C
Business
onnections January 2017
Orangeville Business and Retention Program Results
In November 2016, the Orangeville Economic Development Committee completed a year-long Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project with the Town’s manufacturing sector. The program’s goal was to identify areas of concern and examine opportunities to help manufacturers with their growth and expansion efforts. The manufacturing sector was selected due to its significance to the Town’s overall business make-up and in recognition of the difficulties experienced by the sector over the past several years. Manufacturing representatives were engaged. Thirtysix comprehensive business surveys were completed, achieving a participation rate of 75%. Surveys were analyzed to identify common issues and opportunities to support our local manufacturers, and then measurable actions were developed. The project revealed that Orangeville’s manufacturing sector is fairly healthy, with 60% of businesses advising that they had increased their workforces within the past three years and created approximately 150 new jobs. Almost 53% of local manufacturers are involved in exporting, giving them access to new customers, multiple markets, and diversified business risk. Seventy-one percent of participants projected increased sales in the next year. Manufacturers were also quite positive about their future with 51% planning to expand their current locations within the next 18 months. These expansions are estimated to result in approximately 147 new jobs, a need for employee training, and an increase in floor space of approximately 66,000 square feet. Major challenges identified by Orangeville manufacturers included high operational costs, the lack of available skilled workers, and the quality of Internet services. Availability of land for development was also identified as a concern. To help address the issues, a number of actions have already been launched. For example, with workforce development identified as a significant issue, the Economic Development office organized the first-ever “Manufacturing Day in Dufferin” on October 7, 2016, enabling high school students to visit two local manufacturers and learn about opportunities that exist in that sector. On November 8, 2016 the Town’s first job fair was held in Orangeville, with 26 participating businesses. Approximately 440 job seekers and commuters attended to examine local job opportunities that exist in a variety of areas. Online business training opportunities through Lynda.com also launched in December and many more actions are underway. Learn all about the survey findings and action plan by reviewing the full report at http://orangeville business.ca/news/story/the-business-retention-and-expansion-program-surveyresults-and-action-plan/
Online Learning Opportunities The Town of Orangeville is now offering Orangeville Library card holders free access to Lynda.com, a professional, user-friendly database with more than 4,000 online motivational and instructional videos in business, technology and creative skills. The initiative was launched in part to deliver affordable social media training opportunities to local businesses. Gain access to this learning resource by visiting “online resources” at http://www.orangeville.ca/orangeville-public-library
orangevillebusiness.ca
Volume 8
Issue 1
Company Profile
IC Controls – Focused on Customer Service In 1979, Frank Crossland founded IC Controls with the goal of improving water quality around the world. He combined his passion for the environment with his extensive experience in the process instrumentation industry and initially, established IC Controls as a distribution enterprise. When his customers began experiencing unique problems that couldn’t be solved by readily available products, he quickly recognized the need for higher performance equipment and developed IC Controls’ own line of products. Thirty-eight years later, the company continues to succeed because of its ability to supply customers with the right solutions. IC Controls designs, manufactures and distributes online process monitoring equipment for industrial environments with products suited to a variety of industries including mining, power generation and manufacturing. According to General Manager Mark Fitzpatrick “Many of our customers operate equipment in very harsh environments. They're looking for it to provide precise measurement and to last as long as possible." To tailor the best solutions for its customers, IC Controls offers two product portfolios. The company designs, manufactures and distributes its own line of equipment and it is also the Canadian distributor of the Thermo Scientific Orion brand of products. “When a customer comes to us with a problem, that’s when we shine,” says Mr. Fitzpatrick. “We have the expertise to develop the right equipment for their situation.” IC Controls has been located in Orangeville since 1981 and the town continues to be an ideal choice. Proximity to the GTA and access to reliable sourcing and logistics options are both essential for IC Controls and Orangeville fills these needs within a cost-competitive setting. “As an added bonus,” says Mr. Fitzpatrick, “Orangeville’s location within a rural environment and the community’s lifestyle amenities, attract loyal team members to IC Controls.” In addition to growth in Western Canada and continued expansion in to international markets, we can expect a new website from IC Controls in 2017. Mr. Fitzpatrick attributes much of their international success to their website, its optimized content and robust search engine ranking. Specific product details and process information are tailored to suit the requirements of their online audience and represents another example of how IC Controls continues to understand and satisfy the needs of its customers. For more information about IC Controls, visit iccontrols.com.
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
Upcoming Events
In The News
Safe Business Practices for Small Enterprises • January 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Funding Resource - CBED
Scott Davis from the Orangeville Police Services to learn strategies and techniques for optimum safety when serving the public. Scott’s engaging session will prepare business owners and their staff for quick and effective customer management that will help to de-escalate adverse and potentially risky situations. Scott will also share suggestions for business practices that will decrease the chance of theft or fraud in the business. No Cost.
Access to funding for business start-up, expansion or maintenance can be challenging for entrepreneurs. In rural communities across Canada, Community Futures organizations provide business loans to people wanting to start, expand, franchise, or sell a business but who don’t qualify for full funding support from traditional lending institutions. The local Community Futures organization servicing Dufferin County is the Centre for Business and Economic Development (CBED) in Collingwood and it offers business loans of up to $250,000 for business proposals that will create or keep permanent jobs in our community. This service provides an excellent alternative for some small and medium sized business owners. CBED offers loans with flexible financing with repayment terms designed for the business owner’s maximum advantage. Loans are available for business start-up, purchase of an existing business, and the expansion or maintenance of an established business. To be eligible for a loan from the Centre for Business, you: • Are not able to get a loan from a traditional lending institution, such as a bank • Are located in the Georgian Triangle or Dufferin County • Have completed a loan application form and a business plan. The non-profit CBED is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and members of the board evaluate each loan application and business plan on its own merits. Members of the board are local business people with an interest in developing and diversifying our local economy. If you require financing to help support, start or grow your venture, the CBED may be an option. To find out more about this financing alternative, contact the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for further information or to help get you started with your business plan. Staff at the CBED are also available to answer any questions you might have and they can be reached at 1-877-876-7908.
Tax Planning for Small Business • February 8, 9 a.m. to Noon Sally Slumskie of BDO will present this interactive session and provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable. Find out what you need to know about the tax system and your business by learning about home office deductions, effective tax deferral techniques, the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating your business, shareholder remuneration issues, and much more. Cost $12.
Write an Effective Business Plan • February 16, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In this interactive and hands-on workshop, participants will learn the essential elements of a business plan and take practical steps to create their own business planning documents. As participants work on their individual plans, they will learn how to describe the company’s vision, mission, goals and activities, begin the market analysis and promotional plan, formulate the pricing strategy, calculate financial outlays and revenues, and work on the financial forecasts. Cost $20.
Tax Planning for Small Business (Evening Session) • February 23, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Gerry Hogenhout of Hogenhout and Associates will lead this popular, interactive session and provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable. Find out what you need to know about the tax system and your business by learning about home office deductions, effective tax deferral techniques, the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating your business, shareholder remuneration issues, how to use RRSPs to your advantage and much more. Cost $12.
Buying or Selling a Business • March 8, 10 a.m. to Noon Rob Mitchell of Sunbelt Business Brokers Premium will help entrepreneurs understand the steps involved in buying or selling a business. Rob will share 10 key factors that make your business worth more when you are ready to sell it and he will discuss the key elements a buyer should look at when considering a purchase. For participants with questions about buying and operating a franchise, two local business owners will also be on hand to provide valuable insights from their own experiences in franchising. Cost $12.
Increase Your Sales/Increase Your Profits • March 22, 9 a.m. to Noon Increasing sales involves hard work and commitment as well as practicing effective sales techniques. Scott Hughes, owner of Core Primate Services Inc. and entrepreneurial motivator, will explain how to identify winning sales techniques and when to use them. Scott will show participants how to prepare for and open a face-to-face meeting with a customer and then follow through to close the deal successfully. Scott’s engaging and energizing workshop will help you to evaluate your current sales techniques and show you easy and effective new strategies that will grow your profits. Cost $23.
Things To Know Orangeville Winter Farmers’ Market Mark your calendars! The popular Orangeville Farmers’ market has now re-located indoors at Town Hall for the winter months and will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: January 28, February 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, and April 8 and 22.
Starting a Small Business • April 11, 9 a.m. to Noon In this session participants will learn what is involved in starting a small business in Ontario, why a business plan is so important, and what is involved in developing a successful business plan. This workshop will answer many start-up questions and provide participants with the tools needed to begin working on their own “road maps” to success. Cost $20. All prices include HST.
Real Estate - Featured Listing Calling All Employers 150 First Street The Orangeville Mall is a 183,821 square foot community mall with various leasing opportunities available. Zoned General Commercial (C1), a wide range of commercial uses would be permitted. Contact Doug Bundy, SmartCentres Leasing at 905-760-6200 Ext. 7956 or by email at dbundy@smartcentres.com.
orangevillebusiness.ca
The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin has launched the third annual Employer One Survey from January 2-31, 2017. The online survey is designed to collect information annually on a range of workforce issues such as labour turnover, hard-to-fill positions, recruitment difficulties, and current and future skill shortages. Valuable information gathered in the Employer One survey is used by the Workforce Planning Board and more than 30 community stakeholder organizations to seek local solutions to local challenges. Make sure your sector has a strong voice! For more information, visit http://workforceplanningboard.com/employerone.html
87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440 E-mail: info@orangevillebusiness.ca Twitter: @OrangevilleED You Tube: Orangeville Business Facebook: Orangeville Economic Development & Tourism