The Advocate Magazine - January | February 2011

advocateOur Time is Now!Sustained Recovery South of the Border Key tothe Economic Outlook for Kitchener-WaterlooTourism Outlook for 2011 to 2015Waterloo’s Unconventional Collaborationfor Intentional Innovation

T H E V O I C E O F B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 11

advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2011 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Art Sinclair

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Marlene Coffey, Laurel Davies Snyder, Tracey Desjardins,Dean Elliott, Paul Ferley, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick,Andrena Lockley-Brown, Jeff MacIntyre, Peter McFadden,Ian McLean, Art Sinclair, Dr. John Tibbits

CONTRIBUTORS:Julie Tedesco

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The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication ofthe Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of thecontributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber.The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards(1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chambercannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that mayoccur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamberwill not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims andhas the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false,misleading, or inappropriate.

features

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4 Perception or realityJeff MacIntyre

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 Economic growth in 2011Ian McLean

ADVOCACY

7 Political forecasts for 2011Art Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Greater K-W welcomesfuture family physiciansMary Sue Fitzpatrick

EVENTS

10 Autumn networking

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 October 1 - November 30, 2010

WRIEN UPDATE

15 Skilled talent shortagesto increase in 2011Peter McFadden

EVENTS

18 Mark your calendar

SPONSOR PROFILE

24 BDO Canada LLP –Accountants and AdvisorsDean Elliott

IN MEMORIUM

26 Howard (Howie) Jasper, FCA

MEMBER NOTABLES

28 Achieving SuccessChamber MembersPROFILE

30 Chamber Star - Ian InglisSPONSORSHIP

31 Chamber Sponsors

departments

FEATURE

14 Sustained recovery south of the border key to theeconomic outlook for Kitchener-WaterlooPaul Ferley

COVER STORY

16 Our Time is Now!Dr. John Tibbits

FEATURE

20 Waterloo’s unconventional collaboration for intentional innovationMarlene Coffey

FEATURE

21 Tourism outlook for 2011 to 2015Tracey Desjardins

FEATURE

23 Working toward a barrier-free OntarioAndrena Lockley-Brown

FEATURE

27 Watershed moment for WoolwichLaurel Davies Snyder

advocateVOICE OF BUSINESS

JANUARY | FERUARY 2011WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

a message from the chair

Perception or realityBY JEFF MACINTYRE

I consider myself one who likes to understand what is happeningand what is going to happen. As I write this I am optimistic aboutthe economy and the outlook for the coming year but remaincautious. The caution I have is the conflict between the positivecomments most people I talk to about how busy they are and thereal world out there and the possibility of business doom.

A while back I was in the office of an advisor while I put thefinishing touches on opening a small business. At that time wediscussed how low the markets would go. Where was the bottom?The free fall of the economy was right in front of us when he said,“sure it’s bad, but remember, there is a big world out there full ofpeople that need stuff.” What he meant was that although themarkets were crashing and there appeared to be no bottom insight, the economy must rebound just to satisfy the demand forservices and products.

The economy bottomed out and began the slow climb back. Overthe year we rode the wave of cautious growth making sure thatspending was in check with revenue. Increased expenses resulted insome tough choices.

People seemed to make the necessary adjustments to lifestyle andmatched expenses to income. Those who were out of jobs spentthe time necessary to find employment. Employers who had rightsized were again looking for good people. A shift in attitudebecame apparent. A move away from the doom and gloom of therecession to a cautious optimism was felt. A year ago most peoplecommented that business could be better. Today at Chamberevents I hear more and more that people are very busy. Whilemost business owners are still trying to increase revenues, there is ageneral positive feel compared to a year ago. Panic was replacedwith solid growth strategies.

For many companies, inventory might be lower and prices may bereduced but money is changing hands. Not all companies are backto full strength and yet others are expanding more than ever. Inlate November on a whim a group of eight of us went to arestaurant only to be told they were full. One in the group made acomment that the recession is definitely over. Not all restaurantsare full every night, but the signs are encouraging.

On the negative side, I was driving through a business park andcouldn’t help but notice the number of buildings that were vacantor for lease. The reality is that a number of companies that wereintegral parts of the community no longer exist.

As 2011 unfolds, the opportunity to capitalize on business growthappears to be heading in the right direction. It will remainimportant to control what can be controlled regarding expensesand revenues. The collective voice through the Chamber andother associations will be critical to make certain that governmentcontinues to listen and assist with business progression. The hopeis that the economy continues to strengthen. After all, there is abig world out there…

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyreCHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff MacIntyre is the owner of two smallbusinesses in Waterloo Region. WinexpertKitchener South is an on-premiseswinemaking shop. So There BusinessSolutions assists employers to increaseprofitability through market access, salesassistance, business development planningstrategies, mentoring and training.

message from the president

Economic growth in 2011BY IAN MCLEAN

Progress… steady but slow.

In November, I was pleased to participate as a panelist at theWLU Economic Forecast 2011 event held at the newly openedCommunitech Hub.

The keynote speaker was TD Bank Chief Economist CraigAlexander. He outlined what we can expect for 2011 and beyondlocally, provincially and nationally.

In setting the stage for his remarks, he prefaced by stating thathow you view the numbers really depends on your view of theworld. To wit: is the glass half full or half empty?

Mr. Alexander’s projections are that Canadian economic growth in2011 will see about a 2% rise in GDP and a subsequent increasefor 2012-2014 at about 2% per year. This tepid growth forecast islargely driven by the lagging US economy.

The US accounts for over 80% of Canadian foreign trade. So to alarge extent, the steady but slow economic recovery in Canada is aresult of the very troubling issues facing the American economy.Massive US deficits and the housing crisis have resulted in theAmerican business community being very cautious about re-investing in their operations.

It is worth noting that traditionally Canada fares worse duringrecessions than the US. The Canadian economy, and our localeconomy, has out-performed the US during the recession andemergence from the downturn.

The good news is that our Canadian economy is indeed out ofrecession, is growing again and we have recovered all of the jobsthat we lost.

The bad news is that this growth is tepid and will not produce thekind of jumpstart in either job creation or government revenuesthat we have come to expect after a recession. This means thatmaking progress in lowering the unemployment rate will be steadybut very slow. It also means that tackling deficits at the federal andprovincial levels will be even more difficult.

Locally, the Region of Waterloo economy experienced most of thesame difficulties during the recession as the rest of the country.The Region’s unemployment rate rose to over 10% at the height

of the recession. But we have seen that as the economic recoveryhas taken hold the unemployment rate dropped to about 8%.

So the question is: what can and should we do during this long,slow economic recovery to ensure that our Region’s businesscommunity is prepared to emerge from this difficult period andcompete?

As a Chamber, we need to ensure that every day we keep focusedon demonstrating the value of your Chamber membership. Wewill do this by offering an improved Members Rewards Programthat helps lower your cost of doing business, by advocating onissues that affect all businesses such as the escalating costs ofelectricity, and offering improved networking and educationalopportunities.

As a Region, we need to do what we do best. Work togethercollaboratively and think innovatively and creatively in theentrepreneurial spirit that is our history. We need to reflect onwhat are the strategic investments we need to make as acommunity to plan for our future.

And we need to be a strong voice in encouraging both theprovincial and federal governments to be both innovative andforward looking as they address large deficits with difficult budgetdecisions.

In a nutshell, as a region, province and as a country we need to befocused and serious about what we need to do and what we canafford to do. That will mean some very difficult choices have to bemade. But in facing these choices, we need to make decisions thatfoster innovation and entrepreneurship so that all sectors of ourbusiness community – small and large alike - can thrive and grow.

5advocate JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2011

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean,

Ian McLean is President and CEO of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce.

advocacy

Political forecasts for 2011BY ART SINCLAIR

My father, who farmed in southwestern Ontario, often said thatmeteorologists were 99 percent correct – one percent of the time.Have you talked to anyone in London who shovelled three feet of“partly cloudy” from their driveways last December?

With the preceding wisdom as a backdrop, I will now attempt todetermine what may –or may not -happen in the political arenaover the next twelve months. These ideas are my humble opinionsand should not be used for wagering. On a related note, it is truethat the Province of Ontario has a huge deficit heading into thenew year, however betting on provincial elections through ProLineis probably not a serious option as a new revenue measure.

One certainty is a provincial election will be held in 2011 – onOctober 6. This is the second “fixed date” vote the province haswitnessed since the current governing Liberals changed theElection Act.

The key campaign issue will probably be the HST. So far, no onein the province has demanded a referendum like our counterpartson Canada’s left coast. However, it is generally agreed that voterperspectives on this revenue measure by the fall of 2011 will have asignificant impact on the returns.

The other certain election issue – remember this is a guess – willbe electricity. In November of 2010, Ontario voters were buriedwith a series of announcements out of Queen’s Park indicating noalternatives were available aside from future double-digit hydrorate increases. Granted, Premier McGuinty and Finance MinisterDwight Duncan have made it clear that cost increases are the pricefor Ontario becoming a global leader in green energy. How farvoters are willing to accept this position will be a major factor indetermining the election outcome.

There is however, based on past experiences, a good chance thatbetween now and September a new issue will be dropped on theelectorate that may be central to the campaign. Obviously, due tothe magnitude of the ministry budget, health care matters canalways create problems for incumbent candidates. The McGuintyadministration survived a confrontation over the past year with

pharmacists, and other stakeholders, on changes to generic drugpricing. There may be more stability here than the oppositionparties would like.

In our 2010 March/April Advocate, Mike Dearden indicated thatthe implementation of Full Day Kindergarten for all four and fiveyear olds could become a landmine for the current administration.Mike identified the cost of the program in an economic downturnas a critical issue, however this could evolve into a rural/urbansplit. Officials from rural school boards have in the past questionedthe appropriateness of placing students of the aforementioned, oryounger, ages on school buses for commutes of an hour or more. Ifenough parents agree, this could be an issue.

On the local municipal scene, with an election just concluded, theagenda will be dominated by – provincial matters. The highlight ofthe municipal campaign was rapid transit, in large part a result ofthe provincial government not delivering on their promised two-thirds commitment towards the cost of building a new system.Regional staff is working on options which will be different fromthe plan approved by Council in June of 2009, however there maybe local pressure on Queen’s Park to increase their financialcommitment.

You might remember that in the 2007 Ontario election there was areferendum on electoral reform. It was voted down.

It is highly unlikely there will be a question this year on whether ornot Ontario and Manitoba should talk about amalgamating.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

Art Sinclair is the Vice PresidentPolicy and Advocacy for the GreaterKitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Plays Host to15 Family Medicine ResidentsLocal family physicians, business and community leaders joinedvolunteers of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce this past November in hosting 15 family medicineresidents and their partners from the five southern Ontariomedical schools.

Organized by the Chamber Health Care Resources Council’sFamily Physician Liaison Task Force, the annual family medicineresident weekend is a major recruitment initiative that positivelyengages family residents and promotes the community as awelcoming, attractive, leading edge centre of medical excellencewith promising practice opportunities.

“Word is getting out to health care professionals that our region isa centre of excellence and entrepreneurship offering quality oflife, education, arts and culture, recreation and leisure,” saidHealth Council chair Bruce Antonello. “Physicians are seeing thepotential for living and practising in our type of innovative,

leading edge urban centre which also affords the benefits andwarmth of rural life.”

During their three-day community visit, residents toured ourhospitals and met and spoke with local family practitioners whiletheir partners toured our rural and urban communities and hadopportunity to explore employment opportunities. This year’sfamily medicine residents and their partners met some highprofile business and community leaders and learned more aboutthe region’s diversity and its strong innovative and entrepreneurialspirit.

They were also guests of Open Text at a special luncheon at UW’sResearch & Technology Park. In the high tech environment, ourvisitors enjoyed Kennedy’s famous Waterloo County fare whileCommunitech’s Iain Klugman gave them an overview of ourleading-edge, collaborative and innovative communities.

According to organizing committee chair Jane George of AirwaysTransit, this weekend has been instrumental in residents’ decisionsto establish their family practices in the area. “We have had


perspective on health care

Greater K-W welcomes future family physiciansBY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK

wonderful success with our recruiting weekend over the pasttwelve years,” said George. “With six of the visiting familymedicine residents having expressed serious interest in K-W, wefully expect to see a good number of them establishing practicesin K-W over the next two years.”

Chamber Health Care Resources Council initiatives are madepossible by the generous support and investment of: ManulifeFinancial, Research In Motion, Sun Life Financial, TheEconomical Insurance Group, Cowan, KPMG, Heffner Lexusand Heffner Toyota, The Walter Fedy Partnership, Bell,Scotiabank and the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo andTownship of Woolwich.

Along with these major corporate and community investors, theChamber Health Council extends special thanks to this year’sresident weekend supporters who added the special touches thatthoroughly impressed our visiting family medicine residents andtheir partners: the Waterloo Inn & Conference Hotel for theirfine food, service and accommodation; Open Text for hosting theluncheon; Brick Brewing Company Limited for fine product andKennedy’s Catering for a delicious taste of Waterloo County fare!

Members of the Health Council’s Family Physician Liaison TaskForce are to be congratulated for another successful FamilyResident Weekend. Your planning and organizing efforts andyour support and involvement over this important annualweekend have made it especially warm and welcoming for thevisiting residents and their partners.

perspective on health care


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Mary Sue is Vice President Family PhysicianResources and Health Advocacy.

Chamber physician recruitmentinitiatives are made possible through thegenerous support of our corporate and

community partners.

Special thanks to our2010 Family Medicine Resident Weekendsupporters for their gifts and services

that helped make the weekend welcomingfor our visitors.

networking

Autumn networking


1) A GROUP OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE STUDENTS AT THE OCTOBER CYP EVENT.2) J.R. WADDELL & BRENDON ROBINSON

3) CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO, IAN MCLEAN ADDRESSES THE CHAMBER CONNECTIONS CROWD

4) PART OF THE GROUP AT THE CHAMBER CONNECTIONS IN OCTOBER

5) SUE BENOIT, KURT WISSENT, MATT DOUGLAS

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networking


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84,600 MORE ADULTS DAILY77,200 MORE ADULTS ON SATURDAY*

THE RECORD REACHES MORE ADULTS THAN THE TORONTO PAPERS COMBINED!

To advertise or partner with the Waterloo Region Record please call 519-894-2250.

*Source: NADbank® 2009

please call 519-894-2250.oigeRoolretaWehtraproesitrevdaoTTo

4-2250.droceRnohtiwrentr

6) THE CHAMBER CONNECTIONS, HELD AT THE WATERLOO REGION MUSEUM

7) BRENDAN SHEEHAN, PETER THURLEY, SARAH BACH

8) BEN BACH & SUSAN WANG

9) PAUL DEMARCO AND MARC MORAIS

10) ROSS WELLS, BRIAN BAZELY AND MANDY DENNISON FORMED THE PANEL OF PAST WINNERS OF THEBUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS, SPEAKING AT THE OCTOBER NETWORKING BREAKFAST

11) EDWIN OUTWATER SPEAKING TO THE GROUP AT A POINT OF VIEW LUNCHEON, SHARED HIS VISIONFOR THE KITCHENER WATERLOO SYMPHONY

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new members

October 1 - November 30, 2010

AML Communications Inc. -KitchenerTelecommunicationsJosh Laur, District Sales Manager1500 Weber Street EastKitchener, ON N2A 2Y5Email: [email protected]: www.amlcares.comPhone: (519) 893-5796Fax: (519) 893-4382

AML Communications Inc. -WaterlooTelecommunicationsJosh Laur, District Sales Manager255 King Street NorthWaterloo, ON N2J 2Y8Email: [email protected]: www.amlcares.comPhone: (519) 747-4141

Apex Pest Control ServicesPest Control ServicesMark Thomas, Business DevelopmentManager/Technical Consultant240 Magurn GateMilton, ON L9T 7B3Email: [email protected]: www.apexpcservices.comPhone: (888) 434-2739Fax: (416) 483-7776

Bikram Yoga Kitchener -WaterlooYoga InstructionDavid Tiviluk, Owner/Director663 Belmont Avenue WestKitchener, ON N2M 1N8Email: [email protected]: www.bikramyogakw.comPhone: (519) 749-9888Fax: (519) 749-9886

Bricas Multi-Trade Inc.MillwrightsWayne Barnard, President169 Riverbend DriveKitchener, ON N2B 2E8Email: [email protected]: www.bricas.caPhone: (519) 741-9392Fax: (519) 741-5536

Client OutlookComputer SoftwareBrenda Rankin, Vice President295 Hagey BoulevardWaterloo, ON N2L 6R5Email: [email protected]: www.clientoutlook.comPhone: (519) 342-6864

Danval Inc.Accounting & Bookkeeping ServicesValeria Rigler, Owner-Director375 Kingscourt Drive, Unit 29Waterloo, ON N2K 3N7Email: [email protected]: (519) 590-6383

Dr. Dan Dalton & AssociatesPsychologists & Psychological AssociatesDan Dalton, President240A St. David Street NorthFergus, ON N1M 2J7Email: [email protected]: www.drdandalton.comPhone: (519) 787-1392Fax: (519) 787-0773

Dre DesignsInterior Design ServicesAndrea Guerriero, Owner/InteriorDesigner3085 Kingsway Drive, Unit 30Kitchener, ON N2C 2P1Email: [email protected]: www.dredesigns.caPhone: (519) 580-9691

Eco-Tech RecyclingWaste Management & Recycling ServicesJose Palacios, President505 Dotzert Court, Unit 2Waterloo, ON N2L 6A7Email: [email protected]: www.eco-techrecycling.comPhone: (519) 886-6801

Fairway Divorce SolutionsMarriage, Family & IndividualCounsellorsColette Fortin, President296 Frederick StreetKitchener, ON N2H 2N5Email: [email protected]: (519) 954-6240

FastsignsSignsRob Richmond, Owner1305 Victoria Street North, Unit 5Kitchener, ON N2B 3E3Email: [email protected]: www.fastsigns.com/681Phone: (519) 743-0888

Huntington Society of CanadaCharitable & Community OrganizationsBev Heim-Myers, Executive Director &Chief Executive Officer151 Frederick Street, Unit 400Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2Email: [email protected]: www.huntingtonsociety.caPhone: (519) 749-7063Fax: (519) 749-8965

International Association ofAdministrative Professionals -Grand River ChapterAssociations & OrganizationsTeresa Doucet, President1056 Homuth AvenueCambridge, ON N3H 2C7Email: [email protected]: www.iaap-grandriver.orgPhone: (519) 621-2430

McLean & AssociatesConsultantsHon. Walter McLean, President &Chief Executive Officer122 Avondale Avenue SouthWaterloo, ON N2L 2C3Email: [email protected]: www.mcleanandassociates.caPhone: (519) 578-5932Fax: (519) 578-7799

Memory Tree Productions IncVideo ProductionChrissie Rose72 St. Leger Street, Unit 318Kitchener, ON N2H 6R4Email: [email protected]: www.memorytree.caPhone: (519) 742-7912

Moksha Yoga WaterlooYoga InstructionAshley Keefe, Director/Owner55 Erb Street EastWaterloo, ON N2J 4K8Email: [email protected]: www.mokshayogawaterloo.comPhone: (519) 954-3516

Paul Puncher MenswearMen's Clothing & Accessories - RetailScott Puncher, President20 Regina Street SouthWaterloo, ON N2J 4W9Email: [email protected]: www.paulpuncher.comPhone: (519) 888-7999

Phoenix Cultural CentreCharitable & Community OrganizationsWendy Hua, Project Manager618 King Street East, PO Box 366Kitchener, ON N2G 1Y0Email:[email protected]: www.phoenixculturalcentre.orgPhone: (519) 576-7472

PMG IntelligenceMarket ResearchRob Grein, Partner98 King Street SouthWaterloo, ON N2J 1P5Email: [email protected]: www.pmgintelligence.comPhone: (519) 746-3997Fax: (519) 746-6926

Protrend-Arrow Construction Inc.Building ContractorsUel McFall, President330 Trillium Drive, Unit FKitchener, ON N2E 3J2Email: [email protected]: www.protrend-arrow.comPhone: (519) 894-5789Fax: (519) 894-0797

REDRAGON Oil & Gas SystemsInternational IncManufacturersPrakash Venkataraman, President andChief Executive Officer135 Turnbull CourtCambridge, ON N1T 1C6Email: [email protected]: www.redragon.caPhone: (519) 624-8891Fax: (519) 624-6367

Ren's Pets DepotPet Food & SuppliesErin Yorke, Events Coordinator1525 Victoria Street NorthKitchener, ON N2B 3E4Email: [email protected]: www.renspets.comPhone: (519) 578-4133



Sherwood SystemsAudio Visual Equipment & SuppliesTim Mitchell, Vice PresidentOperations124 Ottawa Street SouthKitchener, ON N2G 3S9Email: [email protected]: www.sherwoodsystems.comPhone: (519) 745-6154Fax: (519) 745-6679

The Growth CoachCoachingKeith Peers, President210 Morningside DriveCambridge, ON N3H 4R8Email: [email protected]: www.thegrowthcoachofkw.comPhone: (519) 650-9030Fax: (519) 650-9038

The Robin's NestCafeRobin Martin, Owner29A Church Street WestElmira, ON N3B 1M2Email: [email protected]: (519) 497-3637

Verigreen Inc.Energy Consultants & ManagementPaul Rak, President20 Lindsay RoadCambridge, ON N1R 7K6Email: [email protected]: www.verigreen.caPhone: (519) 653-6000Fax: (519) 653-1016

Vine Valuations Inc.Business ValuationsChristine Minelli, President1 Hunter Street East, Suite 100Hamilton, ON L8N 3W1Email:Web: www.vine.on.caPhone: (905) 549-8463Fax: (905) 549-6020

Vista Hospitality GroupReal Estate InvestmentsAlim Adatia, Vice President AssetManagement55 King Street West, Unit 801Kitchener, ON N2G 4W1Email: [email protected]: www.vistahospitality.comPhone: (519) 744-4400Fax: (519) 744-5500

W2S Solutions CorporationComputer SoftwareMadhubalan Kesavan, ManagingDirector3227 King Street East, Unit 412Kitchener, ON N2A 3Z9Email: [email protected]: www.w2ssolutions.comPhone: (226) 339-1422

new members

The City of Kitchener is transferring stormwatermanagement funding from property taxes to a user-feeprogram, effective Jan. 1, 2011. This new stormwater userfee will appear on your monthly utility bill beginning inFebruary 2011.

The following chart shows how stormwater fees will becalculated for non-residential properties, based on the amountof stormwater runoff and impervious area on each property.

This is the most fair and equitable approach to fundingstormwater management since the properties that have themost impervious area and use the system more also pay more.

New stormwater user rate coming in 2011!City staff will spend 2011 developing a creditprogram for non-residential property owners, withthe goal of implementing the new program in 2012.More information on this program will be shared assoon as possible.

Where do I get more information?For more information on the city’s new stormwateruser-fee funding model, as well as the reasons thecity must increase its spending on stormwatermanagement, please:

•Visit: www.kitchener.ca/stormwater•E-mail: [email protected]•Call: 519-741-2450

feature


The recent economic downturn in Ontario largely reflected thefallout from the sub-prime mortgage fiasco emanating from theU.S. financial system that pressured the cost-of-capital higher notonly in the U.S. but in Canada as well. This deterioration in thefinancial system pushed the U.S. economy into the most severedownturn since the 1930s thus earning it the sobriquet “The GreatRecession.” Weakness was particularly pronounced in the autosector that resulted in Ontario experiencing a much more severedownturn in 2009 relative to most other provinces. In fact, theauto sector troubles were a prominent factor causing the Ontarioeconomy to begin contracting in 2008, before all other provincesexcept Nova Scotia.

The severity of the U.S. recession prompted very aggressive, andinnovative, moves by both the Federal Reserve and the U.S.Administration. This in part reflected the lessons learned from the“Great Depression” of the 1930s when the policy response hassince been characterized as too restrained and timid. Of theaggressive policy responses prompted by the current crisis, not allproved successful, though enough of them worked to return theU.S. economy back to positive growth by the middle of 2009. Theattendant increased demand for manufactured goods, andautomobiles in particular, helped send the Ontario economy backto positive growth in the third quarter of 2009 as well. However,though the return to positive growth is encouraging, the paceremains below what the U.S. economy usually generates comingout of recession. Thus the Ontario economy remains vulnerable tothe risk that this pick-up in U.S. demand is not sustained.

Adding to the concern about the sustainability of the U.S. recoveryis that fiscal stimulus has been the primary engine of growththrough the middle of 2010. However, this support will subsidesharply over the second half of 2010 and through 2011. For U.S.growth to remain in the positive column, and thus sustain demandfor Ontario’s exports and support for the Kitchener-Waterlooarea’s manufacturing base, the private sector will need to “fill inthe gap.”

While there is likely to be some bumps along the way, we believethat this transition will ultimately be successful. Helping thisprocess will be still highly stimulative monetary policy. In fact, theFed recently added additional support on this front by expandingasset purchases by an additional $600 billion for the purchases of

U.S. Treasuries, so-called Quantitative Easing 2 (or ‘QE2’ forshort). The aim of this further policy easing is to keep bond yieldslow, which in turn will help keep financing cost moderate for bothbusinesses and households.

Going forward we will be watching a number of indicators forconfirmation that private sector spending is indeed kicking in asexpected. Chief among them will be bank lending in the U.S.,which has improved to date though, at the moment, this reflects aneasing in the pace of decline. As we move into 2011, we expectpositive loan growth to emerge. Such will provide confirmationboth of rising business confidence and the willingness of the U.S.financial system to lend.

With respect to households, a disappointing development throughthe spring and summer was the sluggish pace of employmentgrowth. Encouragingly greater strength has emerged early in thefall though even further gains will be needed over the remainder ofthis year and through 2011. Such would provide the neededincome growth to sustain consumer spending.

We are assuming that these supportive factors will be in place andthat the U.S. economy will expand by 2.8% in 2011 after anexpected 2.7% gain in 2010. A growing U.S. market will helppropel growth in Ontario up 2.8% in 2011 following a projected3.3% gain in 2010. As to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, we believethat it is well positioned to take full advantage of the improvingprospects south of the border. In fact, the strong export orientationof the local economy may well allow it to outperform growth inthe overall province both this year and next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Ferley

Paul Ferley is Assistant Chief Economist ofthe Royal Bank of Canada. He is a member ofthe Economic Policy Committee of theCanadian Chamber of Commerce and formermember on the Editorial Board of CanadianPublic Policy/Analyse de politiques. Paul isalso Past President and Director of theToronto Association of Business andEconomics (TABE).

Sustained recovery south of the border keyto the economic outlook for Kitchener-WaterlooBY PAUL FERLEY

workforce development: WRIEN update

Skilled talent shortages to increase in 2011BY PETER MCFADDEN

Most sectors in the region experienced a slow down and in somecases significant layoffs during the recession. The technologycommunity however continued to experience challenges findingthe talent they need with the desired skill sets to help theirbusinesses grow and compete in the global marketplace.Communitech reports that its members have an ongoing need for2000 people with a variety of technology-based skills.

Other sectors including manufacturing and in particular autorelated are seeing business improve creating the need to hireemployees to meet demand.

Due to the recession and the negative financial impacts someboomers experienced with their retirement investment portfoliosthey may stay in the workforce longer than projected in 2007. Atthat time Statistics Canada projected that by 2010, 100% of networkforce growth would need to come from immigration. Thatdate has been changed to reflect the impacts of the recession andnow looks like 2014.

The outlook for skilled talent availability in 2011 in my opinioncan best be described as competitive in general and highlycompetitive for higher level specialized skill sets. I encourage areabusinesses to reflect on their talent needs over the next 12 – 18months and be proactive in planning for and recruiting the “best”talent to meet your needs.

A few tips and tools are presented below that can help and/orsupport chamber members in their journey to compete for the besttalent and be ready to attract and retain internationally trainedindividuals as a component of strategic human resource planningfor growth and succession.

To become familiar with the education and experience levels thatinternationally trained individuals (ITIs) possess and their level ofjob readiness for the Canadian workplace, chamber members canparticipate in no cost networking and recruiting events. Membersare invited to attend whether they are currently hiring orconsidering hiring skilled or professional people in the future.There is a relaxed environment in which you can meet job ready

ITIs that are interested in employment in your industry/sector andhave a resume that may be of interest to you.

To learn more about immigrant employment tools, supports andhiring opportunities you can start with the Waterloo RegionImmigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) website at:www.wrien.com. In particular, the Employer Resource Guide canbe very helpful in providing a quick overview of supports. It isavailable in digital version on the website or we can provide youwith a hard copy.

There are also a variety of videos available to assist with hiringITIs relative to interview questions, employer best practices andother topics. Another great resource is the www.hireimmigrants.cawebsite and the “Roadmap” that is part of it. The above referencesare designed to provide you with valuable employer friendlyinformation to assist your talent recruiting, hiring, integration andretention activities.

The old adage certainly applies here “pay me now or pay me later”- in this case referring to familiarity with workforce marketchanges, embracing ITIs as a strategic solution, and adapting nowor risking the competition speeding past.

The other option is to meet with a WRIEN representative whowill listen to your needs and suggest no cost solutions to access theITI talent pool or to address other immigrant employment topicsof interest to you. All you need to do is call WRIEN at519 749-6045 to set up an appointment.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter McFadden

Peter McFadden is the Executive Director forWRIEN and former President and CEO ofthe Southern Ontario Tourism Organization.

cover story

Our Time is Now!BY DR. JOHN TIBBITS

Conestoga Expansion Will Deliver SkilledWorkers and Research Solutions to MeetCommunity Needs

When Conestoga College first opened in 1967 to provide career-based education and training for 350 students in Technology,Business and Applied Arts programs, it operated out of a smallsingle building and two portable classrooms. Despite the simplesurroundings, the institution’s mission was tremendouslyimportant: to support the needs of the local community byproviding highly skilled workers for business and industry whileinspiring students to achieve their potential.

Although today’s Conestoga College Institute of Technology andAdvanced Learning looks and feels much different from thatinitial structure, our core mandate remains largely unchanged, aswe strive to build a better community through the delivery ofeducation, training and applied research programs that will resultin a stronger economy and a more sustainable future. Withmultiple campuses, more than 55,000 full and part-time students,and a full range of educational programs, Conestoga’s developmenthas resulted from three primary driving forces.

Rapid technological change over the last three decades haschanged the way we work, live and play. It has also created anongoing need for upgrading, training and new educationalprograms to meet constantly escalating demands for a skilled workforce.

Global competition means that localemployers require world-classemployees to achieve, or maintain,business success. Close to 80 per centof jobs now require some form of post-secondary education. Today’sbusinesses require highly trained,skilled employees who are work-readyand productive immediately.

A changing community – Thecommunity we serve is one of thefastest growing in Canada, with muchof the growth fuelled by immigration.It is a diverse region with acomprehensive economy, featuring arange of industries with a variety ofneeds, from insurance and high tech to

agriculture and advanced manufacturing. It is estimated that thepopulation of K-W/Cambridge will increase by another 200,000by 2031. This rapid growth and increasing diversity createsadditional community needs, from health care and language skillsto retraining as new industries replace more traditional ones.

Our success as an institution has always rested, and will continueto rest, on our ability to serve the needs of the community. Wehave been tremendously fortunate to have long-establishedpartnerships with industry and provincial associations who havebeen instrumental in contributing to our achievements. We’vealso had enormous support from local political leaders, such asMinisters Goodyear and Milloy, who have recognized ourcontributions and our potential to deliver on new solutions for achanging world.

Building for the futureWe have now embarked on the largest expansion in the history ofthe College. Projects currently underway or recently completedwith the support of federal, provincial and/or regional governmentfunding will provide many new and enhanced trainingopportunities in a variety of fields, making Conestoga a true leaderin career-based education with an industry and community focus.Projects include:

• A new Cambridge campus scheduled to open for the start of theFall 2011 semester. This first 260,000 square-foot building will


cover story

be home to the School of Engineering and InformationTechnology, as well as the Institute for Food ProcessingTechnology. The facility will incorporate some of the mostadvanced technologies, processes, and health and safetystandards from top processing plants around the world.

• A new 70,000 square foot facility at the Doon campus that willopen in August 2011 to provide Conestoga students with themost realistic and advanced applied learning environment forhealth skills training in Ontario, using the latest technology andinterdisciplinary teaching methodologies. New training labs anda Centre for Health Informatics will be among the manyfeatures in this unique environment as we build the capacity todouble enrollment over the next five years to meet emerginghealthcare needs.

• Two new centres for the Waterloo campus to provide advancedskills training featuring Ontario’s most innovative internal andexternal training environments - the Roofing Training Centreand the HRAC (Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)Training Centre.

• A Power Centre in Ingersoll that provides training for workersin the electrical utilities powerline field, as well as energy andskilled trades programs that complement the industry.

• A Motive Power Skills Training Centre in Guelph that willprovide advanced training for new century technicians in theareas of truck and coach, automobiles, engines, recreationalvehicles and heavy equipment.

These facilities will be instrumental in better preparing ourstudents for the workplace through more simulationopportunities, providing more career-based learning, and meetingthe needs of a high skills economy, responsive to changes inlabour-market needs.

The VisionDevelopment of our facilities and programs will continue asConestoga evolves into a world-class polytechnic that providesmultiple pathways and opportunities to meet the needs of agrowing community and a diverse group of learners.

We will provide increased breadth of programming, withadditional degrees, upgrading and training programs, andpartnerships with universities for the delivery of multi-dimensionalprograms.

We will develop and enhance Centres of Excellence in such diversefields as:

• Construction Trades

• Motive Power Trades

• Health and Community Services

• Information Technology

• Alternative Energy

• Welding

• Food Processing

We will provide applied research for small and medium-sizedbusinesses based on industry needs and commercial objectives tohelp strengthen the local economy and build a more prosperousfuture.

We will focus on the core values of accessibility, inclusiveness andquality to ensure that success is within reach for all learners.

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and AdvancedLearning plays a pivotal role in the development and sustainabilityof our shared community. Fifty-three per cent of the region’shealthcare professionals are trained here. Our students win moretechnical skills competitions than those from any other college inthe province. Our graduates have created some 240 businesses andcontribute $1.3 billion each year to the region’s economy.

As our community continues to develop and grow, we too mustexpand to ensure an adequate supply of effective and productivegraduates to meet market demands for a wide range of industryand social services.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. John Tibbits

Dr. John Tibbits has been President andChief Executive Officer of ConestogaInstitute of Technology and AdvancedLearning since 1987. He holds a Bachelor ofScience degree and a Diploma in Educationfrom McGill University, a Master ofEducation from the University of Vermontand a Doctorate in Education from BostonUniversity.

January 13, 2011

Research In MotionChamber Young Professionalspresents Freedom 55 –A Personal Finance Plan

5:00-7:00pmLocation: Walper Terrace HotelMember: $10General Admission: $15

Do you have financial priorities, a budget,or understand the basics of banking, savingand investing?

Title Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

January 18, 2011

Manulife Chamber Academy:Fishing for Sales –How to Increase Sales

8:00-10:00amLocation: Chamber of CommerceMember: $40General Admission: $45

Learn how to brand your business so thatyou make more sales, more easily to theclient base you want. Award-winningBrand Architect will present branding interms of sales and bottom line thinking.Please bring copies of your marketingmaterials

Title Sponsor:

January 20, 2011

Networking Breakfast Seriespresents Speed Networking

7:30-9:00am

Location: Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo, 30 Fairway Road S., KitchenerMember: $28General Admission: $40

Maximize your networking opportunitieswith other professionals, one on one, a fewminutes at a time and find hiddenopportunities and new connections.

Media Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

events

Mark your calendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


events


at the Waterloo Inn, 475 King St. N., Waterloo 519-884-0220 www.rushes.ca [email protected]

Sunday BrunchThe MOST fabulous Brunch - right here - every Sunday from 10:30 am - 2 pm

January 27, 2011

Point of View with Chief of PoliceMatt Torigian

11:30am-1:00pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $35General Admission: $40

Chief Torigian will be discussing thebusiness principles Waterloo RegionalPolice are employing, including usingevidence and data to measure theirperformance and the associated demandson police resources.

Event Sponsor:

February 2, 2011

Women’s Leadership presentsTaking the Plunge into Politics

11:30am-1:00pmLocation: Walper Terrace HotelMember: $25General Admission: $30

Join our panel for lunch to learn howwomen have prepared to get involved inpolitics at various levels of government,how politics have changed their life, whatit takes to be successful, and tips on howyou can become more involved.

Our Panel:Brenda Halloran - Mayor of Waterloo,Catherine Fife - Waterloo Region DistrictSchool Board Trustee, Melissa Durrell -City of Waterloo Councillor,Moni Lagonia - City of KitchenerCouncillor Candidate

Event Sponsors:

February 8, 2011

Rogers Chamber Connections

5:00-7:00pm

Hosted by: Chicopee Tube ParkMember: $5General Admission: $10

Title Sponsor:

Host Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

THE VALLEYG

RO

UP

(continued on page 26)

feature


Waterloo’s unconventionalcollaboration for intentional innovationBY MARLENE COFFEY

Waterloo has a pervasive culture of collaboration – throughharnessed entrepreneurship – which delivers in the knowledgeeconomy. We experience this culture daily and are consistentlyable to perform with on-the-ground results.

Development and the urbanlandscape are a wonderful way tosee the reflection of the Waterlooeconomy. In 2010, Waterlooconstruction values far surpassedthe pre-recession constructionvalues of 2008, with numbers stillclimbing months before year-endtabulations. Move through the community, experienceintersections such as that at Erb and Caroline Streets, and one willquickly recognize markers of success. Waterloo is the only City in

Canada to boast three Governor General Award winning buildingsfor architectural excellence on one corner. This intersection willsoon further display open doors to the new Centre For

InternationalGovernance InnovationCampus (with BalsillieSchool of InternationalAffairs), a majorexpansion of thePerimeter Institute,redevelopment of theKnox Church, and theentrance into the newest

mixed use urban development site, the BarrelYards with the hotelnow under construction. There is other activity in the UpTownincluding the construction of the new HSBC Bank on the cornerof William and King Streets, the recently opened Bridgeport andRegina Street Lofts on Regina Street and new condominiumdevelopment applications under review.

The Economic Development Division itself actively participated in35 partnerships and collaborations last year – and this is only oneexample within the municipal administration. We are practicingunconventional collaboration for intentional innovation, and weare building community.

Waterloo Economic Development Core Functions:Manage the City’s Industrial Land InventoryFacilitate Development ProjectsEncourage Business Retention & ExpansionFoster a Positive Business EnvironmentDisseminate Economic and Community InformationManage Visitor ServicesLiaise and Partner with Community Stakeholders

Standing Partnerships include working with:Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT)Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, Region of WaterlooCommunitechFilm KWGreater KW Chamber of CommercePost Secondary Institutions (UW, WLU, Conestoga College)Provincial and Federal MinistriesUpTown Waterloo BIAWaterloo Economic Development Committee (WEDC)Waterloo Region Small Business Centres (SBC)Waterloo Region Tourism Marketing Corporation

Strategic Milestones:

• Waterloo Economic Development continues toimplement the strategic document entitled, “BuildingNew Bridges – The City of Waterloo’s 10-Year EconomicDevelopment Strategy 2008-2017”. The Strategy hasbecome a key project within the Waterloo EconomicDevelopment Advisory Committee who is actively takingleadership in furthering this work through the EconomicSummit. Identified themes for 2011 include TalentAttraction and Retention, Business Retention andExpansion, Land and Infrastructure, Market and Brandan Articulated Vision.

• The City of Waterloo is also reviewing the proposed City-Owned Employment Lands Strategy, which is addressingthe city’s employment land assets. The Strategy includesa broadly scoped document identifying best practices inhigher density employment and a tactical document thatoutlines the implementation plan for bringing City-OwnedEmployment Lands to market in the future.

• We will continue to work with community partners andstakeholders in 2011 and beyond, and thank the KWChamber for this opportunity to share our commitment tocollaboration for community.

This is our collective success to celebrate!

Interesting LinksManufacturing Innovation

Network (MIN) at: www.waterloomin.ca

A Symphony of Design(Urban Design Video) at: www.techtriangle.com/video_library

(continued on next page)

feature


Tourism outlook for 2011 to 2015BY TRACEY DESJARDINS

The outlook for tourism receipts in Ontario for the next four yearsis forecasted to be fairly flat. The good news is Canada is faringbetter than many economies in the world and recovering fasterthan the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany and many others. Emergingtravel markets such as China, India and Brazil economies have themost projected growth and are good prospects for Ontario. Globaltrends that will impact tourism are: technology, women in theworkforce, older population (boomers), increased immigration,eco-sensitive tourists, emerging economic powerhouses (China,India, Brazil) to name a few. Over 70% of our tourists come fromOntario and this market will remain flat, however businessinvestment will grow at a solid pace of 9.6% in 2011 and 8.2% in2011 thus encouraging business trips and travel expenditures.*Western Canada as a commodities market has the most forecastedgrowth in Canada and that reflects some opportunities for Ontarioand Waterloo Region.

Trip motivators for most travelers are primarily: relaxation andrejuvenation, urban experiences, overall sightseeing, culturalexperiences, outdoor adventure and family connecting experiences.However, everyone is looking for fun, memorable moments thatconnect positively with family, friends, and work colleagues.

For every hour of travel, a destination needs at least four hours ofactivities. Waterloo Region has tremendous cultural heritage,outdoor adventure attractions and festivals that appeal to a widevariety of travelers. We will need to package with similar tripmotivators to encourage longer stays and more spending fromtourists in targeted markets.

I think tourism destination management done in partnership witheconomic development, academia, the culture/arts and technologysectors will create tremendous opportunities. I am excited to beworking in a visionary, innovative and creative community with areputation of collaboration. Collectively we can grow tourisminvestment, build capacity and improve existing businesses, andincrease economic growth through increased visitation andspending. We can realize a better quality of life by preserving andimproving the sustainability and capacities of our culturalindustries, opportunities for youth employment/retention and byfostering tolerance, diversity and understanding by welcoming theworld. Waterloo Region can aspire to be the most memorable, funand welcoming destination. Service excellence is critical in settingus apart and I look forward to working with Chamber members,BIA's and other associations in Waterloo Region to raise the barand deliver on our brand promise to be the warmest, mostwelcoming destination in Ontario. We can create the WOWteam - Welcomers of Waterloo.

*Ontario Tourism Outlook (Spring 2010)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracey Desjardins

Tracey Desjardins is the General Manager of Waterloo RegionTourism Marketing Corporation

Some recent examples ofEconomic Development Collaborations include:Biotech PartnershipBusiness CallingCreative Class StrategyEconomic Outlook EventEmployment Lands: Go-To-MarketHealth Sciences Cluster & Health Infomatics ConferenceInquiries and ToursManufacturing Innovation Network (MIN)Passport to Success ProgramSolar Innovation Networking Group (SING)Symphony of Design VideoWind Energy Partnership

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marlene Coffey

Marlene has served as an economicdevelopment professional in four Ontariocommunities – bridging economicdevelopment and planning practices. Sheholds two Masters Degrees, is a RegisteredProfessional Planner, and serves as Directorof Economic Development for the City ofWaterloo.

(continued from page 20)


CHAM

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Real People Network

TITLE SPONSOR HOST ORGANIZATION

@KWCYP CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LINKEDIN.COM/KWCYP

GET MORE INFO ON EVENTS AT

You are invited to join a network of young business people from across Waterloo Region who are sharing ideas, successes and challenges in an effort to help business prosper. Network as part of a large and diverse group.

We are real, young, business people looking to transform enterprise for tomorrow.

To Register for Events Visit www.greaterkwchamber.com

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feature


Working toward a barrier-free OntarioBY ANDRENA LOCKLEY-BROWN

Fifteen percent of our population self-identifies as having adisability, and for far too long much of our community has notbeen accessible to them. Inaccessibility comes in many forms, fromsteps in front of corner stores and menus in small print, tocountless systemic and attitudinal barriers. The Ministry ofCommunity of Social Services wants to put an end to theinaccessibility of Ontario and their plan to do so is made clear inthe AODA.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005(AODA) declares that all of Ontario must be barrier-free by theyear 2025. This law was designed to improve opportunities forpeople with disabilities and is the first of its kind in Canada. Thereare many different kinds of barriers and therefore various steps arenecessary to eliminate them. These steps are what the ministry callAccessibility Standards. The standards outline what has to be doneand when.

The Customer Service StandardThe first standard is the Accessible Customer Service Standard andit came into force on January 1, 2008. This standard outlinesvarious requirements that must be met by businesses and otherorganizations in Ontario. For instance there is a requirement thatall service animals be permitted anywhere the public is welcome(with the exception of places where they are excluded by otherlaws). Another requirement states that service providers must putpolicies and procedures in place around the accessible customerservice they provide. In addition service providers must have afeedback system whereby the public may comment on the serviceprovided.

The requirement further states that service providers must traintheir staff, volunteers and contractors not only on the AODA as awhole but also on the topic of disability awareness and how toprovide service to people with disabilities. The Independent LivingCentre of Waterloo Region can help with the compliance processthrough consultation or staff training.

The public sector had to comply with this legislation by January 1,2010. However, private business, non profit organizations, or anyother service provider has been given an extra two years to complywith a deadline of January 1, 2012.

Beyond BarriersIndependent Living Centre of Waterloo Region (ILCWR) hascomposed workshops to educate employees about this veryimportant legislation. For a nominal fee ILCWR can provideanything from a one hour session, which outlines the basic facts ofthe legislation and its requirements, to a full day workshopincluding guest speakers, activities, film clips, and attention tohistorical and social contexts. Workshops can be delivered in manyformats as each presentation is tailored to meet the needs of eachgroup.

Please contact Andrena Lockley-Brown, Public Awareness andEducation Coordinator for the Independent Living Centre ofWaterloo Region for more information (519)571-6788 [email protected] .

For more information on the AODA please visit: www.accesson.ca

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrena Lockley-Brown

Andrena Lockley-Brown is the PublicAwareness and Education Coordinator for theIndependent Living Centre of WaterlooRegion, a non-profit organization that hasbeen helping people with disabilities in ourRegion live independently since 1982. She hasbeen with the centre for over 10 years andcoordinates several programs including theKids on the Block and Beyond Barriers. Shealso facilitates a youth program for teens withdisabilities.

sponsor profile

BDO is the fifth largest accounting and advisory firminternationally and the sixth largest in Canada. Our firm ischaracterized by having offices near our clients – from our ruralcentres to our largest markets. BDO professionals work and live inthe communities they serve.

In Waterloo Region, we have a history of growth through a seriesof mergers with professionals and firms who have a commitmentto serving clients similar to ours, including entrepreneurial, publicsector and not-for-profit organizations. The most recent localmergers have been with Schilling & Laird in Cambridge (2005)and with MDKS in Waterloo (2009). BDO now has offices inWaterloo (in the new Bauer Buildings), Kitchener (the FinancialRecovery Services Practice) and Cambridge with over 100professionals providing audit, tax and a full complement ofadvisory services. These mergers have been instrumental increating the strong local presence we enjoy today.

BDO’s Involvement with the ChamberBDO has been a member of the Chamber since the mid-70’s andour partners and professionals have been active participants of the

Board and a variety of committees ever since. Jim Harper, apartner in our local practice, has held several positions with theChamber. He was President of the Waterloo Chamber in 1987and 1988, served on the Ontario Chamber Board as a localrepresentative from 1989-1990 and was asked to Chair the InterimBoard of Directors to merge the Kitchener and WaterlooChambers in 1990. He became the inaugural Chair of the firstBoard of The Chamber of Commerce of Kitchener &Waterloo in1992-1993, and was Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commercein 1997 and 1998. Greg Weiler, a BDO Tax Partner, was ChamberPresident in 1997-98.

When asked why the commitment to the local chamber, ourmanagement team saw networking, building our brand andlearning about other local business as key attributes. Added to thatwere opportunities to build skills such as public speaking andprofessional development as well as access by small businesses togroup insurance and benefit plans. They found volunteering at theChamber rewarding. One professional said she liked working withthe Business Excellence Awards and bringing local companies therecognition they deserve; others found the advocacy role satisfying


BDO Canada LLP – Accountants and AdvisorsBY DEAN ELLIOTT

(LEFT TO RIGHT) DEAN ELLIOTT, OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, AND JIM HARPER IN BDO’S NEW LOCATION IN THE BAUER BUILDINGS

sponsor profile

and all found itwas a good chanceto give back to thecommunity.

Tim Sothern, alocal audit andassurance partner,says “I’ve beeninvolved in theChamber for over6 years and havevolunteered oncommittees andwith the Board ofDirectors. I’veseen people jointhe Chamber asthey are startingoff their businessesand can see howthe Chambersupports them asthey grow in ourcommunity. It’s atremendous localresource forbusinesses and

their stakeholders as well as a great advocate for our businesseswith a provincial and national reach.”

Community InvolvementBDO partners and staff are active members of the community inall of our locations across the country. The strength of the BDOname in its local communities is driven by the Firm’s partners andtheir knowledge of the local market; it is the people on the groundin these offices who best understand the needs and priorities oftheir community and its local businesses. The challenge we set forourselves in making a difference is reflected in our range ofcorporate social responsibility activities, and our record in thecommunity is something we are most proud of. We activelysupport a number of areas including the health, education, social,sports, arts & culture and economic sectors. Examples oforganizations we support as a firm can be found on our webpage:www.bdo.ca/about/community along with highlights of some ofour initiatives.

BDO’s most recent nation-wide initiative was the Farm CreditCanada Drive Away Hunger Campaign. BDO committed tocollecting 100,000 pounds of food this year. Our offices acrossCanada enthusiastically embraced that goal and collected over162,000 pounds of food which was in turn donated to local foodbanks.

Locally, our professionals are members of over 20 committees andboards of community organizations. From public sector boards toRotary Clubs to a number of not-for-profit organizations, BDO’steam commits their time, effort and knowledge to support ourcommunity.

Vision and ValuesRecently our firm did an in-depth evaluation of our vision andvalues and initiated a cross-Canada launch to all 95 offices. BDO’svision and values are all about relationships – relationships witheverybody that we deal with: “One Firm engaged to make adifference through valued relationships with our people, clientsand communities.” We believe the values most important to us arequality in all that we do, honesty and integrity, accountability andrespect for ourselves, each other, our clients and our communities.

Going ForwardBDO is committed to helping our clients grow and prosper. In hisrole as Office Managing Partner from 2003 to 2010, Jim Harperprovided leadership in developing the services we are able to offerour clients as well as growing the resources we have available toserve them.

Going forward, BDO will build on that foundation and proactivelyserve our clients so they can continue to build on their success.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dean Elliott

Dean Elliott is the Office Managing Partnerof BDO’s Waterloo and Cambridge officesand sits on the Firm’s Southern/MidwesternOntario Management Board. He recentlyreceived BDO’s C.F. Fleming Young LeaderAward for his contributions to the firm, theprofession and the community.

Early 1950’sG.H. Ward and Partners

2010BDO Canada LLP

1973Ward Mallette & Co.

1973BDO Ward Mallette

8th largest firm in Canada

1999BDO Dunwoody LLP

6th largest firm in Canada

1992BDO Dunwoody Ward MalletteMerger: BDO Ward Mallette and

Dunwoody & Co, January 1, 19927th largest firm in Canada

in memorium

Howard (Howie) Jasper, FCA

It was with great sadness that Chamber friends and colleagues ofPast President Howard Jasper acknowledged his passing inOctober.

A highly respected and well loved member of this community,Howie had a long and successful career as a partner with ClarksonGordon/Ernst and Young. He was a true leader and a remarkableperson, devoting countless hours in support of his profession andthe community.

Beyond his commitment to the Chamber, Howie devoted time tomany other business and community organizations. He wasDirector and Officer of the Kitchener-Waterloo CommunityFoundation, Founding Director of Junior Achievement ofWaterloo Region, Past President of the Waterloo-Wellington

Chartered AccountantsAssociation, Past Chairman of theWaterloo-Wellington Section ofthe University of WaterlooAccounting Advisory Council,Chairman of the Ontario Instituteof Chartered Accountants andAdvisor for Big Brothers and BigSisters of K-W.

Howie brought charm and witalong with a keen intelligence to allof his relationships and hisendeavours. He will be sadly missed.


February 17, 2011

Business Excellence Awards Gala

6:00-10:00pmLocation: BingemansMember: $150Member Table of 8: $1150General Admission: $175General Admission Table of 8: $1350

A Gala event to present 11 awards toChamber members who have madeexceptional contributions through theirinvolvement and leadership for thebetterment of our community.

Title Sponsor:

February 24, 2011

Networking Breakfast Seriespresents EntrepreneurialBusiness Trends

7:30-9:00amLocation: Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo, 30 Fairway Road S., KitchenerMember: $28General Admission: $40

Steve Farlow, Schlegel Centre forEntrepreneurship and Alan Quarry, their“Entrepreneur in Residence”, will discussbusiness opportunities most likely tosucceed, unmet market needs, and what isbeing taught in schools.

Media Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

February 2011

check the website for the confirmed date

Research In MotionChamber Young ProfessionalsNetworking Event

5:00-7:00pmLocation:Members: $5General Admission: $10

Watch the website for more details!

Title Sponsor:

Mark your calendar(continued from page 19)

HOWIE JASPER

feature

Watershed moment for WoolwichBY LAUREL DAVIES SNYDER

The Township of Woolwich is at a watershed moment and this isan exciting time to be part of the transformations occurringthroughout the local economy. With a rich and long heritage ofagriculture, entrepreneurship, and vey strong communityinvolvement in shared goals, the Township is well-poised forpositive change and growth.

Woolwich is geographically the largest municipality in the Region,and its population of approximately 23,000 people is spreadbetween fifteen unique settlements and highly productivefarmland. The continued physical growth of the cities located tothe south (Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge) has directimpacts on the Township’s land use patterns, infrastructure,demographics, and business patterns. In addition, the relativeproximity of Woolwich to large urban centers combined withincreasing rejection of hour-long commutes to work and ability topurchase a home in a “small town” atmosphere, has led to theacknowledgement that the Township is an ideal place to live andwork. In addition to these Region-specific forces of change,Woolwich’s economy – similar to those of many Canadianmunicipalities - is recovering from an economic recession.

The sum of these dynamics raises questions of how to forecast andplan for the continued vitality of the local community economy.More importantly, answering questions of how to redefine andnavigate economic transitions are key in achieving a location-appropriate, sustainable, and resilient economy.

Recognizing that smaller communities experience vastly differentrates of growth and decline, the Township demonstratedleadership in managing local economic issues by hiring its firstEconomic Development & Tourism Officer in late 2008.Although the Township had undertaken a number of valuableprojects supporting the local economy in the past, the time wasright to formally add Economic Development to the Township’sportfolio.

An essential ingredient for successful local economic developmentis a holistic approach that involves all stakeholders. The Townshipis designing and implementing initiatives created to provide afoundation for the future. Specifically, the Business VisitationProgram allows staff and business owners to talk openly aboutproblems, challenges, opportunities, and visions for the future.The Salute to Business Event provides an evening of casualnetworking, a keynote speaker, and a tradeshow for anyone

involved in business in the Township. Perhaps the most significantaspect of both of these initiatives is that they allow Staff andbusiness people the time to make personal connections, and talkopenly about doing business in Woolwich. The development ofthese relationships will be invaluable to addressing issues andmoving forward. Of course, there are a number of fundamentalsupporting projects that also need to be completed including:developing a business directory, compiling lists of local festivalsand events, connecting with key stakeholders, finding resources toassist businesses, etc.

Creating an economic development action plan and strategyrooted in local values and priorities is Woolwich’s current focusand the project is gathering momentum. In early 2010, theTownship received a grant from the Federal DevelopmentCommunity Adjustment Fund program to complete an EconomicDevelopment Strategic Action Plan. This is an opportunity toleverage Woolwich’s existing strengths and unique position withinthe Region and Ontario. A Stakeholder Committee comprised of15 community business leaders is providing the Staff Team andConsulting Team with a wealth of experience and input. FocusGroups are clarifying the reality of doing business in Woolwichand allowing the analysis to go well beyond the statistics. By theend of March 2011, the Township of Woolwich will have a newframework for local economic development built around theshared guiding principles of: ensuring lasting benefits andsustainability, maintaining a high quality of life, developing andfostering a local culture for development and partnerships,efficiently using time and resources, embracing diverseperspectives, ensuring healthy & attractive environment, andemphasizing business retention and expansion.

Woolwich is at the cusp of great change. The development andimplementation of a strategy that supports forward momentumwhile supporting local community goals and values can act as amodel for other Ontario rural communities. Stay tuned.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurel Davies Snyder,MA, MCIP, RPP

Laurel is the Economic Development & Tourism Officer forthe Township of Woolwich

member notables


Hatch Mott MacDonald Lead Engineering Firm for Windsor-Essex Parkway

Engineering firm Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) will be the lead design firm for The Windsor-EssexParkway. HMM is part of the Windsor Essex Mobility Group selected by Infrastructure Ontario and theOntario Ministry of Transportation from a short-list of three consortia.

The Parkway, once completed, will be the most significant single highway investment in Ontario history.The planned project is an eleven kilometer, six-lane extension of Highway 401 through the County ofEssex and City of Windsor. It is estimated that 12,000 direct and indirect related jobs will be generated.

ShaughnesseyHowell Earns 8th Gold Medal

ShaughnessyHowell, a Waterloo-based organization, was recently awarded their unprecedented eighthgold medal from the Canadian Society for Training and Development.

The winning program was designed for the Canada Post Corporation to prepare new employees workingin retail outlets. This course combined self-directed learning with hands-on classroom training and on-the-job coaching.

The Canadian Award for Training Excellence (CATE), is a national recognition for companies that havedeveloped, produced and delivered original and innovative training products.

Hagon Design Completes Major Rebranding Campaign

Hagon Design, a local branding and design studio, recently completed a top-to-bottom rebranding andadvertising campaign for national law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain. The campaign, including a new logo,signage, website, billboards and print advertising was designed to reflect the firm’s forward-thinkingapproach.

The project has already been selected as a finalist for the Honouring Excellence in Legal Marketing(HELM) Award, has garnered a 300 percent in measurable web traffic, and is gaining notable mention bymainstream business press outlets.

GSP Group Celebrates 15th Anniversary

On November 25th, GSP Group celebrated its 15th Anniversary at their annual open house for clientsand associates at 72 Victoria St. South, Kitchener.

GSP Group provides community planning, urban design and landscape architecture services. Recentaward winning projects include Waterloo Square and Victoria Park Entrance.

Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishmentor event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraints

make it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

Member notables

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Chamber Star - Ian InglisBY CHAMBER STAFF

The Chamber Star was developed to recognize volunteers and is away for the Chamber to show appreciation for the significantefforts of its volunteers. It is awarded to an active committeemember three times a year, following aCommittee Chair nomination process.We are excited to announce that Ian Inglisis the newest recipient of the ChamberStar.

Ian is a member of the ChamberConnections Committee and has playedan important role in the re-branding ofthe former Business After 5 event. Ian waspart of the advisory committee that startedthe process and has joined the committeeand is responsible for the relationship

between the event vendors and the committee.

Ian is a full time real estate professional with Re/Max Solid GoldRealty, with extensive experience in themarketing of homes in all price ranges,including new construction, resalehomes and condominium projects in theKitchener-Waterloo and surroundingarea. Ian is also a member of anInternational Relocation Network ofsales professionals and can providecommunity information for locationsthroughout North America.

Thank you Ian, for your time and yoursupport of the Chamber, its members,and the community.


IAN INGLIS

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Leadership Series

The Advocate Magazine - January | February 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Advocate Magazine - January | February 2011