ISSUE

17
NOVEMBER

KINGSTON CHAMBERNEWS
NOVEMBER 2011 KINGSTONCHAMBER.ON.CA

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT
BY: MEGAN COUGHLIN, PRESIDENT

October 18th Chamber Breakfast focuses on the serious issue of Mental Health in the Workplace.
Five of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide are mental problems (major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, alcohol use and obsessive-compulsive disorders). These disorders together with anxiety, depression and stress have a definitive impact on any working population and should be addressed within that context. They may also develop into longterm disorders with accompanying forms of disability. Given the fact that numerous affordable interventions exist, the time has come to challenge both the low priority given to mental health and the stigma that those with mental ill-health still endure around the world. Tuesday, October 18 , Dr. Heather Stuart presented an in-depth presentation centred on the many issues employees and employers face with workplace-related issues regarding mental health issues. All attendees were given an intriguing list of information to really think about moving forward on how these very important matters are treated. Pictured below are, left to right, Sandy Clement from Bell, Chamber First Vice-President John Ryce of Investors Group and Dr. Heather Stuart.
th

With the year of my Chamber Presidency coming to th a close, it will be an honour to attend the 16 annual Presidents Gala featuring our Business Achievement Awards. Congratulations are in order to all of our nominees who have been cited for their business excellence. Everyone will have the opportunity to be showcased as the event takes place th Friday, November 4 in the Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre at Days Inn. In essence, this Gala represents my chance to reflect on the past year. I can also begin preparations for my support role next year when we transition to John Ryce, who will be looking forward to representing you, our members as 2012 Chamber President. I can look back with a sense of pride on what has been accomplished in 2011. I base this on the goals that I had confirmed as incoming President this time last year. Lets focus on some of the highlights looking forward at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce: We have a major social media presence, making inroads with Facebook (over 250 likes in less than a year), Twitter (More than 420 followers in 8 months), a solid Linkedin network and a unique YouTube web presence with our own Chamber Channel profiling individual Chamber members. We have a new 5 year strategic plan in place which is focused on business issues, advocacy and establishing new partnerships to bolster the local economic landscape.

These are two extremely important benchmarks that will be pursued vigorously to cement our organization as the business hub of Greater Kingston. Personally and professionally, it has been a challenging yet rewarding year for me. As a City and a Chamber of Commerce, if we maintain our positive attitude and create obtainable goals, success can and will prevail.

www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
New Members October 2011
Bayridge Printer Pros 1121 John Counter Boulevard Kingston ON K7K 6C7 Telephone: (613) 531-0822 Fax: (613) 531-0944 Email: rlusink.bpp@bellnet.ca Website: http://www.bpp.ca Number of Employees: 4 Contact: Ms. Michelle Hand, Classification(s): COMPUTER/PRINTER SALES/SERVICE Notes: HP & Lexmark authorized sales & service provider, printer, plotter and computer sales. Specializing in laser printer & HP plotter repairs. Excellent prices for original cartridges and 100% gauranteed (ISO 9002.) Compatible cartridges - all brands. Bread & Butter Bakery and Fine Pastries 1530 Bath Road Kingston ON K7M 4X6 Telephone: (613) 384-3675 Fax: (613) 384-9283 Email: katie@breadandbutter.ca Website: http://www.breadandbutter.ca Number of Employees: 23 Contact: Ms. Katie Whitall, Classification(s): BAKERIES Notes: We are family owned and operated where everything is made fresh in store daily, using all natural ingredients and local produce whenever possible. Our specialties include bread, pies, cakes, breakfast items and take home savoury meals. Century 21 Limestone Realty Ltd. 813 Blackburn Mews Kingston ON K7P 2N6 Telephone: (613) 384-4441 Fax: (613) 384-6664 Email: shane@kingstonagents.com Website: http://www.kingstonagents.com Number of Employees: 5 Contact: Mr. Shane Ruys, Classification(s): REAL ESTATE AGENTS Notes: Kingston's newest real estate brokerage specializing in residential, commercial and investment properties. Collagenelife International 230 Conacher Drive Suite 9 Kingston, ON K7K 2X2 Telephone: (613) 547-9132 Email: japrugar@acnibo.com Website: http://www.collagenelife.com Number of Employees: 2 Contact: Mr. Jerzy Prugar Classification(s): PERSONAL CARE>>>> Notes: We offer biologically-active collagen products oriented on the market's needs and which have the set of concurrent advantages. Also, we take care of your beauty while taking care of your health. Crack'd Pot Fine Food Boutique, The 262 Sydenham Street Kingston ON K7K 3M6 Telephone: (613) 531 8056 Fax: Email: linda.forbrigger@sympatico.ca Website: Number of Employees: 1 Contact: Ms. Linda Forbrigger, Classification(s): GROCERY STORES Notes: The Crack'd Pot is an irreverent fine food boutique. It's a store for cooks, by cooks. Hence the irreverence. It sells beautiful food, made by people you don't want to let anywhere near your daughter. Both the guys AND the girls. But we're fun. And we'll keep you coming back because we make damn fine food. We do. Edward Jones Investments 1296 Bath Road Unit 2 Kingston ON K7M 4X3 Telephone: (613) 544-9757 Fax: (877) 335-1331 Email: david.illingworth@edwardjones.com Website: http://www.edwardjones.ca Number of Employees: 3 Contact: Mr. David Illingworth, Financial Advisor Classification(s): FINANCIAL SERVICES Notes: We meet the needs of individual investors and business owners with: -a proven investment philosophy -personalized client service -carefully-chosen quality investments -appropriate insurance solutions ELORIN 945 Princess Street Kingston ON K7L 3N6 Telephone: (613) 533-3300 Fax: (613) 533-6676 Email: phillips@elorin.ca Website: http://www.elorin.info Number of Employees: 3 Contact: Ms. Shelagh McDonald, Executive Director Classification(s): CONSULTING - BUSINESS Notes: ELORIN assists clients in achieving the next step in their business cycle and bringing innovative products and processes to the marketplace. ELORIN is a not-forprofit corporation registered in Ontario and located in Kingston. ELORIN provides business advice through our services & programs to the Counties of Frontenac; Lennox and Addington; Hastings and the Cities of Kingston; Belleville and Quinte West.

www.kingstonchamber.on.ca

New Members continued

Lin Montaigue Recruitment and Retention Consultant 707-135 Ontario Street Kingston ON K7L 0A5 Telephone: (613) 766-8996 Fax: Email: lmontaigue@cogeco.ca Website: http://www.lmontaigue.ca Number of Employees: 1 Contact: Ms. Lin Montaigue, Classification(s): CONSULTING - BUSINESS Notes: Lin Montaigue, Recruitment and Retention Consultant provides professional expertise and consulting services to help companies attract, engage and retain the right people, with the right skills needed to produce the right business results. Writing By Design 171 Churchill Crescent Kingston ON K7L 4N3 Telephone: (613) 546-4605 Fax: (613) 546-5719 Email: writingbydesign@bell.net Website: Number of Employees: 1 Contact: Ms. Patricia Henderson, Classification(s): WRITER Notes: A one-stop writing service company providing copy for magazines, newsletters, corporate documents, newspapers and radio. Grant writing provided as well as editing services. Background with CBC radio, Toronto Star and a myriad of North American publications.

Kingston Hydro electricity programs, feel free to contact Stephen Sottile, Conservation Officer, at (613)546-1181 x2477 or ssottile@utilitieskingston.com. Information about all of Kingston Hydros electricity conservation programs is available at www.kingstonhydro.saveonenergy.ca. Small business owners in Kingston Hydro territory who do not pay their own electricity bill may also participate in this program, but will not be receiving phone calls from Kingston Hydro. To book your free Small Business Lighting assessment, contact Leena Verk at smallbusinesslighting@kingstonhydro.com or (613)888-0149. New study looks at employment gaps in skilled trades (Kingston, ON) St. Lawrence College, through its Corporate Learning and Performance Improvement department, and The 1000 Islands Workforce Development Board, have partnered with Service Canada and been awarded a $98,000.00 grant to study youth employment gaps in skilled trades. Supported by students and faculty from business school at St. Lawrence College, area employers will be asked to participate in a short, but important, 10 minute human resource survey to better understand the evolving skilled job market in our region. Results of this survey will support the ability of individuals to connect education, training and professional development to a career and strong financial status, as well as inform public policy and educational programming. We know that the recession and economic change are reshaping the job and educational landscapes, said Charlie Mignault, Director of Business Development at St. Lawrence College. As we move through this challenging economic climate we will continue to use tools such as the skilled job survey to match educational alternatives with career options providing invaluable insights for both job seekers and employers.

Member news Update

Kingston Hydro Offers $1000 of Free Lighting Efficiency Upgrades to Small Businesses. It may sound too good to be true, but its for real. Kingston Hydros Small Business Lighting program is offering a free lighting efficiency assessment, up to $1000 in free lighting efficiency retrofits and additional electricity conservation incentives to its small business customers. Leena Verk, Kingston Hydros Small Business Lighting Customer Service Representative, will be calling all Kingston Hydro small business customers over the coming months to provide information about this program and to book assessments. Businesses that previously conducted lighting efficiency retrofits under the Power Savings Blitz program are not eligible for the Small Business Lighting program, but could qualify for other conservation incentives. To discuss this and other

www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
Chamber Advocacy in Action

Sudbury Speaks Out on Accessibility for Ontarians

submissions to reformcommission@ontario.ca. Submissions should be made by early November. For more information on the work of the Commission, please refer to their website. http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/reformcommission/

From the Canadian Chamber

Louie DiPalma, of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) travelled to Northern Ontario during small business week in order to speak about the Customer Service Standard for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Led by Louie DiPalma, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce hosted an interactive workshop in order to help local businesses adhere to, and comply with, this very important piece of legislation. The northern tour also included stops in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. For more information on AODA or the OCCs Accessibility Works initiative, visit accessibilityworks.ca.

Suggested Top 10 Barriers to Canadian Competitiveness

1. Getting qualified workers to meet the needs of employers Canada trails many other nations in the number of graduate degrees awarded, and Canadian firms lag in the employment of post-graduates, including those with PhDs, especially in sciences, engineering, and business. Yet, investment in higher education has among the highest pay-off of any investment government can make. Post-secondary graduates are key in building a competitive economythey provide talent, skills, knowledge and creativity. A highly educated labour force is more capable of producing and offering innovative products and services that support higher wages and contribute to an improved standard of living. A highly skilled and educated workforce is also crucial to attracting foreign direct investment. In addition, further investment in post-secondary education and in the capacity of post-secondary institutions and affiliate research organizations to turn their ideas and research into viable products demanded by the marketplace have the potential to boost our competitiveness on an ongoing basis. 2. Designing better policies to help people find and keep jobs To enhance Canadas competitiveness, it is imperative that we improve our labour market policies, particularly those that would help youths find their first job and the long-term unemployed re-enter the workforce. An assessment of minimum wage laws and employment insurance benefits is sorely needed. Additionally, we must undertake reforms to ensure Canadas labour market policies and programs provide Canadians with the incentive to work and help to reduce voluntary unemployment. Finally, we must ensure that government programs do not discourage the participation of older workers in Canadas labour force. Canadas minimum wage laws, Employment Insurance, the CPP and Canadas labour code regulations discourage the optimal utilization and allocation of labour and inhibit labour market flexibility.

Consultation on Public Service Reform is Underway

The Government of Ontario has launched a commission that will provide advice on how to deliver public services as efficiently as possible. Chaired by Don Drummond, the Commission on the Reform of Ontarios Public Services is examining the way government delivers services, including the following: Programs that are no longer serving their intended purpose and could be eliminated or redesigned Areas of overlap and duplication that could be eliminated to save taxpayer dollars Areas of value in the public sector that could provide a greater return on the investment made by taxpayers

The Commissions report will form the development of the 2012 Provincial Budget. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is currently drafting a submission to the Commission that will call for a more modern regulatory regime, a revised debt and deficit elimination strategy and greater taxpayer value from the provinces transfers to municipalities. Chambers and boards of trade wishing to make their own submissions to the Commission should email their

www.kingstonchamber.on.ca
3. Delivering a better tax system Most OECD countries rely less than Canada on income and profit taxes and more on less economicallydamaging consumption taxes, like the GST/HST. Canadas tax system over-relies on high-cost sources of tax revenue causing the Canadian economy to grow at a lower rate than might be possible with a more efficient tax system. Switching the tax mix towards consumptionbased taxes would encourage both work and capital formation and, thus, stimulate productivity and economic growth. 4. Abolishing interprovincial barriers Interprovincial trade barriers discourage small businesses from operating across Canada and cost large companies time and money, hampering productivity and ultimately the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. 5. Implementing regulations that make things easier for business Although high regulatory standards, such as environmental policies or health and safety regulations, can enhance Canadas reputation globally, how they are applied and administered can be the difference between success and failure for business. Resources spent on unnecessary regulation cannot be invested to make businesses more efficient and competitive. 6. Facilitating foreign investment in Canadian businesses Canada can benefit greatly from openness to the world. Foreign direct investment can convey great advantages by bringing to Canada knowledge, technology, efficiencies and economies of scale, all of which are critical to competitiveness. As an enduring policy, Canada should embrace foreign direct investment and reduce barriers to it. Canada is one of only a few countries (Australia being another) with a formal investment review process for foreign acquisitions that exceed prescribed monetary thresholds. Updating Canadas foreign investment policies can make Canada more competitive. 7. Stimulating the need for research, innovation and development of new products and tools Innovation boosts productivity growth and is a competitive advantage for businesses. Yet, Canada ranks low among OECD countries when it comes to business sector R&D spending and innovation. R&D in Canada can be stimulated by adopting a strong intellectual property regime, fostering collaboration among educational institutions, developing robust innovation clusters and investing in the education and skills of our people. 8. Encouraging investment in new technologies and equipment to boost productivity Canadian businesses are well behind other countries, including the U.S., the UK and Germany, in investing in machinery and equipment, particularly in information and communication technologies (ICT). Between 1987 and 2009, Canadian businesses invested 23% less per worker in machinery and equipment compared to their American counterparts; 41% less per worker in information and communication technologies. Canadian workers have fewer tools to do their job. This is detrimental to the productivity of our workers, the innovative capacity of our businesses and the global competitiveness of our nation. 9. Investing made easier for the launch and growth of Canadian businesses Venture capital is often associated with scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurial start-ups and successful technology companies. Yet, Canadas Venture Capital and Private Equity Association reports that fundraising continues to be the major challenge facing the venture capital industry. New commitments to venture capital funds in Canada fell 24% in 2010 (yearover-year) to their lowest level in 16 years. The lack of availability of start-up capital in Canada has real repercussions for Canadas ability to develop global leading enterprises and competitive Canadian brands. More needs to be done to attract greater foreign investment into Canadian venture capital and to develop a strong and growing venture capital industry to maximize the overall competitiveness of Canadas economy. 10.Creating reliable funding for investment in infrastructure Modernization and refurbishment of physical capital is a critical factor in broad economic competitiveness and is a goal that is shared across the economy. Canada has pursued an inconsistent approach to infrastructure financing over the last two decades, often allowing programs to wind down, only to be re-announced in a different form. A more strategic approach to infrastructure investment that includes funding models that take into account the broad range of challenges and opportunities in communities across Canada is needed. A consistent and reliable funding mechanism will not only simplify the planning of federal, provincial and municipal investments, it will also leverage significant private sector investment and ensure Canada has a high-quality infrastructure to successfully compete. In an environment of deficit reduction, governments will not always be able to provide sufficient funds to meet all infrastructure needs. As a result, governments must also create tools/foster the environment for bringing private sector and community partners together to fill infrastructure gaps when government dollars are not available.

www.kingstonchamber.on.ca

Upcoming Chamber Events

Due to the increased volume of payments being processed at our events and time delays, we request registrants to pay in advance for any event, when there is a fee being charged. Walk-ins for all events will be charged the non-member rate. Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing. Noshows will be invoiced the full event price plus a $5.00 administration fee. You can purchase Chamber breakfast certificates in advance. You can buy 11 for the price of 10 by calling the Chamber at 613.548.4453. Thank you. Tuesday, November 15th - 7:15 am 9:00 am. Chamber Breakfast You Are the Speaker. Everyone in attendance will have the chance to stand, introduce themselves and tell a little bit of what you do and how you can help others with your unique skill. Think of it as your own personal 30second radio commercial. Host: Travelodge Kingston LaSalle Hotel. Sponsored by Digital Office Systems. Cost for Chamber members, $21.02 plus HST ($23.75 total), $30.97 plus HST for non-members ($35.00 total). 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees. Thursday, November 24th - 5:00 pm 7:00 pm. Bring A Buddy Business Mixer in the Renaissance Event Venue at 285 Queen Street. Show your buddy, or buddies, how dynamic the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce is and can be! Bring an unwrapped toy for the Kingston Toy Drive and be entered in the VIA Rail Canada draw. Cost for Chamber members to exhibit is $105 dollars plus HST. Admission is free. Sponsored by: Shoebox Services. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for exhibitors. Thursday, December 15th - 5:00 pm 7:00 pm. Happy Holidays Business Mixer at the Marriott Courtyard Kingston, Highway 401/Division Street. Join us after work for great networking, complimentary hors d oeuvres and door prizes! Chamber mixers are great venues for making new friends and professional contacts. Sponsored by: Investors Group. Admission is free. Upcoming Chamber Events 2012 Tuesday, January 10th - 7:15 am 9:00 am. Chamber Breakfast Political Update **MEMBERS ONLY. Join us for a focused outline on our political landscape for 2012 with Kingstons Mayor, Mark Gerretsen, MPP John Gerretsen and MP Ted Hsu. Host: The Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre at Days Inn, 33 Benson Street. Cost for Chamber members, $21.02 plus HST ($23.75 total) 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for attendees.

Thursday, February 23rd - 4:30 pm 7:30 pm. Famous February Business Mixer. In the Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre at Days Inn 33 Benson Street. Join us for our biggest exhibitor mixer of the winter season topped off by outstanding food. Cost for Chamber members to exhibit is $130 plus HST. Admission is free for attendees. 72 hours prior notice for cancellation for exhibitors.

EVENTS SPONSORED BY BELL MEDIA STATIONS

EVENTS SUPPORTED BY VIA RAIL CANADA

Ladies Golf Fights Breast Cancer

Ladies Day on the Green Co-Chair Ruth Wannemacher left, presents Sue Davies, President of Breast Cancer Action Kingston with a cheque for $8.798.42. Proceeds came from this years tournament at Amherstview Golf Club, sponsored by Rogers.

Sponsor

Host

Chamber Breakfast: You Are the Speaker

Everyone in attendance will have the chance to stand, introduce themselves and tell a little bit of what you do and how you can help others with your unique skill. Think of it as your own personal 30-second radio commercial.

The Travelodge Kingston LaSalle Hotel 2360 Princess Street

Tuesday, Nov

15
2011
7:15 am9:00 am At the Travelodge Kingston LaSalle Hotel, 2360 Princess Street Mark it on your calendar

Register at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca

Chamber Breakfast at the Travelodge - Tuesday, November 15th, 2011. Attendee(s) ____________________________________________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________ Fax____________________________________Email_________________________ ___________ Registration: $21.02 plus HST Chamber members. $30.97 plus HST Non-members Method of payment: Cheque Visa/MasterCard #_______________________________________Expiry Date: ____________________ **Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing. No-shows will be invoiced. Fax back this form to the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce at 613-548-4743, call us at 613-548-4453 or register online at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca

Chamber Events are promoted by:

BRING A BUDDY BUSINESS MIXER

Thursday, Nov 24th, 2011

at the Renaissance Event Venue 285 Queen Street

SPONSOR:

HOST:

Bring an unwrapped toy in support of the Fly-FM Toy Drive

(Win fantastic door prizes courtesy of Chamber members!!)

Exhibitor Registration - Nov 24th Bring A Buddy Business Mixer **Exhibit tables are reserved for members of the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce. *72 hours notice required for exhibit cancellations or no refund.
Contact:____________________________________Business: _____________________________________ Phone: __________________________Payment: $105.00 + HST Payment Method: Cheque enclosed MC/VISA Credit card#:_________________________________Exp._____ Mail/Fax to: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Park at 945 Princess St., Kingston ON K7L 3N6. Secure online registration at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca Tel: (613)548-4453 Fax: (613)548-4743

HAPPY HOLIDAYS BUSINESS MIXER

Thursday, Dec 15th, 2011

SPONSOR:

HOST:

401 at Division St.

(Win fantastic door prizes courtesy of Chamber members!!)

Chamber Events are Promoted By:

Members Only Political Update Breakfast Breakfast Municipal, Provincial & Federal Visions for 2012
was elected the 95th mayor of the City of Kingston on October 25, 2010. Prior to that election, Mark served one term as the City Councillor for Portsmouth District, 2006 to 2010.

Host

Mark

Gerretsen

John Gerretsen was first

elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1995 to represent Kingston and The Islands. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. John was appointed Attorney General on October 20, 2011

The Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre at Days Inn 33 Benson Street

Register at kingstonchaber.on.ca

Ted Hsu was elected as

MP for Kingston and Islands in 2010. Ted grew up in Kingston, worked around the world and chose to return here to live. His extended family has been in Kingston since 1964.

Tuesday, January

10, 2012
7:15 am9:00 am

**MEMBERS ONLY Chamber Breakfast at the Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre at Days Inn 33 Benson Street Tuesday, January 10th, 2012. Attendee(s) ____________________________________________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________ Fax____________________________________Email_________________________ ___________ Registration: $21.02 plus HST Chamber members Method of payment: Cheque Visa/MasterCard #_______________________________________Expiry Date: ____________________ **Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to event to avoid invoicing. No-shows will be invoiced. Fax back this form to the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce at 613-548-4743, call us at 613-548-4453 or register online at www.kingstonchamber.on.ca

Chamber Events are promoted by: