WA Business Leader Magazine Fall 2016

wa business LEADER

Wellington County

fall 2016 edition

sweet success Renew North Wellington fills vacant storefronts with businesses Tina Grant of Tina’s sugar shoppe A renew success story

four fathers Craft Brewery

chamber roundup Insight on the local market

shopping local What does local mean?

nexans Marking 50 Years

Letters from the country Promoting Wellington

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2 | business leader wellington county

business LEADER

publisher Dave Adsett

editor Chris Daponte

CONTRIBUTORs Jaime Myslik Olivia Rutt mike robinson pat raftis

sales Drew Mochrie sherry clarkE faye craig glenn george kelly farris

design Helen Michel Alicia Roza natalie mckay angie koersen

digital media editor Kelly waterhouse

Policy Business Leader is delivered free of charge to business addresses throughout Wellington County.

Mission Statement The Business Leader is a magazine published by the Wellington Advertiser to promote local commerce, private enterprise and celebrate investment and success in the communities we serve.

Contact us Business Leader Magazine 905 Gartshore Street, Box 252 Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W8

content Welcome to business leader magazine

4

launch it minto leadership development simulcast event COMING UP

5

RENEW North Wellington fills vacant storefronts with new businessES

6

chamber roundup Q & A with local chamber representatives

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eat local, shop local ... but WHAT DOES ‘LOCAL’ EVEN MEAN? letters from the country Wellington county promotes ‘authentic experiences’ to gta

11

Nexans celebrating 50 years

14 15 16 17

four fathers craft brewery wellington county dads open craft brewery

21

real estate market watch spring market stats from the guelph realtors association

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on the move area businesses are moving and expanding to serve clients better

24 27

the water cooler worth talking about cheques and balances cheque presentations and donations

worth noting awards and milestones centre wellington community improvement plan township approves additional grants the social corner targeting customers using facebook

29 30

business leader wellington county | 3

Welcome to the Business Leader magazine

phenomena. It’s a concept community newspapers, Chambers This is the premiere edition of a new magazine to serve the of Commerce and Business Improvement Areas have pushed interests of the business community across Wellington County. for decades. It’s now seeped into the lexicon of government and We think of small business and growing enterprises as non-profit groups as an economic driver that will mean success unsung heroes. for all locally – unless it comes to local government.

Businesses employ people.

We have published stories in the Wellington Advertiser They make products and provide needed services. for years about tenders and failings with that system. Local They take risks. Often families can sink or swim on the electricians, local car dealers, local printers and so on, have success of their business. all felt the sting of missing a business opportunity over a few They step up to the plate when the community needs a hand hundred dollars. All the bureaucrat can say is best price wins – often providing cash or services in lieu to help community and we have to look out for taxpayers. clubs and projects.

Politicians fall in line with these same They provide summer jobs and after tired cliches. Well, we have a different school jobs, helping young people get outlook on that. their start in the working world.

The fact of the matter is these heavy Businesses pay taxes – boy do they handed bureaucrats find it much easier ever pay taxes.

The fact of the to go with the best price, than put the In general terms commercial matter is these effort into figuring out best value. operations pay double the municipal tax Let’s use a truck purchase as of a residence and industrial properties heavy handed an example. Tenders go out and a pay almost four times what a similarly bureaucrats find it dealership out of town gets awarded the assessed home would pay. bid. Same truck, same manufacturer, much easier to go Federally and provincially businesses but it was $150 cheaper – a win-win pay large again. On top of the 13% HST, with the best price, right? Nope. they pay a portion of Canada Pension, than put the effort The vehicle is at least a two Old Age benefits and WSIB. Larger hour round trip away, meaning two operations pay health tax. into figuring out employees, plus fuel, will be needed to Thanks to ever increasing red tape best value... get that out of town truck. The local and regulations from one branch of dealer, who pays higher property taxes government or the other, businesses than the winning bidder by the way, keep professionals like engineers, also chooses every year to contribute planners, lawyers and accountants busy. heavily to community events ranging And they do all these things, hoping from sport teams to service clubs. Was at year end to have paid all the bills and the $150 gouging or simply part of that turn a profit. business’ operating costs to ensure they can afford to do the The economic landscape however has shifted in recent good things they do? years. Tremendous increases in the cost of doing business have It’s a conundrum we hope the Business Leader can address. made it tougher for businesses already operating on skinnier This is your local forum to speak out and be heard by the margins. business community on issues that affect your livelihood.

More and more, non-profit entities have been established.

Government has become more intrusive on what used to be the domain of private enterprise. Government, particularly local government, used to know its role explicitly – today confusion abounds due to grants and programs that subvert basic math that businesses have to adhere to or be out of business.

Shop local – sometimes or all the time?

One of our stories in this edition speaks to the shop local Dave Adsett, publisher

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4 | business leader wellington county

Launchit Minto to host leadership simulcast Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. She is the author of three bestselling books: Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work,

“

This event is something that everyone can learn from and enjoy; John Maxwell is uplifting, exciting and motivational in his teaching. It is our hope that this event is a huge success within our community paving the way for future events and growth within Minto.

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HARRISTON - Launchit Minto is bringing a leadership development simulcast event, being broadcast in over 30 countries, to Minto on Oct. 7.

The goal of Live2Lead is “to equip attendees with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways,” states a press release from LaunchIt, a business incubator program operated by the Town of Minto.

The release states participants will “learn valuable information from four world-class leadership experts, be prepared to implement a new action plan and feel a sense of renewed passion and commitment.”

The event will be screened at the Norgan Theatre in Palmeston. Registration starts at 8am and runs to 12:30pm.

Speakers featured on the simulcast will include: - John C. Maxwell, a bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 26 million books and was identified as the world’s most influential leadership expert

by Business Insider and Inc. magazines in 2014. He received the Mother Teresa Prize for Global Peace and Leadership from the Luminary Leadership Network in 2014; - Simon Sinek, a trained ethnographer and author of two books: the bestselling Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action and Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t; - Liz Wiseman, president of The

Glen Hall, launchit chair

Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools; and - Dan Cathy chair, president and CEO for Chick-fil-A, one of North America’s largest family-owned businesses with 70,000-plus employees.

“This event is something that everyone can learn from and enjoy; John Maxwell is uplifting, exciting and motivational in his teaching,” Launchit chair Glen Hall stated.

“It is our hope that this event is a huge success within our community paving the way for future events and growth within Minto.”

Somer Gerber, business development coordinator at Launchit Minto, said, “We have received amazing feedback from the community, lots of people have expressed interest in attending this event. We have also had several local businesses and organizations generously sponsor Live2Lead; without our sponsors we would not be able to host such a huge event.”

Sponsors include: the Minto Cultural Roundtable, Minto Chamber of Commerce, Country 93, OSiM Interactive, Innovative Print, Bosman Home Front, Harry Stone’s, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and the Norgan Theatre Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or purchasing tickets is encouraged to contact Gerber at 519-510-7400 or info@ launchitminto.com.

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business leader wellington county | 5 2016-09-01 4:16 PM

Renew North Wellington fills vacant storefronts with businesses

BY olivia rutt

tions less than 1,000 square feet, the monthly fee increases by $50 a month and locations greater than 1,000 square feet, it increased by $75 a month.

“The whole idea with the program is to

“

The whole idea with the program is to help entrepreneurs start out, but we don’t see it as a program that they continue on forever ...

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WELLINGTON COUNTY – Over a year into the program, Renew Northern Wellington has helped put five new businesses into vacant downtown storefronts in the three northern municipalities.

Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North have collaborated to create this revitalization program to fill empty stores and help people succeed in their business endeavour.

“We were just taking a look at the vacancy in the downtowns and how we can generate some interest,” said April Marshall, Renew’s Wellington North project coordinator.

Marshall explained the Renew program started in Australia, but New Tecumseh was the first area to use it in Ontario. Wellington North was able to get an Ontario Trillium grant for over $66,000 to bring the program to Wellington County, starting the non-profit corporation Renew Northern Wellington Arts and Business Association.

The program matches retail space with new businesses that need a hand getting started by offering short and medium term uses.

“It is not set up to manage long-term uses, own properties, or permanently develop sites but to generate activity in them until a future long-term activity occurs,” states the website.

“Ultimately it would be great if they did find that long term lease in that building that they got through Renew, but … we find success in them just staying (in the community),” Marshall explained.

Participants get a downtown location without paying rent on a 30-day rolling contract.

However, there is a participation fee, which has been updated as of June 28. Membership fees are $100 for the first month and increase based on the size of the property. For loca-

dale small, project coordinator renew wellington north

help entrepreneurs start out, but we don’t see it as a program that they continue on forever, and so by the fees going up, the intent is … within six to nine months, they’re pretty much up to the point of paying commercial rental rates, and that’s the time that they need to decide,” said Dale Small, Renew’s Wellington North project coordinator.

Small explained the fees are used for “marketing, promotion, getting new building owners on side, all of that sort of stuff.”

This relief from rent allows entrepreneurs to start their business without start-up costs

6 | business leader wellington county

relating to rent.

“It just gives you the time to go through those hurdles … and figure out what’s working and what isn’t,” said Marshall.

Business owners also have to pay the utilities and require insurance.

Interested start-ups need to fill out an application and provide a resume and a portfolio to be considered for the program. They are then assessed, invited to view the space and eventually will have an in-person interview with the proposal committee.

Property owners can make their property available to the program for a fixed term, such as until a future development, or on a rolling basis until a commercial tenant is found.

“They’re essentially donating the space that would be sitting empty anyways,” said Marshall.

“They get the cosmetic upgrades that the business is going to do, the business is open for viewing all day so it essentially stages it for other prospects and it has someone in the building so it generates activity.”

Since the launch in May 2015, five businesses have used the program.

“I think with everything, it takes time to build it and, we’re committed to doing that.

We’re very pleased with the recent success we’ve had, and we’re still encouraging our building owners to have some interest and participate with us,” said Marshall.

Dinkelmann Grappling Arts The first business opened under the program was Dinkelmann Grappling Arts in Palmerston on Jan. 14. Started by Nathan Dinkelmann, the club specializes in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling as well as Jiu-

The Gift Artivity Center Rene Ariens opened the Gift Artivity Center in Mount Forest on Jan. 16. The centre is a gallery and offers space to local artists.

It hosts workshops and provides a venue for other arts such as poetry and music, all without charging fees.

Ariens also offers services for artwork such as framing, digital proofs, prints, restoration, mat cutting and other displays.

Right At Home Canada Right at Home Canada provides in-home care for seniors and adults with disabilities.

They provide medical and non-medical assistance for those who need assistance in maintaining their independence.

Right at Home Canada is a national company offering supportive care and is run locally by president and owner Laura GreenwayBalnar, who also runs a Guelph location. The business opened July 21 in Mount Forest.

“

I’m doing what I love and I had this amazing opportunity.

“

Jitsu programs for any age.

Dinkelmann is considered the first graduate of the program, and he is now moving into the larger space of the former Palmer Tavern down the street from his current location.

“The plan was to try and stay on the program for at least a year and when it got to the point where my clientele was full, and I had demand for a bigger (space) … I just had to make the move,” he said.

Dinkelmann said he started looking for resources to start up his business when he found the Renew program. He added that he has found all of the resources very helpful.

“It’s what I wanted to do my whole life so the fact that I actually get to expand and have a lot of people backing me behind it, it lets me know I’m doing the right thing,” he said.

Tina Grant Tina’s Sugar Shoppe

Tina’s Sugar Shoppe Tina’s Sugar Shoppe opened on July 21 in Mount Forest. It features an array of gourmet baked goods and custom specialty cakes and cookies. Most of the cookies are decorated with little faces and colourful icing.

Tina Grant started her business at home but moved into the storefront through the Renew program.

“I didn’t do it full-time from my home either, I had a full-time job, so I was just doing this as a little part-time thing to make extra money and now all of a sudden it’s a full-time

thing,” she said.

Marshall had approached Grant to let her know about the open space in the Mount Forest plaza, and Grant said she jumped on the opportunity.

Since opening the store, it has been nonstop for Grant, but she added, “I’m doing what I love and I had this amazing opportunity.”

T&J Studios Photography The fifth business to open under the Renew Program is T&J Studios Photography located in Palmerston.

The Studio, which opened on Aug. 4, is an established photography business that specializes in weddings, family and children portraits. Amanda Belec-Newton, the owner, also offers graphic design services and rentals for weddings and events.

For more information on the Renew Northern Wellington program visit www. renewnorthernwellington.ca.

BL BELOW: Right at Home Canada provides in-home medical and non-medical care for seniors and adults with disabilities.

From left: Connie Good, Laura GreenwayBalnar, Lynda Prior, Diane Morgan, Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce president David Ford, Katie Dawitt, Lennox, Beth Davidson and Perth-Wellington MP John Nater.

Photo by Faye Craig

business leader wellington county | 7

Q CHAMBER ROUND-UP

THE BUSINESS LEADER Spoke to Chamber of Commerce representatives within Wellington County about area events and news in their respective regions.

John Burgess Minto Chamber of Commerce president

What upcoming events does the minto chamber have planned for the fall?

JB: The Minto Chamber of Commerce was excited to be part of the 2016 International Plowing Match. The Chamber had a tent at the match showcasing Eric Cox Sanitation, Miller Insurance, Innovative Print, The Country Squire, Metzger Heating Ltd, Hearth & Leisure and the Lutheran Church of Canada; Sampling some of what Minto has to offer. Also in the Chamber tent, we offered information on Minto business assistance, employment and housing opportunities www.liveandworkminto.com as well as local services and attractions.

What is new at the minto chamber?

JB: We look forward to distributing the 2016-17 Minto Chamber Business Directory which you can find at many local businesses or in your mailbox. This publication is a wonderful guide to the community and offers information on everything from Trail Maps to Medical Services and local business listings. Be sure and pick your copy up.

How was the summer for your merchants and how would you describe the economic outlook for Minto this fall?

JB: It’s an exciting time for businesses in Minto. Downtown construction projects have been completed in Harriston and the main street is back to business as usual. Palmerston and Clifford have seen the opening of several new businesses and restaurants with more opening soon. Minto has very few vacant spaces in our downtown areas and is happy to report that we have had 10 new businesses open since April. Minto also has seen many existing businesses expand, a sure sign that Minto’s economic outlook is an extremely optimistic one. Opportunities such as Renew Northern Wellington and LaunchIt Minto have assisted many of these businesses and it is because of the cooperative relationship between The Town of Minto and The Minto Chamber of Commerce which helps to create a welcoming environment for new business to start, grow and succeed.

Email: info@mintochamber.on.ca.

Website: http://mintochamber.on.ca.

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kira bailey centre wellington Chamber of Commerce president

What upcoming events does the centre wellington chamber have planned for the fall?

KB: Sept. 28 is the start our monthly Networking Breakfasts held on the last Wednesday of the month.

Sept. 28 will have Jacque Guigue-Glaspell of Family Counselling and Support Services as our speaker. Business After Hours on Sept. 21 will be at Horizon Quest office. The Chamber Business Showcase will be held at Grand River Raceway on Oct. 19 – we invite all businesses to set up an exhibitor’s table, be a sponsor or join us for dinner as we talk about succession planning for your business. Nate Martin of Smith Valeriote and Dennis Zinger of Collins Barrow will share their expertise. To RSVP or find out more info about any Chamber event check www.cwchamber.ca or call the office at 519-843-5140.

What is new at the chamber?

KB: The renovation at the Chamber office has been completed and we are pleased to welcome two new tenants. ASC - The Agency of Sutherland and Copplestone – business consultants and Family Counselling and Support Services of Guelph Wellington join Highlander Way Driving School and the Township of Centre Wellington (Cultural Coordinator and Scottish Festival Administrator as well as Information Centre). We have a business card area for members too. Drop in and see the transformation.

How was the summer for your merchants?

KB: My sense is it was a fairly good summer for most merchants.

The weather helped keep visitor numbers up. On festival weekends the traffic increased dramatically – and merchants benefitted.

Thank you to all residents and visitors for shopping local. You’ll see some new messaging called ‘It’s Grand to Shop Local in Centre Wellington!’ We are working with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on a project to help identify the top obstacles to small business. The report is to be released in October during Small Business month. Look for our facebook and twitter posts – Small Business Too Big to Ignore! #TooBig2Ignore how would you describe the economic outlook for centre wellington this fall?

KB: Centre Wellington is in a growth period – so overall that should be good for the local economy. There is a lot of building activity both commercial and residential going on. I think the economic outlook is fairly strong.

Email: chamber@cwchamber.ca.

Website: http://www.cwchamber.ca.

A trish wake mount forest Chamber of Commerce administrator

corey bilton arthur Chamber of Commerce president

What upcoming events does the mount forest chamber have planned for the fall?

What upcoming events does the arthuR & district chamber have planned for the fall?

TW: Our fall kicked off with a great start as we were invited to be a part of the Grand Opening for the new Roberts Farm Equipment and Sales building. Roberts Farm Equipment is growing strong, they are a member of the Chamber of Commerce and were a great supporter of our Fireworks Festival this year.

We are planning to host one or two training sessions for health and safety, as legislature will be changing regarding how each business needs to follow protocol. We believe it’s important to stay ahead of the game and have all our members up to date on the current health and safety information.

Our Annual General Meeting is held every fall and the details for that event are underway. We have also begun the planning stages for our Christmas promotions to encourage residents and non residents to shop local.

Fall is a busy time of year with school back in it seems that business gets back underway and the hustle and bustle of routine start to engage.

CB: For the last three autumn seasons the Arthur Chamber of Commerce has promoted the window decoration contest to follow the theme of the season leading up to Halloween and we will continue the tradition this coming season.

What is new at the mount forest chamber?

TW: The Chamber of Commerce is launching a few different items of interest this fall. We have a new website that will give new opportunity to our members for advertising, promotions and keeping informed. We are also revamping our membership model to benefit our members and follow the mandate of our strategic plan.

How was the summer for your merchants?

TW: Summer seems to do us all well, merchants, local manufacturing, construction etc. With the encouragement of local media and the determination of each of the downtown merchants even having the road construction at either end of Highway 6 didn’t empty the streets; patrons near and far still drove to and through Mount Forest stopping in at the local businesses.

What is new at the arthur & district chamber?

CB: The Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to launch our recently revamped website. Our summer student Maddy has spent a great deal of time over the course of the summer revitalizing our current model and updating it to a very modern feel. We are excited for the launch.

How was the summer for your merchants?

CB: The summer by and large has been a standard sales season with some reporting better sales average and foot traffic in comparison to the previous year. how would you describe the economic outlook for arthur & district this fall?

CB: It’s hard to quantify what the fall will look like as there are a number of factors that contribute to economic growth.

You have to look at it from the perspective that there is going to be growth in some sectors and others will fall short of expectations. The cost of running business is substantially higher due to a weak Canadian dollar, tax increases and the cost of hydro at a record high. Keeping that in mind I see our merchants continuing to thrive and adapt as needed to remain competitive and prosperous.

Email: achamber@wightman.ca.

Website: http://www.arthurchamber.ca.

BL

how would you describe the economic outlook for mount forest this fall?

TW: We are looking forward to a busy fall season with companies back running at full speed, charities and service groups and schools back into their usual hectic pace.

The Main Street storefronts are almost all full; the factories are busy and looking for employees; farmers appear to be having a good year with early harvest of grain, hay and straw; and with new businesses moving in to our area and expansions happening, things are looking great.

community leader?

this is your forum. share and learn.

Email: chamber@mountforest.ca.

Website: http://mountforest.ca.

business leader wellington county | 9

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‘Eat local, shop local’ ... but what is local? by jaime myslik

WELLINGTON COUNTY Other business organizations use more strict geographical “Eat local, shop local,” we’re told. guidelines.

But what does it mean?

“A local business ... from the BIA definition is just a commercial Recently it seems consumers are constantly bombarded with business that operates within the set geographic boundaries of this type of messaging. However, the definition of what it actually our organization,” said Elora BIA (Business Improvement Area) means to be “local,” as it applies to the business world, is murky administrator Fred Gordon. at best.

“So that’s not to say that businesses outside of that district aren’t Is it a geographic area? Does it depend on the owner? Where do local businesses - of course, they are, but they’re not part of the independently-owned franchises fit in? Does the product sold or Elora BIA.” produced come into consideration?

Despite the hodgepodge of definitions and lack of consensus on “Some people might think Elora’s local, whereas some people what it means to be a local business or to shop local, there are some might think Wellington County’s local, commonalities across definitions, including where some people might think Ontario’s a requirement to benefit the surrounding local and I think we shouldn’t get mixed community. up in the jargon. It doesn’t really matter,” “The average homeowner doesn’t realize says Jana Burns, Wellington County’s It’s really nice for customers the burden that commercial properties take director of economic development. on the tax base,” Gordon said. when they can identify or “What matters is that you’re con“So by shopping local they are enabling nected enough ... locally. the owners of these properties to pay their see the people behind the “You’re engaging the local community property taxes, which then send their chilproducts and I think with not with just the products that you prodren to school and make sure they have vide but ... as a business you just inherclean water to drink and a fire department globalization that’s kind of ently increase the community’s vibrancy and a police department and all those sorts lost on a lot of products and you’re strengthening the commuof things ... nity’s cohesiveness just by being here and “By shopping local we encourage a nick morris, MANAGer, being involved and supplying a product healthy downtown and also help (our) comflowers to fragrance or a service that wasn’t there initially.” munity, keeping the parks green, all those Even when the scope is narrowed sorts of things.” further to look at just the food industry, Flowers to Fragrance is a family-run there is no clear overarching guideline. farm and retail business located between According to the Canadian Food Harriston and Mount Forest in the Town Inspection Agency “local” means food produced in the province of Minto. or territory where it’s sold or within 50km of the provincial or terThe farm primarily produces lavender and sells essential oils ritorial border. and products.

However, in Wellington County’s Taste Real program the defiOver the five years the farm has offered commercial sales, it nition of “local” is primarily a source within Wellington County. has occasionally partnered with other businesses in Wellington In order for a restaurant to qualify for the program it must have at to produce unique and interesting products, explained business least three “local” sources from within Wellington County and two manager Nick Morris. from the larger region surrounding Wellington.

Currently, Flowers to Fragrance and Wellington Made, located “What we find is restaurants that are participating in our proin Elora, work collaboratively to produce a lemon and lavengram, they don’t really have a really hard time to fulfill those crider syrup. In the past the lavender farm has also worked with teria and often those two other farms are still fairly local, they’re ...

Cedarwood Honey in Harriston to produce lavender honey.

Waterloo Region or ... Oxford County, Grey County so it depends The lavender is grown on the farm and the products are sold too where you’re located,” said Taste Real coordinator Christina in a retail store on site. Visitors can see exactly where the essential Mann. oils are produced and the owners are generally on hand to answer “If you’re located in Puslinch then you know it might be coming questions. from Milton or from the Flamborough area or when you’re located “It’s really nice for customers when they can identify or see the in Minto than you might have some suppliers from Grey or Bruce people behind the products and I think with globalization that’s County that might be close to you.” kind of lost on a lot of products,” Morris said.

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business leader wellington county | 11

“

What matters is that you’re connected enough ... locally.

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jaNa burns, economic development director, WELLINGTON COUNTY

christina mann

12 | business leader wellington county

fred gordon

jaNa burns

nick morris

“I think for us there’s a great sort of connection between seeing who shows up at their business everyday is providing the product a plant growing and flowering and you know when you’re coming that was made elsewhere, outside of the community, whether it was here to see the distillation and see the actual essential oil and then China or Kitchener,” Burns said. realize that that’s the fragrance that people are finding in the prod“But that person then leaves their place of work at five o’clock ucts here and I think that’s a great thing.” and is able to go next door and spend money and that spin-off Gordon agreed, saying a key factor that makes local continues in the community. businesses appealing is the owner’s unique under“There are things that just happen inevitably based standing of their products and what their customers on location and I think we shouldn’t get so lost in the are looking for. fact that something is made outside of our region “Very often in Elora if you pop into a boutique because a business owner will put their own crestore the person behind the counter is the owner ative spin on that product or that service to make of the business - I’d say certainly more than 50 it fit a locality.” per cent of the time,” said Gordon.

Another focus in the “local” debate is provid“And they of course live locally themselves ing jobs for residents within the area the business and they’re keenly aware of the product mix is located. that’s offered in big chain stores and they generally For Flowers to Fragrance, much of the work is source products that aren’t available in the big name done by the Morris family - and they hire people stores so that there’s something unique.” from the surrounding area.

One of the challenges independently-owned local “We just hired a student from Harriston as well, and businesses face is staying competitive price wise. One way then there’s another student that’s in the shop here,” Morris to combat the need for higher profit margins is to carry themed said. “So generally I’ll hire, over the year usually about four to five products and become the expert. students at different times depending on how the courses go and “For example Grand Gourmet carries specifically kitchenware,” stuff.”

Gordon said. “If you like kitchenware, if you’re a foodie and you However, even hiring many local employees doesn’t necessarily like to cook and things like that you’re make the business “local,” Burns said. going to find a more interesting selecIn the case of big box stores and tion in the Grand Gourmet ... than you international operations, Burns noted are in the food section at one of the even though they employ a large big chain stores.” number of local people, their conThe most important thing that Independent local owners also nection is more with the company’s anyone can do is shop local and stand behind their product and can headquarters than the local area. shopping local does not mean explain to customers why it’s worth “For a lot of the [international] the extra money. retailers ... it is a bit more of a distance going to the neighbourhood While Flowers to Fragrance tries to or disconnect when it comes to local, chain store. Very few chain match the market value, Morris didn’t just because all of their products are hesitate to explain why his prices may stores in Canada are actually shipped in by truck and it’s basically be higher than the competition. just our roads that get used and then Canadian-owned anymore and if “We like to think we have a really the jobs get created,” she said. you keep your money local you good quality product so ... we charge a Gordon stressed, “the most imporfair amount I’d say,” he explained. tant thing that anyone can do is shop will see the results of it in your “When you buy lavender at a drug local and shopping local does not own backyard ... store or whatever ... it could be made mean going to the neighbourhood up of different blends of lavenders chain store. fred gordon, from all over the world, you don’t “Very few chain stores in Canada Elora BIA and merchant really know, but when we do it here are actually Canadian-owned anyyou know the oil that we have here more and if you keep your money comes from the farm and I try to keep local you will see the results of it in each variety separate and so everyyour own backyard and that’s the body knows ... what they’re getting.” most important thing of all.”

Mann explained purchasing locally-produced food is in general However, Burns added some locally-owned franchises are a more expensive for restaurants as well. However, with the skill of completely different story; the owners know what the community the chef and a working relationship with the producer, buying local is looking for and they offer it. can actually be cost effective. “(The) three (Tim Hortons) that are owned by the one gentleShe said restaurants can sometimes arrange to buy a certain man in [Centre Wellington], that’s a local business, that contribamount of produce from a local farmer for a discount because utes to the local economy, it provides an excellent product locally, of the guaranteed income. Or they can arrange to purchase nonpeople depend on it being there,” she said. generic cuts of meat that may take more effort to prepare.

“I don’t think people really even look up and see Tim Hortons “So it depends on the skill level of the chef I would say,” Mann franchises, they’d see consistent, quality coffee. said. “It depends on the relationship they create with each other “So those people that own that business are doing their busiand then it depends on how well the food service establishment can ness here because it makes sense for them and people shop there tell that story and showcase their relationship and showcase how because they’re getting again what they want based on quality, they go the extra mile and why it’s worth it.” convenience and cost.”

Burns emphasized that it’s the authenticity of local businesses While it appears there is no clear answer to the “local” question, that draws customers in, and although the products sold may not in the end, the majority of conversations come back to knowing be made in the county it doesn’t take away from the tie to the local the producer or owner and understanding where the food/product community. comes from, or knowing where to go to find a quality product the “They’re providing jobs for the local community so that person owner stands behind.

BL

“

“

business leader wellington county | 13

Promotion - The new Letters from the Country brochure features Mapleton’s Organic Dairy, left and centre, as one of the stops in Wellington County. The front cover, right, features the Aberfoyle Antique Market. The brochure was sent out with 52,000 newspapers in the GTA. submitted photos

Wellington County promotes ‘authentic experiences’ to GTA

“

BY OLIVIA RUTT

We don’t want to misinterpret what Wellington County is to people. We want them to be able to come, to build that expectation and then they can feel great about it when they come here and they want to come back,

“

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Chances are you haven’t seen the latest promotional item from Wellington County’s economic development department, but 52,000 copies were distributed with a national newspaper in Toronto.

Entitled Letters from the Country, the 16-page brochure features businesses from across the county to entice residents of the Greater Toronto Area to travel to the county for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

The “lure piece” was presented to Mapleton council during a departmental update from Jaclyn Dingwall, economic development officer for the township.

“We have received two new promotional materials from the County of Wellington that they recently published, including their revamped visitor’s map that will be given out and also a newer piece, Letters from the Country, featuring businesses from all over the county, including Mapleton’s Organic Dairy,” Dingwall said.

In addition to the farm and ice cream shop, the brochure also features two-page spreads (photos and information) on Blown Away Glass in Elora, the Elora Brewing

Crystal Ellis, economic development officer

Company, Rockwood Conservation Area, and La Cucina di Natalina of Guelph-Eramosa.

“We just looked for the leaders in

14 | business leader wellington county

Wellington County for this first round and we went out and took photos of those that were willing to participate,” explained Crystal Ellis, economic development officer for the county.

The front of the brochure features the Aberfoyle Antique Market.

“The Letters from the Country kind of formed out of the festivals and events guide, just so that we could promote Wellington County beyond Wellington County,” said Ellis.

“We’re so close to Toronto, but we felt that we needed to give them a nice impression of what Wellington County looks like and all of the things that we featured in the ... booklet, they’re all things that people can pick up the phone and they can do.”

Ellis explained officials wanted to display “authentic” experiences.

“We don’t want to misinterpret what Wellington County is to people. We want them to be able to come, to build that expectation and then they can feel great about it when they come here and they want to come back,” she said.

Around 52,000 copies were distributed in the GTA in July and another 18,000 copies were available at the International Plowing

“

We’re so close to Toronto, but we felt that we needed to give them a nice impression of what Wellington County looks like ...

“

Crystal Ellis,

THE WATER COOLER

economic development officer

Match (IPM) in September.

The Wellington County visitor’s map was also updated this summer.

“If you’ve seen it before it had a picture of the Wellington County Museum and Archives on the front and it’s run for a number of years, with that same style and imagery,” said Ellis.

“We were given the opportunity this year to work with them to make it more of a visitor guide rather than a resident map.”

The reverse side of the map boast places to stay and discover.

“We just gave it a bit more style compared to the previous one,” said Ellis.

The map will be available at each of the municipalities, as well it was distributed at the IPM. “When people came to the Wellington County showcase they were able to take away that map with them. Hopefully if they’re a visitor they’ll see something and want to come back,” said Ellis.

The county spent around $19,000 on the design, printing and distribution of the Letters from the Country brochure and $23,000 on the redesign and printing of the visitor’s map.

Ellis said this was made possible because the county didn’t redesign the festival and events guide.

The economic development department has a total of $500,000 in the 2016 budget for purchased services such as these. BL

Progress takes patience. Ecclestone Financial Group’s home on St. David Street North in Fergus has been under construction since January 2016, and the 5,200 sq.ft. renovation is almost complete. The original site is undergoing some finishing touches and updates. The expanded location is now home to several businesses, including Rafferty Insurance; Brad Salter, Mortgage Agent; the Farquharson Realty Team, and future offices for rent.

Plus, the expanded location offers plenty of parking. Ecclestone Financial Group is planning an official opening and ribbon cutting on Oct. 14 at 12:30pm.

Aye laddies … it’s up for sale, but it’s not closing. The Fergus Scottish Corner Shop’s owner Heather Elsley says her business plan was to build a thriving retail location that paid tribute to her heritage, and thanks to a loyal clientele, she’s been successful. And while she’s looking to step back, she hopes to find the right owners to keep the Scottish tradition alive and well in downtown Fergus.

Looking good! A new paint job at Forks Bicycle Shop on Erin’s Main Street has spruced up the streetscape with fitting style.

Heads up – If you own a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, your device is being recalled globally due to faulty batteries, which could cause them to catch fire. COO and executive vice president of Samsung Electronics Canada wants 100 per cent of the devices replaced. There are about 5,000 people in Canada holding onto the recalled devices.

A forced software update is being sent out to customers. It will remind customers each time they turn on the phone to turn in the device. The Note 7 owner then needs to register their phone, which will be replaced by Samsung.

BL

business leader wellington county | 15

ChequeS

+ Balances

Cheque presentations, draw winners and donations around the county.

Grand prize - John and Jean Barclay of Fergus won a 49-inch 4K flatscreen TV in Wightman’s grand prize draw at the Fergus Lions Homeshow, they received their prize at Wightman’s Fergus office. From left: Wightman fibre sales rep Charlene Harkness, Jean Barclay, John Barclay, fibre sales rep Kim Ivel, and marketing manager Hope Reidt. Draws were also held for one and two months of free Wightman internet service. submitted photo

DuPont Pioneer reps Jim Coffey, left, and Steve Lake, right, gave a $5,000 donation to 4-H Ontario. Accepting the cheque is Marianne Fallis, senior manager of programming in 4-H Ontario. The fund will be used to create welcome packages for all new 4-H Ontario members and their parents. “4-H is a part of our [Dupont Pioneer] heritage... ultimately, the primary reason is because we believe in the program,” said Dupont officials. submitted photo

16 | business leader wellington county

Winner - Grant Gervais, right, received a grand prize cheque for $5,000 from Bob McKay of Wellington Highlands RV after Gervais and Darcy purchased a 2017 Salem 27DBUD travel trailer from the company at the Kitchener RV Show and Sale making them eligible for the grand prize. The show is put on each year by the Ontario RV Dealers Association.

submitted photo

Donation - If providing volunteer support wasn’t enough, Scotiabank Mount Forest has matched the gross amount raised in the recent Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) Mount Forest mulch sale. From left, CSGW board member Deryck West, Scotiabank representatives Helen Kestner, Deb Ferguson, Scotiabank branch manager Chris Love, CSGW chair Raymond Tout and Scotiabank representative Eric Dawe were onhand for the official cheque presentation, made possible through the Bright Futures program.

submitted photo

celebrating 50 years Officials: keys to longevity include quality workforce, technology, adaptation by jaime myslik

FERGUS - As the Nexans Canada Inc. plant in Fergus marks its 50th anniversary, it celebrates not only the operational milestone, but also its success at remaining relevant and competitive in an ever-changing market.

Though changes to the plant may not be obvious from the outside, apart from last year’s 225,000 square foot warehouse and outdoor storage expansion, the inside is continuously updated.

Vice-president of commercial operations Murray Darroch started working at the plant 48 years ago, just two years after it opened.

“When I started here the biggest reels we handled were 36 inches and the aisles were 16 feet wide,” he said. “Today we handle hundred-inch reels and the aisles are about half that width, so we have really built the plant within the walls.”

The same goes for the plant’s workforce. Production started in August 1966 with 15 people, and just one year later that number had grown to 160 employees.

Now the Fergus facility employs about 220 people. As new technology is developed to make production more efficient, the workforce remains stable.

“The amount of people within the plant really hasn’t changed over the years,” Darroch said. “So the number of people hasn’t changed, but the amount of production has changed dramatically.”

Ownership history Canada Wire and Cable (owned by Noranda Metal Industries) and Essex Wire bought the 60-acre plant site in Fergus in July of 1965 as a joint venture.

The facility was called Fergus Cables Limited and construction cost about $5 million.

The plant produced its first piece of wire on Aug. 6, 1966, the same day as the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Fergus.

In 1968 Canada Wire and Cable bought out Essex Wire and in 1969 the plant became Canwirco Ltd. By 1971 the Fergus plant again changed names, becoming the nucleus of Canada Wires’ Construction Products Division.

In 1991 Noranda sold Canada Wire to Alcatel Cable S.A., creating Alcatel Canada Wire.

In 2001 Alcatel separated its Alcatel Cables and Components business into its own publicly traded company, named Nexans, a standalone publicly-traded company (on

murray darroch - vp commercial operations

photo by Helen Michel

business leader wellington county | 17

Workforce Despite numerous ownership changes, officials say the plant has always stayed true to its workforce.

“The plant opened in ’66 and then the spring of ’69 they were negotiating their very first contract and there was a strike at that point,” Darroch explained.

That’s the only strike the plant has seen in its 50 years.

“That’s actually something we’re sort of proud of,” said plant manager Cameron Matthew.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 636 represents approximately 190 production staff at the plant today.

Officials say the company has looked out for its employees when the global economy has taken a downturn.

Darroch explained that in the mid 1980s and early 1990s there were periods when employees worked three- and four-day weeks, on work share programs.

“It was a work share program that the government sponsored so you employed your people, you never laid your people off,” Darroch said.

“You had them work so many days a week and ... like they were on unemployment, the government would pick up part of their two days even though they weren’t working, but it was more economical for the government to do that than to have people laid off and they’d be paying them full time.”

Darroch explained it was a government incentive that many factories benefitted from at the time.

“It was a way that we could keep all of our people employed and that goes back to ... why we have such good people,” he said.

“They were looked after, they look after us and it’s been a good relationship for those years because of those things.”

More recently, when the economy slowed down about 10 years ago, the company was able to prevent layoffs by having current employees paint the entire plant - an idea that Matthew came up with himself.

“Things had dropped and we made a decision to keep everyone and we knew things would turn around and we wanted to keep our people,” Matthew said.

He said that one of the good things about the plant is that everybody is comfortable with everybody.

“You don’t sit in your office and people don’t sit on the floor and everyone works together,” he said. “Everyone knows each other.”

The plant has a number of third generation Nexans employees - and possibly one or two fourth generation employees.

“

When I started here the biggest reels we handled were 36 inches and the aisles were 16 feet wide.

Today we handle hundred-inch reels and the aisles are about half that width, so we have really built the plant within the walls.

“

the Paris stock exchange) focusing on energy and communications cables.

Now the Fergus plant is part of the global network of the France-based Nexans, focusing primarily on low voltage residential, commercial and industrial cables.

murray darroch, vp, commercial operations

“When the facility was started all of the employees were basically from Fergus, Arthur and Mount Forest,” Darroch said.

“So those were all small communities back at that time so people came in to work, they all knew each other, they all lived in the same small towns.

“So I think a lot of that led to the type of relationship that has lasted for 50 years with the employees.”

Machinery updates The Nexans plant in Fergus has also been able to update its machines over the years with the confidence that they would be run efficiently, safely and perform at the maximum level.

There have been significant changes to that machinery since the plant first opened.

“Each machine was controlled independently through the operator’s skills,” Darroch said of the initial machinery.

“Today much of that is controlled through PLCs (an industrial computer) and HMIs (touch screens) that actually tie the

18 | business leader wellington county

line together.”

The shift in machine control also meant operators needed to become more technical as well.

“There’s training within the plant nowadays,” Darroch said. “Everybody has been upgraded as the years have gone by. People learn new technologies and they learn the new systems.”

However, the skill level of the operator remains as important as ever.

“The whole job isn’t just computers, we still have to do a lot of manual things out there and a lot of that is sort of training that we do here with our employees,” Matthew said.

“There’s a lot of the basics that haven’t changed over the years,” he added, noting those procedures still require “a lot of experience ... in an industrial environment.”

Of course, the goal of most changes it to increase production.

“To be around for a long time you’ve got to be productive and the people here have been really good about sort of changing as the technologies change and then they’ve adapted to those changes,” said Matthew.

“That’s helped everyone’s productivity, which means you can keep competing against everybody else out there.”

Product The plant ships about $1 million worth of product a day, primarily to Canadian distributors across the county. However, 30 to 35 per cent goes to the U.S. and 5 to 8% goes to international destinations.

In the international market the majority of the products manufactured in Fergus are special projects.

“We did the CANDU project in Busan (South Korea) where it was as a special nuclear cable,” Darroch said. “Well, we don’t make nuclear cable in this plant every day.

That was basically a one-off.”

The plant has also done work for Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Panama, Egypt and Thailand, to name a few.

Nexans has about 22,000 employees worldwide.

Fergus plant At one time there were plants located throughout Canada, now there are four – the Fergus plant, the head office in Milton, the Montreal Rod Mill Facility and the Weyburn Facility in Saskatchewan.

Through all the changes the Fergus plant has thrived.

“It’s in a good spot,” Matthew said.

“There’s a good community around here so we’ve always had good people that we can bring in and hire and just geographically it

cameron matthew, plant manager photo by Jaime Myslik

“

Community The community also enjoys having Nexans as part of the Fergus landscape.

Mayor Kelly Linton said the manufacturing sector remains the largest employer in Centre Wellington, representing about 22% of all jobs in the township.

“Nexans is a big part of that,” he said, noting the company now employs about 220 people. “They’re a long-standing part of our community.”

The mayor explained some residents often voice concern that Fergus is a bedroom community, but Nexans is one of the prominent businesses that provide local financial benefits to both its employees and the municipality.

Large businesses like Nexans bring a significant contribution to the township, Linton said, helping to ease the tax burden for homeowners.

“That’s a huge benefit,” he stressed.

He added the township wants to work with Nexans, which he called a great corporate citizen, “to ensure they are here for a very long time.”

“

happens to be in a really good spot - that’s maybe a little bit of luck.

“Good people and just constantly changing and I think the company recognized that ... if you’re going to sort of pick someone to stick with, you know, you look at your best facility and you stick with it.”

The systems will help control ... the diameters and basically at the end of the day the costs of the product, but it’s the operator’s skills that are important and we’re fortunate that we’ve got a really, really good workforce in this facility. cameron matthew - plant manager

Relevancy One of the ways Nexans has remained relevant and present in Fergus is a shift in products.

Many of the automobile parts the Fergus plant produced in its early years are now manufactured in countries where the cost of labour is lower than in Canada, Matthew said.

“But the manufacturing of low voltage residential, commercial and industrial cables has minimal labour needed, allowing Fergus to remain competitive in the industry.

“We’re more of a skillbased manufacturer,” Matthew explained. “Even if the cost of labour is more expensive here than say (in) China ... they have to ship it here ...

“We can compete with lower labour cost countries in wire and cable because the amount of labour in the cable is so low.

“As long as you’re really, really good at making the wire and keeping the things within 10ths of 1,000ths of an inch - those are the types of things we really work at. It’s really demanding on the processes.”

Plant updates Last November the company opened a brand new warehouse and outdoor storage expansion totaling 225,000 square feet. It also updated about 12% of its machines.

“The magnitude of what we did was maybe even a little more than we expected,” Matthew said.

“We sort of went into it with the idea that we would figure it out but we didn’t really know how it was going to work.

“Honestly I can tell you lots of times last year we weren’t quite sure how we were going to get there, we just knew we were going to figure it out. And now this year ... things are settling out and doing much better.”

Now the plant is much more productive and able to compete in the market, Matthew added.

Open house The plant held an open house to celebrate its 50th anniversary earlier this summer.

- With files from Chris Daponte

BL

business leader wellington county | 19

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Wellington County dads open craft brewery in Rockwood

BY Jaime Myslik

ROCKWOOD – Four Wellington County dads took their passion from hobby to business when they opened Four Fathers Brewing Co. in Rockwood earlier this year.

And within the last two weeks they stocked select Beer Store shelves with their craft brews.

John Kissick, Mike Hruden (general manager), Marty Castellan and Jim Tyo’s friendship started out eight years ago in typical Canadian fashion.

“The only thing we had in common was the fact that we all had sons that were born in 2001 that ... played hockey together,” Kissick said. “The boys met at age 7 in novice and they are now in minor midget together and they’re best friends.”

Because their sons were in rep hockey the four dads became fast friends, seeing each other almost every day while serving as coaches together.

“We spent a lot of time together and ... you start sharing everything and so the four of us, the other thing we had in common was we all were really interested in craft beer,” Kissick explained.

“And so we started touring around, we started looking at micro breweries, started travelling outside of hockey because we just became really good friends and then we started brewing beer.”

The first beer the four fathers brewed was from a brewing kit in Kissick’s Fergus kitchen.

“Then pretty soon we thought ‘this is stupid, anyone can do this,’” Kissick said. “So we started researching, becoming more interested and learning, experimenting and taking it pretty seriously.

“I think we’re all fairly competitive people and I don’t think any of us like to do something half-assed and just found that we really loved it.”

After two or three years creating new recipes, the foursome took the leap about a year ago and began the process of becoming licensed. On Jan. 26 they sold their first keg, becoming the second craft brewery in Wellington County (the Elora Brewing Company opened last September.)

The four owners developed the recipes for about three quarters

business leader wellington county | 21

“

Because we’re about friends getting together and sitting over beer and talking about life

“

- CO-FOUNDER john kissick

Cheers - Wellington County dads, from left, Marty Castellan, Jim Tyo, Mike Hruden and John Kissick began serving their Four Fathers Brewing Co. craft beer in January. On Aug. 30 it was stocked on the shelves of Beer Stores in Elora, Guelph, Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. The co-founders are pictured here at Vimy Ridge while they were in France for the European soccer championships this year. submitted photo

of the brewery’s arsenal of 10 or 11 recorded brews, with the help of a professional brewer. The three flagship offerings include the Starter Session IPA, a German dunkel called Shevchenko 9 and a local saison called Honey Badger.

“We started to brew the beers that we wanted to drink ourselves and we came up with a bizarre assortment of beers,” Kissick said.

“So each one of our beers ... comes from a friendship and we trusted our instincts that if we liked the things then other people would too.”

Each beer has a story and each bottle or can has its own unique artwork.

“We worked very hard at trying to make sure that our graphics ... match the kind of quality of beers that we were going to produce,” Kissick said.

“So each one of our beers kind of tells our own story and so we wanted to make sure that each of our labels was identifiable on its own so it’s not like there’s a big Four Fathers and then it just has something written - every label is different.”

Presently the brewery is located in a refurbished barn on Castellan’s property north of Rockwood, but the owners are searching for a new space.

“The minute you start is the minute you’re too small,” Kissick said. “We became victims of our own success because we couldn’t keep up with our orders.”

He said that within the next two months the company should have a space that can act as storefront, brewery and all around spot to hang out. Now they can only sell beer at the brewery during special events.

In the meantime, on Aug. 30 the Starter Session IPA became available in select Beer Stores, with Elora being the only Wellington County location.

“We’re in the new beer stores that have the craft beer sections,” Kissick said. And on Sept. 15 the Starter Session IPA will also be available at the LCBO. Four Fathers Brewing Co. beer can also be found in about 60 or 65 pubs and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Kissick explained that there were two different models for starting a brewery.

“One is to start teeny weeny and get a reputation and get a really

22 | business leader wellington county

good product and grow as your interest grows and your brewing,” he said. “The other one is to get a whole bunch of people and investors and build something big and then hopefully make the beer that people want.

“Since we’re four friends and we did it all the old fashioned way, we started from ground zero, we made our beer first. It’s been an adventure.”

The four friends are the sole investors. Three work elsewhere full-time, with Hruden taking on the fulltime job as general manager of the brewery.

Because the business has outgrown its space, the flagship beer is often contracted out.

“All our kind of high end special one-offs and that we do inhouse and some of our other flagship beers, but for instance our Starter and Shevchenko 9 we have to contract brew them because we don’t have enough space and enough time,” Kissick said.

They also often have to go somewhere else to have the beer bottled and canned.

“The problem with that is ... it’s not cost effective,” he said.

“That’s why we need a new facility.”

But the founders are being selective in their choice of location so it follows the company’s core values.

“Our kind of logo after the Four Fathers it says ‘stand for something good,’” Kissick said. They’ve been asked why they want to call the brewery “good” when they could call it “great.”

“The argument we put back was, ‘well standing for something good’s a value, goodness is a value, great is a qualitative term but good is a value’ and we (feel) pretty strongly that we are about families and about those experiences,” Kissick explained. “Because we’re about friends getting together and sitting over beer and talking about life.”

It’s the owners’ hands-on attitude that has made them a success at various craft beer festivals this summer.

“People are amazed because when they line up for one of our beers they actually have one of the owners serving it to them,” Kissick said.

“I mean craft beer festival people want to talk to the brewers, they want to know what the beer is about.” BL

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MSRP 63.3 cc / 2.9 kW / 11.5 kg (25.4 lb)*$749.95

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Feature prices are in effect until December 2, 2016 for all power tools at participating STIHL Dealers, while supplies last. *Without fuel.

2016

2016

2016

184

101

2015

2015

2015

1076

174

103

6%

from 2015

2016-06-15 9:47 AM

07064_2016fall_AdMat_Blower_EN_FINAL.indd 1

2016-06-15 9:47 AM

Rentals • Sales • Service Rentals • Sales • Service Serving Orangeville and Area

and

Guelph Eramosa

Wellington Township

1136

up 07064_2016fall_AdMat_Blower_EN_FINAL.indd 1

Puslinch

Centre

up

6%

down

2%

from 2015

from 2015

Average sales price Year to date

Includes detached, semi-detached, townhouses and apartment units

Serving Orangeville and Area for Over 40 Years for Over 40 Years

Townships of

City of

Guelph

Wellington Township

Puslinch and

Guelph Eramosa

2016

2016

2016

$399,622

$374,913

$637,128

2015

2015

2015

$365,265

$366,318

$503,044

up

9%

from 2015

www.urents.ca www.urents.ca

Centre

up

2%

from 2015

up

27% from 2015

Source: Guelph and District Association of Realtors, May 31, 2016.

gdar.ca business leader wellington county | 23

On the m

ve

Local Businesses that are making the move to new and larger facilities to serve you better

Grand opening - Robert’s Farm Equipment, one of the largest new and used farming equipment dealers in midwestern Ontario, celebrated the opening of its new location in Mount Forest on Sept. 1. Founded by the late Robert Osterndorff 48 years ago, Robert’s Farm Equipment has locations in Chesley and Lucknow and now Mount Forest. The new larger facility replaces the former Watson Tractors in West Grey purchased by the Osterndorff family in 2010. Matriarch Grace Osterndorff snipped the ribbon to open the new location.

Photo by Lynne Turner

Keltech Signs and Fergus Printing moved into their new home on Gartshore Street in Fergus beside the Wellington Advertiser office.

moving day new location

24 | business leader wellington county

HuttEn collision’s new location at 943 Glengarry Crescent, Fergus.

The grand opening of CSN Hutten Collision was held on Sept. 7 inside in a clean new shop. They have employed the latest in equipment to repair vehicles. The township has assured John Hutten that Glengarry Crescent, the road in front of the building, will be paved by winter.

Cutting the ribbon are L to R: Herman Post whose firm built the building, Derek Bennie who is the Ontario Regional Manager for CSN Collision Centres, Dustin Hutten, Past Chamber President Janet Harrop, Joanne Hutten, John Hutten and Steve Van Leeuwen representing township council. Aileen Hawkins and Paul Walker on the ends represented the Centre Wellington Chamber Of Commerce.

Photo by Bill Longshaw

business leader wellington county | 25

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519.496.5120 26 | business leader wellington county

Worth Noting ... celebrating 30 years Viking Cives Ltd. celebrates 30th anniversary in Mount Forest

ABOVE: Julia Jennings of Elora Apothecary Pharmasave

Elora resident named 2016 Outstanding Pharmacy Technician Award Winner by Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA)

Viking Cives Ltd. celebrated the 30th anniversary of opening its doors for business in Mount Forest with an open house for customers and suppliers on Aug. 12. The next day the business held an employee family day, which was also open to the general public. It was company’s way of “saying thanks for making Viking-Cives Group North America’s preferred brand of snow and ice control equipment.” Those attending were able to tour the “ever-expanding state-of-the-art facility (and) see the latest technology in the snow plow industry.”

BL TOP: Derrick Hicks shows his wife, Mary, one of the machines he operates at Viking Cives. Many employees took advantage of the open house to show their families what they actually do at work.

INSET: Mount Forest’s Bob Truax has worked at Viking Cives since day one.

Photos by Lynne Turner

TORONTO - Elora resident Julia Jennings is the 2016 Outstanding Pharmacy Technician Award winner presented by the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA). It’s the award’s inaugural year.

“I was very excited, honoured,” Jennings said of the award. “It’s the first time ... anybody’s received [the award] so it was truly an honour.”

The owners of Elora Apothecary Pharmasave, Bronwyn and Andrew Tolmie, nominated Jennings for the award.

“That says a lot about your employer ... that they think that much of you,” said Jennings, who’s been a pharmacy technician for 25 years.

The award was presented in Toronto, in June as part of the association’s annual conference.

“Julia Jennings is an excellent example of the positive impact that pharmacy technicians can make on patient care and on the pharmacy team,” Dennis Darby, OPA’s CEO said. “We’re very pleased to present her with OPA’s firstever Outstanding Pharmacy Technician Award.”

When asked about the skills needed to succeed in this role, Jennings said “the ability to multi-task, work in a team environment, pay attention to detail, provide outstanding patient care, and finally, identify not just problems, but also offer solutions.”

Success also requires an understanding

of the unique needs of people in the community and a desire to help improve their health and well-being.

Jennings has dedicated herself to identifying and addressing gaps in care within the region.

To do that, she has completed her certification as a weight loss coach and compression therapy fitter and has completed advanced training in home health care.

“We really care about out patients; we want to make sure everybody is receiving the best care that they can get,” Jennings said. “I like the challenges of helping and caring for people and going above and beyond.”

She also works hard to build relationships with other healthcare providers in the area to ensure that patients have access to tools and information they need to succeed in their healthcare goals.

“It’s more than just filling prescriptions,” she said. “The community pharmacy plays an important role in Canadian health care, especially in rural communities, and I know that by being a pharmacy technician there is always room to grow and learn new things.”

Jennings’ commitment to the wellbeing of her community extends beyond the pharmacy.

Over the years she has actively volunteered her time with the Elora Co-Op Preschool, Fergus Fall Fair, and the EloraFergus Ringette Association.

-With files from Jaime Myslik

BL

business leader wellington county | 27

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28 | business leader wellington county

Centre Wellington Township reaping benefits of new Community Improvement Plan grants

BY MIKE ROBINSON

development committee on this matter “... which I initiated.”

He remained concerned as to whether there is proof the grants actually made a difference and whether or not the improvements would have been made anyway.

“We are asking citizens to add to this fund when they don’t know if it is truly necessary,” said Kitras. He questioned whether it was necessary to essentially double the program funding this year.

Rutter said the program is something the

“

“It’s not a handout, it’s an incentive for the private sector to spend more money.”

“

ELORA - Centre Wellington is budgeting another $60,000 for Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grants this year.

This summer township economic development officer Patricia Rutter approached council seeking the additional funding.

The money will come from general reserves and be used to support the CIP’s façade, building and property improvement grant/loan program.

Rutter noted that in 2015, council approved $60,000 for the program - but not all was spent. The township approved the same amount for 2016, but approved applications now exceed that amount.

“As a result of an increased awareness for the program, there has been a substantial increase in applications to the program this year,” stated Rutter. “Recent projects like the new Get Hitched RV building at 850 St. David St. South and John Thomson & Sons Furniture Co. at 157 St. Andrew St. West would not have occurred without the suggestions and support of the CIP program.

“Additional approved projects at the former Hutten Collision building at 645 St. David St. South and the Fountain Head Health Store & Café at 212 St. Andrew St. West will see new and expanded uses for buildings that were underutilized.”

Rutter stated the return on investment realized to this point, based on the portion of the projects used for grant/loan program eligibility, (is): for every $1 invested by the township, $3.8 was invested by the private sector.

“A total of $352,000 has been invested by the private sector to this point on projects supported by CIP grants.”

Councillor Stephen Kitras said there was a lively discussion at the economic

Kelly linton, mayor, centre wellington

business community has requested for some time and thus far it has largely been used for façade and building improvements.

“The program is intended to increase the value of the properties and improve the attractiveness of our business areas,” said Rutter. She noted in the previous three years there were only six building permit applications for façade improvements, but since the CIP program was initiated in 2015, there have been 11 applications.

To Rutter, that indicates the incentives are leading to work over and above what might have been done previously.

CAO Andy Goldie stated that as a result of the improved properties, when the buildings are reassessed the values will increase and the township will eventually recoup the incentive costs through increased taxation.

Councillor Kirk McElwain said while he’s pleased to see interest in the program, his concern is that council did pass a budget with a specific amount of money set aside this year for the project.

“If we start increasing this amount on demand ... will next year’s budget be $120,000?”

Rutter stated in 2015 $60,000 was allocated, but only $15,000 was spent.

Goldie noted the original idea was to budget $60,000 each year for the three-year CIP project.

Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen said this was not about façade improvements, but a way to help drive economic development.

“We as the township are being asked to be aggressive in our economic development,” VanLeeuwen said. “When a building looks good, businesses want to be in it.”

Mayor Kelly Linton, who said he considers the program a great success, called the demand for more program funding “great news.” He stressed “It’s not a handout, it’s an incentive for the private sector to spend more money.”

Councillors authorized the additional funding.

BL

CIP RECIPIENTS - Made in Holland’s new fascade and Coldwell Banker Grand Homes facelift in progress.

business leader wellington county | 29

As time progresses, we can see why more and more small businesses are moving their advertising budgets to digital platforms. And it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. The obvious goal is to somehow turn this online audience into real paying customers.

Social m ed powerfu ia is a l too 96% of all b l used by usinesse s.

But you already knew this.…

drew mochrie

The Social Corner: How to Target Local Customers using Facebook

However, what seems like greater exposure at a lesser cost doesn’t mean you’re getting the return you expect. It doesn’t help that over 2.46 million pieces of content are shared by Facebook users every minute. That being said, if you’re within the majority of businesses engaging in social media, you know how much time social media takes from your day.

But then you notice that ‘John’ from next door is attracting greater amounts of local traffic.

How is he doing this? Is he spending more time on social media? Not necessarily…

Here’s how your buddy John is winning:

Facebook Audience Optimization Did you know you can target your preferred audience without paying for Facebook Ads? Follow these steps: 1.

On your company page, click the ‘Settings’ tab located in the top right of the page

2.

Under the ‘General’ tab, locate ‘Audience Optimization for Posts’ click and allow preferred audience selection and save changes

When you go to write or share a post you will see a ‘crosshair’ icon below the text field (in the same section where you can add photos and emoticons to your post):

3.

Choose the people you’d like to reach in the News feed by adding interest groups (if you’re unsure of what interest groups to include, refer to your social analytics)

Ex. Perhaps you own a grocery store that only sells vegan food? With interest groups you are able to target this audience without attracting the carnivores.

4.

Add audience restrictions such as age, gender, location and language Note: Audience Optimization is set manually. You will have to set your targeting options every time you post something new.

Try testing an audience optimized post compared to a standard post and see the difference it makes. If it improves the amount of engagement you receive… perfect!

Find Results with Facebook Groups in Centre Wellington Can’t seem to attract your local customers online?

Another simple and easy way to attract your local audience is by joining local community groups.

Below are two Facebook groups that businesses in Centre Wellington can join to boost local exposure: Fergus/ Elora Community News Shop Local - Centre Wellington My Wellington

https://www.facebook.com/groups/694778863894624/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/shoplocalcw/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellingtoncty/

*PLEASE ADHERE TO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ON THESE PAGES – IF YOU ARE WANTING TO KNOW HOW OFTEN YOU CAN POST IT’S AS EASY AS SENDING A MESSAGE TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PAGE

No one likes a spammer!

30 | business leader wellington county

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