business
YOUR
SUMMER 2019 ISSUE
BROUGHt tO YOU BY tHe NeWMARKet CHAMBeR OF COMMeRCe
Top left to right: Juliane Goyette, Newmarket Food Pantry, Juliet Irish, Doane House Hospice Bottom: Liora Sobel, Women’s Centre of York Region, Susan Manahan, DeafBlind Ontario Services
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT ON
NOT-FOR-PROFITS
INC.
Business owners: Get MORE!
For details, or to request a free quote, visit:
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CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE
09
04
Inside Track
Taking the Scenic Route
05
Calendar
06
Behind the Scenes
07
Learn
11 Women in Business Luncheon
News, Knowledge & Insights Crime Prevention Tips 09
Connect Bridging Business & Community Smart Commute Central York Member News Event Photos
13
Thrive Tips, Trends & Intel "Cold Calling" via Social Media Town of Newmarket Update
17
Features
15
Charity Inc. 22
Members
Wowing a customer with a yak! ON THE COVER: Gary Collier of Collier Photo is the talent behind our great cover shot featuring representatives from four local notfor-profits (read the story on page 17). Gary is a professional photographer whose expertise includes commercial, event photos and more. He is also a well-respected photography instructor. Visit collierphoto.ca for more info.
NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SMART COMMUTE CENTRAL YORK STAFF
President & CEO Tracy Walter
Chair, Bri-Ann Stuart Oxford Properties Group/Upper Canada Mall
Program Services Jennifer Brien & Andrea Stephenson
Manager of Government Relations and Policy Abdus Samad
1st Vice Chair, Jim VanDusen NewRoads Automotive Group
CONTACT US
Office Manager Lori Clayton
Secretary/Treasurer, Pierre Bonhomme Chaggares & Bonhomme Chartered Professional Accountants
Event Manager Rosanne Antunes
Past Chair, Joshua Campbell Knowledge Broker Real Estate
Member Services Lauren Davie
Jennifer Buchanan snapd Inc.
Program Coordinator Tyler Nakeff
Kyle Burgis Minken Employment Lawyers
Auditor BDO Canada LLP
James Daigle Treefrog/Ubiqweus
Editor Leslee Mason
Carol Shirtliff-Hinds Shirtliff Hinds Law
YOUR
business
Neil Stratton The Black-Stratton Group at ScotiaMcLeod
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
Your Business is published quarterly by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. To advertise: advertising@newmarketchamber.ca
INSIDE TRACK
SHINING A SPoTLIGHT oN
NOT-FOR-PROFITS A
s individuals, we are bombarded with messaging—online, in print, on TV—it’s everywhere. For a company or organization vying for your attention, it can be hard to cut through all that noise. That’s especially true for small not-for-profit organizations which typically lack the same resources as their for-profit counterparts. Many rely heavily on volunteers, and, when the bulk of the funds non-profits raise are earmarked for helping clients, that can leave little to do anything else. Despite the lack of resources, those same organizations are expected to run like businesses across the board. Obviously, accountability and management of donor funds is critical and where not-for-profits
need to be every bit as sharp as their forprofit counterparts. But elsewhere? The reality is that they typically just don’t have the same marketing capabilities, manpower and other resources to compete as effectively for our attention. And expecting it creates another issue for the significant number who spend much of their time chasing muchneeded funding and serving their client base. In this issue of Your Business, we take a look at some of the challenges facing Newmarket not-for-profits. How do they marry reality with expectations? How do they gain your attention and raise awareness and funds with limited resources? You’ll also find a mini primer on just some of the terrific not-for-profit
organizations that serve the Newmarket area. Turn to page 17 for the article.
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 Pa r t n e r s PREMIER PARTNERS
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newmarketchamber.ca
CORPORATE PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS YOU’RE INVITED!
For a list of all events, information and registration, visit newmarketchamber.ca/events
Come and join us for our Annual Members BBQ!
august
474 Davis Drive, Newmarket
Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place
AUGUST 13 August Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Pickering College
(next to Chamber office) th
Wednesday, June 26 from 12-2PM
AUGUST 14 Social Media Clinic: All About LinkedIn 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
June september
JUNE 4 Colossal York Region Chamber Connection 5:00-8:00 pm | The Terrace Banquet Centre JUNE 11 June Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Cardinal Golf Club JUNE 20 LEARN Seminar Series: Growing Your Business Through Social Media 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library JUNE 20 Women in Business Workshop Series: Brand Messaging 10:30 am-12:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
SEPTEMBER 10 September Breakfast Networking 7:00-9:00 am | Silver Lakes Golf & Conference Centre SEPTEMBER 11 Social Media Clinic: Analytics 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 19 LEARN Seminar Series: Value Ladders, Sales Funnels & Strategies 9:00-11:00 am | Newmarket Public Library
ONGOING june 26, august 28, september 25, october 30 Member Orientations
JUNE 26 Chamber Members' Annual BBQ 12:00-2:00 pm | Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place
july JULY 10 Social Media Clinic: All About Instagram 12:00-1:30 pm | Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
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 october 17 november 5 Business Excellence Awards Every fall, Newmarket’s business community comes together for the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Join us October 17th when we 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 17th, 2019. Register: newmarketchamber.ca/Business-Awards
Career Pathways Expo There are plenty of great career options in York Region—and we want local students to hear about them! The Chamber’s Career Pathways Expo offers students a first-hand look at just some of the opportunities available in an interactive and fun setting where they can ask questions and learn more from businesses across a spectrum of industries. The Expo is a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors and not-for-profits. This year’s event happens November 5th. Interested in getting involved? Visit newmarketchamber.ca for more info. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019
5
BEHIND THE SCENES
Get To Know The Newmarket Chamber
James Daigle
Hardware Development Manager & IoT Specialist, Treefrog Inc. Q. What’s something most people don't know about you? A. In 2001, while working for Caesars Palace at Sea aboard Crystal Cruises, I had an amazing opportunity to cruise around the world in 108 days visiting over 45 countries on four continents.
Q. Name one thing on your bucket list. A. To travel to the Fiji Islands with my wife, Monica. Q. What's your favourite quote or motto? A. ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ – Wayne Gretzky.
BOARD
Q. Best thing about your job? A. When inventing and developing new products, no two days are ever alike so it makes it really easy to learn something new every day.
Leslee Mason
Director of Business Solutions Q. If you weren’t following this particular career path, what would you be doing? A. I would have loved to have been a librarian. Some of my best childhood memories involve coming home with a stack of books to read. I often couldn’t wait to read them and would walk down the street with my face in a book. (Despite my mother’s warnings, I never tripped.)
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you? A. I like to crank the tunes in my car—especially in the morning. My tastes are eclectic—you’re just as likely to hear the Spice Girls as you are Drake or Led Zeppelin.
STAFF
Q. What’s your favourite productivity strategy? A. I frequently use the Pomodoro method when I need to accomplish something. It involves setting a timer for 15–25 minutes and focusing exclusively on that task. It’s particularly helpful when it’s something I really don’t want to do!
Hollie Hoadley,
Founder, Creative Solutions Presenter, Social Media Clinic Q. What’s the one piece of advice you wished you had received early on in your career? A. Be authentic to who you really are! Change for no one. Your tribe will find you. Q. What would you sing at a karaoke night? A. Humpty Dance by Digital Underground. Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year? A. If you aren’t happy working with a client or they make your gut drop when you see an email from them,
VOLUNTEER
let them go. No amount of money can help an unhealthy relationship and a bad fit. As an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to work with who you want to work with; take that and run with it.
Q. What makes you laugh? A. Not sure if I’m allowed to say this… but things that sound naughty but probably weren’t supposed to be. Also, I’m a huge fan of puns and dad jokes.
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newmarketchamber.ca
LEARN
News, Knowledge & Insights
cRIME PREVENTION TIPS FoR BUSINESSES
F
rom no cost tips to strategies that involve a bit of investment, there are plenty of ways to help prevent your business from getting targeted by criminals. We turned to York Regional Police for their tips on safeguarding your workplace from theft:
NO COSt Use a cash register? Before closing up be sure to empty the cash drawer and leave it in plain view of a window. • Never keep valuables or large amounts of cash on your premises. Both are easy to grab and hard to recover. • Make it hard for criminals to hide
•
free
•
by keeping windows and doors free from obstructions such as furniture, plants and other objects, as well as any outdoor shrubbery. Remove any loose bricks or rocks around your property that can be used to break in.
LOW COSt • Ensure the interior and exterior of your business are both well lit, especially around windows and doors. • Make sure any walkways to parking lots are well lit. • Install good quality doors and a
crime prevention consultation
•
high-security deadbolt lock. Add latch guards and security hinges to doors.
iNveStMeNt • Install an alarm system—ideally with glass-break and motion sensors. • Invest in high-quality video surveillance equipment that records day and night and keep it well maintained. • Have security film installed on windows and glass doors. (When properly applied, security film helps strengthen glass, making it harder for a thief to break in.)
Did you know York Regional Police offers free Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) consultations in Newmarket? Applying CPTED strategies can dramatically affect how criminals perceive your business and small changes can have a big impact. interested? Contact Constable Richard McHardy at 1025@yrp.ca for more info.
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019
7
4
Risks of
Relying on Spreadsheets
In the last decade, there have been reports of confidential leaks and millions of dollars due to errors in spreadsheets1. They are often one of the most popular software applications for tracking large data, such as financials; but is it the best tool for tracking critical information for your business? We’ve come up with four reasons why you might reconsider.
1 Tedious
2 Limited
3 Vulnerable
4 Prone To Human Error
Spreadsheets can be complicated and annoying to organize. They also require a lot of focus, attention to detail, and a heck of a lot of time. When they get bigger, they slow you down.
Spreadsheet managed data is also incredibly vulnerable to fraud and manipulation. Should anyone hack into your system, they could delete data, alter values, and as a result, damage the accuracy of your document.
Progress within these types of documents is arduous to track. Unfit for growing businesses, spreadsheets quickly become outdated when it comes to organizing big data and collaborating with a team.
Lastly, and the most alarming reason spreadsheet apps may be harming your company is that they are exceptionally prone to mistakes. You may not even realize it, but with the slip of your hand, in a moment of distraction, you could delete or alter critical information in your spreadsheet.
The Solution? While spreadsheets have a purpose; agile companies are turning to more robust solutions to improve efficiency, security, and to expand their capabilities. With simple, customized web based systems, designed to your needs, each of the above concerns will begin to fade away. Treefrog has provided local businesses for over 20 years with tailored business solutions for everything from Membership Management Systems and Content Management Systems, to Event Booking, Product Management, ERP Integration, and Online Retail Systems. Can you imagine it? We can build it. Learn more about how you can make your business more efficient at www.treefrog.ca 1
https://www.teampay.co/insights/biggest-excel-mistakes-of-all-time/
Advertorial
Turn your company’s daily use documents into Custom Online Systems Security
Access
Backup
Logging
Control
Less Data Entry
History
Speed
Automated Actions
905.836.4442
|
info@treefrog.ca
|
www.treefrog.ca
CONNECT
Bridging Business & Community
Taking the Scenic Route
"I love cycling, so I will take any opportunity to fit in more riding." says Dave Lembcke.
he route that Dave Lembcke cycles to work is 5 kilometres longer than the one he takes when he drives his car. But the Manager of Environmental Science and Monitoring with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) says the scenery more than makes up for the extra distance. We sat down with Dave to find out why he would rather ride his bike to work.
T
How does LSRCA support cycling? One of the most impactful things LSRCA did to facilitate commuting by bike was to install showers. Also, in 2016, LSRCA constructed a secure bike shed. It’s not uncommon to see it full of bikes on a nice day. We also have a bike share program where staff can borrow a bike to cycle to and from work or use one for lunchtime errands or exercise.
What do you love about cycling to work? I take the trail along the water and it’s a quiet start to the day. One of my favourite times to ride is late fall just before daylight savings; my morning ride starts in the dark and I watch the sun rise along the way. I also enjoy seeing the snapping turtles looking for places to lay their eggs in May.
What advice do you have for others who are thinking about biking to work? Look for a route with less traffic. It might mean your ride is a little longer, but it will be safer and less stressful. It's a good idea to plan ahead and have as much of your stuff as possible at the office the day before. A lighter load makes for an easier ride.
What are some of the challenges you have faced? Believe it or not, my greatest challenge was getting a good cup of coffee on the mornings I rode my bike! Our office coffee is terrible, but I recently found a travel mug that fits into my bottle cage so now my good homebrewed coffee can come with me. It’s a small thing, but when you love your coffee, it’s a major victory.
Take the scenic route this summer and ride your bike to work! If you would like to learn how you can support cycling at your organization, contact the Smart Commute Central York team at info@sccy.ca.
New Owner and President for Voyageur Travel Newmarket
V
oyageur Travel has a new Owner and President! Previously the Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Lauren Harris replaces David Harris and is the third generation in the Harris family to own and operate Orion Travelinx and Voyageur Travel since the company opened its doors back in 1982. Along with receiving the 2017 ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies) Tomorrow’s Leader Award, Lauren was also named among the Top 40 Under 40
in Canadian Traveller magazine for 2017. There’s big changes for David Harris as well as he steps into another industry role as Chief Executive Officer of Ensemble Travel Group, a member-owned and operated organization of approximately 850 independent travel agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. David has been an elected Director on the Board with Ensemble Travel Group for the past 11 years.
David Harris and Lauren Harris.
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019
9
CONNECT
Events There's always something going on at the Chamber! Here are just some of the highlights from the last several months.
� Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show Congratulations to this year’s Booth Award winners! Best Overall Exhibitor KingsRidge Building Group
Most Original Exhibitor Ripples Bathroom Boutique
Best NEW Exhibitor Great Northern ReGreenery
Best Exhibitor spirit Smiles at SummerHill Dental
10 newmarketchamber.ca
CONNECT â?š Women in Business Luncheon
Kristina Clement with Shai Lander and Lee Lander.
We were thrilled to welcome Miranda Malisani and Jully Black to this year’s Women in Business Luncheon.
Jane Ramos and Anna Pavan.
Anne Arbour and Katherine Russell.
Dr. Judith McCann and Sharon Bates. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 11
CONNECT ❚ Breakfasts
Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Brian Porter.
Patrick O’Grady, Lisa Andrade and Andrew Sheridan.
❚ Economic Luncheon
Adam Delle Cese and Greg Norris.
Tim Brown, Bri-Ann Stuart with presenter James Marple, Tracy Walter and Mayor John Taylor.
❚ Mayor's Luncheon
Elizabeth Bryan and Abdus Samad.
James Daigle, Neil Moore and Councillor Tom Vegh.
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• Guest Rooms • Meetings & Groups
• Dining • Rewards & more!
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Got a brilliant idea that benefits youth in Newmarket? An Awesome Foundation Newmarket grant can help you turn it into reality. Applying is quick and easy! newmarketchamber.ca/awesome Awesome Foundation Newmarket
THRIVE
Tips, Trends & Intel
social media
Hollie Hoadley, Founder of Creative Solutions, discusses the cold calling tool you're probably not using
W
business. What do you do? Well, I believe there’s a right way and a “better” way. And then there's the wrong way: Imagine you walk in, toss your stack of business cards into the air at everyone and then walk out, hoping people will call you. Maybe, just maybe, one picks up your card and gives you call because it happened to hit them in the face or stick to their shoe. But, chances are you won’t be hearing from anyone. That’s the same as social media: you can’t just post and post your stuff and hope that people will engage and call. People want to engage with brands that engage with them, they want trust and they want to build a relationship. The better way: Picture instead that you walk into that room with a friendly smile, and start talking to people. You meet a few people that fit your target audience, so you exchange cards. You talk about sports, or your kids, or maybe you bond over your cats. You talk to some people who aren’t the right fit, but you also meet a handful of people that are. You connect, you Think of social media like a networking event engage, and you build a relationship. Social media done right is just like this. Yes, you post, You walk into a room full of people and you’re but you also like comments, comment on your looking to meet new customers, or maybe followers’ photos, post like-minded content gain a new strategic partnership for your
e all know that social media is used for digital marketing and branding, but many people seem puzzled when we tell them you can use social media as a cold calling sales tool. It’s important for small businesses to see social media as a tool to leverage whatever plan you have in place; whether it’s to get more clients or drive new business or product sales, or gain new partnerships. Your social media accounts are tools to reach the goals of your overall marketing plan. Why, you say? Because you have an audience on social media. And no, we aren’t talking about the audience you blast your ads to. We’re talking about a real, engaged audience that you’ve hopefully built through an authentic, engaging content and social media strategy. The audience you get from talking to your followers, sharing relevant posts, liking, and responding to. Yes, it’s a space to advertise and build your brand, but it’s also a space to simply talk to people and start the conversation.
to your target audience, and build trust. Now you have built your brand identity and attracted the right people to your brand. You’ve done it by posting a mix of entertaining, educational, and sales content. You have an engaged, trusting audience, and you have a platform to leverage for cold calling. Instagram is the best cold calling tool Why? You can direct message people. You don’t need to be following them in order to be able to send them a message on Instagram, therefore you can message anyone. You can send messages to anyone you think might be a potential customer or partner, and it’s a tool that’s not used as often as say, LinkedIn, to cold call, which is why the Creative Solutions team loves leveraging Instagram. Remember, you don’t want to just try and sell random people something random. You want to use geotags to find customers in your area, you want to find people who fit within your target market, and those who are likely to engage or have already engaged with your brand. Now that you have found these people through hashtags, geotags, competitors’ follower YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 13
THRIVE Once they engage, you might send them a message saying something like: “He might need some of the hair cut on his face so he can play with his favorite red ball easier. We’re happy to do this for free, pop on over to our shop!” Next thing you know, Max is coming in for his complimentary facial and your amazing team can start to sell.
lists, and using your own follower list—go talk to them! Like their posts, comment on their posts, and be authentic. Start a conversation, and then send them a DM with something relevant—not directly sales, but something natural. Be authentic. Humanize social media. Example: Let’s say you’re a pet grooming business. You have a great social media networking strategy. Now, you want to start “cold calling using social media platforms.” You’ve been commenting on people’s pet photos, specifically using the ones tagged “Newmarket” because that’s your ’hood. You might even feature some of them on your feed or stories! Great. Now, send them a message and say “We love Golden Doodles! Max looks like a great one :) Is he really friendly?” and leave it at that.
Approach people online as you would in real life It’s that simple. If you engage people like you would a stranger in a café, or someone at a networking event, then you can build a social media sales tool that can be as powerful as paid ads. The beauty of it? It’s free. It just takes some time and effort. Aim to spend even 30 minutes a day
engaging with your audience, and have a goal of sending five to 10 messages a day. Find what works well for your product, service, and audience and build on that. I would rather send these messages on Instagram than to pick up a phone and actually make a cold call. No thanks! Now go give it a try!
Hollie Hoadley is the Founder of Creative Solutions, a Newmarket-based marketing solutions company that comprises of two parts: Strategic Business Modelling as well as Services such as website design and development, graphic design and branding, social media management, and content development. Interested in learning more? Visit the website at needcs.com. Creative Solutions also partners with the Newmarket Chamber on its monthly Social Media Clinics. Visit newmarketchamber.ca for dates and times.
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THRIVE
from the
town of newmarket Over the next few issues we will be sharing “the best of the blog,” showcasing some of the most loved posts on whereworkmeetsplay.com. Here, Elizabeth Bryan talks to Microcel’s Rick Henry on using a yak to wow customers
M
any local entrepreneurs will know Rick Henry; he’s the founder of Microcel and a long-time Chamber member. Rick is one of those people who has built an incredible business yet remains humble about his success. Since Rick’s humility might keep him from bragging about the following story, I’m going to do it for him.
EB: Can you tell me a little about Microcel? RH: We are basically a value-added distributor of consumer electronics in the Canadian marketplace. We introduce new, leading edge products first to market. For example, the Fitbit in Canada? That was us; no one had one or knew what they were but we helped them get into market here. EB: Everyone has a Fitbit now! So, at Microcel, what kinds of careers are there for people? What kinds of skills do they need? RH: We have a range of careers from marketing to IT to warehousing and accounting. For us, a cultural fit is really important—you spend more time with people at the office than at home. We strive for real work-life balance. You come to work and you give it your all but then we want to make sure all our staff can go home, fully re-charge their batteries and come back the next day at 100%. No-one wants their job to deplete them so that by Friday they only operate at 65%. EB: When we met a while ago you told me an amazing story of customer service;
How do you wow a customer? If you're Microcel, you send a replacement product all the way to Mount Everest. It made the last leg of its journey via a yak! Photo courtesy of Elia Saikaly, eliasaikaly.com.
can you share that with our readers? RH: There’s actually an entire blog post that the person we delivered the solar panel to wrote! We got a tweet from somebody who was up on Mount Everest—they had one of our battery packs, which is powered by a solar panel. The solar panel went defective on them. They needed it to power their radios [so they] tweeted us the problem. We got in touch with our client who made the panels, explained what was going on and then together we arranged to fly it in to Kathmandu. It then had to go on an even smaller plane to be delivered to Lukla which is the most
dangerous runway in the world. From there, it was strapped to a yak and a lovely Sherpa couple hiked up to where the team climbing Everest was so they could be powered up. EB: I can’t believe you guys went to those lengths to accommodate a customer and what a cool story! What did the recipient of this extraordinary act of customer service have to say? Visit whereworkmeetsplay. com for the link to his blog as well as plenty of great articles like this one!
Elizabeth Bryan is the Business Development Specialist in Economic Development with the Town of Newmarket. Elizabeth welcomes questions and comments on this article as well as suggestions for future blog posts. To reach Elizabeth directly please call 905-953-5131 ext. 3 or email ebryan@newmarket.ca. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 15
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FEATURE
CHARITY, INC. By Sue Kanhai
Not-for-profits are expected to run like businesses, yet they often lack many of the resources available to their for-profit counterparts. What are some of their challenges and how do they overcome them? We turned to four local powerhouses to find out: the Women’s Centre of York Region, Doane House and Margaret Bahen Hospices, DeafBlind Ontario Services and the Newmarket Food Pantry. Here’s what they had to say.
In March 2019, 1,340 people turned to the Newmarket Food Pantry for help. Seen here: Kirk Bowden, its Board Chair. YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 17
FEATURE FUNDING Hands-down, funding is the greatest issue facing the not-for-profits we spoke with. That’s certainly the case for the Women’s Centre of York Region (WCYR). The Centre helps women fleeing abuse. It offers long-term supports including how to leave, finding housing, reporting to police, counseling, employment readiness and financial empowerment, but it is not a shelter, drop-in or crisis service. The need to constantly fundraise creates uncertainty, grant chasing and competition for donor dollars. Whatever government funding is available is often static, with no cost of living adjustment. “Funding is precarious and it’s very competitive at this point,” says Liora Sobel, Executive Director. Recent changes to funding models mean charities like WCYR no longer have help meeting overhead costs; any monies received must be directed to program funding only. This puts tremendous pressure on organizations to raise significant amounts simply to stay operational. In response, non-profits reach out to the community, to donors and sponsors. Many rely on their reputation and continue to spread awareness about what they do, who and how they help. Efficiency is a finely-honed skill that is exercised regularly. Non-profits know how to stretch a dollar and negotiate as much as they can to keep costs down.
For example, reducing overhead costs was one of the reasons the Women’s Centre recently downsized, to save on rent.
HIRING HELP
and hope that we get the things done that need to be done,” says Juliane Goyette, Treasurer. Success requires all hands-on deck but the Newmarket Food Pantry is in the fortunate position of having a dedicated and motivated team. Every board and staff member is known for their work ethic and versatility; by necessity they wear many hats. Their three part-time staff each started as volunteers and understand firsthand what needs to be done. (They are now responsible for day-to-day operations.) The food pantry also has an amazing stable of 75 volunteers who come in every week.
The second-biggest challenge is recruiting and retaining great talent, as salaries are often lower compared to those offered by the private sector. Not-for-profit organizations do their best to offer competitive pay, benefits and, where possible, attractive incentives like wellness programs. They also offer something many places of business don’t: meaningful work. Most in the field aren’t in it to get rich financially but Not-for-profit organizations do their to make a difference in someone’s life. best to offer competitive pay, benefits That’s exactly what and, where possible, attractive the team behind the Newmarket Food incentives like wellness programs. Pantry does. Each month, it provides a three-day emergency supply of food to its FUNDRAISING AND MARKETING clients; In March, 1,340 individuals turned “That has always been one of our struggles as to them for help. More than 45 percent a grassroots organization,” says Juliet Irish, of their clients are under the age of 18. Executive Director at Doane House Hospice. The Pantry relies 100 percent on donations It’s important to get the message out that from the community, which makes budgeting hospice care benefits many, whether you have year-to-year a challenge. The intention is to a life-threatening illness, are a caregiver or run it like a business, though without a stable are bereaved. “Hospice is about supporting income allocating dollars for salaries is difficult. an individual with their wellness, psycho“We have to hire people on a part-time basis social and spiritual needs,” says Irish. Doane House is a community hospice that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. They offer programs and services to people with a life-threatening illness; one of the myths is that it’s only cancer, but it is any life-threatening condition. Margaret Bahen Hospice is a 10-bed residential hospice, where residents receive compassionate care in a warm, homelike-environment during end of life. The two hospices integrated their services in 2018 to offer full continuum of care. Social media has been a lifeline for nonprofits, helping them spread the word about events so they don’t have to spend on costly ads. They also develop partnerships with other agencies and pool resources, sharing the costs of large events and splitting the profits. Many of its volunteers have personally experienced the value of hospice care, so are happy to help with fundraising, and outreach which Events are important fund-raising opportunities for many not-for-profit organizations. Pictured here: Liora includes mobilizing their extensive networks. Sobel, Executive Director Women's Centre of York Region, at their Mother’s Day Fundraising Brunch.
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FEATURE PERKS
Margaret Bahen Hospice is a 10-bed residential hospice where residents receive compassionate care in a warm, homelike environment.
As smaller, community-based organizations, many not-for-profit organizations are able to be agile, nimble and responsive. Not mired down by bureaucracy, they can respond to requests for service quickly. Roxanna Spruyt-Rocks, Chief Executive Officer at DeafBlind Ontario Services, describes this ‘we’ll make it work’ attitude. “We’re there if you need us,” she says. “It’s about that individual needing the service.” Intervenors are hugely important for the deafblind; they facilitate the interactions a deafblind person has with other people and their environment. It is a unique and rewarding profession. “The majority of intervenors are honoured to be part of our client’s life journey and you just can’t put a price on that experience,” she says. For years her organization has forged partnerships with fellow non-profits across the province, the country and even internationally. They were able to help an individual in the far north, for example,
TS Tech is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of automotive seating and interior components. We are a Global supplier with operations in 72 locations throughout 14 countries! TS Tech Canada has been located in Newmarket since 1996, providing employment opportunities to local and surrounding areas.
TS Tech Canada supports community initiatives through various avenues such as donations, volunteering and public events.
We are currently hiring general labour positions! Please contact Human Resources at (905) 953-0098 or recruiting.tsca@tstech.com
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 19
FEATURE by partnering with a local organization to provide training, coaching and mentoring in intervenor services and communication methods. Their work routinely extends to the smallest communities in the most remote areas, yet their can-do outlook never waivers. DeafBlind Ontario Services was named the Nonprofit Employer of Choice in 2015 and 2016. “I’ve always felt that a not-for-profit is a business,” says Spruyt-Rocks, “but the essence of the business is the key difference. For us, our business is making a difference in the lives of people with deafblindness. That’s our focus and we want to stand out, to be the organization that families and individuals come to.” Across the board, these organizations agree: the greatest perk of all is the people. Each described their employees and volunteers as very special people who work collaboratively and believe in the greater good. Spruyt-Rocks sums it up perfectly.“Life is short. You want to feel like you’re in a role that’s meaningful and that you’re really making a difference.” YB
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Lance with Cherrissa, an intervenor with DeafBlind Ontario Services. Photo: YouGottaLove World Class Photo & Video.
FEATURE
A Look At Local Not-For-Profits Along with the organizations featured here, there are many non-profits that serve the Newmarket area. Here’s a short guide to just some of them. To see more, visit newmarketchamber.ca. CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors, chats.on.ca A not-for-profit organization that enhances the health, wellness, and independence of York Region and South Simcoe seniors and caregivers. Girls Inc. of York, girlsincyork.org Delivers life-changing programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers to grow up strong, smart and bold. Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, habitatgta.ca A non-profit housing organization that believes everyone deserves a safe and decent place to
live. They mobilize volunteers and communities to help working, lower-income families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation, southlakefoundation.ca Working with the communities it serves to support leading-edge care, close to home at Southlake.
Literacy Council York-Simcoe, Skills Upgrading Centre, skillsupgrading.ca Provides customized training programs to assist adults in York-Simcoe in improving their prospects for employment, higher education and life.
TLC The Life Centre, tlcthelifecentre.ca TLC provides education and support to overcome personal challenges and life issues though psychotherapy and life coaching.
North Newmarket Lions Club, e-clubhouse.org/sites/northnewmarket.ca Club members organize, advocate, fund raise and volunteer to better the lives of those in need in the community. Shine Through the Rain Foundation, shinethroughtherain.ca Shine Through The Rain helps children, adults and families affected by life-threatening illnesses. Whether it’s through services or funds, the Foundation aims to provide guidance, support and financial aid to those in need.
Walk It Off Spinal Cord Wellness Centre Inc., walkitoffrecovery.org Provides exercise and activity-based recovery, education and support to those living with neurological disorders; specializing in spinal cord injuries (SCI).
DID YOU KNOw?! Neighbourhood Network, neighbourhoodnetwork.org Neighbourhood Network matches volunteers to charities in need. They also run a variety of annual programs that your business can support, and offer group volunteer opportunities for team building activities.
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Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.
YOUR BUSINESS | Summer 2019 21
MEMBERS
READY To
hiT THE links? Golf lover? Whether you want to play a full course, hit a driving range or nab some one-on-one help, you’ll find plenty of options just a short drive away. Briars Golf Club briarsgolf.com Located on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, Briars Golf Club is a private club founded in 1922. A great walking course with tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers that narrow into undulating and slick greens, the Briars offers a challenge for all levels of golfers. Cardinal Golf Club cardinalgolfclub.com Canada’s largest public golf facility, Cardinal Golf Club offers 72 holes of golf, including three 18-hole championship courses (RedCrest, West Wing and East Wing) and an 18-hole executive course (Kettle Creek). Nestled between Keele and Jane Streets off Davis Drive, the Club features a large driving range, 18-hole mini-putt, C.P.G.A. staffed Golf Academy and two unique Clubhouses. Eagles Nest Golf Club eaglesnestgolf.com A public golf course located in nearby Maple, Eagles Nest Golf Club features a championship layout emulating a highland links. Known for its beautiful balance between nature and design, this 18-hole course features rugged sand dunes and rolling fairways. The Club features a variety of rates and packages. Pheasant Run Golf Club pheasantrungolf.com Surrounded by 300 forested acres in the Oak Ridges Moraine, Pheasant Run features three distinctive nine-hole courses and a rolling terrain more typical of British Columbia than Ontario. The Club is open to both members and nonmembers, and offers lessons, leagues and junior camps. 22 newmarketchamber.ca
Shawneeki Golf Club shawneeki.com Located just north of Greenlane on Woodbine Avenue, Shawneeki Golf Club is a mature 18-hole public course that winds around the Black River and many man-made ponds. The scenic, well-conditioned course is very walkable but power carts are available. It offers a challenging layout from the back tees and a great corporate tournament facility, including large banquet amenities. Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club silverlakesgolf.com Silver Lakes is a four-star championship golf course carved from mature forest and rolling countryside around the meandering Holland River. A public facility, its manicured greens and bent-grass fairways are ideal for golfers of all levels. The Club offers lessons and camps. St. Andrew’s East Golf & Country Club standrewseastgolf.com Established in 1988, St. Andrew’s East is a private member-owned golf club in Stouffville. Built by golfers for golfers, the Club offers members no tee times required, no outside play and no minimums. A newly-renovated practice facility and short game area, six PGA Professionals available to help improve your game and a limited membership allows members to enjoy golf any time. St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club standrewsvalley.com Located just east of Yonge on St. John’s Sideroad, the Valley—at over 7,300 from the back tees—is a real test of golf. A public course, it has added a new “Tee it Forward” option, providing seniors, juniors and those new to the game with a great 4,500 yard experience.
MEMBERSHIP
ANNIVERSARIES The following companies have reached milestones as members of the Newmarket Chamber. Thanks for being members!
20 YEARS Callwood Meats
15 YEARS Bell, Upper Canada Mall Murray Family Chiropractic snapd Newmarket
10 YEARS Absolute Destruction & Recycling Corp. ADM Design incorporated Cummins Hydraulics Ltd. eagle Chiropractic & Massage For All Occasions Gift Baskets J.K. Quality Welding Knight Web Services inc. Koroll & Company, Chartered profesional Accountants piece of Cake voice Overs & vocals Ralken Associates inc. Sanctuary Day Spas
5 YEARS D.O.t. Furniture ecoRefinishers end Of the Roll exco engineering Hauley Accounting Services inc. H.J. pfaff Audi Knightworks Design Ltd. Munimentum inc. Smiles at Summer Hill Dental proCare Solutions inc. Red Leaf Student programs inc. Rick’s Cookhouse the Bedroom Shop Yoga Source & therapy Studio
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