EMC Business Today April 2013 edition

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place to live, work, play and do business Email: business@smithsfalls.ca Phone: 613-283-4124 x1127

Sensational

Heart of the Rideau Canal

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE IN LANARK, LEEDS & GRENVILLE APRIL 2013

VOL. 11 NO. 12

Cavanagh named 2012 Business Person of Year

By TARA GESNER The Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce announced its 2012 Business Person of the Year at its annual general meeting (AGM), held at Texas Worthy on March 20.

Thomas Cavanagh of Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (TCCL) was selected based on business, community and people impact.

By tradition, the recipient from the previous year announces the winner and presents the prestigious award, but Brent King of SRC Music was unable to attend last Wednesday’s event.

For that reason, Richard Kidd, reeve of Beckwith Township and a member of the Chamber’s board of directors, assumed the role.

TCCL was incorporated in 1969 and opened its first quarry in 1971. Today it has 35 licensed pits and quarries within the County of Lanark and City of Ottawa. “With 500-plus employees and gross sales (last year) of $110 million, people don’t realize how

-Business Today photo by TARA GESNER

Thomas Cavanagh of Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited makes his way to the front of the room after being named the 2012 Business Person of the Year by the Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce. big a company this is or how producing crushed aggregates successful it is,� said Kidd. remain the basis of TCCL, it is Even though pits and quarries involved in many other sectors of

the heavy construction industry: rentals, building houses and roads, site preparation, asphalt production and paving, sewer and water main construction, concrete sales and delivery, hydroelectric and solar power generation, and the list goes on. “They sponsor our sports teams, country music festivals and more,� said Kidd.

During the 1998 ice storm, Beckwith was without power for 12 days. The army tried to come and help, but could not do much.

However, TCCL saved the day with generators, road clearing, etc.

Not only is Cavanagh the 2012 Business Person of the Year, he is a man of the community, said Kidd. “At the end of the day I think this is a great business success story,� he continued. “He is a local person who takes pride in his work, takes pride in his community.� “I want to thank the people of Beckwith Township, Carleton Place and Mississippi Mills,� said Cavanagh. “It goes both

ways. Thank you very much!

Nominees The seven nominations for Business Person of the Year, in alphabetical order, were as follows: Thomas Cavanagh (Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited); Dena Comley (The Granary); Janet Foster (Collins Barrow Accounting); Elizabeth Powell (RE/MAX Realty Solutions Ltd.); Patti Saulnier (Accountapotamus); Volundur Thorbjornsson (CP Rentals & Property Management); and Catherine Wood (Mahogany Salon and Spa). “Congratulations to everyone,� said Donna MacDonald of Dominion Lending Centre and incoming Chamber president.

Cavanagh has been operating his company in the area for the last 40-plus years, employing more than 400 people locally and continue to grow. “Thomas Cavanagh is a local business owner and a long-time area resident who has donated to many organizations in the town and region, including the

Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH),� said MacDonald.

The Granary is a longstanding business in Carleton Place, and Comley has owned the store for the last four years. “She employs three staff and is dedicated to providing quality merchandise and service,� said MacDonald. “Deena has been involved on the Carleton Place environmental advisory committee and the BIA (Business Improvement Association) board of directors.�

Foster employs five local fulltime staff and has been operating in Carleton Place for about 20 years. “I didn’t think you were that old,� joked MacDonald.

She is active in the Chamber, CPDMH board of directors, and is a community supporter.

Powell is known as a professional realtor with a friendly smile. She is always ready to help, has very loyal clients, and is a strong negotiator.

See BUSINESS page 2

RiverQuest takes regional approach to tourism in 2013 The all-day session was held to give everyone a glimpse where the RQ is at the moment, as well as to strategize about where things are heading.

A video shown at the start of the presentation that morning described the area. While being called the 1000 Islands, there are a “million things� to experience.

And that is the premise behind

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the RQ, which has been an initiative of the Aquatarium (formerly known as the Maritime Discovery Centre), to develop a “regional campus�, the gateway to all that the St. Lawrence River offers, noted the McLellan Group’s Lyne Roberge-Henderson.

The McLellan Group is behind

-Business Today photo

by MARLA DOWDALL

Simon Fuller, developer of Tall Ships Landing and the founding member of the Aquatarium, speaks during an update on the status of the 1000 Islands RiverQuest at the Brockville Arts Centre, March 22.

See RIVER page 2

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By MARLA DOWDALL “Everything can be found (on the river) according to the spirit of your request,� – Joseph Conrad (adapted).

This was one of the quotes displayed on the Brockville Arts Centre stage screen on March 22 as 1000 Islands RiverQuest provided an update to partners and the public.

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REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS

County housing, homeless plan goes to council in June

-Business Today photo by TARA GESNER

Tracy Lamb, outgoing Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce president, and Richard Kidd,reeve of Beckwith Township and a member of the Chamber’s board of directors, present the 2012 Business Person of the Year award to Thomas Cavanagh of Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (right). The honour was bestowed Wednesday March 20, during the Chamber’s annual general meeting.

BUSINESS

prime motivator behind the Accountapotamus has been creation of dozens of jobs in the operating in Carleton Place since municipality, specifically in the March 2010. It has seven staff. Business Park North.

Saulnier is a member of the Chamber board of directors.

Mahogany Salon and Spa has operated in Carleton Place since Thorbjornsson’s company was 2010 and in Stittsville since 2004. founded in 2011.

Ninety-five people are employed “They have been very between the two locations. successful in renting out “They are supportive of local commercial, retail and charities and community events,” employment space in Carleton said MacDonald.

Place,” said MacDonald.

“It continues to be a testament “They’ve been a factor in to this business community to attracting and retaining many have that calibre of nominees,” new businesses.” said Tracy Lamb, outgoing Thorbjornsson has been the Chamber president.

From front page

RIVER From front page

the promotional efforts for the Aquatarium. RQ is a “cornerstone program” for it, designed to both brand the area and to help those visiting the area appreciate all the region has to offer – helping tourists and visitors to plan activities for two and three-day visits.

The 1000 Islands RiverQuest covers an area from Cornwall and Massena to Sackets Harbor and Kingston.

Involved in the RQ, both now and in the future as the project moves forward, are museums, castles, arts centres, and more.

Aquatarium highlights The Aquatarium itself will feature a plethora of activities and exhibits for children and adults alike, according to a video presented that morning on the project’s progress. The facility will focus on the history and culture of the area providing entertainment in a way that will make visitors want to come back.

The Aquatarium will feature an expansive aquarium which

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visitors will be able to walk underneath, viewing fish right over top of their heads, otters, a pilot house, tunnels, domed theatre, ship simulator, and much more.

The soft opening is planned for June, while the official opening should take place in 2014.

Simon Fuller, developer of Tall Ships Landing and the founding member of Aquatarium, told the audience his idea for RiverQuest came about after learning of the Yukon RiverQuest, a similar venture tying tourism in communities together with the goal of attracting visitors. And further, to entice those visitors to not just stay for a day, but longer.

He compared the Aquatarium to a church without a congregation, but the 1000 Islands RQ as the vision and heartbeat, saying there is no limit to what can be done to advance the causes in this area.

Roberge-Henderson explained phase one for RQ has been the developing of a website http://www.1000islandsriver quest.com/ which was launched

“It has been an incredible year,” MacDonald added, “and this is always the highlight of the AGM.” This year the Chamber will hand out two Business Person of the Year awards.

“We are splitting the Business Person of the Year award from the AGM,” said MacDonald, “and will have it in October when we hold our gala.”

Last month’s honour was for 2012. The award handed out in October will be for 2013, she continued.

The Chamber has been serving the community since 1916.

By DESMOND DEVOY Homes for the homeless is often easier said than done.

“It sounds simple, (but) it is an onerous task,” said Sandy Grey, social housing manager for Lanark County.

Grey, along with her fellow county workers, were discussing the “Housing and Homelessness 10 Year Plan” at the Tools for Rural Housing Development conference at the Perth Civitan Club hall on Thursday, Feb. 7, which was sponsored by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

She called it a “local plan with a local flavour,” with the ultimate goal of moving “families towards self-sufficiency,” and to “provide safe housing first and then address other issues,” such as addictions and unemployment.

“We consider 30 per cent of income (spent) on housing as affordable,” she said.

She pointed out that there appeared to be a spectrum ranging from homelessness to home ownership on the other end, with stops like social housing and renting and other stations in between.

“We are still in the informationgathering stage of the program,” said Grey.

Focus groups, involving seniors and youth, were held

in January. The website explains what RQ is all about and provides a few ideas for “sample” quests – itineraries for a short stay in the area.

“We want visitors to plan their stay,” she explained. This “quest” portion will be further developed soon.

The RQ is also now on social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, enabling the number of people who are talking about this project to double, she noted.

Flags and banners are also developed so partners involved may have something to showcase the project. And partners are being asked to incorporate the RQ logo into their own promotional materials.

So far there are 43 partners and friends for the RQ. The list includes the Brockville Arts Centre, Gananoque Boat Line, Half Moon Bay and many more.

For more information on RiverQuest please visit the website listed above and watch future issues of Business Today as updates are made available.

BUSINESS TODAY

in December of 2012, and community meetings have also been held. The county is also working with a consultant to formulate its plans, and more than 100 surveys have been returned to the county offices so far.

The draft housing and homelessness plan is scheduled to go before county council in June, and to the province in September.

Amongst the challenges already being clearly identified is the growth in the seniors population, and growth of parttime service jobs, while “utility costs seem to keep rising up, and rents too.”

While some areas of the county could be confused for an Ottawa suburb, others are very rural, and that makes it hard to find housing. “(It is) very hard to get affordable housing units in rural areas,” said Grey. “The housing market in Carleton Place is quite different than the housing market in Smiths Falls,” said Grey, as it is different in rural areas as well.

What housing there is tends to be older too, and in poor condition. Meanwhile, the people who most need the programs being offered to help, are most likely to be aware that those programs even exist.

“When we are doing our plan,

we have to be realistic of the resources we have,” said Grey.

While the county received $1,846,256 in affordable housing money from the province, the county had to determine if that money got put into creating new housing or renovating existing housing stock.

“We just didn’t have adequate funding to build new housing,” said Grey. “That might we will be looking at next time.”

Lanark County Warden Bill Dobson welcomed Grey’s remarks, and, alluding to the ongoing Villa Montague saga on the Smiths Falls/Montague Township border, he noted that “the built-up areas have the services. They have laws that will not allow their services to go beyond their boundaries. If they did, I think we would have more chances of having affordable housing.”

While Dobson decried that anyone should be homeless, he also chided those who were not in real need of social housing for taking up a spot that should go to someone more deserving.

“There are too many people who abuse the system,” said Dobson. “They know how to address the Tenancy Act. You have landlords who have lost too much money and they don’t want to continue to rent.”

-Business Today photos by DESMOND DEVOY

Above, Sandy Grey, social housing manager for Lanark County, centre, and Noelle Reeve, planner of Tay Valley Township, chat during a morning break at the Perth housing conference last month. Left, Lanark County Warden Bill Dobson, also the Reeve of Montague Township, delivers welcoming remarks at the event.

APRIL 2013

REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS

Immigration changing faces, tongues of county

By DESMOND DEVOY Can you talk Tagalog?

Can you ni hao with the best of them in Beijing? Or wish someone Buenos dias?

While your Hindi may need a bit of brushing up, and you may not need to know all of these languages, you’re more likely to hear them by 2020 thanks to the rising number of immigrants from these areas who are calling Lanark County, and Smiths Falls, home.

“India is huge, Spain is huge,” said Kim Leach, economic development coordinator, during the Monday, March 25 committee-of-the-whole meeting in Smiths Falls. “We do have a large Filipino community here.”

The number of languages spoken by the new arrivals is quite vast. The top languages include Chinese, Greek, Hindi, Filipino (Tagalog), Spanish and other European languages like Dutch and German.

In 2006, Smiths Falls had an immigration population of about 448.

By 2010, that number had grown to 671 and by 2020, it is expected to top 671 – all that in a town with a population of about 8,777, according to the latest available census data.

The town is in the midst of a funding window from the federal and provincial

governments to the tune of $1,110,081, which runs until 2014, directed mostly at the T.R. Leger school’s immigration services.

Another tool used to attract immigrants to the area, as part of the

“Traditional immigrants don’t want to come to small, rural communities. Attracting newcomers isn’t the only problem. It is retention once they are here.”

KIM LEACH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

immigration attraction campaign within the county, is through websites like liveinlanark.ca and movetolanark.ca.

The web site began in May of 2009 and attracted 111 visits – mostly town and county staffers checking that everything worked.

However, the web sites soon began attracting many more online visitors, with about 97,347 accessing the sites between April 1, 2012 and March 20, 2013.

The online job board for immigrants has also just gone live, which helps match skills to jobs. The Local Immigration

Partnership (LIP) is not promoting the job site to employers.

Leach estimates that about 859 people have been reached directly through the program, which has also generated about 130 phone calls/e-mail responses and 15 letters seeking newcomer settler services.

While New Canadians may be drawn to the area because of the affordable cost of living and slower pace of life, “people are still unaware of our services.”

While Smiths Falls has been actively trying to recruit doctors and health care professionals to the area, the “shortage of health care professionals,” is a concern for Leach in attracting people to the area. New residents may also cite a “lack of cultural and religious opportunities.”

“Traditional immigrants don’t want to come to small, rural communities,” said Leach. “Attracting newcomers isn’t the only problem. It is retention once they are here.”

Dianne Pinder-Moss, the LIP coordinator, explained that Smiths Falls is one of the smallest LIPs in Ontario in terms of areas served, with only an 18 km radius around town, into parts of Montague and Drummond/North Elmsley. The new immigrant guide Pinder-Moss produces with assistant

Amber Colville covers everything from understanding Canadian currency to waste disposal. There are seven readers of the newsletter in Tagalog and 12 in the Mandarin dialect of Chinese.

Community of the year Pinder-Moss also came bearing good news to council for the town.

“Last week, we got the news that Smiths Falls was one of eight communities across Canada to be nominated for the 2012 Community of the Year award by the Welcome Wagon,” organization.

One of the most important parts of the success of the program has been buy-in from stakeholders, through initiatives like the newcomer subcommittee, an employers council (to identify needed services and find ways to attract and retain newcomers), as well as an international students sub-committee.

However, Pinder-Moss did put forward the challenge to council to decide whether they wanted to see the immigration sustainability subcommittee become a committee of council or stand on its own as an incorporated body.

To educate the broader public about the issue, LIP is planning a multicultural dinner and dance this fall, as well as a planed newcomer fair this spring, which will be promoted to newcomers.

Staples awarded Innovation in Sustainability Award As Canada’s largest online retailer, Staples Canada achieved its 2012 goal of accelerating its sustainability programs and will continue to make it easy for customers to help make a positive impact on the environment.

Through demonstrating leadership in its environmental initiatives, Staples Canada has been awarded the 2013 Innovation in Sustainability Award in the Waste Management Recycling and Reuse category by the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association.

Some of the interesting and fun achievements in 2012 include: • Staples’ Battery Recycling Program helped divert close to 50,000 kg of batteries from landfill, which is equal to the weight of nine African elephants, • 3.5 million kilowatt reduction in electrical consumption in retail stores since 2009 is equivalent to the average usage for 350 Canadian households in one year, • 3,000 metric tonnes of electronics collected and recycled in 2012 is the combined weight of seven-and-a-half Boeing 747 jets.

Catherine Kuhn joins CP Chamber staff as office administrator

-Business Today photo by TARA GESNER

Catherine Kuhn, left, the Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce’s new office administrator, will work alongside Jackie Kavanagh, Chamber manager.

meeting and succeeded. Next up was Food Company. the Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night, which “It’s been very busy,” she said. was hosted by the Chamber, followed The Chamber’s next Business at

by Business at Breakfast at the Good Breakfast takes place on Wednesday,

March 27 at the Thruway Restaurant, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker is Andrew Johnson of First Aid Ottawa. He will talk about a business’ obligations regarding First Aid training. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for future members.

Both Kavanagh and Kuhn are permanent part-time employees.

Kavanagh is in the Chamber office Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Kuhn’s hours are Wednesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The schedule equates to an additional eight hours of available support for Chamber members.

In the last six months there has been so much growth in the local Chamber.

“Our membership has gone from 190 to 240,” said Kavanagh. “There’s no shortage of work, and Catherine will be doing a little bit of everything.”

Kuhn said she is ready to ready to tackle what lies ahead. The office administrator will work alongside Kavanagh to guarantee consistent outreach with Chamber members, perform administrative functions (billing and accounting) as well as operate the Carleton Place Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop, which is located at 132 Coleman St. “We want to ramp up the offerings at the gift store, promoting local

businesses and giving people a sense of Carleton Place,” said Kavanagh.

“We want to increase the knowledge of the Visitor Information Centre for residents, too.”

The Chamber exists to create and maintain an environment for business success in the area, and there is great value in being a member, added Kavanagh. What’s more, discounts are passed down from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network, including Rogers, CAA, ESSO, TD Merchant Services and Hotline to HR, as well as a national Group Insurance Health Plan.

Going forward, Kuhn said they would continue to investigate ways to enhance the Chamber’s worth to its member businesses.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Catherine join the Chamber team,” said vice president Donna MacDonald in a media release. “She brings with her an incredibly valuable skillset in some areas that will benefit us a great deal. This skillset, along with her professionalism and obvious energy and enthusiasm, will be a great asset to the Chamber.”

For more information about the Chamber, contact Kavanagh or Kuhn at 613-257-1976 or visit www.cpchamber. com.

Business Start-up and Expansion Loans up to $250,000

Support for Existing Businesses and Community Organizations

Support and Counselling for New and Existing Businesses

Funding Available for Planning, Training and Internships

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By TARA GESNER The Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce has a new staff member.

Catherine Kuhn joined the business organization on Feb. 12 as office administrator.

“I am very excited to have Catherine join our team,” said Chamber manager Jackie Kavanagh. “Her experience in retail and as a business owner will be a great asset in helping us to develop programming for our members.”

Kuhn lives with her family in Beckwith Township. She moved to Lanark County in 2009 from her house in Belleville, which is where she ran a home and gift store for more than five years.

“I had a huge historical home with five bedrooms,” said Kuhn. “I ran the store downstairs and lived upstairs.”

In addition to a broad understanding of the issues affecting small businesses, Kuhn is familiar and comfortable in working together with municipal government and the Business Improvement Association (BIA).

“I really like the job, and it’s been exciting,” she said. “I have already met many Chamber members.”

The first day at a new job is critical for making the right impression.

Kuhn was faced with a tourism board

613 345 6216 800 431 6015 www.ticdc.ca www.ticdc.ca With the Support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

APRIL 2013

BUSINESS TODAY

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SMITHS FALLS BUSINESS NEWS

New employment service launches in Smiths Falls

-Business Today photo by STACEY ROY

Nadine Lebel (left) presents Jennifer Miller, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County with a $500 donation from the staff at Canadian Tire in Smiths Falls. The funds were raised through a weekly dress down day at the store where staff made a donation to wear more comfortable clothing. The presentation took place at the local store March 27.

Town to reaffirm Villa Montague message at upcoming meeting

By STACEY ROY When Smiths Falls and Montague representatives meet regarding revenue sharing formulas for the Villa Montague project, Smiths Falls council members have a clear message they will be bringing with them boundary adjustment is a must.

“I’m disappointed that boundary adjustment is not part of their strategy,” said Coun.

Ken Graham. “If they don’t [include a boundary adjustment] in my opinion, then I don’t see a point in having a meeting.”

Council supported the mayor and Steve Fournier, interim CAO meeting with Montague Reeve Bill Dobson and CAO Glenn Barnes in the near future to discuss revenue sharing and confirm the town’s position that

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By STACEY ROY An initiative from northern Ontario to put an end to the labour shortage and assist local employers with their employee hunt is coming to the Smiths Falls area.

Garvin Cole, a profile auditor with HR North, had an opportunity to introduce his organization’s hiring program during the Local Immigration Partnership Council’s (LIPC) March 27 presentation at Valleyheartland CFDC. HR North got its start just this past February and since then has been working hard to fill its database with qualified workers and employers from a large part of the province (including Smiths Falls) with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

“If we don’t help those small and medium employers grow than our entire community is going to slow down,” Cole said.

For a fee, HR North and its fulltime staff will assist companies to collect and vet their applications for academic qualifications and overall fit within the company.

Users also get access to retention guides and discounts on program software.

Richard Timmons of Guildline Instruments in Smiths Falls attended Cole’s presentation and thought the program would be valuable for employers who receive hundreds of applications.

“We’re so specific that we don’t have 100s of applicants,” Timmons said.

What he would find helpful are employer-specific programs

a boundary adjustment is a must for this project to move forward.

“That’s bad news,” Dobson said upon hearing of the town’s position. “We have to be able to compromise here.”

The township council’s position remains strongly against any annexation, however Dobson was hoping that favourable revenue sharing formula proposals with the town might provide the comfort all need for this project to move forward.

“It’s not just this deal it’s any deal,” Dobson added. “The town and township have to get their act together and start figuring out for the future otherwise it By STACEY ROY will never happen.”

The issue of how to address vacant or run-down buildings A date for the meeting has yet within the town boundaries to be set. is not as simple as issuing a

Photo by STACEY ROY

Garvin Cole, profile auditor for HR North attended the Smiths Falls LIPC meeting March 27 to introduce their new employment service. HR North services northeastern Ontario including Smiths Falls. that give tangible assistance to employers who are attracting a specific type of worker. To achieve this he supports getting more employer involvement when developing programs.

It is through this process of intensified employer involvement that HR North got its start.

The database service is offered through an employer’s council that had its start in northeastern Ontario in 2008. So far this council has created its own relocation guide, employer’s

guide and mentorship program to name a few.

Mayor Dennis Staples was interested in the prospect of this new database service assisting the town in making new contacts with family doctors looking to relocate.

“This is one area I really want to get into,” Cole said.

The mayor provided introductory comments to launch the second workshop hosted by the LIPC. During this he congratulated all those present at

the March 27 session, saying “by working together we can do so much more.”

Last month’s event was funded

by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, in collaboration with the LIP Renfrew and Lanark and the Municipal Immigration Information Online (MIIO) project, under which the recent development of an online Job Board for the County of Lanark and Town of Smiths Falls was funded.

Councillors weigh in on how to address vacant, derelict buildings demolition permit, say some councillors.

Councillor Lorraine Allen introduced the topic during Monday’s (March 18) budget meeting when it was clarified to her that vacant buildings are given a tax break.

“To me that’s backwards,” Allen said.

The bylaw was passed Oct. 21, 2002 and sets out conditions properties must meet before the reduction is granted.

Commercial properties receive a 30 per cent rebate while industrial properties get back 35 per cent.

Coun. Dawn Quinn agreed noting the condition of a select few buildings in town does require some action from the town.

“We have to move forward on this. Enough is enough” Quinn added. “I think we have to get hard nosed about this.”

Coun. Ken Graham said addressing buildings that have fallen under bad repair due to lack of use and up keep is a complex issue that could come at a cost to the taxpayer if the

BUSINESS TODAY

town deems the building should be demolished and the owner doesn’t pay the demolition bill immediately.

“It’s just not that simple,” Graham said.

The town’s current bylaw for property standards speaks to the minimum standard vacant buildings must meet.

This includes the building being protected from fire, accident or damage by sealing all access points with treated plywood and painting this plywood the same colour as the building’s exterior facade.

Vacant buildings must also be kept clean without garbage, rubbish or debris visible on the property.

“Any part of a vacant building that cannot be boarded up due to its physical condition shall be removed forthwith,” reads section 5.2.3 of the bylaw.

According to the Ontario Building Code, 1992 municipalities are allowed to pass bylaws to prescribe property standards for maintenance and use and

prohibit that which does not meet with their standards.

The bylaw can also require properties that don’t meet the town’s standards to be repaired or demolished. The municipality can then place a lien on the property for the cost of this demolition until it is paid in full by the property owner.

Mayor Dennis Staples emphasized vacant buildings are still under the ownership of their respective title holders and the town has limited powers to intervene beyond what is stated above unless there is an issue of health and safety. He added, the town’s role is to link people up who are interested in redeveloping a vacant property in town to resources who can help them achieve this goal.

“We’re willing to work with anybody to see our town redevelop,” the mayor said.

Graham asked town staff to bring forward a report on what the town can and can’t do when it comes to vacant and derelict properties.

APRIL 2013

SMITHS FALLS BUSINESS NEWS

New Smiths Falls mobile app aims to give boost to tourism, business EMC News - The Town of Smiths Falls has purchased its own mobile app for the unified betterment of our entire community.

The app is expected to increase tourism and economic development through amplified visibility and unique messaging designed to entice and guide travelers to access everything that Smiths Falls and the area has to offer. Residents will enjoy the direct community updates, shopping discounts and Safety Alert features made possible through instant notifications available 24/7. Visitors will love how easy it is to discover all of our events, attractions and shopping experiences.

Residents, businesses, organizations, clubs, shoppers, schools, event organizers—all are encouraged to download the Smiths Falls app. It’s free and easy: text -Business Today photo by DESMOND DEVOY SF to 84748 (VISIT) or go to www.textIn the months of October, November, and December, for every new hearing aid purchased at the Madden Hear- 2visit.com/sf, click the `Get our App’ ing Centre, the centre would donate $50 to the charity of the client’s choice. The entire campaign raised more than $10,000 for local charities in Perth, Brockville, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Almonte and Smiths Falls. Joining general manager Sheri Madden and her staff at the Smiths Falls location in Cornelia Court on Monday, March 4, are representatives from the Gerry Lowe Memorial Fund, Smiths Falls Lions Club, Smiths Falls Community Food Bank, Salvation Army, Smiths Falls citadel, Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, and Lanark Animal Welfare Society.

icon, install the app and select Smiths Falls as the home-keycode. Take a moment to look through the app and be sure to mark as favourites, any business, club or organization that interests you.

You can mark them as a favourite by tapping the heart icon on their screen view. If you have a registered business, organization, school or club, please check to ensure your information is current and has been correctly entered into the SF App directory and map.

Please contact support@text2systems. com regarding any errors, omissions or changes to your information on the SF App, by March 28. The SF App works on mobile devices such as iPhones and Android smartphones.

For more information call 613-456-6094, ext. 2.

By STACEY ROY Businesses and sales people of all shapes and sizes are invited to take part in the annual Smiths Falls Home & Living Show May 3-5.

The second annual event will take over the Memorial Community Centre next month with a variety of vendors, but time is running out to count your name among them. Registrations must be made by mid-April for a spot on the floor.

“We do have some new people booked this year,” added Dawn Quinn, member of the organizing committee.

“We’re looking for things that are different.”

New to the event this year is a main stage on the arena floor where a variety of demonstrations, talks and musical entertainment will be taking place throughout the three-day event.

“We want things to happen all the time,” Quinn said of this new space.

Anyone who would like their act on stage or feels they have a service or skill they can share through a verbal presentation or demonstration is urged to contact organizers Quinn -Business Today photo by DESMOND DEVOY at 613-284-2664, Dave Pringle at Wendy Vincent of Lanark Animal Welfare Society accepts her portion of the money raised from the Madden Hearing 613-284-5087 or Karen Colburn at Centre campaign from general manager Sheri Madden on Monday, March 4. karen@sfhomeshow.ca.

So far a cake demonstration with samples has been confirmed as well as Carolyn Klickerman of Square Foot Gardening and a discussion on kitchen redesigns.

Upstairs in the lounge a wine and food tasting including food tasting will be underway amongst a capacity crowd of direct sales vendors.

Admission into the show is $2 for those over 12 and under 65 and can be purchased at the door or at Dawn’s Closet on Russell Street. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Murphy Complex project in the Centennial Park area. The town has received a grant to demolish and build serviced washrooms in the park, but overall concept plans call for a tourism information area, canteen and stage to join it in the future.

“We want to be able to take it further,” Quinn said.

Show attendees will be able to learn more about this project at the information booth during the show and on the main stage.

Last year the show attracted 55-60 vendor participants and organizers are hoping to meet or exceed this number this May. For further details on the event please log on to www.sfhomeshow.ca.

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CARLETON PLACE BUSINESS NEWS

Chamber celebrates successful year at AGM

By TARA GESNER The Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce acknowledged local businesses and individuals for outstanding achievement and the contributions made to the economic growth of the municipality at its 2013 annual general meeting (AGM) March 20.

Outgoing Chamber president Tracy Lamb thanked Texas Worthy for its great food and hospitality. The downtown eatery was the location of the gathering.

Before getting started, Lamb acknowledged the municipal councillors in attendance –Louis Antonakos, Jerry Flynn and Rob Probert – and welcomed special guest Susan Fournier, executive director of Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation.

The restaurant was filled for the evening. Chamber members have a vested interest in their organization, and they not only enjoy celebrating the achievements of the past year, but the opportunity to network and build new relationships.

The business organization’s mandate is to help support local business, which is achieved through supporting local business by way of economic development, tourism activities and professional development. “We do this by means of our services, products, resources, informed Photo by TARA GESNER and committed staff, and informed, Tracy Lamb of Mopani Communications (right) will slide into the Chamber committed and very busy board of executive’s past president position and Donna MacDonald of Dominion Lenddirectors,� said Lamb. ing Centre becomes the new president.

Looking back The yearly meeting offered another a look at the previous year’s happenings. “It has truly been a milestone year,� said Lamb. “We’ve taken on new projects in the community and expanded our membership.�

The current membership stands at 238. Over the last couple of years the Chamber has received a great deal of feedback that it seemed to be all about tourism. “We certainly do a lot of tourismrelated activities, but this is because it is directly related to economic development,� said Lamb. “However, we were doing an extensive amount. In 2012 we declared a deliberate refocusing on value for members.�

Lamb highlighted the Chamber’s record number of networking and professional development opportunities over the last year (seminars, workshops, mixers, breakfasts, etc). “We try our best to represent the interests of the business community

in Carleton Place,� she said, “and this can be a challenge sometimes because there are a lot of different types of businesses.�

Lamb noted the Carleton Place Information Centre/Gift Shop – located in the old Carleton Place train station building – is open seven days a week, and is a great venue to display local products. It received 3,000 visits in 2012.

The Chamber is proud to work in conjunction with the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market. “It was suffering from a lack of resources to get things organized,� said Lamb. “We submitted a proposal for funding to bring on a market manager for two years. Amber Hall has been busy and we are going to have a kick (butt) farmers’ market this (coming) year.�

The town was thanked for helping with the new beautiful home of the farmers’ market. “It (Market Square) is the results of a lot of work by a number of people,

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Limited (see separate story). He was selected based on business, community and people impact. “He is a local person who takes pride in his work, takes pride in his community,� said presenter Richard Kidd, reeve of Beckwith Township and a member of the Chamber’s board of directors.

The seven nominees, in alphabetical order, were as follows: Thomas Cavanagh (Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited); Dena Comley (The Granary); Janet Foster (Collins Barrow Accounting); Elizabeth Powell (RE/MAX Realty Solutions Ltd.); Patti Saulnier (Accountapotamus); Volundur Thorbjornsson (CP Rentals & Property Management); and Catherine Wood (Mahogany Salon and Spa).

In 2013 the presentation of the Business Person of the Year award will be presented on its own – separated from the AGM. “We are going to have a gala in October,� said Lamb.

Liz Taylor (Kingsway Arms at Carleton Place Manor) was recognized for her time on the board of directors. “Liz has just completed three years and we have cherished every minute,� said Lamb. “She will be missed.�

The year’s President’s Award was presented to Dawn Lanouette of Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants.

As Chamber treasurer, “she has put in an enormous amount of extra time and commitment,� said Lamb.

A local Ontario artist created the and there has been a lot of support from award, which was not a traditional trophy. the town,� said Lamb. “There is a roof “The tree is the tree of knowledge,� said going up this year, right Jerry?�

Lamb, “and I have learned a lot from “It is hovering,� Flynn joked. you.� “The Ontario and Canadian Chambers are extremely valuable organizations,�

Financials said Lamb. “We are seeking to forge Lanouette presented the financial stronger relationships with them statements for the year ended Feb. 28, because the big issues get lobbied at the 2013. provincial and federal level.�

She noted the Chamber bank account In regards to tourism, the County of increased to $77,663, which was due to Lanark attracts 800,000 visitors each the business organization receiving a year, spending approximately $50 farmers’ market grant. However, it has million. The Chamber is committed to not been used yet. helping Carleton Place businesses get a The accounts payable ($11,916) have piece of that action, as well as promoting increased, but the accounts receivable Carleton Place as the destination of ($818) are not too large and relate to choice. events hosted by the Chamber in the last In addition, “we want to get people month or so. excited here at home about where they “Our inventory ($6,150) increased live,� said Lamb. slightly,� said Lanouette. “We purchased She said the tourism committee is an a number of locally produced items, active team, with no shortage of ideas. including maple syrup.� “None of this (achievements/ The prepaid expenses are $1,959. activities) would happen without a lot of This includes a $500 deposit for the hard work from key individuals,� said 2013 golf tournament. The remainder is Lamb. insurance.

She acknowledged Chamber Lanouette explained a significant staff Jackie Kavanagh, Amber Hall, portion of the increase in accounts Catherine Kuhn and Brenda Milne. payable was due to HST. “I filed it Lamb also thanked former staff member later,� she said.

Cathy Pretty for her contribution to the Deferred membership income has business organization. increased to $15,858, which is due to an “Cathy played a key role when she increase in membership. was with us at the Chamber,� she said, The tourism loan payable to the town “but she is in a happy place (working at ($2,535) is the result of monies advanced St. James Anglican Church).� for start up expenses when the Chamber The Chamber is excited about what started at the train station. it accomplished in 2012 and what it is “We are paying it back,� said going to accomplish in 2013.

Lanouette.

Overall income slightly increased “We are on an upward trend,� said Lamb, “and we are enthusiastic about ($6,617), bringing the sum to $111,268. our role in helping to foster a sense of Revenue was generated by way of pride within our business community meetings/AGM ($4,002), net comedy night ($1,410), net golf tournament and residential community.� ($6,939), grant income ($17,954), group insurance ($9,559), HRDC Recognition/awards The highlight of the night was the grants – summer student ($2,706), presentation of the Business Person of income from Town of Carleton Place the Year award to Thomas Cavanagh tourism ($32,000), membership income of Thomas Cavanagh Construction ($27,285), retail sales ($6,022) and

BUSINESS TODAY

miscellaneous income ($3,391). “There was an decrease in the net comedy night income because we (Chamber) decided to split the money with Lanark County Interval House,� said Lanouette. “Retail sales were down slightly, which is why we are going to try to promote a little more in gift shop.�

She noted expenditures for the year totalled $111,326, which resulted in having to dip into reserves to the tune of $58.

Expenses: advertising ($2,172); meetings/AGM ($5,424); bad debts ($449); bank charges ($2,163); liability insurance ($2,647); memberships ($4,136); merchandise ($6,247); office expenses ($8,152); property maintenance and fees ($1,472); Trillium grant ($16,054); tourism ($7,977), wages ($54,037) and website development ($396). “The bad debt is related to our 2011 golf tournament,� said Lanouette.

Although she is remaining on the board of directors, Lanouette is stepping down as treasurer.

Board election Flynn acted as returning officer, responsible for overseeing the election for the board of directors.

With no nominations from the floor the following individuals will stand to serve on the Chamber board of directors: Angela Beazley (Rental Village); Dennis Burn, (Business Improvement Association associate); Lori Cavanagh (Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited); Matthew Ferguson (HOW Consultants Inc.); Sylvia Giles (Massage Therapy Clinic); Kidd (Beckwith Township council representative); Lamb (Mopani Communications); Lanouette (Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants); Donna MacDonald (Dominion Lending Centre); Ray MacLaren (Giant Tiger); Shawn Pulikunnel (Royal Bank of Canada); Saulnier (Accountapotamus), Clay Spero (TD Canada Trust); Jack Taylor (Bridge Street Bistro representative); Lynn Vardy (Royal Lepage); and Flynn (Carleton Place council representative). “This is a phenomenal board of directors,� said Lamb. “It is our biggest board yet – a great cross section of business professionals.�

Lamb will move into the past president position and MacDonald becomes the new president. “Tracy’s leadership has been second to none,� said MacDonald.

Guest speakers Kidd, chair of the Lanark County economic development steering committee, was a speaker at the AGM, joining Mark Saunders of Saunders Farm in Munster.

Since 2001, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation has been under contract to provide economic development for the county, he said. “On the other hand, county council decided to review what it is doing for economic development in 2012,� continued Kidd, “and a steering committee was assembled.�

The group’s mandate included examining economic development models being used by other counties in eastern Ontario, as well as reviewing the terms of reference with Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation. For example, what is the organization providing for its yearly $50,000 payment?

Kidd noted the committee hasn’t reported back to the county yet.

APRIL 2013

PERTH BUSINESS NEWS

Province gives Perth’s heritage downtown core Heritage Conservation District designation status Panel, staff and officials of the Town of Perth, in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

“This important designation demonstrates the commitment the Town of Perth puts on conserving its heritage. Through it, they are encouraging a deeper sense of community identity by remembering and understanding their past. I congratulate them on this significant achievement,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

“This is a positive step towards preserving our heritage commercial district,” announced Mayor John Fenik. “It will

allow the district’s heritage to be protected while allowing citizens to enjoy the many benefits of carefully planned new development.”

“The District contains many of the oldest buildings in Perth, including several that were built shortly after the community’s founding in 1816,” commented Andrew Pamenter, chair of the municipality’s Heritage Advisory Panel. “The HCD will become a significant attraction for visitors who come to Perth each year to enjoy the heritage backdrop of sandstone buildings and prestigious architectural design.”

Along with the district

designation is the town’s ability to provide grants to property owners of these heritage buildings.

The Town of Perth has created a Heritage Building Restoration Grant to assist property owners within the District in maintaining the historic features of their properties.

Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act provides for the designation of Heritage Conservation Districts — the heritage that extends beyond the individual buildings — because of their special character as well as for the distinctive architectural quality of individual buildings.

Finalized after intensive

community consultations, the plan sets guidelines and standards for historic preservation and alterations of the buildings in context with development of streetscapes. The bylaw allows blending of old and new properties in the designated area, encourages renovation and allows for new development.

The Downtown Perth Heritage

Conservation District is roughly bounded by Drummond, Harvey, Gore, Foster, Wilson and North streets, and includes Stewart Park, one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County.

For more information please contact Karen Rennie, Heritage Tourism Manager at 613-267-1947 or krennie@perth. ca.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS Small businesses throughout the region provide jobs, tax revenues and makes many other contributions to our community.

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Perth’s heritage downtown core received Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation status as the Province of Ontario’s 108th HCD effective Jan. 3.

The Downtown Perth Heritage Conservation District was formally announced by Mayor John Fenik during the Perth town council meeting held on March 19.

The new HCD designation, established under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, comes into effect after a multi-year effort by members of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Panel, Heritage Management Advisory

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PERTH BUSINESS NEWS

Perth and District Chamber hosts AGM

Organization set to host 37th annual Festival of the Maples Festival of the Maples It’s maple time!

The Chamber is gearing up for its 37th edition of the Festival of the Maples! Set for April 27, 2013, it attracts thousands of people to Perth each spring.

The Festival of the Maples is known as the grand finale to the month-long maple celebration in the area. Get ready for maple products, taffy sales, displays of maple syrup production, maple awards, entertainment, petting zoo and more! This year, the festival has gotten bigger.

We have opened up Market Square and added an automobile showcase, as well as extra vendor spots.

We’re also delighted to offer the Children’s Palace again, which provides visitors with children an opportunity to participate in crafts, games and entertainment geared to kids. There are still festival sponsorship opportunities available – and many businesses have already stepped forward to pledge their support of the popular event.

For more information, call 613-267-3200, visit www. perthchamber.com or email welcome@perthchamber.com – bring the whole family and make

directors was solidified and we welcomed several new members to the table! Meet the 2013 Perth and District Chamber of Commerce Board: Jill Campbell, president; Sherri Lillico, president elect; Don Loken, treasurer; directors Julia Dashkevich, Jim Graff, Kevin Hoover and Dorothy Linden.

New directors include Matthew Barnabe, Louis Gaudreau and Pat Wiseman.

memories with us!

AGM sees new faces on board The Perth and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting on Tuesday, March 26. Members gathered for lunch at the Stone Cellar restaurant on Gore Street to connect and communicate about what the Chamber has accomplished this year – as well as what we’re working on moving forward.

At the meeting, our board of

helping hand, but not sure where to begin? Start with the Volunteer Opportunities Fair!

Being held on April 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Perth Civitan Hall on Highway 43, participants can meet with representatives of numerous area non-profit organizations. It is being hosted by the Perth and District Community Foundation, the Town of Perth and the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce. Discover how you Website proving its merit can become involved in your Our Chamber website has community! experienced phenomenal growth this year, in terms of the number Read all about it: of people accessing the site for 2013 Visitor Guides are in information about local businesses The Chamber’s 2013 Visitor and events. Our members benefit Guides are now in the office and directly from this as our site’s being distributed across the region popularity boosts their brand – and across the province. Featuring recognition in the community – our local businesses, highlighting and across the globe! the area’s amazing recreational Our highest numbers per month opportunities and intriguing history, stem from April 2012, during which the guide is available at our office the site experienced more than at 34 Herriott St. in Perth. It is also 10,000 hits. That was followed by available for download from our November 2012, which saw more website www.perthchamber.com, than 7,000 hits. These high numbers to peruse at your leisure. Don’t are a testament to the important forget to find us on Facebook at or service the site provides for the facebook.com/perthchamber follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/ community and our members. perthchamber to stay connected!

Submitted by the Perth and Volunteer Opportunities Fair Ever thought about lending a District Chamber of Commerce

Perth residents bring ecological events to area Plan your garden, your business or your home to make the best use of your time and resources, while being more productive.

Perth residents Bonita Ford and Sébastien Bacharach have helped bring permaculture to eastern Ontario and celebrate several widely successful events. This year, they are focussing closer to home, bringing a series of permaculture courses and events to Perth in the next few months.

At its simplest, permaculture teaches us to make decisions and design things following principles that come from nature. It can help us be more effective in our gardens, farms, businesses, organizations, and homes.

Ford and Bacharach had both studied permaculture in California. When they moved to Perth four-and-ahalf years ago, they founded the Permaculture Institute of Eastern Ontario and have been teaching several courses each year.

Their courses have been popular and well-attended;

participants have included gardeners, farmers, teachers, small business owners, engineers, health care practitioners and more.

Ford and Bacharach are planning several permaculture-related offerings in Perth in the coming months. On May 4, Ford will hold a workshop called, Loving Earth and Building Soil, which teaches about soil-building, lasagna gardening, hugelkultur, as well as grounding, awareness, and nature meditation.

On May 25 and 26, Ford and Bacharach’s most popular course, called, Ecological Design and Gardening: Introduction to Permaculture, will be held in Perth for the first time. The course includes: permaculture ethics and principles; patterns in nature; zone and sector design tools; a mini design exercise in small groups; the role of trees and forests; the basics of edible forest gardens, plant guilds, polycultures, sheetmulch; and more.

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APRIL 2013

NORTH GRENVILLE/MERRICKVILLE BUSINESS NEWS

Thornton to lead Chamber for third term

APRIL 2013

-Business Today photo by SABINE GIBBINS

New board sworn in

It was a new beginning for the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce on Monday, March 25, as the municipality saw the swearing-in of the organization’s 2013-2014 directors. From left to right, councillor Barb Tobin, executive director Wendy Chapman, mayor David Gordon, board chair Mark Thornton, director Claude Roy, along with directors Melissa White, Katharine Usher-Vollett, John Wilson, Gerald Tallman, and Harry Pratt. tainable practices leading North Grenville to a greener community through his position as president of the board of the FFC. He is also entering his sixth term as the FFC representative on the Chamber board and is also a member of the North Grenville Special Projects Committee and other organizations that include the Kemptville Rotary, Kemptville Easter Seals Council and on the BOD of Eastern Ont., Model Forest Communications Group. Wilson’s interest in the FFC has resulted in helping to develop a new strategic plan with strong business, recreational, educational and conservation components.

He is also very involved in the new bio-production initiatives of North Grenville and is actively involved in looking at ways to help green our community and he believes that “greening” is the way of the future and that our community can become a real leader in this area.

Wilson sees his role as part of the Chamber team; promoting and supporting a healthy business community that results in a healthy municipality.

Harry Pratt, of Royal LePage Gale Real Estate, will be serving as a chamber board director. He has a real connection to North Grenville; having been born at the Oxford Private Hospital on Clothier Street West before the Kemptville District Hospital was built.

He grew up and lived in and around this area since the ’60s as well as enjoying summer cottage adventures on the Rideau. Harry’s wife Sheila came to Kemptville in the ’70s; hailing from the Orono area near Toronto. Both are well known members and residents of the North Grenville community and have volunteered in, and for the Chamber and have been long-time supporters of the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce.

Pratt was a home-builder in the late ’60s and early ’70s and became licensed in the real estate profession in 1974. He is a strong supporter of the community, demonstrating with his involvement in many community organizations over the years and instrumental in the success of many local initiatives. He sees a lot of

potential in his focus as a director on the Chamber board.

He would like to see Chamber of Commerce, Municipality of North Grenville and other groups working together for the betterment of the whole community of North Grenville.

New board member Gerald Tallman, of the Tallman Truck Centre, is the founder of Tallman Truck Centre, which has been operating in Kemptville since 1973. Gerald and his wife, Louise, have resided in Kemptville since 1965.

He has been active on numerous fundraising committees over the years.

He served on the Kemptville District Hospital Board for 14 years, and was the Chairman of the “Lean On Me”

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BUSINESS TODAY

an event coordinator for a Chamber in another area.

Melissa will enjoy being a board member as she has a strong belief in community value and advancement through advocacy for local business.

Melissa believes that a community’s strength lies in its people and those that employ those people.

Wendy Chapman is the executive director & CEO/corporate secretary of the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce.

She has served as chief staff for the Chamber since 2001. Wendy has lived in North Grenville for 32 years and has a background in municipal government; having been the deputy clerk treasurer of the ‘Town’ of Kemptville before amalgamation.

She has worked in the private and public sectors including the CBC, the Rideau Centre administration, the insurance industry and retail markets as well as having owned her own business in reupholstery and interior decorating.

Chapman has been instrumental in developing important partnerships that have directly increased the profile of the Chamber over the past 13 years; making it known as one of the most ‘active’ Chambers in Eastern Ontario. She sits on local and regional boards including the Ferguson Forest Centre, the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association and is also a member of the Economic Development Committee of the Municipality of North Grenville.

In the past two years, she has played an important part as the representative of the Chamber on the BR&E Alliance Partnership which designs events to further business growth.

As a former business owner, she brings a well-rounded wealth of knowledge and experience to the position with a strong sense of community and the desire to serve by helping to grow business in a growing community.

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Campaign which successfully raised $5 million to build the new emergency wing, and three operating rooms for the Kemptville District Hospital. Tallman also helped to fund raise for the North Grenville Library Board in the “Room to Read” Campaign.

Tallman Truck Centre holds an annual golf tournament with the proceeds going to different local charities within the community. His goal in becoming a director is to help increase the number of businesses involved with the Chamber of Commerce.

Katharine Usher-Vollett of eQuinelle Golf Club is another new director.

She is the general manager of eQuinelle Golf Club, the national capitals newest championship 18 hole golf course.

Having worked within the sports and recreation industry for over 20 years with TMSI Sports Management she brings a valued dynamic to the Chamber. She is currently involved with the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa and the National Golf Course Owners Association – Eastern Ontario Chapter.

Usher-Vollett is a firm believer that the Chamber of Commerce is essential to new growth and success of business in communities.

Volunteering and supporting community partners is a key importance in her career and the Chamber is a perfect fit.

The next new board director is Melissa White of the RBC Royal Bank. She is a senior account manager, business and personal for RBC Royal Bank.

The focus of her position is to develop and maintain strong banking relationships with small to medium size business and agriculture clients throughout North and South Grenville.

White has 13 years financial services experience and resides in the neighbouring village of Richmond with her husband and four young children.

She has been a member of the parent council board, volunteer coordinator for Skate Canada, hockey associations and

BUSINESS TODAY R0021436131

EMC News - The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce brought its new 2013-14 board of directors to the North Grenville Council chambers to be sworn in on Monday, March 25.

Mayor David Gordon presided over the swearing-in as the new members were welcomed.

Returning as the board chair is Mark Thornton, of Bell Alliant Regional Communications, L.P. for a third term.

He is a business solutions manager at Bell, accountable for customer relationships and business community presence throughout the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, Lanark County and Lanark Highlands and has been instrumental in furthering the Bell high-Speed footprint throughout the region.

Thornton has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and along with his wife Rhonda and youngest son Justin, made his home in Kemptville in 2008.

He enjoys giving back to the communities in which he serves by volunteering his free time.

Some of the many youth-focused events that Thornton has volunteered for include Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone, JA Canada’s Economics of Staying in School, Back Pack for Kids and Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake.

The board chair will be leading the board team in moving the Chamber’s Object, Mission and Mandate forward and supporting the executive director in the implementation of board decisions.

North Grenville continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Eastern Ontario and Thornton supports the “Voice of Business” in its efforts to help foster a competitive business environment that benefits Chamber members, all business and the residents of this community.

Claude Roy of M5Digital Products Ltd. will be starting his second term as a director. His company has been operating in the community since 2001. Roy has 40 years in the office equipment industry, specializing in document management, their goal is to reduce their customers’ printing cost and increase productivity.

As M5Digital is a multi-line equipment dealer, it is able to offer customers the best suited equipment for their needs along with a variety of scanning-document retrieval solutions both important for cost reduction and increase productivity.

All this is supported with an unmatched guaranteed service quality.

Claude and Paulette have been enjoying living in Kemptville since 1998.

They both are both involved with the community by supporting the local Youth Centre, baseball, soccer, hospital, hospice, service cubs like Rotary and most other charity events in the community. He believes the chamber is an important organization for business and community and he wants to help the chamber with growth and get more members involved with events.

Incoming director John P. Wilson, board president Ferguson Forest Centre and is in his 6th term. He has been a North Grenville resident since 1996 and enjoyed a 33 year professional career with MNR as a Registered Professional Forester. During his career, Wilson had excellent working relations/experience with contractors, loggers, municipalities, counties, conservation authorities, as well at the provincial and federal levels of government. He has continued his interest in forestry education and sus-

DISTRIBUTION Lori Sommerdyk PRINTING Performance Printing FEATURE WRITERS Desmond Devoy Doreen Barnes Lorraine Payette Conan de Vries Stacey Roy Ashley Kulp Tara Gesner Tiffany Lepack Sabine Gibbins SALES REPRESENTATIVES Cheryl Johnston Kathy Perreault Sharon Sinfield Vickie Carr Dave Fox Anne Sawyer Bruce Thomson Kevin Hoover Liz Gray Jamie Rae-Gomes

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BROCKVILLE BUSINESS NEWS

By MARLA DOWDALL The first day of spring also signified the election of a new president for the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce. David Keenleyside pledged the legacy of the new Chamber board moving forward, would be regional economic development.

Working for the greater good of the community and continuing to be a strong voice for businesses, was something Keenleyside assured all involved with the Chamber have been and will be busy with.

The Chamber’s annual general meeting was held March 21 at the Brockville Country Club and featured several presentations, including a financial report provided by treasurer Gary Brett, of Brett’s Valu-Mart, who noted the Chamber was “in very good standing.” Heather Halladay, having served as president for two and a half years, will be moving to the position of past president.

Anne MacDonald, executive director, emphasized the Chamber has and will continue to advocate on a local and provincial level (when it fits into the “local model”), and to be a “friendly watchdog” for the city of Brockville.

The Chamber has and will continue to undertake pertinent research and this year will be conducting an in depth membership analysis to ensure members’ needs are being met. She noted much activity will be taking place throughout the sum-

mer months, including the much anticipated Tall Ships Festival, from June 14 to 16, as well as many other yearly events. The Chamber this year has handed off the fourth annual 1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival to the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence Rideau. The festival is set for June 14 and 15.

“It is going to be another great successful year,” MacDonald commented. She also noted the Chamber has been working with the Railway Tunnel Committee and will continue to work with them to seek out funding.

Moving forward into the meeting, three outgoing directors were honoured for their time serving with the organization.

Jane VanderBaaren and Jay Webb (who was unable to attend), as well as Sherri Fournier-Hudson and Bob Pearce.

“It was a great experience.

I can’t say enough,” Fournier-Hudson, who has been on the board since 2007, noted.

“I encourage other people to take part.”

“The Chamber has an extremely active board who give countless hours of their time,” MacDonald stressed.

Directors elected that morning include: Hugh Hammond, Keenleyside (president), Pat Markovich (from Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty), Barry Moss (401 Electric), Virginia Stenner (Manpower), Rick Walker (1000 Islands Toyota), Perry Wenham (Tait’s Bakery).

Mazurek brothers receive Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award

By MARLA DOWDALL John and Stephen Mazurek, former owners of the popular Tait’s Bakery, were presented with a Lifetime Business Achievement Award, March 21. The two were bestowed this honour during the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting at the Brockville Country Club.

Presenting the award that morning was Brockville lawyer, Michael O’Shaughnessy, who noted, “your goods were the best, but your word was good on a solid handshake.”

Many people make Tait’s a regular stop. O’Shaughnessy recalled someone he knows from Gananoque comes into the bakery every week for a loaf of French bread. He told of another woman who goes into the bakery daily during lunch to enjoy the company of others. Testimonials from those who nominated the two for the award, conveyed a sense of home that is felt there.

The two men (John and Stephen) were dedicated to early mornings and late days, Dave Shaw, downtown business owner, commented in a statement read by O’Shaughnessy.

The keys to the success the Mazureks have had with the bakery, O’Shaughnessy explained, are making their customers feel like friends, making them feel at home, their good word, making the best of any situation, and just plain working hard.

Stephen thanked the Chamber for the honour, saying he was doing just that, working. He never

-Business Today photo by MARLA DOWDALL

With pictures of Tait’s Bakery over the years shown on the screen behind them, Stephen Mazurek (right) addresses the crowd as his brother John looks on. The Mazureks, former owners of the popular bakery, were presented with a Lifetime Business Achievement Award, March 21. The two were bestowed this honour during the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting at the Brockville Country Club. expected to be honoured in any way.

John explained one of the first pieces of advice his father Bruce gave him was to always keep the sidewalk clean in front of the bakery. He also told them to take time to talk to the people who come in, to get involved in their lives.

John misses serving people and misses the interaction he once had. But he considers his time at Tait’s and being able to get to know his community in such an

MPP Clark signs pledge to oppose new trades tax Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark March 22, joined the fight to put an end to the McGuintyWynne government’s trades tax that will drive up costs for tradespeople, employers and residents.

“I’ve heard from tradespeople across Leeds-Grenville who are speaking out against the unnecessary College of Trades,” said Clark. “But what I want to stress today is that this trades tax will make almost everything more expensive, from practicing a trade to getting your hair cut or car serviced. And there’s no good reason for it.”

Today’s signing is part of a province-wide campaign encouraging MPPs to stand up for tradespeople and local residents, by signing a pledge to Stop The Trades Tax. “On behalf of tradespeople and businesses across Ontario, I want to thank MPP Clark for his support,” said Sean Reid, Chair of the Stop The Trades Tax Campaign. “The trades tax will drive good people out of the trades by sticking tradespeople

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and employers with millions of dollars in new costs.”

MPP Clark signed the pledge that morning at Maggio Flooring & Decorating Centre where owner Joe Maggio was one of the

“I’m taking this pledge today for all of the hardworking tradespeople and residents of my riding to oppose any and all efforts by the Liberal government to impose a trades tax.”

STEVE CLARK, MPP

first local tradespeople to contact his office to speak out against the trades tax.

“I want to thank Joe Maggio and all of the tradespeople from Leeds-Grenville who have taken a strong stand against the College of Trades and the trades tax,” said Clark. “I’m taking this pledge today for all of the hardworking tradespeople and residents of my riding to oppose any and all efforts by the Liberal government

to impose a trades tax.”

The Liberal government is planning to force Ontario tradespeople to pay membership fees, or a trades tax, to fund the Ontario College of Trades this spring. It is expected that employers will start paying the tax in 2014.

The Stop The Trades Tax campaign was launched in 2011 and has grown to 31 organizations whose members represent more than 8,000 small, medium and large Ontario businesses and 130,000 skilled tradespeople across the province. The campaign is supported by tradespeople and business owners who fix our cars and roads, cut our hair, and build and renovate our homes and hospitals.

To learn more about the campaign visit: www. stopthetradestax.ca

intimate way, “a privilege.”

Tait’s Bakery has been in downtown Brockville since 1908.

In fact the business was one of the original incorporators of the Brockville Board of Trade which then became the Chamber.

According to information on the Tait’s Bakery website, John Tait set the bakery up back in 1908 and sold the business to Bruce Mazurek in 1957. Upon retirement 22 years later, Bruce handed the business over to his sons John and Stephen. Tait’s expanded to other

locations over the years. However the Mazureks have sold those locations and in 2012 sold the downtown Brockville location to the Wenham family.

Perry and wife Steacy moved from Estevan, Saskatchewan, to take over the business. Perry was elected to the Chamber’s board of directors during the annual general meeting. This was just the second time the award has been given out. Dave Jones accepted the honour last year.

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Chamber looks back, forward during AGM

Clark is now circulating a petition that people can sign to express their opposition.

The petition can be downloaded at the MPP’s website: www. steveclarkmpp.com.

BUSINESS TODAY

APRIL 2013

BROCKVILLE BUSINESS NEWS

Committee works to attract new people to Brockville

By DOREEN BARNES A new publication aims to attract new residents to Brockville and the 1000 Islands.

It’s been produced by the People Attraction Committee, one of four sub-committees of the city’s Economic Development Advisory Team (EDAT), created by city council three years ago.

At a meeting held at the Brockville Arts Centre lobby on Monday, March 25, David Keenleyside said he and Brenda Clarke, as co-chairs of the People Attraction Committee, are working on a strategy to make Brockville as appealing as they can to entice people to relocate here.

“This gives you the bit of background and now it is time for us to unveil something that we are very proud of,” said Keenleyside. “One of our first action items has been to create a new lure brochure, ‘Brockville, your home in the 1000 Islands’.

We intended for it to be different than ones we have done in the past. It is an invitation to live here, an attraction piece.”

Keenleyside feels that the content of this picturesque brochure will give individuals important information on the city, landmarks, using key words like, play, learn, live, belong and thrive, plus testimonials from

those who have made Brockville their home.

“We believe there is much to offer by way of quality of life, access to high level health and education services, healthy living and outdoor recreation, arts and culture and a strong sense of community,” he said.

“The key is to develop a strategy which focuses on our strengths.

We hope to education and engage community ambassadors in a campaign to draw more new people to our wonderful community. We also see a role for advocating for policies, funding, and amenities that attract people here.”

Committee goal The goal of this subcommittee (the other three are Manufacturing, University Working Group and Waterfront Improvement Committee) is to position Brockville and the 1000 Islands as the best place in which to live, work, play and visit.

“Who we are trying to attract or talk to are active healthy people,” said Keenleyside. “We came up with two very key interests. One is that people around the age of 55 or less, they go to a place for a job and second is the lifestyle.”

To make Brockville a draw, the People Attraction Committee’s marketing plan indicates a

-Business Today photo by DOREEN BARNES

On Monday, March 25, at the Brockville Arts Centre lobby, David Keenleyside, co-chair with Brenda Clarke, announces the unveiling of a lure brochure entitled ‘Brockville, your home in the 1000 Islands’. partnership with the Brockville Tourism Department to promote Brockville at trade, tourism and consumer shows, using key events like Tall Ships, 1000 Islands Wine

City of Brockville adds solar roof to Memorial Centre Arena

APRIL 2013

of communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.”

The City of Brockville installed solar panels on the roof of the Memorial Centre and completed a number of energyefficient retrofits to reduce the centre’s operating costs and carbon footprint. Built around an array of 1,066 rooftop solar panels, this is one of Canada’s largest municipal solar energy projects.

Upgrades to lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and the installation of a reverseosmosis water treatment system for the ice-making equipment that allows water to freeze at a higher temperature, will reduce the facility’s energy bill and improve the ice quality.

The City of Brockville expects the solar panels to save about $200,000 and provide carbon offsets of about 233 metric tons each year of the technology’s 20-year life.

“This is a great example of partnering of programs and participants towards a better common future — the Ontario Power Authority’s FIT program has provided the City of Brockville with incentives to invest in solar technology,” said Brockville Mayor David Henderson. “Today green electricity is flowing from two municipal sites into the Ontario Power Grid — and these projects were further enabled by funding the federal government

provided through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Together, Brockville and Ontario and beyond are a little cleaner, a little greener, day by day by day.”

The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal Fund. This Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private-sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection.

The federal Gas Tax Fund, which is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, provides long-term funding to help every municipality across the country build and revitalize public infrastructure. The Government of Canada has invested over $10 billion to date in municipal infrastructure through this Fund alone, which is now a permanent transfer of $2 billion per year.

Between 2010 and 2014, the City of Brockville will receive more than $5.3 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund to improve its local infrastructure.

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It fosters the development of sustainable communities to improve quality of life by promoting strong, effective, and accountable municipal government.

Submitted by the City of Brockville.

community presentations to service groups, social networking, putting this information on a website and leveraging existing relationships and opportunities.

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Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, on behalf of Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Dorothy Hector, councillor for the City of Kingston and member of the Federation of Canadian Municipality’s National Board of Directors, Friday celebrated a new solar roof and other energyefficiency improvements for the Memorial Centre arena. The City of Brockville benefitted from a $1.42-million Green Municipal Fund (GMF) loan and grant and $146,000 from the federal Gas Tax Fund for these retrofits.

“Our Government is assisting municipalities across the country in achieving their goal of a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians through the Green Municipal Fund and federal Gas Tax Fund,” said MP Brown.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how our government — in partnership with the FCM — is helping communities like Brockville create jobs, save money, and build a greener future for their citizens.”

“The Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments,” said Councillor Hector. “The financing and knowledge provided by the Fund supports the development

and Food Festival, BCI Reunion, Multicultural Festival, and Home and Recreation Show.

Also the People Attraction Committee will focus on

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