly enhance our likelihood of success. It will create global awareness of the talent, IP, and capabilities resident in southern Ontario. It will enhance the connectivity between companies and research organizations/institutions and it will foster awareness of best in class initiatives in new technologies such as additive

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manufacturing, quantum and nano-technology, printed electronics, artificial intelligence and stem cell research.

Building a global brand requires us to forgo parochial attitudes – and to consider who our competition for talent, investment and research/commercialization activity is. Waterloo doesn’t compete with London Ontario, Windsor or Ottawa – rather the Corridor competes with London-Cambridge (UK), Tel-AvivHaifa, and Silicon Valley. We need to think and act globally at this level of competition and excellence.

Branding the Corridor as a technology supercluster will have many benefits for the region – it will bring experienced leaders to the region to help our start-ups scale globally – it will focus VC attention on the numerous and high quality start-ups in the region – it will accelerate the growth of large companies as they benefit from the start-up ecosystem – working with and investing/acquiring IP – and it will encourage our students and millennials to stay in the region rather than pursue dream jobs in Silicon Valley.

Branding the Corridor as supercluster isn’t enough of course – we need to continue to invest in improved transit, to offer tax incentives to both VC’s and companies investing in R&D and to support collaborative activities that promote the Corridor’s assets. We also need vibrant cultural experiences, affordable and livable cities and high quality education for our children.

The challenge is formidable, but our history demonstrates that this region can evolve and adapt – and can win.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gerry Remers

Gerry Remers is the Chair of the Expert Review Panel assessing Ontario’s Innovation Ecosystem. He is the past President of Christie Digital Canada and is the inaugural Chair of Waterloo Region’s EDC.

As a member, you will receive the priority access and service you deserve on your night out. Do you want to be the first to know when a new show is coming and have first access to seats? Maybe a personal concierge and cocktails in the Members’ Lounge is more your style. If you’re looking for a truly premium experience, give us a call today and get ready to enjoy perks tailored to your preferences.

For more information on CentreStage Membership, visit our website or call 519 578 5660 ext. 5251

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

CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE

CHAMBER PATRON

12@12 Chamber

Academy TITLE SPONSOR

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CHAMBER TRUSTEE

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MEDIA PARTNERS WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

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The Power of Education

BY JOAN FISK

BDO HELPS BUSINESSES RUN SMOOTHLY Our professionals combine local sensibility with the resources of a national firm to help our clients succeed.

People who know, know BDO.SM Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory 201 – 150 Caroline St S 519 576 5220

Waterloo ON www.bdo.ca

597 Colby Dr. Unit #6, Waterloo, ON

519-603-9916 info@steadfastgasservices.com / www.steadfastgasservices.com

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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member notables

Member Notables United Way Waterloo Region Communities Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of the newly-formed United Way Waterloo Region Communities recently announced the appointment of Joan Fisk as their inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Fisk has compiled an extensive record of achievement in business and community leadership. She completed a six year term as Chair of the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, served as President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and also led Tiger Brand Knitting for 17 years.

The former United Way KW & Area and United Way Cambridge North Dumfries integrated to become United Way Waterloo Region Communities on April 1, 2017.

Twin City Dwyer Printing moves to new Waterloo Location

Twin City Dwyer Printing (TCD), in their 49th year of serving customers across Waterloo Region, has relocated to new facilities at 584 Colby Drive, Unit 4 in Waterloo.

Owned and operated by Joe Dwyer and Dave Potje, TCD is committed to print and believes the printed word is still an integral part of the strategy to market and promote your business.

As part of the company’s commitment to print, Dave Potje is Chair of the Ontario Printing and Imaging Association (OPIA), a Director of the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA), and the Canadian board member of the Printing Industries of America (PIA).

As print still has a great impact on purchasing decisions, TCD can help put your marketing vision on paper.

Anita’s Skin Care Spa

Anita’s Skin Care Spa located in the Medical Centre at The Boardwalk was recently recognized

by Top Choice Awards as winner for Top Beauty Spa of 2017 in the cities of Kitchener/Waterloo.

Top Choice Awards is an international market research firm focused on customer experience.

Since 2005, winners are released annually to recognize and showcase the most trusted services and businesses across North America.

The staff at Anita’s Skin Care Spa would like to thank their customers for voting them to the Top Choice Award and trust that they will always have your support.

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member notables

Member Notables New President and Vice-Chancellor Appointed at Wilfrid Laurier University

Deborah MacLatchy, a distinguished scientist with extensive experience in research, teaching and senior administration, has been appointed the next president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University.

A former dean of science who has served as Laurier’s provost and vice-president: academic since 2009, MacLatchy commenced her five year term as president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2017. She succeeds Max Blouw, who completed his second five-year term on June 30, 2017.

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate President MacLatchy on her appointment to this significant leadership position in the Region of Waterloo. We also thank former President Max Blouw for his ten years of exemplary public and community service and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.

Sunbeam Centre Opens First Group Home for Autistic Adults

Sunbeam Centre has operated in Waterloo Region for 61 years and has been an innovator in the development of new and rejuvenated services for residents with developmental and other complex challenges.

The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has provided funding to allow Sunbeam Centre to open a new four bed house that will he home to four young men with autism spectrum disorder along with other medical concerns.

Bob Butella, Executive Director for the Sunbeam Centre, indicated in a news release they will continue to work with partner agencies, the Province and the community to address the ongoing and growing support needs across Waterloo Region.

Advocate Insurance

Advocate Insurance Group recently received a Technology Leader Award from the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) making them the only insurance broker in KitchenerWaterloo to recognized for this award. CSIO, a non-profit Canadian association, is a champion for data integrity and committed to improving efficiency by overseeing the development and implementation of technology standards and solutions.

Advocate was identified as a technology leader, scoring 100 percent on CSIO’s scorecard assessment. Scores are based on advanced technology adoption such as utilizing audio and esignatures to provide ease of doing business for consumers. Catherine Smola, CEO and President of CSIO, noted that “this award demonstrates Advocate’s leadership and commitment to adopting the latest technology standards and solutions.”

advocate SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017

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WE BELIEVE

THE CLIENT GIVES EVERY INVESTMENT PURPOSE. EVERY PROPERTY A SOUL. EVERY TRANSACTION A PULSE.

Real estate is a powerful asset. It helps define the business of a company.

The spirit of a startup. The values of an investor. We’re 45,000 employees in over 70 countries, helping our clients put ideas into action. Across industries.

Within budgets. And without fail. Around the globe and throughout in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph markets.

IDEAS INTO ACTION

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Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region Ltd. Brokerage 4295 King Street East, Suite 101 Kitchener, ON N2P 0C6 WWW .COM | @CushWakeWR 519 585.GREATERKWCHAMBER 2200 | cushwakewr.com

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The Power of Education

BY JOAN FISK

advocate SEPTEMBER CTOBER 2016 2017 advocate JANUARY || FOEBRUARY

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