Your Business - Winter 2015 Edition

business

YOUR

WINTER 2016 ISSUE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HELP, I’VE BEEN HACKED! Crucial steps after a breach

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Manufacturers Roundtable

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

+MEET

SEAN STEPHENS

2015 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 1

Refresh your A to B with our NEW online tool

www.explore.smartcommute.ca www.sccy.ca info@sccy.ca 905.898.5900

CONTENTS

16

In the Spotlight

18

Meet Sean Stephens

19

Meeting of the Minds

In Every Issue

business

YOUR

Features

Board of Directors

4

From Debra’s Desk

Chair Kevin Murdoch

5

Calendar of Events

The Murdoch Group Private Wealth Management

7

9

Learn News, Knowledge and Insight

12

Thrive Tips, Trends & Intel

13

Economic Development Update

Connect Bridging Business and Community

22

Members

Cover Photo by Mirza Noormohamed.

Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. To Advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca

1st Vice Chair Veronica Williams snapd Newmarket

Joshua Campbell Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre Brokerage

Lorne Cooper Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Brokerage

Dave Peters Distinctive Alternative Investments Inc.

Secretary/Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick Bateman Graham & Fitzpatrick Chartered Accountants

Past Chair Rob Chaggares Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Accountants

Ron Pickett RDM Management Group

Sabine Schleese Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd.

Leslie Yeates Collins Barrow Durham Consultants Inc.

Neil Moore York Region Media Group

Magazine layout and design provided by Metroland Media Group Ltd.

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce Staff President & CEO: Debra Scott Business Development Manager: Tracy Walter Office Manager: Lori Clayton Event Manager: Rosanne Antunes Member Services: Lauren Davie Event Coordinator: Linda Lupo Auditor: BDO Canada LLP Editor: Leslee Mason 470 Davis Drive (The Old Railway Station) Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P3 T: 905.898.5900 F: 905.853.7291 W: newmarketchamber.ca E: info@newmarketchamber.ca

Smart Commute Central York Staff Program Manager: Pat Lusink Program Services Coordinator: Jennifer Brien Program Services Coordinator: Andrea Stephenson YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 3

FROM DEBRA'S DESK

OH, THE PLACES WE WILL GO There’s something about this time of year that I love; maybe it’s the blank slate of a new year ahead or the insight that comes from looking back. There’s no doubt that much can be gained from doing both.

At the end of every year, the Newmarket Chamber releases a Year in Review. From learning moments (26) to networking opportunities (46) —it spotlights just some of the many Chamber offerings available to both our members and the community. You can pick up a copy at the Chamber office if you’re interested in learning more.

We create these Reviews, in part, to highlight the value of belonging to the Newmarket Chamber. However, we also use them to help guide upcoming opportunities. When it comes down to it, planning for the future and staying ahead of the curve is key, isn’t it?

Like you, we’re constantly looking forward at the Newmarket Chamber. What new technologies are coming down the pipeline?

What key information and tools do business professionals require to keep their skills up-

to-date? These kinds of questions guide so much of what we do at the Chamber and drive many of our services, programs and events.

Take the manufacturing roundtable we held back in September at Mars Canada on Harry Walker Parkway, for example. A number of area manufacturers took part in the event which included a facility tour and valuable discussion about best practices.

(You can read more about it on page 19.)

Whatever sector you’re in, the need for businesses to be agile and adaptable is stronger than ever. Tools, technology—even business models—are constantly shifting and changing. It’s an evolution on warp speed.

What hasn’t changed, of course, is the need for businesses to remain innovative with strong vision and the willingness to persevere.

These are just some of the hallmarks of the

companies and organizations who made up the list of nominees, finalists and winners at this year’s Business Excellence Awards gala.

You’ll find the full list of winners beginning on page 16. (We’ve also got a great interview with Treefrog’s Sean Stephens on page 18.)

So what’s on your slate for 2016? What exciting new plans are you putting in place?

We’d love to hear about it! Seriously— consider this an open invitation to share your news with us. Got a question? We want to hear those too! Drop me a line at debra@newmarketchamber.ca.

Debra Scott President and CEO

We took a few moments during the Business Excellence Awards ceremony to unveil the Chamber’s refreshed logo. The Chamber’s website newmarketchamber.ca also got a makeover. Both were designed

by Treefrog Inc.

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 2015 CORPORATE PARTNERS

Hallmark Lind Group Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated.

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newmarketchamber.ca

“Raising the Bar”

2015 COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Newmarket

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

DECEMBER JANUARY DECEMBER 8 Breakfast Networking 7:00–9:00 am | St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club

JANUARY 12 Breakfast Networking 7:00–9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club

DECEMBER 9 Lunch ’N Learn: Claim Your Google Space 12:00–2:00 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 12 Social Media Surgery: Content Calendars, Social Media Tools and Email Newsletters 12:30–1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

DECEMBER 15 Social Media Surgery Clinic: Identify Your Ideal Target Market 12:30–1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 21 LEARN Seminar: Best Ever LinkedIn Clinic 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library

FEBR UARY MARCH FEBRUARY 9 Breakfast Networking 7:00–9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club FEBRUARY 9 Social Media Surgery Clinic: The Psychology of Sharing 12:30–1:30pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce FEBRUARY 18 LEARN Seminar: 35 Ways to Grow Your CASL-Compliant List 9:00–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library FEBRUARY 23 Economic Luncheon 11:30 am–2:30 pm | Cardinal Golf Club

MARCH 10 LEARN Seminar: Social Media Tips & Tricks 9:00­­–11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library MARCH 22 Social Media Surgery Clinic: Instagram Basics 12:30–1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

ONGOING JANUARY 29, FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 31 Member Orientation GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES, 15TH OF EVERY MONTH Awesome Foundation Newmarket EVERY FRIDAY Entrepreneurs In Motion Networking Group THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Small Business PeerGroup

FEATURED EVENTS MARCH 2 April 1–3 Women in Business Luncheon Join dynamic and engaging business women at the Chamber’s Annual Women in Business Luncheon.

Informative and fun, this event is a great way to connect with business professionals and gain great career information, tools and tips from a variety of compelling speakers.

Display tables are also available

(contact events@newmarketchamber.ca for more info.)

Look for details coming soon!

Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show Join us for the 20th annual Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show, returning this spring to the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex. A three-day showcase of consumer-focused companies, products and services, the Show is the biggest event of its kind in York Region.

In 2015, more than 5,500 people attended the event, which featured two full arena pads, family-friendly entertainment, free parking and more.

For times and details, visit newmarketchamber.ca YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 5

With a strong presence like this, you just can’t be ignored.

Increase your market presence and awareness by joining the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.

Gain access to the networking and lead generation opportunities your business needs to succeed in today’s marketplace.

Visit us online at

NewmarketChamber.ca

• • • •

INDIVIDUALS Personal Income Tax Returns Family Tax & Life Event Planning Personal Budgeting Review of Wills & Insurance

Service with Professionalism List & Buy with Aurora’s 2014 Top Sales Producer*

Lenard H. Lind • • • •

BUSINESS Financial Statements & Reporting Bookkeeping Services Corporate Tax Returns Financial Planning & Budgeting

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p: 905-898-1421 tf: 1-855-222-4274 f: 905-898-2327

Personalized Quality Service

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LEARN

NEWS, KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS

I’VE BEEN CRACKED!

NOW WHAT?

No, we aren’t talking about something your chiropractor does—“cracker” is the correct term to describe a criminal hacker or black-hat hacker. That’s someone who steals your private digital information, be it banking, business or personal.

(Mainstream media commonly uses “hacker” in place of “cracker” and since most of us are used to hearing the former, we’ll use it here… just remember that we mean “bad guys”.)

Getting hacked can happen in many ways, including violation of your online accounts, network breaches and the theft of your phone, tablet or computer. It may include a variety of information: photos, videos, messages, contacts, usernames, passwords, account logins, credit card data, and sensitive business information.

After you get hacked and the initial panic and disbelief subsides, the realization that you’ve lost data that could set you back a far way and even result in business loss or closure can be very frightening.

Here’s what you need to do immediately upon realizing the hack has occurred: 1. Stay calm. Everything that follows will go faster if you are as calm as you can be.

2. Call your local police department and report the incident. They will want any serial numbers and identifying information about the items stolen. You’ll need the police report to file with your insurance company. If the

local police can’t pick up the case within two weeks, you can refer it to the RCMP. 3. Call your bank so they can watch your account activity and minimize financial loss by changing online banking passwords and debit card PINs or even cancelling cards and issuing new ones.

4. Call your credit card companies so they can put a watch on your purchase activity and reissue cards.

5. Inform your employer, I.T. manager or tech support person so they can change/ cancel any passwords or access rights you may have had to online/cloud services.

6. Change email passwords using a secure computer or mobile device. This is important because you’ll need an email account you can trust in order to authenticate other password changes. Note: make sure you verify that no email forwarders or redirectors have been added to that email account. (How to

do this varies between email providers but the information is usually readily available by looking under the help section.)

7. Turn off your two-factor authentication.

Normally, 2FA is a good thing—it adds another layer of security to your accounts by asking you to provide a second piece of personal info such as your cell number.

But trouble can happen when a device gets stolen because your 2FA code appears on it as well as on any devices linked by the same account. When you can, log into the account that uses 2FA, then turn it off or change the password using a secure device. That way, even if the 2FA code is seen by the thief, they won’t have the new password you assigned.

While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a hack, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. These include having insurance, lock code use, secure login password, and encrypted hard drive.

The founder of digitalhero.ca, Bob Kyriakides’ expertise includes disaster recovery, data privacy and security, and heroic data rescue. A patient instructor who makes learning about technology interesting and fun, Bob has run workshops as part of the Learn Seminar Series and also presented at the Business Thrives Conference & Expo.

DON’T JUST STAND THERE, LEARN SOMETHING!

Javed S. Khan leading a Learn seminar.

These days, we’re all expected to do more with less. And many of us now have jobs that require us to go beyond our comfort zones. No worries. We can help.

Join the Newmarket Chamber for the LEARN Seminar series. Each month, we explore a different topic relevant to today’s business professional. From how to maximize your business resources to how to claim your Google space, these complimentary sessions are designed to get

you up to speed on today’s need-to-knows.

Need some fast first aid on your social media efforts? Head over to the Chamber once a month for triage. Included with your Chamber membership, our Social Media Surgery Clinics encompass a wide variety of social media ills, from fractured content scheduling to knowledge deficiencies. Each month, a friendly “doctor” is on call to help you through a specific issue.

Get a list of upcoming topics for each of these series at newmarketchamber.ca YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 7

LEARN

NEWS, KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS

NEW GRANT FOR EMPLOYERS The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has introduced a new grant program for companies looking to employ skilled talent. Supported and funded by the province of Ontario, the Abilities Connect Fund aims to raise awareness among employers about the benefits of hiring, integrating, and retaining people with disabilities.

Under the initiative (currently a pilot program), both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations can apply via two funding streams:

1. Valuing Ability Employment—organizations can receive a maximum of $20,000 (up to four employees) to support the hiring and training of college/university students or recent graduates with a disability; and 2. Valuing Ability Workplace Solutions— employers can get up to $3,000 to support the purchases of assistive devices, training, and assessments for employees with disabilities.

Get more info at abilitiesconnect.ca

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CONNECT

BRIDGING BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

COMMUTE “GAMES” CHANGER

MEMBER CARPOOL TIPS Meet up: Carpooling with someone new? Meet in a public place to discuss details and ensure your carpool match will work for you.

Schedule: Decide how often you will carpool, as well as drop off locations and times.

Cost-sharing: If you don’t share the driving equally, decide how the costs will be shared and agree upon payment dates.

Carpool etiquette: Discuss music preferences, whether you can eat or drink in the car and other details upfront.

NEWS AWARD WINNER

Congratulations to Evert Akkerman of XNL HR who took home the 2015 Award for Innovation in HR at the Randstad Canada Talent Awards held this past September. Nominations were reviewed and voted on by Randstad executives and managers nationwide. “It’s a great honour and I will really treasure this award,” he says.

Photo credit Jennifer Brien

ROSE OF SHARON CELEBRATES MILESTONE

D

uring the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, many commuters found the temporary 3+ HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes and the increase in traffic quite challenging. However, it was a completely different story for two Town of Newmarket employees who decided to rethink their daily 108-kilometre round trip commute from downtown Toronto.

“

We save money on gas, it's better for the environment and having someone to talk to makes commuting more enjoyable.

”

Over the period of five weeks, Andrew and Stephanie explored a variety of commute modes. Initially, Andrew combined cycling and public transit, riding to the GO Transit station and using the bike rack on the front of the bus. During the Parapan Am Games Stephanie and Andrew decided to give carpooling a try to take advantage of the extended network of HOV lanes. They estimate that they shaved 30–40 minutes off their commute time each way on the Don Valley Parkway portion alone.

They enjoyed the experience and convenience of using the HOV lanes so much that they decided to stick with their new routine after the Games ended. “We save money on gas, it’s better for the environment and having someone to talk to makes commuting more enjoyable” says Andrew. “We also get to learn about each other’s business units and share creative ideas.”

CARPOOL WEEK 2016 Try carpooling during the week of February 1-7, 2016 and you might love it! Use our free, online tool to find a carpool partner at explore.smartcommute.ca.

Email info@sccy.ca for more information or sign up for our e-newsletter at sccy.ca.

For the past three decades, the Rose of Sharon has been providing support and educational services to prenatal and parenting young women under the age of 25 across York Region.

The not-for-profit, charitable organization opened its doors back in 1985 and is the only agency providing services of this kind in the region. The agency hosted an open house and held a terrific charity raffle to help mark the occasion. For more news about Rose of Sharon, turn to page 16.

YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 9

CONNECT

BRIDGING BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

MAKING AWESOME HAPPEN $1,000 at a Time Got a great idea that will benefit youth in Newmarket? Share it with the Awesome Foundation Newmarket and they just may award you $1,000 to implement it! Operated by the Newmarket Chamber, the chapter supports projects that benefit youth in Newmarket through no-hassle micro grants that are given out most months. (The grants are funded through 10 Awesome trustees who each give $100 of their own money. Read more about them at newmarketchamber.ca/awesome) Here are just a few of this year’s grant winners:

JANUARY Headed up by Glenn Marais, this multi-level anti-bullying campaign included a music video, participation from local schools and the Say My Name Canada 30 Days of Change challenge.

Glenn Marais (centre) with Awesome trustees (from left to right) Wasim Jarrah, Debra Scott, Neil Stratton and Jackie Playter.

SEPTEMBER The $1,000 grant will enable 310-COPE to buy 300 pairs of underwear and 200 pairs of socks for the youth clients it serves as part of its 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Bed Program.

Left to right: Awesome trustee Neil Stratton, Sarah Amon and Jill Kellie from 310-COPE with trustees David Faingold, Debra Scott and Wasim Jarrah.

OCTOBER A non-profit organization, Birthday Angels provides birthday celebrations to children living in homeless shelters. Each month, they throw a party at each of their partner shelters, providing party supplies, cake, loot bags and a special gift for each child celebrating a birthday.

Left to right: Awesome trustee Juliet Irish, Debbie Panza of Birthday Angels with trustees Jackie Playter, Diane Farmer and Debra Scott.

Application deadlines are the 15th of every month. Get more details at newmarketchamber.ca/Awesome 10 newmarketchamber.ca

CONNECT

BRIDGING BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

EVENTS From business over bagels to after-hours softball, there are plenty of opportunities for Chamber members to learn, connect and thrive. Check out these event highlights from the past few months.

vCecli O’Grady (LegalShield) and Greg Church (Domain Design) at the September Breakfast Networking at Silver Lakes Golf and Conference Centre.

vThanks to Yellow Pages Group for sponsoring our September breakfast.

Pictured here: Lorne Cooper (Century 21 Heritage Group, Brokerage) and Paniz Gorji (ADP).

vThe Newmarket Lions Club sponsored the Chamber’s October Breakfast and General Meeting at Pheasant Run Golf Club. vCoffee and conversation. Pictured here: Dr. Rob Murray (Murray Family Chiropractic), Shelly Cyr (Synfini Works) and Linda Robinson (Chartwell Barton Retirement Residence).

vPart of the Newmarket Young Professionals Group (NYPG) gang playing softball at the Ray Twinney baseball diamonds in September.

vThe community came out for the Chamber’s Federal Election Debate and All Candidates Open House held in October at the Newmarket Theatre.

YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 11

THRIVE

TIPS, TRENDS & INTEL

MAKER CULTURE COMING to the Library There’s been a lot of buzz in Newmarket lately about creating a community “makerspace”, a centre of innovation where people can experiment, build, and learn with technology of all types, from 3D printers to laser cutters and beyond.

As part of this effort, Newmarket Public Library is creating a maker hub of its own.

Although challenged for space, a small storage room is being converted into a dedicated space. What will be in it? Besides its 3D printer, it will house a digital vinyl cutter that will allow people to cut their own signs, decals, and even T-shirt transfers out of sheets of various types of malleable plastic.

In addition, the library will soon launch a digital media station, a Mac computer with headphones, microphone, camcorder, and specialized software that will allow people to create and edit their own videos or audio files.

There’s no space for a filming studio, but this will allow people to record video elsewhere and do professional editing and narration.

The project is thanks to Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport which is giving public libraries an Information Technology and Service grant as part of its Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund. The maker hub is expected to launch this winter. Once up and running, the library will invite the community to come explore, build, and innovate!

Todd Kyle is the CEO of Newmarket Public Library and Vice-President of the Ontario Library Association. He has been leading the transformation of the library into a centre of innovation and discovery in Newmarket since 2010. Visit newmarketpl.ca to learn more about the Newmarket Public Library.

12 newmarketchamber.ca

THRIVE

TIPS, TRENDS & INTEL

CREATING INNOVATION AT SOUTHLAKE TOWN OF NEWMARKET ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

N

ewmarket is the Regional Centre of northern York Region, in part, because of our highly diversified economy. Our long-term economic health will require us to constantly monitor emerging trends and the growth of new industries while taking advantage of the existing strengths within our community.

Over the past decade, our growth has been fuelled primarily by two sectors: business services (+54%) and health (+46%). This article focuses on the healthcare sector’s current and, more importantly, future impact on Newmarket.

Southlake Regional Health Centre has grown from a mid-size community-based hospital into a large regional healthcare provider. It serves over one million people in York Region and Simcoe County through its provincially-designated regional programs, including cardiac care and cancer treatment. More than 3,000 people are directly employed at Southlake, making it the community’s largest single employer as well as a primary engine of economic growth.

Southlake’s physical infrastructure has rapidly expanded over the past decade to meet its regional mandate. Its patient volume, variety, and complexity of

Innovation centres, sometimes referred to as incubators or accelerators, are not a new phenomenon and they exist in numerous communities. What is unique about CreateITNow is that it addresses the issue of access to a healthcare environment by connecting entrepreneurs possessing promising technologies with Southlake clinicians and researchers. Working together with the founding partners identified above, CreateITNow will identify and support these entrepreneurs by cultivating great ideas that will translate into healthcare and commercial success.

CreateITNow will facilitate the development of transformational products and services directly applicable to the healthcare sector, with entrepreneurs able to subsequently use Southlake as a cases far exceed what typically would be expected reference site to further penetrate North Amerifrom an institution of its size. This has led to an can markets. Southlake expanding research prowill benefit by gaining Against this backdrop, gram which is currently involved in more than Southlake and the Town have early access to these technologies, which 270 clinical studies. built a strong partnership. will ultimately improve Yet Southlake, like all health outcomes for its provincial hospitals, is patients while reducing healthcare delivery costs. subject to escalating healthcare costs and declinWhy is Newmarket supporting CreateITNow ing provincial operating and capital funding. In at Southlake? We expect companies located the short-term at least, opportunities for signifiwithin the innovation centre to flourish and cant capital expansion (and the direct hospital eventually outgrow these premises. During their jobs created as a result) will be constrained. maximum two-year tenure at CreateITNow, enAgainst this backdrop, Southlake and the trepreneurs will come to value the supportive loTown have built a strong partnership. Both cal healthcare ecosystem and will seek out nearby parties recognize Southlake’s strong brand as locations to maintain these relationships. We a “Shockingly Excellent” healthcare provider, anticipate these companies will therefore graduate and its significant existing and future economic to offices on Davis Drive to develop innovative impact on Newmarket. That knowledge sparked IT solutions and/or to the Harry Walker Parkway an idea that has led to the creation of “Creemployment area to manufacture new medical ateITNow at Southlake,” an innovation centre devices, all with the support and all-important developed by Southlake, the Town and a number market validation from a leading regional hospiof other strategic partners, including York tal like Southlake. This will result in an increasing University, Seneca College, York Region, and number of private-sector technology jobs within ventureLab. The goal is to drive new technoloa sustainable healthcare cluster in Newmarket. gies and services within the healthcare space.

“

”

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 may be reached at 905.953.5131, ext. 2 or ckallio@newmarket.ca.

YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 13

THRIVE

HELP TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS The York Region area offers several resources that help entrepreneurs expand their businesses.

Concierge Service is a program offered by the Federal government (concierge.portal.gc.ca, 1-855-53-GUIDE) to help companies navigate through the programs offered at the Federal level.

Practicing a strict no-sales rule, Startup York focuses on building and sustaining an environment for entrepreneurs to share information and best practices with one another.

The York Region Chambers and Boards of Trade offer a variety of programs and events to help businesses network, learn new business skills and manage their costs (e.g., special member benefits). They typically have a Young Professionals group that focus on offering events and programs unique to younger professionals and entrepreneurs. There are Boards of Trade or Chambers of Commerce in all nine York Region municipalities.

TechConnex (techconnex.ca) is a memberbased GTA association focused on the growth of small and mid-size tech businesses and their people through the sharing of best practices, business insights and bright ideas. TechConnex offers networking, peer groups, learning labs and speaker events.

Startup York (startupyork.ca) is a non-profit, volunteer and entrepreneur-led peer-to-peer network of business owners and “intrapreneurs”.

Province of Ontario, Business Advisory Services (ONEbusiness.ca) focuses on helping high-growth firms focused on exporting, product development and staffing, grow their businesses in Canada and internationally.

The Small Business Enterprise Centres (York Region, yorksmallbusiness.ca), provide a wealth of business advisory services and training programs, targeted at helping small businesses of all industries start, grow and succeed. One-on-one appointments and educational seminars are available on topics such as start-up regulations, business planning, marketing research and strategy, understanding business financing and taxes and more. ventureLAB (venturelab.ca) is the non-profit innovation centre that supports York Region, Simcoe County and Muskoka District. They offer the BUILD training program, one-on-one advisory and mentor services, conferences and other special events to help companies network, exchange ideas and grow their businesses.

Lucas Chang leads Startup York (startupyork.ca), an entrepreneur-led movement affiliated with Startup Canada, which is working to evolve the ecosystem in York Region to better support new businesses and entrepreneurs in technology and non-technology sectors.

Chris Ballard, MPP Newmarket-Aurora Constituency Office

238 Wellington Street East, Suite 203 Aurora, Ontario L4G 1J5 Tel 905-750-0019 | Fax 905-750-0050 cballard.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

14 newmarketchamber.ca

TIPS, TRENDS & INTEL

Sustainably Transforming YOUR CULTURE

The Character Community Movement has existed for more than 15 years. While most of us have seen school billboards announcing the character attribute of the month, there are many organizations in York Region that subscribe to a Character Culture as well. Here are some of the ways that the character attributes are visible and alive across the region. These are terrific examples of transforming and sustaining organizational culture that can be applied to any business.

1. The Cardinal Golf Club puts its values right on its website: “Through the York Region Character initiative we have committed ourselves to creating a work environment which fosters and demonstrates good character through our daily dialogue.” Here are some examples of how Cardinal lives values: • A program to nominate a colleague who works with good character • Hiring based on character attributes • Offering feedback based on living the character attributes • A Character Attribute Bulletin Board 2. In nearby East Gwillimbury, the Town has created a walkway with its character attributes carved into the public path. Town employees

also completed a Staff Satisfaction Survey and the Town formed a team with representatives from every department to ensure continuous improvement. The action items developed by the team include a recognition program based on the Character Community attributes, a staff newsletter, an employee intranet called “My EG”, an assessment of the service awards, a generational review and a staff resource library which includes character based materials.

3. The Richmond Hill Public Library recently included every staff member in defining in succinct, behavioural terms, their library values. RHPL Values, which align to the library’s purpose and vision are; Accessibility, Diversity, Intellectual Freedom, Innovation, Respect, Literacy and Lifelong Learning and Accountability. Every staff member knows specifically what they are required to do in order to support and live the values.

Different organizations are taking different paths to transform and sustain their cultures. The key is to evaluate progress based on specific results such as employee turn-over, absenteeism, budget achievement and customer satisfaction.

Kathleen Redmond, Senior Partner with The Centre for Character Leadership, is collaborating with The Character Community Foundation of York Region to offer a series of workshops that focus on Building a Character Culture. Visit charactercommunity.com for more info. Kathleen’s books, including her newest, Communicating in a Character Culture with Tact, Integrity and Courage (June, 2015), are available on centreforcharacterleadership.com/store.

YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 15

I N T H E S P O T LI G H T HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE IN NEWMARKET? YOU THROW A PARTY, OF COURSE!

O

ne of the Chamber’s most popular events, the Business Excellence Awards brings 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 wellbeing of the Town of Newmarket. Held October 15th at The Manor, winners took the stage to receive awards across nine categories, including New Business and Innovation.

AND THE WINNER IS… Each year, we receive dozens of nominees for exceptional Newmarket businesses. From there, our panel of judges have the tough job of narrowing down that list to three names in each of the nine categories and then again to just one. Congratulations to the 2015 winners!

FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR Newmarket Volvo Sponsor: Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Sean Stephens, Treefrog Inc. Sponsor: The Era

TS Tech Canada Inc. Sponsor: Collins Barrow Durham Consultants Inc.

16 newmarketchamber.ca

IN TH E S P O T L I G H T

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

Dairy Quality Inc. Sponsor:Â Treefrog Inc.

York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers Sponsor: XE.com Inc.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE YEAR

H.J. Pfaff Audi Sponsor: RBC Royal Bank

Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants Sponsor: NewRoads Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Ajoi Landscape Design Inc. Sponsor: TD Canada Trust

The Piano Studio Sponsor: Canadian Plastics Group Ltd. YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 17

Entrepreneurship: 3 Things to Consider

MEET

1. Money matters (but it’s not everything). “Often entrepreneurs are so interested and so passionate about the idea that they fail to think about where the money is going to come from.” At Treefrog, Stephens says that while money—or profit—is just one of the five pillars that guide the company, it’s a critical component. “Profit is like breathing—you have to breathe. If you don’t have cash when you need it, you will ‘die’ of business asphyxiation.”

SEAN STEPHENS

Photo by Mirza Noormohamed

2015 RECIPIENT OF ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

WHAT ARE THE HALLMARKS OF ENTREPRENEURIALISM? VISION? DRIVE? INNOVATION? If you ask Sean Stephens you’ll likely hear at least one more descriptor: risk taker. “Entrepreneurs are people who are willing to take risks around ideas,” he says.

He knows a thing or two about risk. The CEO of Treefrog Inc., a digital marketing agency based in Newmarket, Stephens’ first six years were spent on a dairy farm in Warkworth, Ont. When the business went belly up, his parents moved him and his two sisters, Cristin and Cait, to Vancouver where his father attended a seminary before heading to Portugal and then Africa for missionary work (the family’s first stop was Angola during the Angolan Civil War). At 12, Stephens and family returned to Canada where he attended school in Winnipeg, and, later, Calgary. His summers included tree planting, scaling then unknown mountains in B.C., and travel. Later, Stephens headed to Carleton University in Ottawa to pursue a degree in journalism (he ended up with a degree in English and a second in political science).

After graduating, Stephens switched his focus to music, touring the festival circuit as a folk-rock-reggae musician and playing bars and cafes. (He also cut five CDs—four of which hit the top 10 on college radio stations.)

To make ends meet, Stephens dabbled in another interest—computer repair and the web (then still in its infancy). A phone conversation with an acquaintance led him to a meeting with the owner of Treefrog. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Despite his bigger-than-life experiences, Stephens has developed strong roots in Newmarket. “In most towns and cities there’s a perception that success is limited—that there is a finite amount of success and everybody is fighting to get the biggest part they can of the limited available success,” he says, adding that the attitude leads to an unnecessary sense of competition. “In Newmarket there’s been a business feeling for decades now that we have an infinite amount of success and that we have infinite opportunities. Businesses have a sense of togetherness, and support one another, instead of trying to limit each other’s growth because they think it will help them selfishly gain.”

Still, there’s no doubt being an entrepreneur is tough even in the most supportive environments. For Stephens, much of it comes down to passion. “I’ve never seen an entrepreneur be successful in a business that they’re not inherently passionate about,” he says, adding that ‘thinking’ a business might work just isn’t enough. “People who get into business love it for its own sake—they force themselves to be successful in some way or another to the point where they possibly should have stopped but they can’t stop anymore because they’re still passionate about it. And suddenly they find themselves successful.”

2. Overnight success doesn’t happen overnight. “An entrepreneur will do a business plan and say ‘this is how much it’s going to cost me to get my business up and running,’” says Stephens, noting in his experience you should take that number and double it and then double it again. Expect a few years of growing pains before breaking even and even more years before a business takes off.

3. Business challenges are ongoing. “Entrepreneurs forget,” says Stephens.

“They’re five years into their idea and it’s still a painful climb, filled with headaches.” And like business challenges, learning never stops, says Stephens.

“To be an entrepreneur you have to love to learn and be willing to challenge everything you know every day.”

MEETING OF THE MINDS For local manufacturers, a tour and roundtable at Mars Canada Inc. provided a sweet opportunity to talk best practices, opportunities, challenges and more.

and within the community of Newmarket as a whole.”

It may surprise you to learn just how many manufacturers call the Town of Newmarket home. The sector employs more than 5,000 people across a variety of companies, including food processing, aerospace, flight simulation products, heating and cooling and more.

Despite the differences in products, the area’s manufacturers have plenty of issues in common, including workforce attraction and retention, supply chain and inventory and lean manufacturing management. These topics and more were up for discussion at the Newmarket Chamber’s Manufacturers Roundtable. Held in September at Mars Canada Inc., the event brought together a number of companies, who along with touring the facilities, had a chance to discuss best practices, as well as some of their respective challenges and successes.

The opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up, says Michael Waddington, Vice-President of Operations for the Canadian Plastics Group, a manufacturer of detailed parts and small assemblies for the aerospace industry. “There is great value in talking with other locally-based manufacturers simply because it exposes you to other opinions on recent/future struggles,” he explains. “People frequently take the initial approach that they know the best way to

No Pain, No Gain?

While today’s economic climate has made it challenging for the manufacturing sector, the news isn’t all doom and gloom. “Manufacturing in North America has taken a significant hit over the last few decades, but this has also created a vacuum that needs to be filled by companies who can specialize in niche markets and excel at customer perform a task or deal with a situation, so service,” says Waddington. when a problem comes up there is generally “This has afforded us a great opportunity a knee-jerk reaction on how to initially solve to grow, and we’re looking forward to it. When you’re exposed to similar challenges the upcoming challenges of 2016.” through discussion with people in a related Finding skilled employees will likely be one of field it allows you to learn from their success them. “The greatest challenge for manufacturers or failures and move forward with a greater today is being able to attract and retain talent knowledge than if you were to resolve it alone.” while remaining competitive in what has TS Tech Canada Inc., a manufacturer that become a global market,” explains Whetham. specializes in the assembly of automotive Waddington says perception plays a role. “There is a belief that manufacturing is dirty/loud There is great value in talking with other and not a career locally-based manufacturers simply where someone can make a because it exposes you to other opinions comfortable on recent/future struggles. living and it’s a struggle to show people the seating, was also among the 10 companies in opposite.” David Kukkonen, C.E.T., Engineered attendance. “TS Tech is a firm believer in the Air General Manager Newmarket Division value of networking and benchmarking,” says agrees. “Employment in manufacturing has Sandra Whetham, Section Manager, Associate an image of assembly line work,” he says, Services. Whetham agrees that roundtables adding that not all manufacturers are set up enable companies to learn from one another. this way. “A lot more work needs to be done “Together, we are in a much better position to to communicate that many interesting and facilitate change within our own organizations rewarding jobs exist in manufacturing.”

“

”

YOUR BUSINESS | Winter 2016 19

Meeting of the Minds: continued

AT THE TABLE The following manufacturers—all roundtable participants—are just some of the manufacturers located in the Newmarket area: Canadian Plastics Group: A manufacturer of detailed parts and small assemblies for the aerospace industry, specializing in non-metallic materials.

Eco Guardian: Manufacturer of compostable, and biodegradable single use tableware and cutlery, as well as reusable multi-purpose bags.

Engineered Air: Manufactures made-to-order heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and energy recovery equipment.

Exco Engineering: Designs and builds large high-pressure die cast dies for automotive customers around the world.

Flightdeck Solutions Ltd.: Engineers and manufactures flight simulation products.

Gum Products International Inc.: A global manufacturer of texturizing systems and antimicrobials for the food industry.

Mars Canada Inc.: Mars Chocolate is a segment of Mars Canada and the manufacturer

of brands such as MARS®, MILKYWAY® and 3 MUSKETEERS® Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd.: A custom English saddle manufacturer specializing in innovative completely adjustable saddles designed especially for women.

TS Tech Canada Inc.: A manufacturer that specializes in the assembly of automotive seating.

I N T E R E S T E D I N AT T E N D I N G A R O U N D TA B L E M E E T I N G I N YO U R S E C T O R ?

Contact Debra Scott, President And CEO Of the Newmarket Chamber at 905-898-5900 or debra@newmarketchamber.ca.

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AWESOME FOUNDATION NEWMARKET Each month we award $1,000 to an �W���ME idea that benefits youth in Newmarket.

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

30 YEARS Canco ClimateCare Heating & Air Conditioning 15 YEARS The Month Ahead 10 YEARS McPherson & Lewis Barristers & Solicitors Office Imaging Inc. Newmarket Honda St. John Ambulance York Region Paul Knappett Ltd. Stellar Hall Staples Business Depot W.C.M. Consulting Ontario March of Dimes Wilson Music Services Carmichael Hair Design & Day Spa Benson Kearley IFG Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Big Top School of Circus Arts Comfort Inn Newmarket Character Community Foundation of York Region

Will Horner (left) and Roger Fountain (right) of Canco ClimateCare.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CANCO CLIMATECARE! A big thank you to Canco ClimateCare for being part of the Newmarket Chamber for the past 30 years! Founded in 1984, the company provides heating and cooling services across Newmarket as well as the surrounding areas in York Region and South Simcoe.

In 1992, they joined ClimateCare Co-operative, a network of independent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors. Today, this 100% Canadian, member-owned organization is Canada’s largest heating and cooling co-operative.

Dr. Larry Persyko Job Skills Frisque & Company Limited Mecsmart Systems Inc. Blooming Wellies Flower Boutique Newmarket Infiniti Nissan

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

Hill Hunter Losell Law Firm LLP Mister Transmission Nature’s Emporium Regional Municipality of York Tooling Development Inc. TS Webb & Associates

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