Your Business magazine - Fall 2018

business

YOUR

FALL 2018 ISSUE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TOWN “ENVI”

Newmarket launches its own ISP

workplace

group benefits

5 things to consider when implementing a program

york 9 fc

is bringing Professional Soccer

to York Region!

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018

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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Seneca’s Employment Consultants are available to assist you in finding employment and training opportunities – at no cost • Job Search Assistance and Workshops • Career Planning • Job Development Services • Second Career Program • Self-Employment Information • Apprenticeship Links and Resources

EMPLOYER SERVICES Seneca supports employers with hiring; connecting employers with qualified individuals who are eager and ready for work, accessing hiring incentives, support with job postings and hiring events - at no cost.

• Job Posting Board and Website • Job Matching, Screening and Interview Support • Hiring Incentives • Organizing, Promoting and Hosting Job Fairs • Essential Skills Tools and Resources • Canada Ontario Job Grant

www.workforceready.ca

2

newmarketchamber.ca

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES / NEWMARKET 16655 Yonge Street, Unit 3 NEWMARKET, ON, L3X1V6 905-898-6199

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE 04

11

Inside Track

Game On!

05 Calendar of Events 06

15 Member News

Behind the Scenes

07 Learn

News, Knowledge & Insights

Ribbon Cutting Do’s & Don’ts

The Ultimate Networking Card

Meet the New Dean of Awesomeness

11 Connect

Bridging Business & Community

Soccer is Coming to York Region!

Smart Commute

Member News

Events 19 Thrive

Tips, Trends & Intel

Workplace Group Benefits

Test Driving 5 Apps

Economic Development

On the Cover: The York 9 FC team, Preben Ganzhorn, Jimmy Brennan and Ben Zayandehroudi at George Richardson Park soccer field. Read more on page 11.

19 Group Benefits

Cover Photo by Jennifer Brien NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SMART COMMUTE CENTRAL YORK STAFF

President & CEO Tracy Walter

Chair, Joshua Campbell Knowledge Broker

Program Manager Pat Lusink

Manager of Government Relations and Policy Abdus Samad

1st Vice Chair, Bri-Ann Stuart Oxford Properties Group/Upper Canada Mall

Program Services Coordinators Jennifer Brien & Andrea Stephenson

Office Manager Lori Clayton

Secretary/Treasurer, Pierre Bonhomme Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants

CONTACT US

Event Manager Rosanne Antunes Member Services Lauren Davie Program Coordinator Tyler Nakeff Auditor BDO Canada LLP Editor Leslee Mason

YOUR

business

Past Chair, Dave Peters FFM Capital Inc. Sue Bowe Wildfire Wisdom Jennifer Buchanan snapd Newmarket

470 Davis Drive (The Old Railway Station) Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P3 T: 905.898.5900 F: 905.853.7271 W: newmarketchamber.ca E: info@newmarketchamber.ca

Kyle Burgis LL.B. Minken Employment Lawyers Ron Pickett RDM Management Group Jim VanDusen NewRoads Automotive Group

Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.

To advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca

INSIDE TRACK

innovation and collaboration

Go hand in hand A ll around the world, cities and towns are making investments and developing forward-thinking solutions to create sustainable futures. While there isn’t a universally accepted definition of a “Smart City,” at the heart of it is an approach that uses technology and data to create an integrated and engaged community. It’s about putting innovative ideas, processes and solutions in place today for the betterment of a community’s tomorrow.

It will come as no surprise to many people that Newmarket has a Smart City Council (SCC). The SCC is a crosssector collaborative innovation team that includes the Town, businesses, non-profit organizations and other community partners. Together, the team works to create efficiencies, maximize resources, and help accelerate innovative ideas and solutions that enhance the lives of those who live and work in Newmarket.

There are a lot of initiatives across town that have Smart City ties, including these three:

new technologies and services within the healthcare space, CreateIT Now offers subsidized working space and access to in-market clinical expertise and advice.

Mayor Tony Van Bynen at the June launch of Envi Network, a municipally-owned internet service.

The Gigabit Corridor (fibre network): In June, the Envi Network officially unveiled Newmarket’s fibre optic broadband network.

The 100% community-owned network will provide ultra-high-speed and competitively priced internet to businesses, organizations and eventually residents. Its introduction has significant potential benefits, including the attraction and retention of businesses.

(You can read more about it on page 20.)

CreateIT Now at Southlake: An innovation centre created to drive

NewMakeIt: The first of its kind in York Region, NewMakeIt is a multi-functional coworking and maker space facility. The SCC helped connect the NewMakeIt team with the resources and expertise needed to bring their idea to life.

“Leading Businesses. Leading Community.”

Smart City Council is just one of the ways we put the Newmarket Chamber’s tagline into action. While it’s one of many local initiatives that we participate in, it’s an exceptional demonstration of the power of collaborative efforts.

Tracy Walter President and CEO Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

A b i g t h a n k y o u t o o u r C o r p o r at e a n d C o m m u n i t y Pa r t n e r s 2018 CORPORATE PARTNERS

2018 COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Newmarket

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newmarketchamber.ca

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEP T EM B ER SEPTEMBER 11 Breakfast Networking 7:00–9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club SEPTEMBER 19 Women in Business Mastermind Session: Stop spinning your wheels–turn your everyday efforts into profits 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 19 “Not-Working” Chamber/NYPG After Hours Event: Speed networking with a twist 5:30–7:30 pm | Treefrog Inc. SEPTEMBER 20 LEARN Seminar: How to take control and drive a sale (part 1) 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library SEPTEMBER 28 Lunch with Deputy Premier Christine Elliott 11:30 am–2:00 pm | Royal Venetian Mansion, Aurora SEPTEMBER 10 to OCTOBER 5 Smart Commute Month smartcommutecy.ca

O CT O B ER OCTOBER 18 Business Excellence Awards 5:30–9:30 pm | The Manor, Event Venue OCTOBER 24 Women in Business Mastermind Session: Value ladders, sales funnels & strategies–how to get started with your sales process 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce OCTOBER 25 LEARN Seminar: How to take control and drive a sale (part 2) 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library OCTOBER 30 NEW! Career Pathways Expo 10:00 am–2:00 pm (Student Expo), 4:00–8:00 pm (open to the public) Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall

For a list of all events, information and registration, visit newmarketchamber.ca/events

november NOVEMBER 13 Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Course NOVEMBER 14 Women in Business Mastermind Session: How to turn customers into raving fans–taking your customer service to the next level through Defining Moments 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce NOVEMBER 15 LEARN Seminar: How to take control and drive a sale (part 3) 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library

december DECEMBER 11 Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Newmarket Community Centre DECEMBER 12 Mix ‘n’ Mingle & AGM 5:30-7:30 pm | RedCrest Clubhouse & Bistro

O N GO IN G SEPTEMBER 26, OCTOBER 31, NOVEMBER 28 Member Orientations GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES, 15TH OF EVERY MONTH Awesome Foundation Newmarket EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY Entrepreneurs In Motion Networking Group THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Mastermind Group

FEATURED EVENTS O CTO BER 18 october 30 Business Excellence Awards One of the Chamber’s most popular events, the Business Excellence Awards bring together the Newmarket business community for a night of celebration. The Awards recognize businesses whose achievements or community involvement have made significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Town of Newmarket. Early bird pricing of $160 per person for Chamber members, available until September 18, 2018.

Register: newmarketchamber.ca/Business-Awards

New! Career Pathways Expo Aimed at secondary students (and their influencers) our new Career Pathways Expo is a joint initiative between the public, non-profit and private sectors. Along with overviews on an assortment of job paths in York Region, the Expo will feature speakers, workshops and interactive tools. It will open to the public from 4-8 pm to showcase local businesses, highlight available careers and feature a job fair. Interested in getting involved?

Visit newmarketchamber.ca for more info.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Get To Know The Newmarket Chamber

JIM VANDUSEN Board Director

Q. What’s your day job and what does it involve?

A. I am the Chief Operating Officer for the NewRoads Automotive Group here in Newmarket as well as the President and Owner of VanDusen Chevrolet Buick GMC in Ajax. I’m responsible for my own dealership and the overall operation of the five NewRoads dealerships—covering the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Mazda and Subaru brands. We have over 350 Associates, some of the finest in the automotive business and I’m lucky enough to lead them.

Q. What’s your favourite quote or motto?

A. ‘People matter.’ To me this means being present for people, being real, open and transparent,

BOARD

honest and supportive. This relates to family, friends, NewRoads Associates, customers and our community partners. I work hard for all these people because I care. What’s amazing is that it comes back ten-fold. People are amazing and they matter in everything we do.

Q. Favourite movie?

A. Shawshank Redemption. It covers so many powerful emotions emerging from friendship, diversity, despair, adversity, planning, confinement, redemption, freedom and hope.

JENNIFER BRIEN

Program Services Coordinator, Smart Commute Central York

Q. How do you recharge?

A. I exercise a lot. I’m a runner, I kickbox at 9Round 3–4 times per week and do yoga. I bike to work when I can and love taking my goldendoodle, Piper, for long walks. All of this keeps me fit but more importantly, I find it’s good for the mind and soul.

Q. What’s your favourite quote or motto?

A. “Life is all about balance.” My house isn’t always tidy or perfectly decorated and I’m not always

STAFF

caught up on my work, but it’s important to me that I find balance in my life. We have three boys which makes for a very busy life and I’ve learned that if you don’t carve out time to take care of yourself and do the things that bring you joy, it just won’t happen.

Q. Name one thing on your bucket list.

A. One day I hope to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with my husband and sons.

Bob Kyriakides

Facilitator, Tech Triage Seminar Series Q. What’s your day job and what does it involve?

A. I’m an I.T. Tech Support Specialist and owner of Digital Hero. I remove technology pain points and hurdles for my clients helping their businesses be resilient and prosper.

Q. What’s one thing on your bucket list?

A. To see the earth from space with my own eyes. I fell in love with science in kindergarten. They showed

VOLUNTEER

us a movie about dinosaurs and that was it—I wanted to be a Palaeontologist. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biophysical Systems and one of our fields of study was planetary evolution. I want to see the only planet we know of that supports life from space. If more people felt the same they’d realize we really are only one people sharing the same lifeboat in space. If we mess up this lifeboat, there isn’t another one to jump into.

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year?

A. It doesn’t matter what you think you know, you can always learn more. I like the fact that changes in I.T. happen frequently and almost constantly. Staying current keeps the mind active.

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newmarketchamber.ca

LEARN

News, Knowledge & Insights

ribbon cutting

do's and don’ts

Grand openings, relocations, and management changes are just some of the reasons why people hold ribbon cutting events. Seen here: Sparkles Hair Extension Bar (top and bottom left), The Captain’s Boil (bottom middle) and Scholars Education Centre Newmarket (right).

L

auren Davie has been to a lot of grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies during her seven years in Member Services with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. No surprise—she’s got some great tips to help ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch.

DO Spread The Word Grand openings are often smaller events made up of family and friends, clients and sometimes neighbour businesses. If you’re hoping for a lot of attendees, sales and specials can be a great way to draw people in. Spread the word on social media and encourage those in your circle to do the same. And get those invites out early. “If you want the Mayor and your ward councillor to attend, it’s important to call the Town as soon as you have your date,” says Davie.

Don’t forget to book the jumbo-sized scissors we make available to all members!

DO Write It Down While you don’t want to be reading off cue cards during your big day, it’s a good idea to at least roughly script out what you want

to say. For example, thank everyone for coming, provide a brief overview of your business, tell them why they’re there and introduce team members.

DON’T Be Late Don’t waste your guests’ time by failing to stay on schedule. Allow for five to 10 minutes or so for everyone to say hello and get settled. Stick to your allotted time for speeches and photos and follow that with some networking. The average ribbon cutting is usually no more than hour or two at most, so keep that in mind when planning your event.

DON’T Forget The Food There’s no need to spring for a lavish feast but some finger foods and cake are always a hit at events. “Food is a terrific way to get people to stick around and check out your facility,” says Davie. A good-looking cake also makes for a great pic.

DO Plan Your Pics Aim to have your logo or branding in the background of your ribbon cutting pic. If

you’ve got a store front and the weather is cooperating, head outside for your official ceremony and photos. Be sure to invite the media such as snapd Newmarket to your event. (See the box below for more info.)

get sna p d!

Alert the snapd Newmarket team to your event by submitting it to their online calendar at newmarket.snapd.com. “We try to attend as many events as humanly possible and that will fit into our daily schedule and monthly print publication,” says publisher Mark Wretham.

If snapd can’t attend, event organizers are welcome to submit high resolution photos. “We usually look for happy, smiling faces looking directly at the camera,” he says, adding you’ll also need to include names from left to right along with a paragraph or two about the event for the write-up. If you’ve submitted the event to their calendar, Wretham says pics can also be uploaded via the new snapd app. “It allows anyone and everyone to upload their own photos into the event within the snapd system providing yet another option for expanding your reach, audience and exposure.”

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018

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LEARN

how’s this for

awesome?

F

rom our jobs to our roles at home, most of us can claim a title or two.

Few are quite as unique as the one recently accepted by Diane Farmer; she’s Awesome Foundation Newmarket’s new Dean of Awesomeness!

Launched in 2012 by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, the chapter is part of a global initiative that funds ideas that make a difference at a community level. In Newmarket, every month 10

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newmarketchamber.ca

trustees each donate $100 to help a group or individual implement an idea that benefits local youth. Diane has been one of those trustees since 2014 and replaces Debra Scott who recently stepped down from the role to enjoy retirement. “I decided to take over the role because it offered me a chance to be more involved,” says Diane, adding she also enjoys sharing ideas and conversation with the other Awesome trustees.

Interested in applying for an Awesome Foundation Newmarket grant? The process is simple, says Diane. “You only need a great idea!” Visit newmarketchamber.ca/awesome to find out more.

Diane Farmer, Awesome Foundation Newmarket’s new Dean of Awesomeness!

EMPOWERING Future Global Leaders At Pickering College, our mission is to instil in each individual the ability and responsibility to make the world greater, better and more beautiful than they discovered it.

Now accepting applications for September 2019

Our Global Leadership Program strikes the ideal balance between challenging students to develop critical thinking and real-world life skills that can be applied to their university career and beyond.

To inquire, please contact our Admission Office at 905-895-1700 ext. 259

For over 175 years, Pickering College has stayed true to the beliefs and ideals deeply held by our Quaker founders, as we develop innovative, courageous and compassionate global citizens who take action, true to Quaker values.

Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School

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YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018

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LEARN

the ultimate way to network N

etworking is one of the fundamental ways to help small businesses grow into larger ones. If you’re looking to increase the amount of networking you do, it’s time to put your Chamber’s Ultimate Networking Card to work. Included with your Chamber membership, the Card allows members of participating York Region boards and chambers to attend each organization’s networking events at exclusive member prices. York Region chambers and boards put on more than 300 events each year and the Ultimate Networking Card gives you access to all of them.

Contact the Newmarket Chamber at 905-898-5900 to get your card.

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CONNECT

Bridging Business & Community

GAME ON!

Professional soccer is coming to York Region. Meet the team behind York 9 FC

The NewRoads Automotive Group has signed on as a club sponsor. Seen here, the York 9 FC management team, Preben Ganzhorn, Jimmy Brennan and Ben Zayandehroudi.

T

here are nine bands on the York 9 FC crest—one for each of the municipalities that make up York Region.

No doubt the representation is appreciated by soccer fans located north of The 6.

The club is part of the new Canadian Premier League, a Tier 1 FIFA-sanctioned Canadian league. Come spring 2019, 8–10 teams from across Canada will compete in its inaugural season.

York 9 is owned and managed by Preben Ganzhorn and Jimmy Brennan both prominent in the world of Canadian soccer. (Carlo Baldassarra, Chairman and CEO of the Greenpark Group is a third owner). We posed some questions to the duo about York 9 FC, its future here in York Region and building business partnerships. Read on for more.

Who: Preben Ganzhorn, President, York Sports and Entertainment A graduate of Harvard Business School, Preben Ganzhorn held positions with Callaway Golf Canada, and Carlsberg, before joining Toronto FC where he was a triple threat in marketing, community relations and game day operations.

Who: Jimmy Brennan, Head Coach, and Director of Soccer, York 9 FC A former professional soccer player, Jimmy Brennan’s career includes 49 caps (international matches) for Canada, 275 games overseas, Canada’s 2000 Gold Cup win, and a spot in the Soccer Hall of Fame. He returned to Canada in 2006 to become Toronto FC’s first captain, and later became its assistant GM. Who: Ben Zayandehroudi, VP, Ticket Sales & Fan Services, York 9 FC Ben Zayandehroudi has worked with some of North America’s largest sports leagues, including Toronto FC, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), Toronto Raptors (NBA) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 11

CONNECT Q. What made you decide to make it a

professional clubs to come up with the best design for our fans. Hopefully by the end of the 2019 we can finalize a stadium location, so we can start the construction process. We want to be ready for April 2021 as we enter our third season in the Canadian Premier League.

“York Region” team rather than specific to one city or town?

A. It was an easy decision because strength, size and diversity lie in the entire region versus just one city. When launching a sports organization, you need a certain scale in the population and the business community to justify the enormous costs that go with a professional team. Also, there have been many great players and coaches coming from the region over the past 20 years who have gone on to having great careers in soccer.

Q. Can you talk a bit about the York 9 name?

A. It’s a fun exercise coming up with a new company name, new branding, new colours—it’s also very challenging. We wanted to encompass the nine municipalities in the club name so we avoided names like “United” or “County”.

We fell in love with York 9 FC (Football Club) because it was simple and inclusive.

Q. What do you think a professional soccer team will bring to the Region in terms of economic benefits?

Q. You’ve made a commitment to Each band on the York 9 logo represents a municipality in York Region.

creating a “carbon conscious” 15,000seat stadium. Can you speak to what that will look like?

deals will be focused around York Region and how we can elevate visibility for these organizations. We are looking to partner with businesses in a wide range of categories such as information and communication technology (ICT), financial and professional services, building and construction and of course consumer brands. For example, York Region has over 4000 technology companies, so hopefully we can partner with many of them for their hospitality needs as they treat clients or reward staff.

A. Preben’s Danish upbringing has helped inspire the club’s stadium initiative, which will provide maximum amenities and comfort for supporters, but minimum imprint on the environment. The Club has been working with Italian stadium designers Rubner Holzbau along with Bear Stadiums to develop a modular expandable soccer venue built with glulam materials from Tyrolean wood. The result is a natural looking but durable stadium that can grow with the club. The wood is derived from sustainably managed forests, and the production and installation of these structures requires low energy consumption, lessening its carbon footprint. The company’s stadium products also incorporate other sustainability details, including low flow faucets and toilets. An optimal location is one that would be easily accessible for York’s nine municipalities with lots of bike parking.

Q. When do you expect all the players will be signed? Have you set a ratio on the amount of Canadian talent that will be hired?

A. Sports has a way of bringing people together from diverse backgrounds, cultures, regions, etc. It unifies communities. There are large economic financial benefits for the residents living in York Region as we bring this professional soccer team to the area. We are anticipating 12,000-15,000 seats for the new stadium which we foresee having bars, restaurants, hotels, conference centres in and around it. It’s very similar to the downtown stadium setups you see across North America. Home values in the area will go up as professional sports bring entertainment closer to these neighbourhoods.

A. We anticipate our roster to be majority Canadian players as this League (Canadian Premier League) is built by Canadians for Canadians. The exact ratio is being determined by the League office as we speak, so we don’t have an exact number yet, but we are confident there will be many spots on our pro club for local players. We anticipate player signing to start happening later this fall and the roster to be finalized by New Year. Our season starts in April 2019 so we have to start the player selection and training soon.

Q. What kind of business partnerships

University while you choose a location and build the stadium. When do you anticipate that you’ll have a location?

are you looking to build? How can businesses benefit from getting involved with the Club?

A. Sports provides a unique marketing platform to give small, medium and large businesses an opportunity to connect with our passionate soccer fans. Some of the deals will be national—across Canada—as major companies will sponsor all 8–10 pro clubs from Halifax to Victoria. The smaller local 12 newmarketchamber.ca

Q. The team will initially play at York

A. We’ll play our first two seasons (2019 and 2020) at York University; they have a great stadium with access to the subway and lots of parking. We’re currently exploring options across all nine municipalities to find the best location for the fan experience. We have certain criteria that we are looking at and doing our research with other

Q. We can only guess that buying a team is a huge decision and a massive undertaking! Was it something each of you had always wanted to do? How did family and friends react?!

A. Growing up, we both played soccer. It’s a wild dream to think about owning a professional sports club anytime in your life, but we are having a great time living our dream! Our families and the Baldassarra family have been incredibly supportive and really encouraging as we take the biggest challenge of our careers as we launch this sports club. It’s going to feel surreal when April 2019 comes around and we play our first home game in front of 6,000-8,000 fans at York University—that will be a huge moment in our lives.

York 9 FC tickets are now on sale!

Visit York9FC.ca for more info.

CONNECT

going car-free productive. I usually have all my emails answered by the time I arrive at work. I am also healthier; walking to the transit stops is exercise I would not get sitting in a car. I save time as well; driving alone used to take me between 45 and 90 minutes each way whereas transit is consistently one hour. And I’m happy to be doing my part for the environment.

THE CHALLENGES

"The free time on transit has even allowed me to put some extra work into a major project that has since transformed into a global initiative. I would not have had this time if I was stuck in a car for two hours a day.” Jeff Lamb, Manager, Partnerships & Special Projects, Regional Municipality of York.

M

ost people wouldn’t dream of giving up their car and York Region employee, Jeff Lamb was no exception. That was, until witnessing a major accident on the highway changed his mind. Now he leaves the driving to the professionals and takes transit. We recently caught up with Jeff and asked him about his decision to go car-free.

This is what he had to say.

moved to Barrie, cutting my commute time roughly in half. I continued to drive alone for five months until there was a major accident on the 400 and people died. I came to the realization that my commute was unhealthy and dangerous, so I sold the car, cancelled the insurance and started taking the GO Train and YRT.

THE DECISION

I save approximately $600 per month in gas, insurance and maintenance.

That’s $7,200 per year. Taking transit is stress-free and allows me to be more

When I was hired in 2016 my daily 354-kilometre commute from Huntsville took four hours so within six months we

Transit delays can be frustrating but I remind myself that I could just as easily be sitting in a traffic jam on the highway.

Juggling one car between my wife and I can be tricky and I have to plan ahead to ensure I can get to off-site meetings. The biggest challenge, however, was changing my mindset, as I had always driven alone to work and it was easy to continue doing the same thing. I soon discovered the financial and health benefits were worth making the switch.

Smart Commute Month September 10–October 5 sccy.ca/smartcommutemonth Do you have a great commuting story? We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at info@sccy.ca

THE BENEFITS

Smart Commute Central York is a program of Metrolinx.

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Got a crazy brilliant idea that benefits youth in Newmarket?

An Awesome Foundation Newmarket grant can help you turn it into a reality. Applying is quick and easy! newmarketchamber.ca/awesome Awesome Foundation Newmarket

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 13

CONNECT

CELEBRATING BUSINESS The Newmarket Business Excellence Awards Gala is just around the corner! An annual celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and success, the Awards recognize business achievement, leadership and community involvement in the Town of Newmarket.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s group of finalists (listed below). Winners will be announced at the Gala on Thursday, October 18th at The Manor.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Bill Gosling Outsourcing Treefrog Inc. Wolfpack Packaging Inc.

Buchner Manufacturing Inc. Treasure Mills Inc.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Downsizing Diva Matrix of Motion STEM Minds

Nina Doiron, iStage & Organize Jessica Rawlley, Maas Pros Katie Gilligan, Timeless Harmony Salon & Spa

NOT FOR PROFIT OF THE YEAR

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Pickering College St. John Ambulance – York Region Women’s Centre of York Region

Floors Direct North Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home Simone Performance

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE YEAR

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

ADM Design Inc. Wasim Jarrah Real Estate Team YES Dental Family Dentistry

Chantal Chretien Almeida – CDA Dance Academy Inc. Chan Khamphoomee – Khamp Media Michael Volpe – Volpe DiRose Real Estate Team

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR NewMakeIt Schleese Saddlery Service Inc. TIEIT

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Nature’s Emporium Oxford Properties - Upper Canada Mall Util-Assist Inc.

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This year’s finalists were announced during a reception at Pfaff Volkswagen.

CONNECT

MEMBER NEWS I

magine handing out buttons at your next event or creating your very own signs.

Both are possible thanks to the Maker Hub at the Newmarket Public Library.

Located on the second floor, the Maker Hub is open to both the public as well as businesses. A vinyl cutter and button

The vinyl cutter can be used to create a variety of designs, including signs like this one for the Maker Hub. And bonus—the vinyl comes in colour!

machine are two of its latest offerings which also include 3D printing, a digital media station, HD video cameras, a stabilizer, green screen and more. “It’s exciting to see new entrepreneurs come in to experiment with marketing their ventures,” says Todd Kyle, CEO of the Newmarket Public Library. “The library’s a great entry point for getting creative about your business.”

Using image editing software, the computer-controlled vinyl cutter cuts out letters and shapes on thin sheets of selfadhesive vinyl. It can be used to create a variety of things, including signs, stickers, magnets and decals. A drop-in orientation is required before using the machine.

The button maker is another handy tool. Simple to operate, the machine uses designs printed out on regular paper to create buttons. The library has some premade images available and you can also use your own custom designs or get help

via an online button template or buttonmaking website.

For Maker Hub hours, pricing and additional info, visit newmarketpl.ca.

The Newmarket Public Library’s Maker Hub includes a variety of equipment that businesses can use and borrow, including HD video cameras, a stabilizer, large green screen, and lavalier mic. Video, image and sound editing programs are available on its onsite Mac.

Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants is an established and reputable full service accounting firm. Whether you are a small or large size company, we offer financial guidance and solutions to achieve business success.

Give us a call today for a consultation if you are ready to take your business to the next level.

905-895-9922

or

1-888-353-8085

4-355 Harry Walker Parkway North, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B3

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YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 15

CONNECT

Events It’s been a busy few months here at the Chamber. Here’s a little catch up in pics!

❚ Mayor’s Luncheon

It was a packed house for Mayor Van Bynen’s last speech to the Chamber in his capacity as Mayor.

Lena Demarco and Kevin Murdoch.

Joshua Campbell, Tracy Walter, Lena Demarco, Mayor Van Bynen, Debra Scott.

Steve Hinder and Barb Bartlett.

Mayor Tony Van Bynen.

❚ Debra’s Retirement

Pierre Bonhomme and Dan Hutton.

Mark Wretham and Melanie Bell.

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Ron Minken, Debra Scott and Kyle Burgis.

Mike Rathke and Bill Hogg.

L to R: (back row) Lori Clayton, George Puccia, Debra Scott, Michelle Clayton-Wood, Rosalyn Jardim Gonsalves (middle).

Adam Delle Cese and Joel Russell.

Pat Lusink and Debra Scott.

Proven Print and Digital Solutions for all local demographics We offer targeted and mass flyer and product distributions over York Region covering more than 900,000 residents over nine municipalities https://metroland.com/what-we-do

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 17

CONNECT

Events ❚ Breakfast With The Newmarket-Aurora Candidates

Left to right: Facilitator Ian Proudfoot with candidates Melissa Williams, Chris Ballard and MPP Christine Elliott.

Jonathan Chan, Brian Walker and Henry David (co-panelist for the event).

Kim Weiman and Danielle Koren.

Bri-Ann Stuart and Holly Juhola.

Richard Mewhinney, David Pickett and Liz Pardal.

Neil Moore (right) acted as a panelist for the event. Seen here with Ryan Charron.

❚ Annual Members’ BBQ

Carl Milroy.

Chantal Almeida, Sher St. Kitts, Dave Peters, Ron Pickett, Greg Norris and Karen Theimer.

Rod Greer, Tracy Walter, and Jason Genua.

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Dr. Kitty Shang, Melissa Gucciardi and Elva Yayross.

Joshua Campbell and Debra Scott.

Barbara Sitko Kwapis and Nina Doiron.

THRIVE

Tips, Trends & Intel

WORKPLACE GROUP

benefits 5 things to consider when implementing a benefits program

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Limit your exposure When implementing a plan, you want to ensure that it is going to be sustainable for the future.

With drug costs on the rise, the goal is to protect your plan and to limit your exposure to increasing costs for both your business and your employees.

This can be done by designing the right plan for you and your staff.

Survey your staff Determine what your employees want and value such as dental, vision, healthcare, prescription drugs, life, disability, critical illness, etc. Do they want flexibility like a healthcare spending account or a wellness spending account? This will give you direction when you are doing your research and designing a plan. A scheduled meeting or simple feedback survey are helpful strategies for collecting info about your team’s priorities.

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Select the right agent Finding an agent that you enjoy working with is key. Look for one that represents multiple insurance companies and provides multi-faceted solutions. It’s also important to get an understanding of what to expect in terms of ongoing service once the plan has been set up. A good agent will take the time to get to know your business so they can advise you on the plans that will work best for you.

Don’t shop on price alone Everyone loves a good deal but selecting the lowest priced plan upfront can often mean increased rates at renewal time. Many plans will increase your rates based on your healthcare, dental and short-term disability claims over the past 12 months. If claims are determined to be high in relation to the premiums you pay, you can count on a jump in your cost with many benefits plans come renewal

time. To limit your exposure to rate increases at renewal time, you may wish to consider a pooled plan.

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Have a communication plan When it comes to sharing info about the program keep the communication simple and seek support from your benefits team for any marketing material and summaries available. Here are some great ways to stay in touch:

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Printed marketing such as posters and notices posted around your workplace.

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Host some benefit information sessions at the onset of the plan as well as once a year. Have each new employee sit down with the plan administrator to discuss the plan.

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Use your company’s e-newsletter, intranet or any closed social media groups you may have to share info.

Chelsea Dell is an independent benefits consultant with Norbram Group Insurance. Norbram specializes in employee benefits solutions for small-to medium-sized businesses, and represents the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, the largest pooled employee benefits program in the country insuring over 30,000 businesses. Visit norbram.ca for more info.

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 19

THRIVE

the town launches

new internet service provider Town of Newmarket Economic Development Update

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ewmarket was recently featured on Newstalk 1010’s Tech Talk with Marc Saltzman, one of North America’s most recognizable and trusted tech experts. We were very happy to have the opportunity to share how the Town of Newmarket is helping to enable technology-based businesses in our community.

With many renowned tech businesses like XE, Treefrog and Lotek already established in Newmarket, innovative businesses across all sectors find themselves in good company. Corporate visits, personal attention and an ‘open door’ economic development philosophy are some examples of how we are helping these businesses with the support, resources and partnership opportunities to enable them to flourish in Newmarket.

Another way the Town is supporting businesses is through Envi, Newmarket’s new ultra-high-speed network.

Launched in June, the Envi Network is a community-owned internet service provider that will help local businesses to compete globally thanks to an ultra-high-speed network. The service enhances the Town’s broadband infrastructure and improves the connectivity and service for businesses in the community.

Envi is a standalone subsidiary of Newmarket Hydro Holdings Inc. (NHHI) and Tay Hydro Inc. (THI).

For many years, the Town of Newmarket has recognized the value of high-speed broadband in attracting and maintaining local businesses and jobs while furthering our economic

On June 13, the Envi Network was happy to announce that affordable high speed broadband will soon be a reality for local Newmarket businesses.

development efforts. Since 2014, Newmarket has been working on a broadband strategy as a key driver for economic development. We worked with Sandel and Associates—experts in this field—who have advised on major gigabit and smart city initiatives all over the world. Together we created a strong business case that highlighted the value and economic impact that high speed broadband could bring to our community. This demonstrated that access to a fibre optic network would attract new business that would create over 230 direct and indirect

jobs with the potential to create $28 million in salaries and wages.

This high-speed network provides Newmarket with a competitive advantage over our neighbours in the GTHA and throughout Ontario and is another big step forward towards Smart City recognition.

Envi is helping businesses increase their competitive advantage and is accelerating the Town’s goals towards economic development, creating better and faster connections between Newmarket and the rest of the world.

For more info visit envinetwork.com.

Chris Kallio is the Economic Development Officer with the Town of Newmarket. He welcomes questions and comments on this article or overall economic development within Newmarket. He can be reached at 905-953-5131, ext. 2 or ckallio@newmarket.ca.

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THRIVE

FIVE FREE APPS

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WORTH CHECKING OUT

Office Lens (iOs and Android) Created by Microsoft, the app allows users to easily trim and enhance pictures of whiteboards and documents and makes them readable. It converts images to PDF, PowerPoint and Word Files which can be saved on your device or to OneNote or OneDrive.

Bonus: Business cards can be captured and saved to your contacts list.

2

Smiling Mind (iOs and Android) A free guided mindfulness meditation app, Smiling Mind offers a range of programs for a variety of ages. The adult stream offers 10 themed modules varying in theme and length. Pick and choose your favourite meditations and activities or do them sequentially

(there are 42 in total).

3

GasBuddy (iOs and Android)

With gas prices the way they are, none of us want to overpay at the pumps. The easy-to-use GasBuddy app tells you where the cheapest gas is in your area so you don’t have to.

4

Canva Photo Editor & Design (iOs and Android)

Offers in-app purchases Make great-looking social media designs and more on the fly with Canva. Edit photos and add text, elements and stickers. The free layout options are gorgeous and plentiful but you can also purchase one of

their low-cost options (they also offer photos and illustrations).

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Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks (iOs and Android) Offers in-app purchases Why over complicate things? The Wunderlist app is a simple “to do” list and task manager that makes it easy to add, share, collaborate and complete lists. Plus, Wunderlist instantly syncs between your devices so you stay organized wherever you are.

STAND OUT. Looking to promote your company or organization in Newmarket?

Make advertising in Your Business magazine a part of your marketing plan. With low advertising rates and a reach that includes 2300+ local businesses, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

advertising@newmarketchamber.ca (905) 898-5900

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 21

MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES The following companies have reached milestones as members of the Newmarket Chamber. Thanks for being members!

Dontex Construction Ltd. Fenn & Fenn Insurance Practice Inc. Welcome Wagon Ltd.

10 YEARS 101.1 BIG FM Allstate Insurance Budget Blinds of Newmarket D&G Printing Fischer Custom Cabinets Ltd. Newmarket Auto Body snapd Inc.

Women’s Centre of York Region

5 YEARS Bagel World Col. Mustard’s Bar & Grill Meridian Credit Union Newmarket Pattison Outdoor Advertising R.A. Woods Holdings Ltd. Re/Max Realtron Turnkey, Brokerage – Jennifer Clements Spero Ristorante & Wine Bar The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro Vitality Wellness Centre

Stay up-to-date on new members—and M2M discounts—at newmarketchamber.ca.

Looking For A Particular Business?

Check out our online directory to view our full list of members, and details about the products and services they offer.

amber of t Ch Co ke m ar

e erc m

keep it LOCAL

New m

15 YEARS

If summer leaves us longing to put our feet up, then fall makes us want to kick into action. Here are just some of the businesses around Newmarket that can help you cross things off your “to do” list.

Rust Protection Rust Check | rustcheck.com Snow and salt season is coming!

Rust Check helps protect one of your biggest investments—your vehicle—from the damages of rust.

SprayMan offers basic and premium driveway sealing as well as repair. Sealing enhances the look of your driveway and lengthens the life of the pavement.

Fall Boots Naot Footwear | naot.ca Good-bye sandals, hello boots.

Along with shoes for both men and women, NAOT Footwear has a wide variety of boots perfect for the fall and winter seasons.

Shred It Absolute Destruction & Recycling Corp. | absolutedestruction.ca Boxes of outdated documents collecting dust around your home or office?

Absolute Destruction offers commercial and residential secure document and paper shredding and data destruction.

Driveway Help SprayMan Sealing and Repairs | sprayman.ca Show your driveway some TLC;

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Hello boot season!

Look for NAOT Footwear at 16925 Yonge St.

Join the rew for C y it n u m m o C s d a o R w Ne

OS

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every sat

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NewRoads is dedicated to caring for our community through sponsorship and participation.

www.newroads.ca/community

YOUR BUSINESS | Fall 2018 23

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