Advocate November | December 2015 - Buy Local: Supporting Canadian Retailers

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

Supporting Canadian Retailers

Plan for success in 2016

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advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

features 14

FEATURE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Shop and Support Local Needs a Partnership

Art Sinclair

Jeff MacIntyre

EDITOR:

Heather Hutchings

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FEATURE

Construction? It's a four letter word: OPEN!

M&T Printing Group PHOTOGRAPHY:

COVER STORY

Shop Local – Suppporting Canadian Retailers

Adamski Photography ADVERTISING AND SALES:

Jessica Kuepfer

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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Why does Shopping Local Matter?

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

Zenia Horton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

FEATURE

Sabrina Fitzgerald, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, Zenia Horton, Jessica Kuepfer, Jeff MacIntyre, Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, CONTRIBUTORS:

Teri Egerdeen and Julie Tedesco

departments 4 5

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Building Culture through Curiosity

12

Sabrina Fitzgerald

17

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Retail Sector Continues to Evolve Locally and Nationally Ian McLean

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ADVOCACY

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

Chamber to Showcase Community to Young Physicians Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

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Retail Sector Continues to Support National Economy Art Sinclair

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August 1 - September 30, 2015 HI-LIGHTING MEMBERS

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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 519.576.5000 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 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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message from the chair

Building Culture through Curiosity

BY SABRINA FITZGERALD

As Chair of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce I look forward to another year with wonderful events, great speakers, building community leaders through learning and development as well as connecting our business owners in the community. I have spent four years as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce and am thrilled about my term as Chair. Our mandate this year at the Chamber is a year of focus. We’ve had tremendous success as an organization over the last several years, and we want to make that even better with a focus on our community and the needs of our Chamber members.

I’ve lived in Waterloo for over 25 years and absolutely love this region. It incites curiosity and innovation, just like the variety of companies we have who stress how important culture is. Our region has a culture of its own. The innovation we have in this community has created our culture. We’ve built this culture through the curiosity of our entrepreneurs and business moguls.

Innovation is a team sport played by curious people, and with it you’ll create culture. You can build culture through curiosity.

Try it out and see for yourself.

The theme of this Advocate is to shop local and support local businesses. When you shop local you are reinvesting in your community. Why not reinvest in your community through building an awesome culture in your organization? This will engage staff, retain top talent and continue to drive growth in your organization. If we can encourage our top students to remain in the region, our top talent to remain in the region, and our top innovators to remain in the region – we’ve given our community the best kind of investment.

I challenge you to be curious with what the region has to offer as well. Look for new places to shop, eat, and play. Support our local businesses in any way you can, and enjoy our region to the fullest.

We’ve all heard it – culture eats strategy for breakfast. So what does this really mean – how do we execute on strategy effectively if we don’t have great culture? Strategy is what is written, while culture of an organization determines how to get things done. We can all come up with a strategy, the key is executing it. Time and time again we hear of companies with great culture being able to succeed even when their strategy is merely mediocre.

So what’s the secret of building a great culture? Build innovation. How do you build innovation? Build curious people. Act like a four year old, ask questions – lots of them, be inquisitive, and seek a variety of viewpoints from people who are not like you. Have your staff do the same. Always play devil’s advocate, and encourage yourself and others to think outside the box. Reward new ideas, encourage failures as it leads to successes, and be curious. Try different approaches and encourage others to do the same. Consider where your teams are when they are being most innovative, and foster that environment.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sabrina Fitzgerald CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sabrina is a CPA, CA and tax partner at PwC LLP. She has a passion for working with businesses and owners in the region, to efficiently plan their tax affairs. She is also an avid volunteer in the community.

message from the president

Retail Sector Continues to Evolve Locally and Nationally

BY IAN MCLEAN The Waterloo Region is known across Canada and the world for our diverse economy and ability to adapt and change when external conditions demand it. We have successfully transitioned from furniture and clothes to automobiles and then wireless handhelds.

One constant presence in the local economy is retail. Downtown Kitchener was once home to some of Canada’s finest establishments such as Goudies, Washburn’s (later purchased by Paul Puncher) and Kabels. It was not uncommon in the 1970s for customers from across the Greater Toronto Area and all of Ontario to regularly shop for high quality business attire along King Street.

Like many sectors, local and national retailers have been required to adjust to changing technology and consumer preferences for their continued survival and profitability. According to Industry Canada, the retail marketplace continues to evolve, with some types of outlets expanding while others have struggled. More recently, retailers are going beyond their traditional distribution channels to better deliver goods and services in an environment of changing consumer behavior and market competition.

For close to 40 years the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized their national Small Business Week which occurs each year in October. Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from across the nation have assisted with organizing events and other functions to recognize the essential contribution of small and medium enterprises to our national economy. Our Chamber has collaborated with the local BDC office on many past events.

Of all sectors in Canada, retailers represent the largest segment of small businesses with more than 146,000 firms employing more than 795,000 individuals. As noted by Industry Canada, these organizations play an integral role in the national economy by establishing and maintaining employment opportunities, serving local consumers and shaping local economies and communities.

Two years ago, the BDC released a major study on the buying behavior of Canadians. Over one-half of consumers conduct online research prior to making purchasing decisions. But there is also a trend towards shopping close to home and looking for locally made goods in our uptown and downtown cores. Research

also indicates that buyers are increasingly aware that purchasing Canadian-made may be a better ethical and environmental choice.

Half of Canadians consider the health impact of a product when making decisions and one-third are willing to pay a premium for healthy products. Consumers are also looking to get exactly what they want and new technology makes it possible for them to buy it.

In 2013, approximately thirty percent of Canadian small business did not have a web presence, and the BDC noted that a site alone is not sufficient as a larger on-line strategy is required for sustained success. Overall, 45 percent of consumers surveyed had made an effort to buy local in the past year, with 87 percent believing it was more environmentally responsible and 97 percent indicating they were supporting the local economy. The study concluded that marketing a made-in-Canada or a local connection can be a big advantage for small and medium businesses.

Locally, our BIAs in collaboration with the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation have all done exemplary work on promoting the value of supporting local retailers. We have been delivering, for many years, high quality and healthy food products which are increasingly important to the Canadian consumer. The Chamber 100 Mile Feast, which has evolved into one of our most successful annual events, recognizes the benefits of supporting local farmers and food processors.

As another holiday season approaches, I would encourage all residents of Waterloo Region to support local retailers and their suppliers. In the current interconnected global economy, you can’t find better.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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advocacy

Retail Sector Continues to Support National Economy

BY ART SINCLAIR At the 2013 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Kelowna, David Goldstein of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada noted that what makes tourism different, and inherently vital to the national economy, is that the industry is present in all regions of Canada.

Remote communities are building a significant presence in ecotourism from our vast and expansive wilderness resources.

Waterloo Region’s tourism is a strong mix of our cultural heritage combined with an emerging status as a global technology leader.

As Mr. Goldstein precisely emphasized, all our communities have valuable assets and attractions to draw visitors from around the world.

and offshore, to be complacent about the future of bricks and mortar stores in our communities or the capacity of Canadian retailers to invest in online offerings.

While other industries such as manufacturing have been the focus of sector strategies and incentives, retail has long been overlooked.

For example, favourable Capital Cost Allowance rates have been introduced for capital investment in machinery and processing, while tariffs have been removed from many industrial inputs but not from retail goods. Retail, according to the RCC, requires a sectoral policy focus commensurate with the size of the industry and the number of jobs created.

In the current Canadian economic environment, manufacturing is becoming increasingly centred in central Canada while natural resources dominate the prairies. Unfortunately, profitable cycles in these major economic sectors rarely align as witnessed this past winter with a drop in oil prices and a minor increase in manufacturing activity from a devalued Canadian dollar – a reversal in conditions from five years ago. Tourism remains as a constant across these cycles.

Chambers and Boards of Trade have been active advocates for the retail sector, including a recent proposal from Windsor, Sarnia, Greater Niagara and Sault Ste. Marie to create a pilot project for the Road Travel Rebate Incentive Program (Road TRIP), a tax rebate that would encourage American tourists to shop in Canada.

Visitors travelling into and out of Canada through a land border crossing would be eligible for a five percent rebate on purchases made during the trip. An economic study indicated that $40 million in revenue could be generated through this measure.

The Canadian retail sector, which is intrinsically linked with tourism, also has a heavy presence in every community across the nation. Retailers have supported other businesses and consumers in rural and urban centres for centuries by providing unique services which have been in many ways the foundation for all local economic activity.

The articles from this edition of the Advocate clearly demonstrate that retail remains a significant sector in the local economy and, like businesses in non-retail, are committed to innovative business practices and collaboration for their long-term sustainability and profitability. As Governor General David Johnston noted years ago this is the Waterloo Way of doing business.

According to the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), over 2.2 million people work in retail, including 250,000 self-employed individuals making it the largest private sector employer in Canada. The industry generates $350 billion in annual sales with an overall payroll approaching $60 billion. In June of 2013, data indicated the most common occupation for both men and women in Canada was retail salesperson, which analysts concluded was indicative of significant growth on the service side of the economy.

In material drafted for the recent federal election campaign, the RCC noted that government has viewed the retail sector as a predictable source of jobs and tax revenues. However in the modern age of retail, there is no certainty that Canadians will be served by Canadians. There are simply too many channels, foreign

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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perspective on health care

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perspective on health care

Chamber to Showcase Community to Young Physicians

BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK Health care is a significant issue for all of us and having access to health care professionals is critical to the well being of families in our region. However, many families, locally and across the province, do not have the benefit of being under the care of a family practitioner.

This interesting work and fun filled weekend has been well received and praised by visiting family medicine residents and their partners and it has proven to be one of our most successful recruitment tools drawing many family physicians to local community and hospital based practices over the past 16 years.

This is why the Chamber’s physician recruitment program is an important community health care initiative, not only for our residents’ well being but for the health and prosperity of our business community looking to attract the best and the brightest.

Beyond support of this important physician recruitment weekend, our corporate and municipal partners’ generous annual investment also helps the Chamber to recruit physicians throughout the year.

With the generous investment and support of our corporate and municipal partners, the Chamber Health Care Resources Council is able to oversee a number of programs throughout the year to attract new family physicians to serve the health care needs of the community. Since this critical initiative was launched in 1998, the Chamber, working with community interests, has successfully attracted over 180 family practitioners.

The most significant program is our annual physician recruitment weekend when we host first, second and third year family medicine residents and their partners interested in practice and employment opportunities in Kitchener-Waterloo-Woolwich.

The first weekend in November we will be celebrating our 17th year of showcasing the community to these young health care professionals. During their three day community visit our guests will learn about practicing in the greater K-W area and about the many fine amenities that life in our communities has to offer.

We have been working with family medicine residents nearing graduation, as well as established family practitioners from across the province. Personal community visits have been arranged for these young practitioners who have met with local family physicians and toured a number of K-W practice opportunities.

These doctors and their partners were very impressed with the area and have made commitments to practice here.

These recent recruitment efforts have been exceptionally successful. With support from our community health care partners, we will have attracted an unprecedented number of family physicians this year – a total of 16 new practitioners to date.

The Chamber Health Care Resources Council sincerely thanks all of our partners for their generous investment in this important community health care initiative. With their continued support, five years from now we want to be able to say that every one of our residents has access to a family physician and the best primary care possible.

The Family Medicine Resident Weekend, as well call it, is planned, organized and hosted by the dedicated members of the Chamber’s Family Physician Liaison Task Force co-chaired by Al Hayes of WalterFedy and Lana Hillier of Deloitte.

The weekend itinerary that the volunteers plan and manage for these young physicians in training includes touring Grand River Hospital and the new Medical Centre at The Boardwalk. They will be introduced to local family physicians and other health care professionals and will learn more about the different range of practice opportunities available here. Their partners will be taken on tours of our rural and urban communities and have the opportunity to explore employment opportunities. They will all meet some high profile business and community leaders and learn more about the region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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networking

Fall Networking

DR. SAMANTHA NUTT SHARING HER STORY

GUESTS AT THE HOME HARDWARE BUSINESS AFTER 5 AT MAXWELL’S CONCERTS & EVENTS

ZENIA HORTON, LISA MACDONALD, SABRINA FITZGERALD,

MEMBERS VOTING AT THE AGM

AND IAN INGLIS

INSPIRING SPEAKER KRISTINE BARNETT, AUTHOR OF THE SPARK

HOLE SPONSOR INTRIGUE MEDIA AND SKEE-BALL GAME!

www.the-boardwalk.ca WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

CHICOPEE’S NATE TEDESCO & DANIELLE HALL

LEO TOBI, BUTCH CARTER AND JUSTIN MCFADDEN AT HOME HARDWARE BUSINESS AFTER 5

THE

Photography by Adamski Photography

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THE 9TH ANNUAL INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT

PAST CHAIR PAUL EICHINGER PASSING THE CHAIR SABRINA FITZGERALD

GAVEL TO INCOMING

2ND SPEAKER AT THE INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT – DR. KARYN GORDON

networking

Fall Networking

THE NEW CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1ST SPEAKER OF THE INSPIRING WOMEN EVENT – KRISTINE BARNETT

MAYOR DAVE JAWORSKY & JAN JAWORSKY

TEAM FUN AT THE ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE

SEVE LOCKNER, CHRIS PERKINS, RICHARD PARENT AND BILL CREIGHTON AT THE HEFFNER HOLE IN ONE

ELIZABETH ALLEN, SIMON DOWRICK, STEPHANIE SOULIS AND KRIS RONAN

LISA LISSON, PRESIDENT OF FEDEX CANADA

MEMBERS NETWORKING MEMBERS AT THE BA5 KICKOFF EVENT

TEAM COWAN – PHIL HARWOOD, ERIC VELANOFF, JAMES MCFARLANE AND COLIN BOWMAN

Photography by Adamski Photography

BRIDES B R IDE S REGISTER R E GIS TER ONLINE ONL INE & R RECEIVE E C EIVE FREE A ADMISSION DM IS S ION A AT: T: THEWEDDINGTRENDS.COM ADMISSION: $10 TICKETS A AVAILABLE VAILABLE A AT T DOOR. CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE

BRIDAL SHOW

JANUARY 9 & 10 Sat. & Sun. 11am - 5pm

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advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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new members

August 1 to September 30, 2015 100MileGifts.ca Retail Carolyn Parks, Co-Owner 23 Young Street, PO Box 346 St Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 Email: carolyn@100milegifts.ca www.100milegifts.ca Phone: (519) 503-1247

Aeryon Labs, Inc. Manufacturers April Clarke, Director, Human Resources 575 Kumpf Drive Waterloo, ON N2V 1K3 Email: info@aeryon.com www.aeryon.com Phone: (519) 489-6726 Fax: (519) 489-6726

Amitel Telecommunications Timo Vainionpaa, President 20 Barrel Yards Blvd, Unit 204 Waterloo, ON N2L 0C3 Email: timo@amitel.com www.amitel.com Phone: (519) 745-3405 Fax: (866) 791-8438

Apex Occupational Health and Wellness Health & Wellness Glen Brannen Manager Marketing & Finance 1601 River Road East, Unit 102 Kitchener, ON N2A 3Y4 Email: info@apexocc.com www.apexocc.com Phone: (519) 896-3330 Fax: (519) 954-3333

Barn Raising Associates Charitable & Community Organizations Alan Quarry, Founder 1440 King Street North St Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 Email: aquarry@quarry.com Phone: (519) 590-9020

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CAREHAWK Safety Communications Internet Security Wayne Hartill, President 100 Hanson Avenue Kitchener, ON N2C 2E2 Email: info@carehawk.com www.carehawk.com Phone: (519) 772-1032 Fax: (519) 743-8883

Clifton Kok LLP, Legal Counsel Lawyers Jessica Spataro, Associate 12 Northumberland Street, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 Email: info@cklegal.ca www.cklegal.ca Phone: (519) 632-9755 Fax: (519) 632-8031

Doggie Diner Pet Food Wholesalers & Manufacturers Shannon Emery, Owner 385 Waterloo Street New Hamburg, ON N3A 1S6 Email: eatdoggiediner@gmail.com www.doggiediner.ca Phone: (519) 802-2637

ENJO Cleaning Supplies Heather Ternant, Independant Enjo Consultant 552 Box Grove Place, Waterloo, ON N2L 4V3 Email: heatherelema12@gmail.com www.enjo.com/html/ca Phone: (519) 533-3199

Essential Commercial Services Cleaning ServiceResidential/Commercial/Industrial Natalia Senkievich, Owner 31 Roseneath Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2E 1V8 Email: office@esscomserv.com www.esscomserv.com Phone: (226) 978-2200

Focal Point Business Excellence Coaching Patrick McKeen, Owner 294 Glenridge Drive Waterloo, ON N2J 3W4 pmckeen@focalpointcoaching.com www.clarityandfocus.ca Phone: (519) 772-4500

Grand River Raceway Race Tracks (Main), Convention Services & Facilities Kelly Spencer, Mgr. Marketing & Communications 7445 Wellington County Rd. 21 Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Email: info@grandriverraceway.com www.grandriverraceway.com Phone: (519) 846-5455 Fax: (519) 846-0206

Gregory J. Wood, Chartered Professional Accountant Accountants, CPA-CA Greg Wood, Principal 55 King Street W, Suite 700, Kitchener, ON N2G 4W1 Email: greg@gregoryjwood.ca www.gregoryjwood.ca Phone: (905) 320-4242

Hamilton Insurance & Financial Management Financial Planning Consultants Mike Hamilton, Financial Advisor 836459 Hubbard Road Bright, ON N0J 1B0 Email: amy@hifm.ca www.hifm.ca Phone: (800) 461-3792 Fax: (519) 454-4042

Heart to Home Meals Senior Citizen Services Ann Blais, Owner 1277 Bridge Street, Unit #3 New Dundee, ON N0B 2E0 ann.blais@hearttohomemeals.ca www.hearttohomemeals.ca Phone: (519) 696-3773

Igor Ivanisevic Professional Corporation Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Igor Ivanisevic, Director 85 Edwin Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 4N7 Email: info@pamsolutions.ca www.pamsolutions.ca Phone: (226) 499-0928 Fax: (226) 499-0921

iSystemsNow Computer Software Jeremy Druce, COO 420 Weber Street N, Unit 100 Waterloo, ON N2L 4E7 Email: info@isystemsnow.com www.isystemsnow.com Phone: (519) 279-6485

Klyne Insurance Group Insurance Agents & Brokers Mac Graham, Owner 109 College Street Kitchener, ON N2H 5A2 Email: mac@klyneinsurance.com www.klyneinsurance.com Phone: (519) 721-7254

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. Photocopiers & Supplies Lindsay Orr, Account Executive 64 Main Street, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 lindsay.orr@bt.konicaminolta.ca www.konicaminolta.ca Phone: (226) 973-4028

KW Professional Organizers Organizing Specialists Samantha Kristoferson, Co-Owner 39 Young Street East Left Side Door, past the driveway Waterloo, ON N2J 2L4 info@kwprofessionalorganizers.com www.kwprofessionalorganizers.com Phone: (519) 502-9015

new members

August 1 to September 30, 2015 Learning Jungle Day Care

Onyx Urgent Care

Resonating Energies

Waterloo Taxi Limited

Child Care Services Grant Lawson, President 45 Sheppard Ave E, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M2N 5W9 Email: glawson@learningjungle.com www.learningjungle.com Phone: (416) 227-0461

Medical Centres Cait Desilets, Clinic Director/Owner 580 Lancaster Street WestKitchener, ON N2K 1M3 Email: onyxmedicalcentre@gmail.com www.onyxurgentcare.com Phone: (519) 279-1966

Holistic Health Services Nyssa McDonald, Owner 420 Weber Street N, Unit 203 Waterloo, ON N2L 4E7 Email: nyssa@resonatingenergies.ca www.resonatingenergies.ca Phone: (519) 574-8601

MeritonHR Inc.

OurGV Inc.

Executive Search Consultants Bill Zimmerman, President 103 Bauer Place, Unit # 4 Waterloo, ON N2L 6B5 bill.zimmerman@meritonhr.com www.meritonhr.com Phone: (519) 575-3122

Internet Shopping Jordan Lipman Manager, Entrepreneur 810 - 137 University Ave W Waterloo, ON N2L 3E6 Email: jlglipman@ourgv.org www.ourgv.info/glipman Phone: (226) 243-6245

Scientists in School West Central Ontario

Taxi Service Sheila Penney, Office Manager 55 King Street North Waterloo, ON N2J 2W9 Email: sheila@waterlootaxi.ca www.waterlootaxi.ca Phone: (519) 886-8596 Fax: (519) 886-9858

Mico Radulovic - HomeLife Power Realty Inc., Brokerage Real Estate Brokers & Agents Mico Radulovic, Sales Representative 914 King Street West Kitchener, ON N2G 1G4 Email: mico@imteam.ca www.imteam.ca Phone: (519) 722-3434

Murphy's Law Distillery Wine & Beer Making Benjamin Murphy, Owner 90 Earl Martin Dr, Unit 2 Elmira, ON N3B 2P5 benjamin@murphyslawdistillery.com www.murphyslawmoonshine.com Phone: (519) 669-2500

Onyx Physiotherapy Physiotherapists Yaman Aladdah, Owner 580 Lancaster Street West Kitchener, ON N2K 1M3 Email: onyxmedicalcentre@gmail.com www.onyxphysiotherapy.com Phone: (519) 279-1967

PC Core Computer Sales & Service Asad Islam, Sales & Support 4396 King Street E, Unit #5, Kitchener, ON N2P 2G4 Email: inquiries@pccore.ca www.pccore.ca Phone: (519) 653-9500 Fax: (519) 650-9300

Rabideau Debt Law Lawyers Geoff Rabideau, Principal/Lawyer 305 King Street W, Suite 501, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9 Email: info@debtlaw.ca www.debtlaw.ca Phone: (866) 570-9988 Fax: (877) 570-7997

Rabideau Law Lawyers Geoff Rabideau, Principal/Lawyer 305 King Street W, Suite 501, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9 Email: info@rabideaulaw.ca www.rabideaulaw.ca Phone: (519) 957-1001 Fax: (866) 772-6765

River Cruise: $75 off/person Cruise Vacation: $50 off/cabin

WestJet Airline Companies Andrew Gibbons, Director of Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs 116 Lisgar Street, Ste 600 Ottawa, ON K2P 0C2 Email: AGibbons@westjet.com www.westjet.com Phone: (613) 697-1740

Schools - Special Purpose Gail Touchie, Regional Manager 31 Queen Street Morriston, ON N0B 2C0 gail.touchie@scientistsinschool.ca www.scientistsinschool.ca Phone: (519) 763-3950 Fax: (519) 763-4905

Scott A. Baird

Workplace One - KW

Management Consultants Scott Baird, Owner 218 Westmeadow Drive Kitchener, ON N2N 3R1 Email: scottybaird16@gmail.com Phone: (519) 496 8840

Office & Desk Space Rental Service Samantha Estoesta, Community Manager 51 Breithaupt Street, Suite 100, Kitchener, ON N2H 5G5 kitchenerwaterloo@workplaceone.com www.workplaceone.com Phone: (519) 804-9235 Fax: (519) 804-9236

Smart-Ink Design and Print Graphic Designers Sherrie Martin, Owner Wallenstein, ON N0B 2S0 Email: info@smart-inkdesign.com www.smart-inkdesign.com Phone: (519) 504-7909

WSI Digital Marketing

The Busy Locavore Restaurant (Take-Out) Allison Mitchell, Chef/Owner Deer Ridge Centre, 5-4293 King St E Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9 Email: info@thebusylocavore.ca www.thebusylocavore.ca Phone: (519) 650-5666

Marketing Consultants Jorge Meneses, Owner 142 Wendy Court Cambridge, ON N1R 8A6 jmeneses@jorgemeneseswsi.com www.jorgemeneseswsi.com Phone: (519) 222-7960

Beach Vacation: $15 off/person * Until December 25th, 2015. Some conditions apply.

no. 50013745

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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feature

Shop and Support Local Needs a Partnership

BY JEFF MACINTYRE There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to a large corporate store or restaurant and making a purchase. The selection can be good, the experience may be enjoyable and you may get what you wanted. Most however agree the experience is different than visiting or making a purchase from a local business.

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Get in the habit of thanking customers for choosing to support a local business. Train all of your employees to do the same

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Use hashtags like #shoplocal, #thinklocalfirst and #shoplocalmovement to attract attention

People enjoy supporting local businesses for various reasons. They may include convenience, one of a kind experiences or merchandise, customer service, a personal relationship with the owner, or the overall health of the micro economy in the area.

Shopping local can make you feel like you’ve made a direct contribution to someone’s life.

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Take space on the “About Us” section of your website to tell your story and why you established your business

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Connect with other local businesses to cross promote where possible

•

Use banners and graphics to identify local businesses.

Trade shows, web sites and community events provide you the opportunity to differentiate

•

Join local associations (Chamber of Commerce, BIA) with their ability to promote the benefits and impact of supporting small and local business

•

Participate in local events and festivals, and in return make certain you receive acknowledgement as a local business who needs the audience support

The challenge that local businesses face is competition for customers. They may not have the budget to advertise. They can’t reduce their prices as low as the chains can go because they can’t distribute costs across many locations. They ride the waves of revenue and reap the rewards or are the last to get paid as owners.

It appears that the passion of the local business owner is what keeps them going. Local business owners need to focus and do things differently to attract the people that would otherwise go to the chain or national store. It is becoming more important than ever to make sure that your outlet feels local. It is becoming more apparent that if a local person owns the business, the financial impact remains in the community.

A partnership needs to be created between the business owner and the purchaser to move “support local” to the top of mind.

Customers need to think locally and the local business needs to remind them of its importance.

Small and local business is critical to the success of a community.

They create jobs, wealth and define the look of a city or neighbourhood. We need to continue to support all business but make a conscious effort when possible to shop, eat and get services by local companies.

Success will be measured by new businesses opening but more importantly the number that thrive and survive. Small business is challenging and the odds are against them succeeding. Creating partnerships with clients and asking for support increase the odds of making it.

PROMOTE LOCAL FIRST THINKING Make sure that customers know you are open for business and you appreciate their contribution to your business success. It appears logical but it is often overlooked, and some small businesses neglect to ask people to support their establishment.

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS LOOK AND FEEL LOCAL •

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Use the words “thank you for choosing to shop local” or “thank you for supporting a local business” wherever you can (Store Windows, Social Media, Print Advertising or on your receipts)

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyre Jeff is a long time member of the Chamber of Commerce. He owns two local small businesses including Voisin Tech Suites and Winexpert Kitchener South.

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Toll Free: 1-800-667-0833

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feature

Construction? It’s a four letter word: OPEN! Construction? UpTown Waterloo is totally open to the idea! It creates, builds, grows and improves. The current ION project is designed to reduce traffic congestion, limit costly road expansions and attract more people and businesses to UpTown Waterloo. And while construction is ongoing, so it will be for us. UpTown Waterloo needs you, its visitors, shoppers and champions to continue to support local businesses during the challenges of construction. Here’s why.

“Shopping locally means you can have confidence in your purchases and receive a unique shopping experience every time. To me, buying locally means supporting an independent business that was built out of love.”

Smita Meinzinger, Shopper | Tadpole Children’s Shoppe “[UpTown has] wonderful and unique stores. The area represents the heart and soul of our community. Store owners and their teams go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. If we want to maintain this treasure we need to continue to support them.”

Marleen Guttensohn | Optimum Talent If you take a stroll down the main street of any small city or town in Ontario, it is the mix of eclectic independent businesses that create the colourful community. It is easy to get to know the business owners and employees and build relationships with them, an unlikely circumstance in a corporate big box store.

Neighbouring independent businesses support one another to maintain this strong community. The cost and risk of running a small business is high. Owners invest their heart, time and money into their life long ambitions to be a small but important part of this community. Local residents should have a sense of obligation to support independent businesses, as their downtown or main street would not be the charming destinations they are today without them.

Brie Heatherley | heel boy “Numerous studies have documented the role that independent operations play in keeping jobs and money in the local economy, far more than the "big guys.” By shopping in the urban core, you are making the shopping experience more compact and perhaps reducing the need to make lengthy car trips to far flung suburban destinations. The corporate stores funnel much of their profits and expenditures out of the community and can never match the commitment and expertise of your local independents.”

Mike Copland | Ontario Seed Home Hardware “In our business practice we are deliberately local, and it has paid untold dividends. Everyone you connect with is a word-of-mouth ambassador for what you do, and the more times you connect, you build your network of people who will mention your name or business because of that connection. If there are six degrees of

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separation between every human on earth, shopping (and talking) local will reduce it to one. If you spend a dollar in your village, it will find its way back to you a thousand times.”

Graham Whiting | Whiting Design “Our clients often comment that they are amazed with how many services are provided locally in KW – that there is so much variety and niche services available to our community. I think that is saying a lot about our community and our ability to be resilient in turbulent times.”

Samantha Kristoferson | KW Professional Organizers "Some of my most memorable moments and best conversations have taken place through the doors of UpTown Waterloo businesses. Discovering the unique shops in your local business area can open the door to new, exciting and genuine experiences in your community."

Laura Munz | Paint By Munzy Support your local business area – over 470 reasons to live, work, learn, play and shop. It’s all here and it’s all open!

For a full listing of UpTown Waterloo businesses, visit www.uptownwaterloobia.com/business-directory.

For current information about Regional construction in UpTown Waterloo, visit www.rideion.ca.

hi-lighting members

Business Services Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery

Corporate Gift Services at the Clay & Glass Whether you’re looking for mementos for conferences and events or gifts to recognize an accomplishment or milestone, the Gallery Shop has something for every occasion. Our knowledgeable staff will help you choose from instore items or commission a one-of-a-kind piece.

Cardinal Print Your Local Printer Web & Graphic Design, Signs Advertising & Marketing, SEO

25 Caroline Street North Waterloo (519) 746-1882 shop@canadianclayandglass.ca shop.theclayandglass.com

Cardinal e-Quality Ltd

Cardinal Print is a printing and marketing company that has been setting the standard in the Waterloo Region since 2004. We are your one-stop-shop for your marketing needs: Web/graphic design, printing, signs, SEO, direct mail, etc. Call us today! 519-513-4573.

675 Queen Street South Unit 214, Kitchener (519) 513-4573 www. cardinalprint.ca

Delta Waterloo Expect even more at Delta Waterloo – conveniently located in UpTown Waterloo offering 194 ModeRoom guestrooms, 6500 sq. ft. of technologically advanced meeting facilities, full service restaurant, fitness room and pool.

110 Erb Street West, Waterloo (519) 514-0412 wat.sales.sm@deltahotels.com deltawaterloo.com Connect with us: Facebook/Twitter

FocalPoint Business Excellence

Focal Point Business Excellence

Delta Waterloo

Provides business coaching and consulting, as well as sales and leadership training. Our goal is to grow your business. Led by Patrick McKeen, FocalPoint Business Excellence works closely with entrepreneurs to develop strategies that will increase revenues and in turn, business growth.

294 Glenridge Drive Waterloo (519) 772-4500 pmckeen@focalpointcoaching.com www.clarityandfocus.ca

Gregory J. Wood, Chartered Professional Accountant

Gregory J. Wood

Selling or purchasing a business? Dedicated professional advice can make the difference between a successful and rewarding transaction and a major loss of your time, money and sanity. Greg is a Certified M&A Advisor and provides over 25 years of experience in dealing with business transactions and financing.

Contact Greg to arrange a no cost consultation.

Chartered Professional Accountant

55 King Street West, Suite 700 Kitchener (519) 570-4242 greg@gregoryjwood.ca www.gregoryjwood.ca

Smart-Ink Design and Print

Smart-Ink Design and Print An independently owned business operating over five years in Woolwich, ON, offering design and print expertise to startups and small businesses.

With quality brokered printing and in-house large format capabilities, projects are carried through from initial contact to finished product.

The People Initiatives Group Inc. The People Initiatives Group provides a full range of Human Resources services to the Waterloo and Wellington Regions and specializes in the following: 24/7 phone support at no charge ; Assistance with unique and challenging situations ; Performance Management Process ; Developmental Coaching ; Small Business HR Support

Woolwich Sherrie Martin (519) 504-7909 info@smart-inkdesign.com www.smart-inkdesign.com www.facebook.com/smart.inkdesign

The People Initiatives Group Inc. Steve Caron, Principal (519) 807.2447 scaron@thepigroup.ca www.thepigroup.ca

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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cover story

SHOP LOCAL- Supporting Canadian Retailers

BY JESSICA KUEPFER The core of the Home Hardware mission is to help independent business owners grow and succeed. Home Hardware celebrates a rich history of supporting the local Kitchener-Waterloo community and providing the resources for the nearly 1,100 Home stores to succeed in communities across Canada. As a testament to Home Hardware's guiding ethic - that community and the common good is great business - the company remains a genuinely 100% Canadian, Dealer-owned and operated major retailer after over 50 years in the home improvement industry.

Home Hardware began in the rural community of St. Jacobs by local businessman Henry Gilles, who operated as the community hardware merchant until 1933 when he passed away. The store was then purchased by Gordon Hollinger, who renamed the store Hollinger Hardware with Walter Hachborn and Henry Sittler leading the business. The undertaking was successful, however, modern distribution, new discount chains, shipments and changes in the industry caused them to look for new methods of doing business. They were not only HH HEAD OFFICE wanting to protect their own business but also to aid in the survival of the independent hardware retailer as a Canadian tradition.

As they were searching for ways to help retailers get product to the customer and still allow the retailer to make a reasonable profit, they found the solution of a dealer-owned wholesale company.

They decided it would be better for them – and for their customers – if they could purchase their products directly from the manufacturers, eliminating the wholesale middleman’s profit margin. By combining their resources, they would save money through volume purchasing and secure the resources they needed to build a solid base of marketing and advertising services to meet any form of competition that might come along.

In 1964, Henry Sittler and Walter Hachborn held a meeting with 122 retailers who voted in favour of forming their own completely dealer-owned cooperative. Home Hardware began operation governed by a Board of Directors, with Walter Hachborn as the

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company’s President and General Manager.

From its humble beginnings, Home Hardware Stores Limited has grown to become Canada’s largest dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative with close to 1,100 stores under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners with annual retail sales of nearly $5.7 billion. Through the Home Hardware network, Dealer-Owners have access to 100,000 quality, brand name and private label products, a state-of-the-art distribution system and extensive marketing and training programs.

Home Hardware has proven that supporting Canadian retailers is simply good business. Over the past number of years, Home has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Corporate Cultures, one of the Top 25 Brands in Canada and has been designated as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the past three years.

Beyond just providing quality products at competitive prices in communities across Canada, Home Hardware also practices local manufacturing for their snow shovels, plastic lawn rakes, boot trays, plastic pails, paint trays and many more items. Since 1991, Home Hardware has partnered with a growing roster of local Mennonite manufacturers from the St Jacobs community to provide thousands of products to Canadians.

When Home Hardware’s original supplier of wooden snow sleighs, toboggans and wagons went bankrupt, Home approached their Mennonite suppliers to take over the category and, through word of mouth and the internet, the same supplier is now also making similar products for a number of North American retailers. Home Hardware is proud of a unique heritage and a long history of supporting the local community.

Home Hardware is focused on serving local Canadian communities which is something that is not just prevalent in the original St Jacobs location, but can be seen at all Home stores in every province and territory across Canada. Home’s DealerOwners are committed to providing the best products and services

cover story

WALTER HACHBORN IN FRONT OF HOME HARDWARE STORES LTD.

MODEL STORE

to their customers, allowing them to get everything that they need in their local community. The Home store owners often partner with their local Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses in the community to ensure a strong network and to provide the best customer experience possible.

stores are supported, customers are able to shop online on the corporate website. They have access to 50,000 products and once the product is ordered, can pick it up at their local Home Hardware store. The Home approach to eCommerce has allowed stores to expand their businesses and provide their customers with the convenience of shopping anytime, guaranteeing the products they are looking for when they need them.

Recognizing other neighborhood businesses is an integral part of Dealer commitment to maintain a thriving community. Many Home stores seek out and initiate collaborative partnerships with small local businesses in order to strengthen opportunities for future growth and prosperity within the community. They will often hold special events where they include other local businesses in games, promotions and discount offers. Beyond events, there are initiatives such as coupon book campaigns where Home Hardware stores promote discount offers from small local businesses in order to educate, reward and offer customers more reasons to shop close to home.

The more dollars that are spent at local community businesses rather than big box stores, the more those purchasing dollars are recirculated locally, building a stronger community of retailers and customers. Although this just makes sense, the future does not come without challenges such as online shopping, which calls for the same level of innovation that made Home Hardware a success over 50 years ago.

With the rise of online shopping, Home Hardware has worked hard to ensure that customers are able to have the convenience of shopping online but still maintaining the commitment of supporting independent dealer-owners. To ensure that local Home

Home Hardware is proud to have supported the independent, local retailer for over 50 years and looks forward to using the same quality service and expert advice to support Canadian businesses in the future. The core of what Home does is service: to Dealers, to local communities and to loyal Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Kuepfer Jessica is the Public Relations Coordinator at Home Hardware Stores Limited. She enjoys attending the Libro Credit Union Chamber Young Professionals and the Home Hardware Business After 5 events and connecting with the local business community.

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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events

Mark Your Calendar November 2, 2015

November 12, 2015

100 Mile Feast: A Taste of Spain

Point of View with BDC-Knock Down Barriers.

Dare to Grow

6:00-9:00pm Location: Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel Ticket: $150 • Table of 8: $1200

11:30am-1:30pm Members: $40 • General Admission: $50 • Table of 6: $225

Andrew Coppolino of Waterloo Region Eats hosts this event and Chef Lori Maidlow of Waterloo Inn and her brigade will prepare a menu focused on Spanish specialties while using locally sourced ingredients.

The multi course meal includes wine pairings and live auction with proceeds going towards physician recruitment efforts.

Mary Ann Wenzler-Wiebe, VP with BDC will discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face in growing their businesses with an emphasis on the Growth Strategies, Foreign Expansion and Increased Competitiveness.

Platinum Sponsor:

Title Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

November 17, 2015 MNP Networking Breakfast Series presents Ted Scharf, Kitchener Rangers

Bronze Sponsors:

7:15-9:00am Location: Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Members: $28 • General Admission: $35 Jewellery Sponsor: Media Sponsors:

570 News, Waterloo Region Record

Print Sponsor:

Westmount Signs & Printing

November 10, 2015

The Kitchener Rangers have been a staple in Waterloo Region for over 50 years and are the hockey heartbeat of our community. Hear from Rangers Executive, Ted Scharf, about what makes the Rangers’ business model a success, the challenges they face as a business, and how they will continue to incorporate the community in order to continue that success.

Business Expo powered by your local Chambers of Commerce

Title Sponsor:

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

Event Sponsor:

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

Media Sponsor:

Insurance is the last thing business owners think of when times are good. But, when there’s a claim it’s their first call.

You should have the best coverage possible.

Get an expert opinion on your commercial insurance needs.

insure@erb-erb.com 1.800.265.2634 www.erb-erb.com 20

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events

November 18, 2015

December 1, 2015

Libro Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event

Home Hardware Business After 5

5:00-7:00pm Location: Proof Kitchen & Lounge Member Advantage: $5 • General Admission: $10

5:00-7:00pm Location: Delta Waterloo with Proof Kitchen & Lounge Members: Complimentary • General Admission: $10 Exhibit Booth: $50

You are invited to join us to develop key relationships, build your business network and connect with other young professionals and business leaders at this casual networking event.

Title Sponsor:

Come out to this casual B2B networking event with friendly faces and easy conversation.

Title Sponsor:

Event Sponsor: Media Sponsor:

Heffner Women’s Leadership Luncheon with Carol Leaman 11:30am-1:30pm Location: Westmount Golf & Country Club Members: $40 • General Admission: $50 Carol Leaman is the CEO of Axonify Inc. and is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold three tech companies including Postrank, which was acquired by Google in 2011. Carol’s story is about how putting your own dreams first and refusing to play it safe can make all the difference for those who dare to do it!

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Print Sponsor: &

I

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November 24, 2015

PRINT

December 10, 2015 Chamber Holiday Open House 4:00-6:00pm Location: Chamber of Commerce Members: Complimentary Celebrate the season with fellow Chamber members and staff! We will be accepting donations of non-perishable items or an unwrapped toy.

Title Sponsor: Design Sponsor:

Let us Dazzle you this Holiday!

Let us Delight you with our Dining Options

Reserve now at the Waterloo Inn for catered Christmas Parties, select dates for the Corporate Christmas Dinner, Private Dining for Family Gatherings, Small-Medium-Large Group Holiday Parties, our fabulous Christmas Day Dinner Buffet and New Year’s Eve in RUSHES Restaurant!

Visit www.waterlooinn.com to learn about our special menus or call 519.884.0220 for more details advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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Cushman & WakeďŹ eld and DTZ have combined to create a new force in the global commercial real estate landscape.

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feature

Why does Shopping Local Matter?

BY ZENIA HORTON We all have some sense that the way we decide to invest our money makes an impact on our environment, as well as our local economy. But, how often do we stop to think how investing in and supporting local independent business matters?

Research shows that when a consumer spends $100 in a locally owned retail business, $45 is recirculated back into the local economy. When that same $100 is spent in a chain store, the local investment drops to $23. Spend that same $100 at an online retailer and the local contribution is zero. An independent business supports other independent businesses by using their product and services, creating a continuous cycle.

Customer service is better when shopping local. Local businesses hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. The customer is guaranteed a more relevant and diverse range of products because a multitude of small business owners are selecting goods and services based on the needs of their customers and their interests, not a store manager with a national sales plan.

Decision making power stays local. Local ownership means that the business operation and activities which may affect the community are made by people who live in the area and who are aware of the larger impacts of those decisions.

Shopping local also reduces environmental impacts. Supporting businesses close to home, who in turn provide local employment opportunities, reduces commuting distances, vehicle traffic circulation, congestion and the emissions related with these activities.

Supporting local business helps our community maintain its unique character. Large business and corporations must standardize their stores and services to maximize efficiency and profits. As residents of the community local business owners understand the area they do business in and can help create a unique vibe. They are more likely to hire within the community as well and then give back. They sponsor school events, local sports teams and engage all aspects of their communities. The roll up their sleeves and donate time as well.

Let me tell you what I see and experience when people decide to invest in their local shops. I see casual encounters and amazing connections being made at public spaces around them. I see

relationships flourishing and trust being built up over time. I see integration, variety, and sense of belonging. I see families coming together and building relationships within their communities. I see store owners investing back into their communities and collaborating with other businesses.

I then see people helping people, shops flourishing, a very special vibe and energy. I see storefronts that are unique, merchandise that is creative, and hand made from the heart. I see people buying into the story behind the product; an understanding and appreciation of gifts from the heart.

I also see interesting, diverse and attractive downtowns. Your money and where you invest is the pulse that keeps the local economy going. It needs to keep moving to keep the economy going. When your money is spent elsewhere, it flows out, like a wound that bleeds and the heartbeat stops; there is no life.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we made a conscious effort to invest back into our community? More good things could happen to the towns where we live. Don’t you think where we live and invest our money, time and energy is important? Next time you consider where to shop, think about the community around you and consider this; rather than supporting an impersonal global corporation, why not invest back in “your” community and enjoy a “real” experience - live and shop local.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zenia Horton Zenia is the owner and operator of Zen Design (custom kitchens) and XTEA CO (loose leaf tea company) She is also the co chair of the Downtown Kitchener BIA.

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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Become Smart About Saltt certified and make sure s l contractor is too.

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advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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sponsor profile

30 Years of Success is Thanks to Clients, Staff and the Community MTE Consultants started in Waterloo Region in 1985 as a civil engineering firm, focused on land development projects. Since then they have grown by increasing their capabilities in civil and structural engineering and adding services in environmental science and surveying. They have also expanded geographically by opening offices in Burlington and Stratford.

Thirty years ago the company opened its doors with just three people, two of whom, Ron Beatson and Gary Honsberger, are still employees. The third was MTE’s former president and founder, Bruce Scheifele, who retired in 2006. Today the company boasts a talented team of over 200 people.

MTE has always endeavoured to be a trusted advisor to their clients, which is demonstrated on the 22,000 projects they have worked on including: •

Structural engineering for the new Breithaupt Block building in Kitchener; future home of Google’s local office;

•

Environmental remediation of the former coal gasification plant in downtown Kitchener;

•

Engineering design for hundreds of acres of new subdivisions throughout Waterloo Region, resulting in thousands of new homes for area residents;

•

Surveying for the recently constructed Fairway Road bridge across the Grand River;

•

Engineering design for Ottawa Street, including the proposed double roundabout at Homer Watson Boulevard;

ADAM HEWSON AND CHARLES CARRE (L-R) OF MTE VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND SWEAT AT THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WATERLOO REGION BUILD SITE ON KEHL STREET IN KITCHENER.

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•

Site engineering for the redevelopment of Waterloo Square, Conestoga Mall and the former Sportsworld site; and

•

Indoor air quality assessments in support of 200 LEED projects across Canada, including the SickKids Hospital in Toronto and the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

Hallman Construction was one of MTE’s first clients, a relationship that continues today. “We rely on the expert advice provided by MTE to ensure our developments meet current technical and legislative standards,” according to Jim Hallman, President, “and we can also depend on MTE’s services to be delivered in a timely, personal and professional manner. It’s a longterm relationship that we value and respect.”

MTE also focuses on being a leader in the communities they serve.

As the company grows into new geographic locations, their goal is to thrive and flourish as a local consultant, using their knowledge of, resources and relationships within the areas where their offices are located.

MTE has been a member with the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber since 1986 and has participated on its Board of Directors, the Regional and Municipal Affairs Committee, the Chamber Plus Networking groups, and by attending and sponsoring Chamber events throughout the year. MTE feels strongly that its involvement with the Chamber has long contributed to its success as a company, both in terms of developing business relationships and also enhancing its brand.

MTE staff have historically taken a very active role, with the belief that the more you participate, the more benefits result.

ROB MARIC HELPS STUDENTS ATTENDING ENGINEERING SCIENCE QUEST CAMP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO.

DAVE HALLMAN OF MTE PRESENTS REPRESENTATIVES SPORTS FOR SPECIAL ATHLETES WITH A DONATION.

FROM

sponsor profile

MTE also supports charities, community groups, and minor sports and recreational teams, with a strong emphasis on supporting the communities in which they work and live. Last year, MTE donated over $30,000 to various groups and organizations, as well as giving items to many fundraising events.

As the company approached its 30th anniversary in 2015, they wanted to celebrate in a way that also honoured this commitment to the community. Staff were asked for input and they decided to commemorate this milestone by creating a list of 30 acts of kindness to be completed by the end of the year.

Beginning in July with a group blood donation at the KW Blood Donor Clinic, staff spent the next several months performing random acts of kindness in several communities. Other acts included holding fundraising BBQs, performing Habitat for Humanity Build Days, making donations, doing community clean ups, taking part in local fundraising events and participating in engineering education camps.

MTE’s largest philanthropic endeavor during this 30th anniversary year is its commitment to Women’s Crisis Services Waterloo Region for the provision of in-kind civil, structural and environmental engineering services for the new Haven House in Cambridge. By the time the project is complete MTE’s services will be valued at approximately $80,000. This was not the first time MTE has worked with Women’s Crisis Services, in fact when MTE celebrated its 25th anniversary they made a similar commitment towards the Anselma House project on Ottawa Street in Kitchener.

MTE’S CHARLES CARRE DONATES BLOOD AT KW BLOOD DONOR CLINIC.

THE

MTE’S STEVE RUSSELL, ROB MARIC AND DAVE HICKS (L-R) HELP CLEAN UP THE

Mary Zilney, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Crisis Services Waterloo Region, stated, “This type of community support enables us not to turn women and children away who need to find safe accommodation. We thank MTE so much for its support for Anselma House and Haven House, for enabling us to help the women and children we serve to move beyond violence.”

MTE is a private, employee-owned company. Approximately 40 per cent of its employees are shareholders, which creates a tremendous workplace dynamic, with staff having a very clear understanding of the needs of their clients, and how it ties directly to business success.

Ted Rowe, President of MTE, is extremely proud of the company as it continues to excel and grow. “We have reached out to the communities we serve in many different ways, to commemorate our 30th anniversary,” Ted stated, ”and at the same time we will enjoy one of our best, most profitable years in our history. This is a direct testament to our employees and the dedicated approach they take to meeting the needs of our clients and the communities within which we live and work.”

MTE STAFF HONOURED THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY BY COMPLETING 30 GOOD DEEDS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

COMMUNITY BY COLLECTING TRASH ALONG

LACKNER BOULEVARD IN KITCHENER

advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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Visit the Kitchener Market to gather all of your holiday entertaining essentials. From meats and cheeses to dips, desserts and platters – we’re your source for all things LOCAL! NEW THIS SEASON! Stop by O&V Tasting Room for specialty baskets filled with local items gathered from vendors around the market. www.kitchenermarket.ca

member notables

MEMBER NOTABLES Activa Acquires Eastforest Homes Waterloo-based Activa recently entered into an agreement to acquire Kitchener-based Eastforest Homes together with its subsidiary group of companies.

Tony Giovinazzo has assumed the role of President of Eastforest Homes and will remain as President of Activa. Eastforest will continue to operate from their head office on Washburn Drive. For many years Activa has sold lots in their subdivisions to Eastforest Homes, an association which has culminated in this current acquisition.

Local Salon Owner Wins Gold Lina Shamoun of Artline Salon in Kitchener recently won gold at the OMC Hair World European Championship held in Paris, France from September 19-21, 2015. As the world’s largest professional hairstylists’ organization, OMC Hair World hosts the highest level international hairstyling competitions. This year’s event drew more than 700 competitors from 36 countries who competed in 30 categories.

Lina will also compete in the OMC World Championships in Seoul, Korea during March of 2016. This bi-annual event known as the Hair Olympics is the top international competition for stylists.

Swan Dust Control – 70 Years of Service Congratulations to Waterloo-based Swan Dust Control who celebrated 70 years of service on September 24, 2015. The company provides mat and mop solutions to businesses across southwestern Ontario.

Swan Dust Control has been family owned since inception and members of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for 35 years.

WalterFedy Opens Hamilton Office The Board and Partners of Kitchener-based engineering firm WalterFedy recently announced the opening a new office in Hamilton, Ontario.

Led by Partner and former CEO Allan Hayes, the Hamilton office will support electrical, mechanical, structural and civil engineering needs of businesses in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara. Mr. Hayes is a former Board Director of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and WalterFedy Senior Architect Roger Farwell served two terms as Board Chair.

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

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MEDIA PARTNERS 30

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A V E R S AT I L E V E N U E F O R YO U R S P E C TAC U L A R B U S I N E S S E V E N T Impress your attendees with our flawless service, 100,000 square feet of customized space and award-winning amenities just steps away.

Call 1-877-223-7702 to book your conference at the largest casino and gaming resort in Canada.

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