the advocate magazine - march | april 2013

advocateM A R C H | A P R I L 2 0 1 3

Come Taste the Tradition:Embrace the ChangeHandling Common Employment Perks& Pitfalls

Focus on Tourism keeps Festivals in Business

Come Taste the Tradition:Embrace the ChangeHandling Common Employment Perks& Pitfalls

Focus on Tourism keeps Festivals in Business

mil tsaefe

advocate MARCH | APRIL 2013 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Art Sinclair

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:Cober Evolving Solutions

PHOTOGRAPHY:Adamski Photography, Lisa Malleck Photography & Pirak Studios

ADVERTISING AND SALES:David MacLellan [email protected] Critelli [email protected] Kienitz [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Sandra Bender, Murray Costello, Mary DAlton, Mary SueFitzpatrick, Ken Jessop, Mark Kreller, Ian McLean, JenniferRoggemann, Art Sinclair, Tim Sothern

CONTRIBUTORS:Teri Hetherington and Julie Tedesco

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:March 15, 2013 for May | June 2013July 19, 2013 for September | October 2013September 20, 2013 for November | December 2013

SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:Darlene [email protected]

SUBMISSION POLICY:Proposals and articles are accepted via mail or emailc/o Editor - Advocate. Please do not send originals.All contributors articles must be accompanied by a head shot in ajpg file and a 40 word authors bio.

PUBLICATIONS PERMIT: #40026716FOR PERMISSION AND REPRINT REQUESTS

Heather Hutchings - [email protected]

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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 Tourism: It Helps Define OurCommunityMurray CostelloMESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 Tourism and Hospitalitya Local Growth SectorIan McLean

ADVOCACY

7 Promoting the Region throughJunior HockeyArt Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Welcoming the McMaster MDClass of 2015Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

EVENTS

10 Winter Networking

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 December 1, 2012 toJanuary 31, 2013

EVENTS

18 Mark Your CalendarSPONSOR PROFILE

24 Conestoga Mall,Growing with WaterlooRegion since 1978

MEMBER NOTABLES

28 Achieving SuccessChamber Members

SPONSORSHIP

31 Chamber Sponsors

departments

FEATURE

14 Handling Common Employment Perks & PitfallsTim Sothern

COVER STORY

16 Come Taste the Tradition: Embrace the ChangeKen Jessop

FEATURE

20 Engaging a VenueSandra Bender

FEATURE

22 The Future Challenges of Tourism in Waterloo RegionMary DAlton

FEATURE

26 Focus on Tourism keeps Festivals in BusinessMark Kreller

FEATURE

27 Immigration: How to go from Tourist to LocalJennifer Roggemann

advocateMARCH | APRIL 2013

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

Tourism: It Helps Define Our CommunityBY MURRAY COSTELLO

This edition of the Advocate focuses on tourism and hospitalityand the critical role this industry plays in defining our community.

Tourism is broadly defined as travel for recreational, leisure orbusiness purposes. The concept of tourism was a by-product of theIndustrial Revolution and today is a popular global leisure activity.There are approximately 1 billion international tourist arrivalsworldwide annually spending an estimated 1 trillion dollars.Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires skillsand expertise to constantly adapt to customers changing needsand interests.

Tourism generates large amounts of income in payment for goodsand services. It also creates opportunities for employment inhospitality services, transportation services and arts andentertainment venues, such as cultural events, shopping malls, livemusic and theatres. Some leaders have defined tourism as anactivity essential to the life of communities because of its directeffects on social, cultural, educational, economic sectors ofsocieties.

As a community we are fortunate to have a number of outstandingculturally based festivals as part of our tourism industry, two ofwhich are highlighted in this edition of the Advocate. Both ofthese festivals have been a part of our community for well overforty years and are well recognized beyond the boundaries ofour community.

North Americas largest Bavarian Festival, the Kitchener-WaterlooOktoberfest, generates a multi-million dollar economic impact bydrawing 700,000 visitors and creating revenue opportunities formore than fifty not-for-profit organizations annually.

Elmiras Maple Syrup Festival is celebrated each spring, an eventthat brings 2,000 volunteers together to ensure a memorablecultural experience for the up to 80,000 visitors. Through thededication and work of these volunteers, the Festival has becomeone of rural Ontarios premier agricultural based events.

What strikes me about both of these long standing festivals is theiringredients for success are consistent with the success drivers forChamber members own businesses:

The continual focus on staying vibrant;

The collaborative mindset - in this case between volunteers,local businesses and community leaders;

The ability to successfully execute;

The recognition of the importance of being integrated intoand part of the community;

The spirit of giving back to ensure the betterment of all.

There are many other local excellent arts, comedy and musicfestivals, galleries, historic sites, museums, sporting events,markets and other entertainment venues that all help to define ourcommunity. Their activities and events enable change and growthfor the social, cultural, educational and economic sectors of ourcommunity.

As your Chamber we recognize the vital importance of the tourismindustry and the numerous positive impacts it creates. We willcontinue to advocate on its behalf and we will look foropportunities to supports its growth.

I hope that you find this edition of the Advocate educational andthat you are able to personally enjoy what the tourism industryhas helped to create here in our own backyard. I extend mythanks to the volunteers, the supporters, the employees and theleaders of this sector for their efforts in helping to shape ourcommunity.

message from the chair

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Murray CostelloCHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Murray Costello is the Union Gas DistrictManager for Waterloo/Brantford. He isaccountable for the safe and efficientconstruction, operation and maintenance ofthe natural gas distribution system withinthe district.

Murray received his Engineering Degreefrom the University of Waterloo and is anactive community volunteer.

message from the president

Tourism and Hospitality a Local Growth SectorBY IAN MCLEAN

A discussion of Waterloo Regions main economic drivers usuallyincludes information technology, manufacturing, agriculture andfood processing, and education.

However one industry that requires inclusion in the list is tourismand hospitality. The Waterloo Regional Tourism MarketingCorporation (WRTMC) frequently notes in their promotionalmaterial that tourism contributes more to the Ontario GDP thanmanufacturing, forestry and aerospace, so their level of economicactivity is significant.

Also, the tourism industry frequently emphasizes that they are theonly major sector with a presence in every town, city, and provinceacross Canada. This factor is certainly evident in Waterloo Region,as tourism generates immense activity in both the urban and ruralareas. Ken Jessop from the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival hasprovided an excellent article on the history of their event which isstill thriving and growing after nearly half a century. It is oneof the provinces premier rural and agricultural attractions.

As outlined in this edition of the Advocate, our local tourismsector is an impressive mix of institutions such as the Centre in theSquare and many annual festivals and events includingOktoberfest. The common objective is attracting visitors andensuring their Region of Waterloo experience leads to future visitsand expanded business opportunities for local operators.

Statistics from the WRTMC presented to an All Council meetingat the Region headquarters in December of 2011 indicated anincrease in local person visits from 2007 to 2009, while visitorspending escalated from $346 million to $371 million. Tourism is agrowth industry locally, provincially and nationally.

However as Mary DAlton noted in her article the major issue forthe local and provincial tourism sector is the establishment of newgaming facilities through the Ontario Lottery and GamingCorporation (OLG). Our Chamber has been highly active in thisportfolio, hosting an event with OLG President Rod Phillips andproviding a second opinion article for the Waterloo RegionRecord that was published on February 4.

We have emphasized that a growing population and economic basein Waterloo Region has initiated escalating infrastructure andpublic service demands, therefore it is inherent that all levels ofgovernment consider all potential forms of revenue to support thisgrowth.

Also, with respect to an issue of major importance for the localtourism sector and broader business community, Waterloo Regiondoes not possess a convention centre for attracting national andinternational events on a level similar to Hamilton or London.Since the announcement from the OLG approximately one yearago that they would be considering new gaming sites, there hasbeen a heavy volume of informal discussions across the Regionregarding the potential of connecting a casino to a much-neededconference centre. Of the many issues that require publicdiscussion related to a casino, this is one of the most important.

Fundamentally, the Chamber neither endorses nor opposes acasino and we are simply asking local municipalities to open thepublic debate and allow a fulsome consideration of the relevantissues for Waterloo Region.

Above the current political debates, our local tourism sectorremains a driver of jobs, economic growth and businessopportunities. Our Chamber will continue advocacy efforts for theprivate and non-profit organizations that comprise this integralcomponent of the regional economy.

5advocate MARCH | APRIL 2013

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean

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

awards nominations


The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all our sponsors and volunteers. Your efforts helped us present an outstanding 2013 Business Awards Gala. This Gala event recognizes Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the betterment of our community.

advocacy

Promoting the Region through Junior HockeyBY ART SINCLAIR

Members of the local business community that belong to nationalorganizations, or regularly conduct business across Canada, canreadily designate institutions and organizations the rest of thecountry identifies with Waterloo Region.

The first would be BlackBerry. Other Canadians know St. Jacobsand some remember that the countrys longest serving PrimeMinister was born here.

Another organization mentioned is the East Avenue Blue Shirts, aslocal radio personality Mike Farwell often refers to them, orKitchener Rangers. Frequently cited as one of Canadas moststoried major junior hockey franchises both in terms of on-icesuccess and sending players to the National Hockey League, theorganization is well known to fans in eastern and western Canada.

Major junior hockey in Canada is huge. There are seven NHLteams however in smaller centres like Shawinigan, Medicine Hat,or Brandon, the local clubs generate passions and rivalries that areunmatched. London and Kitchener or Oshawa and Peterboroughare two of the most prominent in Ontario, but every province hascontests that are equally intense.

Apart from the fan interest, major junior hockey is a significantbusiness. A high level of activity is generated annually through theMemorial Cup, the national championship conducted in May witha representative team from the Quebec, Ontario and Westernleagues along with the host city. As we all remember Canada waswatching Kitchener in 2008 and there are a few of us who recallthe 1984 event as well.

The host of the 2013 tournament will be Saskatoon, where theeconomy is in overdrive due to heavy demand across worldmarkets for potash and other major commodities extracted fromthe prairie soil. Officials in the Saskatchewan city expect a $19million economic impact next spring. Sports fanatics have probablyseen the Rogers Sportsnet series entitled On the Edge whichfollows the host Saskatoon Blades in a documentary/reality showformat as the team moves towards the tournament. It is anunprecedented insight into the challenges of long and cold winterson the prairies and the pursuit of hockey glory.

Another storied Canadian franchise is the Kelowna Rockets, whohosted and won the Memorial Cup in 2004. The tournament thatyear was memorable since it was held months after one of the mostdevastating forest fires in recent Canadian history destroyed nearly250 homes in the British Columbia city.

A 2010 study conducted by University of British ColumbiaEconomics professor Kenneth Carlaw estimated that the totalannual economic impact of the Rockets on the City of Kelowna is$31.5 million. The report goes far beyond ticket sales,sponsorships, and visitors to the city and incorporates 20 formerplayers that have returned to the community and assumedresidency. The annualized impact of these long term effects is $7.5million alone.

The Memorial Cup arrives in Ontario every third year and thecompetition for hosting in 2014 is intense. Some of us recall themedia conference at Kitchener City Hall in May of 2007 whenCanadian Hockey League President Dave Branch arrived with thegood news for once as he stated that the Memorial Auditoriumwould see the best junior hockey in Canada twelve months in thefuture (unfortunately for the locals, an American-based teamactually won).

A Windsor Star report from late January indicated that city councilwas supporting a bid by the Spitfires for next year. A short list ofcontending cities will be released in early March with the hostselected by May, prior to the start of the 2013 tournament.

In the short term, we all hope the Rangers will be flying toSaskatchewan this spring.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

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


perspective on health care

Welcoming the McMaster MD Class of 2015BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Health Care ResourcesCouncil welcomed the first 15 undergraduate medical students theClass of 2010 when they arrived in Kitchener in 2007 to begin theirfirst year studies at the newWaterloo Region Campus of the MichaelG. DeGroote School of Medicine.

Since then, we have welcomed five more Classes and seen threeClasses graduate and move into residency programs on their way topracticing medicine. A number of these graduates chose familymedicine over other specialties and many earned placements in theK-W Family Medicine Residency Program.

This past December the Chamber again sponsored the Schoolsannual Welcome Reception & Dinner for the first year undergrads the Class of 2015 at the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel.HealthForceOntario, the recruitment and marketing arm of the

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, was this years lead sponsorand our counterpart recruiters in Cambridge & North Dumfries,Doctors4Cambridge, joined us in co-sponsoring the event.

Recognizing Outstanding McMaster FacultyMembers & StaffThe new Class met some of their second and third year class peersand members of the local McMaster faculty and staff. They alsojoined them in recognizing physician preceptors and advisors whohave made outstanding contributions to the medical studentseducation experiences this past year. Nominations for these annualFaculty Awards come from the medical students and the recipients areselected by a student selection committee.

Awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship were conferred by agroup of very enthused and grateful medical learners.

CLASS OF 2015

perspective on health care


Dr. John Pope was therecipient of the Excellence inTeaching Clinical Skills. Hewas nominated by Class of2013 student Michael Brownwho stated that: Dr. Popesimply has a charisma thattranslates seamlessly intoenthusiastic clinical teaching.He was very keen and eager tohave students around and madesure to emphasize key clinicalteaching points about both theart and science of medicine.

Dr. Catherine Barlow was therecipient of the Excellence inTeaching ProfessionalCompetency Tutor. She wasnominated by Class of 2015student Jordan Farag who said:From day one of ProfessionalCompetencies, I have gottenthe genuine sense thatCatherine is committed togiving each student the bestpossible learning experience.She puts us first, and iscompletely open to studentopinion, allowing it to shapethe way we learn.

Dr. Darren Bridgewater wasthe recipient of the Excellencein Teaching Tutorial Leader -Anatomy. He was nominatedby Class of 2014 studentRussell Sterret who relayedthat: Dr. Bridgewaterconsistently demonstratespassion for his job as aneducator that is evident in thepositive, energetic attitude hebrought to anatomy everyweek.

The Mentorship Award was conferred upon Dr. John Stickney. Classof 2013 student Ben McCutcheon nominated him for his mentorshipin family medicine. As one of the kindest men I know, I have noconcerns about Johns sensitivity to learning needs. He has a specialway about instilling confidence in learners. Hes always willing toteach, and never puts pressure to give an answer. As someone who isnearing the end of 52 weeks straight of clerkship, I can confidently saythat John has created by far the best, most productive, and safestlearning environment that I have encountered.

TheWaterloo Region Campus of the McMaster Medical School istruly privileged to have such high caliber physician educators andmentors among their faculty. They are to be congratulated forenhancing the learning experiences of these bright and aspiring younghealth care professionals. And we, as a community, are privileged tohave these student learners living and training here.

DR. CATHERINE BARLOW EXCELLENCE INTEACHING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCYTUTOR

DR. JOHN STICKNEY MENTORSHIP AWARD FAMILY MEDICINE

DR. DARREN BRIDGEWATER EXCELLENCE INTEACHING TUTORIAL LEADER ANATOMY

DR. JOHN POPE EXCELLENCE INTEACHING CLINICAL SKILLS

Photos by Lisa Malleck Photography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Mary Sue is Vice President Family PhysicianResources and Health Advocacy.

networking


Winter Networking

1) NETWORKING BREAKFAST WITH EDWIN OUTWATER & GENEVIEVE TWOMEY OF THEK-W SYMPHONY

2) RYAN VAN DYKE, DENNIS PENTSA AND MATTHEW ICHIM

3) NATALIE SACHS AND SAMANTHA LICHTENHELDT AT A CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT4) DR. FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR, DR. MAX BLOUW, DR. JOHN TIBBITS SHARING THEIR VIEWS5) CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CROWD AT THE 41 GASTROPUB

Photography by Adamski Photography

GRAND RIVER CONTRACTING INC. ANNOUNCEMENT

Len Brunen, President of Grand River Contracting Inc. (GRC ) is pleased to announce two recent key additions to his management staff.

Wade Gayowsky has been hired as 'Z ^ W D Daryl Conly as the Business Development Manager. Seated: Wade Gayowsky

Senior Project Manager.Standing: Daryl ConlyBusiness Development Manager.

Wade has over 15 years experience in the ICI construction industry spending the last 5 years working as a Project Manager for Ellis Don. He demonstrated exceptional management skills in meeting deadlines and budgets on projects of various types and sizes across Ontario and Eastern Canada. Before Elllis Don, Wade spent several years with First Gulf Developments including supervising the multi-million dollar completion of Waterloo Square.

Daryl has been in the real estate and development business for 30 years with nearly 20 of those DRestaurants of Canada and Tim Hortons before that. Daryl has worked with many prominent developers and commercial property owners in Ontario.

Visit the GRC website at www.grandrivercontracting.com86 Howard Place,

Kitchener ONTel: 519-748-4955

4

1

3 5

2

networking


6) RYAN VAN STRALEN, LAUREN MCGIRR, AND CYP CHAIR MIKE HEWITSON7) TARA PARACHUK, MICHELLE KIENITZ AND ASHLEY LUKASIK8) DR. FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR, DR. JOHN TIBBITS AND DR. MAX BLOUW

9) ANN JENNINGS, RYAN VAN STRALEN, CYP VICE CHAIR GLENN THORPE AND LAUREN MCGIRR10) MODERATOR GLENN PELLETIER ASKING QUESTIONS OF THE PANEL AT AN ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT LUNCHEON

Photography by Adamski Photography

Presents

SHOW

WATERLOO REGION May 2-4, 2013 Thursday & Friday, 4pm-10pmSaturday, 12pm-10pm

Admission includes souvenir wine glass $12 Admission

INC .

Special Events & Flowers

fooddrinkshow.com

@GrandRiverShows#WRFoodDrink

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new members

December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013

AML Communications Your RogersAuthorized DealerTelecommunicationsFauve Den Dekker, Store Manager685 Fischer Hallman RoadKitchener, ON N2E 4E9Email: [email protected]: http://www.amlcares.comPhone: (519) 571-0910

AML Communications Your RogersAuthorized DealerTelecommunicationsSean Tattleman, Store Manager230 The Boardwalk Unit 2Kitchener, ON N2N 0B1Email: [email protected]: http://www.amlcares.comPhone: (519) 579-6333

Andy Geschi - ReMax Twin CityRealty Inc.Real Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesAndy Geschi, Sales Representative901 Victoria Street NorthKitchener, ON N2B3C3Email: [email protected]: http://www.ask4andy.caPhone: (519) 579-4110 / Fax: (519) 579-3442

Carina GasparClownsCarina Gaspar, Owner42 Erb Street EastWaterloo, ON N2J 1L6Email: [email protected]: (647) 456-4564

CGM LawLegal Service PlansCameron Mitchell, Owner/Founder536 Applerock CourtKitchener, ON N2A 4M5Email: [email protected]: http://www.cgmlaw.caPhone: (519) 505-2001

CIBC - Ira NeedlesBanksStephen Smart, Financial Advisor - Business120 The BoardwalkKitchener, ON N2N 0B1Email: [email protected]: http://www.cibc.comPhone: (519) 571-0439 / Fax: (519) 571-9245

CIBC - King & Queen, 1st floorBanksDanielle Fitzgerald,Financial Advisor - Business1 King Street East, 1st floorKitchener, ON N2G 2K4Email: [email protected]: http://www.cibc.comPhone: (519) 742-4120 / Fax: (519) 570-5525

CIBC - King & Queen, 2nd floor,Commercial BankingBanksTim Cant, Director1 King Street East 2nd floorKitchener, ON N2G 2K4Email: [email protected]: http://www.cibc.comPhone: (519) 742-4120

CIBC - St ClementsBanksDebbie Mitchell,Financial Advisor - Business3575 Lobsinger Line,St Clements, ON N0B 2M0Email: [email protected]: http://www.cibc.comPhone: (519) 699-4414 / Fax: (519) 699-6103

Cynosure JewelryArtists - Fine ArtsShannon Kennedy, Owner42 Erb Street East,Waterloo, ON N2J 1L7Email: [email protected]: http://www.cynosure-jewelry.comPhone: (519) 722-2364

Downtown Crepe CafeCafeBruno Kalaminec, Owner28 Benton StreetKitchener, ON N2G 0B1Email: [email protected]: (519) 744-7667

Ecohome TechnologiesHeating ContractorsPeter Wagner, Managing Director5 Hill StreetKitchener, ON N2G 3X4Email: [email protected]: http://www.ecohometechnologies.caPhone: (519) 772-2010 / Fax: (519) 744-2051

Event LoftEvent PlanningJennifer Schrafft, Owner, Event Manager28 Jacob Cressman Drive,Baden, ON N3A4K9Email: [email protected]: http://www.eventloft.caPhone: (226) 972-4811

Exhale EntertainmentEvent PlanningSarah McGuire, DirectorPO Box 313 - 425 Hespeler Road, Unit 6Cambridge, ON N1R 8J6Email: [email protected]: http://www.exhaleentertainment.caPhone: (226) 750-6802

Future Focus Inc - HighPerformance LeadershipExecutive Search ConsultantsMichael Snyders, President452 Annapolis CourtWaterloo, ON N2K4E7Email: [email protected]: http://www.future-focus.caPhone: (519) 897-6245 / Fax: (519) 570-4187

Hogg MechanicalAir Conditioning ContractorsRyan vanDyk, Sales Manager5 Hill Street,Kitchener, ON N2G 3X4Email: [email protected]: http://www.hoggmechanical.comPhone: (519) 579-5330 / Fax: (519) 744-2051

I.R.I.S. Entertainment CorporationEntertainmentCare Humphries, President20 Mayfield Avenue Unit 21Waterloo, ON N2J 4M5Email: [email protected]: http://www.iris-ent.comPhone: (519) 404-0856

Jacobs Property ManagementProperty ManagementRay Jacobs, President69 Cardinal Crescent SouthWaterloo, ON N2J 2E6Email: [email protected]: http://www.jacobspm.comPhone: (519) 580-5478

Koebel-Medlicott Real Estate &Appraisals IncorporatedReal EstateKaren Koebel-Medlicott,Broker of Record/President312 Townsend Drive,Breslau, ON N0B 1M0Email: [email protected]: http://www.koebel-medlicott.rex.mlxchange.comPhone: (519) 581-7709 / Fax: (519) 648-3922

L. C. Writing ServicesCommunication ServicesLeslie Cook, Owner384 Dansbury DriveWaterloo, ON N2K 3C2Email: [email protected]: http://www.flikted.wordpress.comPhone: (519) 208-2508

LINK Picnic Festival / LINKNetworkFestivalsSylma Fletcher, Director5-420 Erb Street West, Suite 452Waterloo, ON N2L 6K6Email: [email protected]: http://www.linkpicnicfestival.comPhone: (519) 721-5746

LocalWork.caEmployment ServicePeter Mattei, Director44 Frid StreetHamilton, ON L8N 3G3Email: [email protected]: http://www.localwork.caPhone: (905) 525-1708 / Fax: (905) 525-9287

M&T BankBanksCatharine Ackerson, Vice President,Commercial Banking161 Bay Street, Suite 2520 - PO Box 209Toronto, ON M5J 2S1Email: [email protected]: http://www.mtb.comPhone: (416) 214-2340Fax: 1 (416) 363-0768

Meaghan OlinskiArtists - Fine ArtsMeaghan Olinski, Owner42 Erb Street EastWaterloo, ON N2J 1L6Email: [email protected]: http://www.meaghanolinski.comPhone: (519) 591-6066

Michel Technical Solutions Inc.Marketing ConsultantsValerie Michel, Owner525 HIghland Road West - Suite 408Kitchener, ON N2M 5P4Email: [email protected]: http://www.mitesol.comPhone: (519) 575-5101

Minds Eye Studio ArtArtists - Fine ArtsJennifer Gough, Artist/Owner154 Victoria Street South- Unit 7Kitchener, ON N2G2B5Email: [email protected]: http://www.mindseyestudioart.comPhone: (519) 504-3426

Motion 1 CorpBusiness ConsultantsBryan Schieck, President68 Livingstone CrescentCambridge, ON N3H 5S8Email: [email protected]: http://www.motion1.caPhone: (519) 500-9277

MV Coatings / Mur-VanManufacturingFurniture ManufacturersPhillip Stevens, President16 Hoffman Street,Kitchener, ON N2M 3M4Email: [email protected]: http://www.mur-van.comPhone: (519) 743-2084 / Fax: (519) 743-8971



Natalie Veras FitnessHealth & Fitness Program ConsultantsNatalie Veras, Owner/Personal Trainer200 Pinegrove Crescent,Waterloo, ON N2L 4V1Email: [email protected]: http://www.natalieveras.comPhone: (226) 339-8415

Opus IIMusic PublishersDavid Knarr, Partner100 Ahrens Street West,Kitchener, ON N2H 4C3Email: [email protected]: http://www.opus-two.comPhone: (519) 743-4362 / Fax: (519) 743-4329

Orsan Air Services - Duct CleaningDuct CleaningFrank Orsan, Owner8 Thorncliffe StreetKitchener, ON N2N1Z2Email: [email protected]: http://www.orsanairservices.comPhone: (519) 954-4778 / Fax: (519) 954-4708

Pamela ClayfieldArtists - Fine ArtsPamela Clayfield, Owner475 Parkside Drive - Unit 1Waterloo, ON N2L 4X6Email: [email protected]: http://www.pamelaclayfield.webs.comPhone: (519) 880-8533

Paul T. Cody - ReMax Real EstateCentreReal Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesPaul T Cody, Team Leader766 Hespeler RoadCambridge, ON N3H 5L8Email: [email protected]: http://www.paultcodty.comPhone: (519) 740-1105/ Fax: (519) 740-4805

Regional Property InspectionsHome Inspection ServicePeter Blackwell, Owner271 Hillcrest RoadCambridge, ON N3H 1B3Email: [email protected]://www.regionalpropertyinspections.comPhone: (519) 620-3232

Ron's Lawn Care & OutdoorMaintenanceLawn MaintenanceRon Binkle, Owner222 Zeller Court,Kitchener, ON N2A 4A9Email: [email protected]: (519) 497-5108

Sandu SindileArtists - Fine ArtsSandu Sindile, Owner40 Lower Canada CrescentKitchener, ON N2P 1E8Email: [email protected]: (519) 894-6039

Sandvine IncorporatedComputer NetworkingLars Pastrik, AVP, Human Resources408 Albert Street,Waterloo, ON N2L 3V3Email: [email protected]: http://www.sandvine.comPhone: (519) 880-2400 / Fax: (519) 880-2245

Sarah KernohanArtists - Fine ArtsSarah Kernohan, Artist/Owner141 Whitney Place, Studio 3Kitchener, ON N2G 2X8Email: [email protected]: http://www.sarahkernohan.comPhone: (519) 580-4774

Scholars' HallSchools - Academic - Elementary & SecondaryFrederick Gore, Director888 Trillium Drive,Kitchener, ON N2R 1K4Email: [email protected]: http://www.scholarshall.comPhone: (519) 888-6620

Scottish Development InternationalEconomic DevelopmentRaymond McGovern, Senior Vice President777 Bay Street, Unit 2800Toronto, ON M5G 2G2Email: [email protected]: http://www.sdi.co.ukPhone: (416) 408-4338

Seifert Virtual SolutionsInformation Technology ManagementKarin Seifert, Owner117B Northlake Drive,Waterloo, ON N2V1L1Email: [email protected]: http://www.seifertvs.comPhone: (519) 503-0758

T Stone Mailing Inc.Mailing Lists and ServicesFrank Mosey, Mailing Specialist131 Sheldon Drive - Unit 19Cambridge, ON N1R 6S2Email: [email protected]: http://www.tstonemailing.comPhone: (519) 740-9235

Tania Hanscom Fine ArtArtists - Fine ArtsTania Hanscom, Artist265 Christopher DriveCambridge, ON N1P 1A1Email: [email protected]: http://www.zhibit.org/taniahanscomPhone: (519) 621-6460

The Asset Planning GroupFinancial Planning ConsultantsAna Amaral, Office Manager423 King Street North,Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z5Email: [email protected]: (519) 804-2020 / Fax: (519) 725-5377

Trukat LtdProperty ManagementKatie Poser, Office/Property Manager159 Frederick Street - Unit A1Kitchener, ON N2H 2M6Email: [email protected]: (226) 339-5050

Vision PhotographyPhotographersLaura Cook, Owner/Photographer31 Hopeton StreetCambridge, ON N1R 3T4Email: [email protected]: http://www.vision-photography.caPhone: (226) 808-7209

Vyana Wellness Clinic - Bodytalk /Chinese Massage ServicesHolistic Health ServicesMichael Cruickshanks, Owner124 Weber Street South,Waterloo, ON N2J2A7Email: [email protected]: http://www.bodytalk5elements.caPhone: (519) 772-1099

Waterloo Maaco Collision Repair &Auto PaintingAutomobile Body Repairing & PaintingJosh Laur, Owner-President656 Colby Drive,Waterloo, ON N2V 1A2Email: [email protected]: http://www.maaco.caPhone: (226) 240-7141 / Fax: (226) 240-7142

We Care Home Health ServicesHome Health Care ServicesBen Fluter, Business Development Manager700 Strasburg Road - Unit SO-30Kitchener, ON N2E 2M2Email: [email protected]: http://www.wecare.caPhone: (519) 576-7474

new members

feature


Handling Common Employment Perks & PitfallsBY TIM SOTHERN

With such a diverse range of employment perks being offered toemployees as part of todays compensation packages, treatingbenefits correctly for tax has become more challenging.Unfortunately, mistakes in accounting for and reporting employeebenefits can lead to unnecessary Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)audits, penalties and interest charges. Recently, we sat down withJanet Spence, Manager of Compliance Programs and Services,Canadian Payroll Association (CPA), to discuss the CPAs views onthe most common payroll reporting pitfalls.

VehiclesWhen an employee is provided with unrestricted use of anemployers vehicle, the personal use portion is a taxable benefit.Employees must maintain proper logbooks which segregatebusiness and personal driving in order to prevent under-reportingof the automobile benefits on their T4s.

Employees using their own automobile for work may receive avehicle allowance from their employer. This allowance is generallytaxable to the employee unless it is based on a reasonable mileagerate (i.e. as prescribed in the Income Tax Regulations) and theemployee was not reimbursed for any vehicle-related expenses.

Stock optionsThe tax rules that apply to employee stock options can be complex.Simplified, a benefit to the employee will generally arise whenstock options are exercised, unless the employer is a Canadian-controlled private corporation, in which case taxing of the benefitmay be deferred until such time as the shares are disposed.Irrespective of when the benefit arises, it will be taxed in theemployees hands as employment income.

Shareholder benefits and loansWhen a low-interest or no-interest loan is made by a corporation toits owner-manager, a taxable benefit is attributed to that shareholderfor the value of the imputed interest benefit on the loan. In somecases, and subject to certain criteria, the entire amount of the loanmay be included as income of the shareholder as well.

ParkingThe fair market value of employer-provided parking is generallyconsidered a taxable benefit. The existence and amount of parkingbenefits will depend on the specific facts of each employee-employer situation.

RRSP benefitsAn employers contribution to an employees RRSP must bereported as a taxable benefit on the employees T4. If the employercontributes directly to an employees RRSP and has reasonablegrounds to believe that the employee can deduct the contributionin the year, taxes do not have to be withheld on this taxablebenefit. However, CPP and EI (if applicable) will be required to bewithheld on such contributions to an employees RRSP.

Gifts and awardsNon-cash gifts and awards received by employees to recognize anoccasion will not be taxable, provided that the aggregate fairmarket value is less than $500 annually. Cash or near-cash gifts orawards (such as gift certificates or gift cards) are always taxable tothe employee.

Avoiding the PIERTaxable benefits and allowances must be reported as they areenjoyed. Adding these to the employees record at the end of theyear may result in a pensionable and insurable earnings review(PIER). PIER is a review by the CRA to ensure that amountsdeducted and withheld agree with amounts reported.Discrepancies can result in fines, penalties and interest chargesbeing assessed to employers. Employers will also be held liable forboth their portion and their employees portion of under-remittedCPP and EI contributions.

Contact a Tax AdvisorThe best way to avoid potential problems is to ensure thatemployment benefit issues are addressed as they arise, rather thanat year-end. Contact our tax advisors to discuss how currentbenefits, or ones you may be considering, will need to be treated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Sothern

Co-authored by Tim Sothern, Lisa Diker andSophia Cui of BDO Canada LLP, a full serviceaudit, tax and advisory firm. Tim Sothern is apartner in BDOs Waterloo office.

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Come Taste the Tradition: Embrace the ChangeBY KEN JESSOP


Forty-eight years ago, Elmira celebrated its first Maple SyrupFestival. It was a warm and inviting day on April 10, 1965 and allroads led to Elmira. The hosts were ready at their camp stoves andelectric griddles, ready to serve pancakes and maple syrup to what wasanticipated to attract 2,500 people. To everyones great surprise,10,000 people made their way to Elmira that first year to savour thesweet taste of spring! And so, the Festival grew and grew.

The times have changed over the years; however the tradition is stillalive! With the 50th anniversary festival fast approaching theorganizing committee is planning to celebrate the sweet history. It allstarted with Herb Ainsworth, a local grocer who approached localmaple syrup producers with an idea to host a festival. Thecollaboration between local businesses and the maple syrup producerscreated the one day festival and the rest is history! Sadly, Mr.Ainsworth died 6 days before that first Festival day and never saw thebeginning of this iconic event. His efforts brought people to Elmirathat year and with it brought money. At the conclusion of the firstfestival all the proceeds were donated to the now Elmira Associationfor Community Living (EACL) to build the workshops west of thetown which still stand today. To date the Festival continues to donatethe proceeds to the EACL and other local not-for-profitorganizations. It is estimated that the Festival has donated 1.2 milliondollars to the community over the last 48 years.

Since then, visitors from across the globe have arrived at the springFestival. In 2001, the Guinness Book of World Records officiallydesignated the Festival the worlds largest with 66,529 people fillingthe main street of Elmira. Since this record setting day, the Festivalhas endured the ups and downs of cold and wet wintery weather. In2010, it was a beautiful and warm sunny day which attracted awhopping 80,000 people.

The Festival has come a long way from those early beginnings. A wellorganized and dedicated volunteer committee meets monthlythroughout the entire year to arrange the one day event. On Festivalday, a fine tuned team of 2,000 volunteers rises long before dawn toensure everything runs smoothly and safely. A half a million pancakeshave been served and the main street mall has grown from 14 to 140vendors. In 2001, the Festivals dedicated volunteers were recognizedby the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation fortheir outstanding achievement.

Over the years, events have grown into other areas of Elmira. Thenewly built Woolwich Memorial Center has become a hub of indoorand outdoor activity, where family friendly events were added to easethe congestion of the downtown. The committee recognized that

with the growth of the Festival, more people were attending for thefood. Its not just pancakes and syrup! Although the majority stillarrive for the traditional pancakes and delicious maple syrup, made bylocal maple syrup producers, more vendors were added which hasenriched a multicultural taste for all.

The benefits to the community as a whole are huge. The mostobvious one is that the proceeds go back into the communitysupporting the non-profit groups which receive grants in June. Othergroups including service clubs and churches raise money on Festivalday by selling delicious home-made potato pancakes, fritters, andmany other mouth-watering delicacies. Although some may providevolunteers as a gesture of goodwill, it all benefits the community. TheFestivals success cannot only be measured in dollars, it also putsElmira on the map.

The goal of the Festival is to bring the community together. Theproud fact is the event is 100% volunteer-run and widely accepted bythe local community. In terms of support from the community, it isoverwhelmingly positive with the Township of Woolwich workingwith the committee to prepare the town. Local businesses have alwaysbeen supportive with sponsoring the day as well as taking in the60,000+ people on the main street, which has its pros and cons. Ofcourse the committee recognizes that, and especially cherishes thededication of the many volunteers who essentially make the festival

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work. These dedicated community members have built the spiritthrough their commitment year after year, some of which can bedated to the first Festival. Their support and interest keeps the eventalive!

With success come its challenges. The Festival has overcome badweather; in 1978 the event was cancelled when a snow storm blewinto the area crippling the town. In 2003 the Festival was unable meetits expenses and give money to the community due to bad weatherand the SARS outbreak. These circumstances are uncontrollable andout of the hands of the organizing committee. Despite theshortcomings of a couple bad years, the Festival has grownsubstantially in the number of people attending. The attendance hasoutgrown the infrastructure of the town. putting stress on roads,hydro grid, businesses and the Township of Woolwich. Undoubtedly,the most challenging is the increasing operating costs to run theFestival which has required the need for sponsorship and respectingthe fine balance of commercialization versus heritage. Lastly the most

concerning is the future of the festival, with aging volunteers andrecruiting younger volunteers to replace them.

A plan for the future! In 2011 the committee collaborated withLeadership Waterloo to develop a strategic Business Plan. In doingso, specific objectives were developed to address these challenges.The committee is focused on 3 main areas: volunteer recruitment,risk management, and preserving the heritage through partnerships.In terms of the future we are planning for the upcoming 50th annualFestival in 2014, however we are mindful of the years to come. Thethought of a 100th is not an unrealistic goal. As we look towards thefuture, we hope to combine tried and true traditions with changinginnovations.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken Jessop

Ken Jessop is the Chairperson, Elmira MapleSyrup Festival.

Come Taste the Traditionand enjoy the first rite of spring at the 49th annualMaple Syrup Festival on Saturday 6 April 2013.Visit us at www.elmiramaplesyrupfestival.com

Photography by the 2011-12 First Year Graphic Design Students, Conestoga College

events

Mark Your CalendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


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11:30am-1:30pmLocation: St. George Banquet HallMember: $40General Admission: $50

As a supplier of natural gas to this regionand a member of the newly formed OntarioNatural Gas Alliance, Union Gas President,Steve Baker will provide insight about theirrole in Ontarios energy and economiclandscape, and about the benefits of cleanand affordable natural gas.

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Engaging a VenueBY SANDRA BENDER

What is a venue? Everyone seems to have his or her own opinion.One may say it is an arena. Another will consider a venue as anamphitheater, while a third may simply identify it as a club.

Ask someone running a venue, and you will get a more personalanswer such as: an energy packed performance by a UK-based quartet in asmall tent outside a village of the lower Rhine region in 2009 in front of afew hundred people. (Four years later, that same band, Mumford & Sons,would sell out tens of thousands of tickets in under 20 minutes for their onlyCanadian show this summer in Simcoe, Ontario.)

The first time seeing the Nutcracker with your niece as the lights go downand you see your life double back on itself as you remember watching theNational Ballet of Canada with your Aunt.

The point: a venue is not just a building. It is a place where peoplegather and share an experience.

The Centre In The Square receives 190,000 visits each year,welcoming audience members from as far away as Vancouver, BCduring mega-musicals, such as WICKED, to patrons from thesurrounding area of Waterloo Region attending a variety of eventsincluding everything from dance, symphony, international stars,children's performers, comedians, to magic and more!

The venue is a 2047-seat facility, which is internationallyacknowledged as an acoustically state-of-the-art centre presenting 180events during a year, ranging from artistic to cultural activities for allages.

The question in a competitive market and growing region is -- how doyou create a meaningful and relevant venue to audiences and visitors?

Access. Physical and perceived access is a key factor in attractingaudiences to The Centre. Access not only applies to awareness andease of reaching the venue, but also to barriers of meeting the cost andmindsets related to the arts.

Content. Programming is not easy and people who innately understandwhat others will enjoy are rare. However, programming itself is notnarrow. Programming can be dance performances and concerts in themain hall to turning buildings into 3D digital art canvasses.

Engagement. Arts and culture need to evolve from being static productsand passive experiences to being participatory and creative

experiences. This involves a venue not only entertaining its audiencebut also facilitating opportunities for its audience to participate inproducing their own unique experiences.

Attention to detail. Service delivery and the setting are also crucial infacilitating experiences. This may include a well-designed foyer,outdoor locations or intensifying customer service. It all relates tohow the audience approaches, receives and responds to a performanceand in turn may assist in creating an enduring imprint on the audiencemember.

Ultimately, people want to gather and will travel for uniqueexperiences. The Centre wants to be the place where audiencesgather to see the most exciting productions made for the national andinternational stage, fully utilizing the Main Hall as well as offsitelocations to fully expose the Centres programming activities and be anattractive destination in drawing visitors to the venue and the region.

Centre In The SquareCentre In The Square is a not-for-profit charitable organization,which opened in 1980. It is governed by a 14-member Board ofDirectors and receives an annual operating grant of $1.4M from theCity of Kitchener. The Centre earns the remaining budget throughpresenting a wide range of arts and entertainment, rentals, concessionsand ticketing services.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandra Bender

Sandra Bender is the CEO of The Centre InThe Square. In her 18-year career, she hasestablished her own commercial gallery andproduced a series of music festival live artsevents and an arts channel. She has touredextensively throughout Asia, Europe andNorth America with a number of music artistsand travelling exhibitions as well as working asboard appointments to a number of visual artsand performing arts organizations.

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The Future Challenges of Tourism in Waterloo RegionBY MARY DALTON

The state of Tourism in Waterloo Region is at an interestingcrossroads. In some areas we are still catching up and only havelimited choices. In other areas we are the envy of so manycommunities nationally and beyond with one of a kind extraordinaryeducational institutions of higher learning with exceptional researchcapacity, a tech community that collaborates, and a manufacturingcommunity that once on the edge of extinction is now being reborn toa much more sophisticated level. We have a hotel room influx whichwe hope is being built on realistic studies that say there is morebusiness coming and we have an enhanced culinary industry whichcontinues to move us forward leaps and bounds.

Tourism and hospitality operators, like other sectors, have anexceptional amount of red tape to unravel and we jump through hoopsto do what should be simple however at its essence we are all abouthuman interaction, people wanting to gather to meet, to eat and todrink. We have lots of good things happening and some bigchallenges.

The hot topic in our industry is new casinos being considered acrossOntario. I must say up front I am not a gambler of any consequence. Ido however support the provincial decision to not impose thesecasinos on local communities, but to let the people, through theirelected officials decide what they want. I will be one of thoseindividuals who support the will of the people and the decision of theirelected municipal representatives. I also support the decision by the

Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce to engageeveryone in getting to know more about what is involved. The debateis necessary. Much like prohibition years ago there are people stronglyfor and strongly against. There is no right or wrong decision, just onethat is right for the time and for the majority who will be affected.

Casinos are entertainment complexes now. Cirque de Soleil is thelargest employer in Vegas, not the casinos gaming tables. That is notto say that what might be considered for this town or other locationsin Ontario is a Vegas style operation, more likely similar to CasinoRama. I think we need to listen to the debate and decide for ourselves.These will be interesting times where you need to be at the table andparticipating. Sitting on the sidelines isnt what we are all about inWaterloo Region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary DAlton

Mary DAlton is the President & ManagingDirector, Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel.

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Since 1998 the Chamber and a team of dedicated volunteers have cut the number of residents without a family doctor in half. However the battle is not over.

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Growing with Waterloo Region since 1978

Conestoga Mall is apremier shoppingdestination in WaterlooRegion. As a member andsupporter of the GreaterKitchener-WaterlooChamber of Commerce fora number of years, thecentre is proud to havebeen part of the growth andeconomic development ofthis community sinceopening its doors in 1978.

Conestoga Malls roots extend back 35 years from when it began as asmall shopping centre located at the furthest edge of Waterloo. Inthe early years there was no public transit to bring visitors to itsdoors. Significant and ongoing developments from 1998 through2007 saw the centre gradually transform with the addition of Zehrs,SportChek, Winners, Galaxy Cinemas, Old Navy and expansion ofthe Bay. A significant redevelopment project in 2009 added 30 morestores, a larger food court, restaurants and the City of WaterlooHeritage Museum, giving the centre its current footprint of over660,000 sq. ft. and 130 nationally and locally owned stores andservices. This is a startling contrast to the little mall surrounded byfarmland 35 years ago to the current regional shopping center thatConestoga Mall is today. This centrally located hub of activity is adestination attraction, drawing over 6.6 million visitors annually.The mall also serves as a significant employer providing 500 full-time and 1,300 part-time jobs, as well as 300 seasonal jobs. 2013promises to be another year of growth and investment for the mallwith the expansion and opening of new-to-market retailer, Target.

A Community Within a CommunityA business strategy that has served Conestoga Mall well isrecognizing that they are an important part of the community.Although developed, owned and operated by Ivanhoe Cambridge,one of the 10 biggest real estate companies in the world, ConestogaMalls focus remains local. By supporting initiatives that areimportant for local residents, they continue to make the Mall anintegral part of the Regions fabric.

Sandra Stone, General Manager of Conestoga Mall, sees the Mallsrole as larger than just a shopping destination. We are a community

hub a place where peoplecan shop, meet their friendsor family for coffee or ameal, and where they canlearn about services in theirown backyard. Over 60groups utilize the publicspaces in the Mall annuallyto display information,fundraise and connectdirectly with thecommunity. This space isprovided free of charge as

part of the Malls commitment to community engagement andsupport.

Some of the community events hosted each year, to name only a few,include: Project Reads Family Literacy Day, the KidsAbilitys KidsCant Wait Radiothon, The Food Bank of Waterloo RegionsCanstruction, and at Christmas the Salvation Armys Tree of Angels.These groups have been successful in raising awareness andcollecting funds and other resources that are put directly back intothe community for the benefit of its residents. In 2012 KidsAbilitysKids Cant Wait Radiothon raised over $225,000 that helped toprovide therapy and support services to over 5,400 children andyouth with special needs here locally. Lisa Talbot, ExecutiveDirector of KidsAbility Foundation states, The Radiothon is ourlargest and most important event of the year. Conestoga Mall hasbeen a partner in the Radiothon since the beginning and we are sograteful for their support!

Conestoga Malls community focus also extends to sustainabilityinitiatives. Active participation in energy and water conservation,waste management and transportation-focused programsdemonstrates how they have integrated themselves into thecommunity in other ways. Organics and recycling programs forretailers and customers divert waste from local landfill and energymanagement systems control lighting and temperature automaticallysaving energy and reducing light levels. The Mall is proud toparticipate in the Bullfrog Power program, which accounts for 64%of their power consumption, and are accredited members of theRecycling Council of Ontario (RCO) and Smart About SaltCouncil. In 2012, the centre received a Silver Award for FacilitiesManagement and they have also achieved the highest level of

WELCOMING OVER 6 MILLION VISITORS ANNUALLY

sponsor profile


certification with BOMA, the Building Owners and ManagersAssociation, of which they are also members. This Level 4certification demonstrates the ability to achieve over a 90% ratingwith low energy consumption on the BOMA Go Green Plusassessment - no small achievement. The centre also has an electriccar charging station and hydration station where employees andcustomers can fill up their reusable water bottles.

Premium amenities and comfort for pedestrians and drivers extendsto the investment Conestoga Mall has made in supporting localtransit. Driver and rider transit facilities include an external shelterand bus bays owned and maintained by the Mall, and a private areafor drivers to take a break. The dedication to service andaccessibility extends to the customer level by providing guests withcomplimentary motorized scooters, wheelchairs and walkers, andautomatic doors at entrances. The Auto Aid program ensures that ifa visitors car needs a battery boost it is easily coordinated throughCustomer Services.

As a Chamber Business PartnerSandra Stone is an active Member of The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. As a Board Member andadvocate for local business Ms. Stone helps to provide a unified voicefor the 130 retail stores and services at Conestoga Mall. As aChamber Member, Conestoga Mall represents the needs of theirtenant businesses and acts as a conduit for their issues. This meanshaving a voice at the Regional level on issues around growth,economic development and the future.

Conestoga Mall also supports Chamber initiatives includingPhysician Recruitment, which literally means supporting the long-term health of this community and its residents. As a 2012 supporterof the Chambers 125th Anniversary and supporter of the 100 MileFeast, Conestoga Mall recognizes that the history and well being ofthe community today are important to its long-term vibrancy.

It is important for Conestoga Mall to be integrated into, and part ofthe community. Stone states. The things that are important forour visitors and our tenants are also important to us vibrantbusiness, economic stability and the overall health of the communityand residents.

Over time the City of Waterloos boundaries have reached andsurpassed the Malls and quietly the Mall has integrated itself into the

community fabric by supporting business issues and providingadditional services and conveniences to make a visit more accessibleand enjoyable. Conestoga Mall recognizes the Greater KitchenerWaterloo Chamber of Commerce on its exceptional ability tocontinue to change and grow with business and for being able toprovide services and programs that support local business needs.

Conestoga MallConveniently located on King Street North in Waterloo,just off the Expressway.

550 King Street NorthWaterloo, ON N2L 5W6P: 519-886-5500www.conestogamall.com

2009 FOOD COURT RENOVATION & EXPANSION RECEIVEDINTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS FROM ICSC AND ARIDO.

Photography by Pirak Studios

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When most people think about Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, whatcomes to mind are the traditional fixtures of a 45-year-old tradition ofGemeutlichkeit; sausages, schnitzel, polka music and beer. Each yearwe welcome 700,000 of our closest friends for nine days of celebration,and for most, the festival ends when the taps run dry and the big tent ispacked away for the year.

In reality, it takes eight full time staff and over 450 year-roundvolunteers to stage Canadas Greatest Bavarian Festival. It is a $3Moperation which, by keeping the focus on our core business andattracting tourism, is a significant contributor to the social, economicand cultural vitality of our Region, generating national interest in ourcommunity. That is our mission.

The truth is that all that beer and sausage (along with Canadas largestThanksgiving Day Parade and over 40 family and cultural events),brings a direct annual economic impact of $21 million to WaterlooRegion. Festival related spending supports the equivalent of 124 fullyear jobs, provides tax revenue for all three levels of government, andgenerates $3M in spending to area hotels and restaurants. As well, over50 not-for-profit organizations use the festival to raise over $1.5M eachyear for community programs. That builds ice arenas, swimming pools,social clubs, wading pools, parks, retirement homes and social servicefacilities.

The festival partners with over 180 local businesses, includingrestaurants and hotels, suppliers, service providers and many of themainstays of our regional corporate landscape. The festival partnerswith over 40 regional hospitality and tourism businesses to provide acohesive festival experience across Waterloo Region. Restaurants,hotels and local attractions are decorated in Bavarian themes, provideGerman food and live entertainment, and they are included in ourvisitor services promotional programming.

The continued focus on tourism has made Kitchener-WaterlooOktoberfest a wise investment in the eyes of federal, provincial andlocal government grant programs, which have supported significantinvestments in the festivals infrastructure and visitor services. Evenmore importantly, the focus on tourism, and the bottom-line supportfrom Celebrate Ontario and other tourism grants have allowed

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest to capitalize on trends by bringingnew tourism offerings to the table, such as the Tour de Hans 100kmcycle race and the Stein And Dine Culinary Experience.

Branching out into new areas, like sport and culinary tourism, hasallowed Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest to stay vibrant and bring newaudiences to Waterloo Region. In 2010, KWO created the Tour deHans cycle race. In 2011, through Celebrate Ontario funding, the Tourde Hans more than doubled its participation, drew more tourists (upfrom 21% in 2010 to 42% in 2011 which is higher than the festivalaverage of 35% visitors) and did so before the actual festival began. In2012 that event grew by another 50% and now has a loyal following ofenthusiasts, a title sponsor, cycling industry partners, and all therequired equipment to run the event safely and successfully. Similarly,the Stein and Dine has become the signature event in what has becomethe festivals growing focus on culinary tourism. As always, theOktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade is a huge motivator for out oftown guests, of whom roughly 61% stay at least one night in the area.

All of this supports what we at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest havecome to know and hold dear - that a robust and vibrant tourism industryis a key ingredient to a dynamic community. When companies look atestablishing their operations in Waterloo Region, local festivals andentertainment options mean their employees will move with them andbe happy here. When our tourism industry is innovative, we attractinnovative people and partners. When new visitors come to WaterlooRegion for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and see all the rest thatour area has to offer , they will come back again and again, and we willbe ready to welcome them.

Focus on Tourism keeps Festivals in BusinessBY MARK KRELLER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Kreller

Mark Kreller is the Executive Director ofK-W Oktoberfest Inc., and a Past Presidentof the festival in 2007-2008. He has beeninvolved in the festival for the past 39 years asa musician and volunteer.

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Southwestern Ontario and the Region of Waterloo in particular offer afantastic quality of life. There is much to attract not only visitors butnew immigrants to the region. We have highly recognized universitiesand colleges which draw students and faculty from all over the world.We have a hub of technology and manufacturing industries that areboth diverse and growing. Our region will remain vibrant if we attractand retain the brightest and best to become productive members of ourlocal economy through job creation and new business interests.

People choose to relocate to a new country for a variety of reasons.While quality employment is necessary, the decision often comes downto lifestyle choices. Providing accurate answers to immigrantsquestions such as how can my family visit?, how can my kids go toschool?, how can I bring my spouse here from back home? will helpthem choose to settle here in Waterloo Region.

Having family close by is a luxury that many native Canadians take forgranted. The ability to bring ones parents over to see theirgrandchildren grow over multiple visits, or to bring their spouse to jointhem in their new life in Canada is key for long term integration intoCanadian society. Being able to come and study in Canada, then stay ona post graduate work permit and apply for permanent residence andeventually citizenship is a dream for many of the foreign studentsattracted to the high quality education offered in the region.

Employers want to hire the best people for their companies. Sometimesthe best and brightest person may not be a Canadian citizen. In orderto hire a foreign national to work in Canada, employers need tocomplete a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Doing it right the firsttime can save so many potential headaches in the future.

To attract and retain the skilled workers that the provinces need, eachprovince has a Provincial Nominee Program. These programs allow

employers and the province to pre-select applicants for permanentresidence based on matching their skill set to an employersrequirements. This program allows the successful nominee to bescreened for all but their medical and criminal checks before submittingtheir application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Many of us have made an indiscretion in the past, whether it is ashoplifting charge from a teenage dare or a DUI while on vacationoverseas. If you are here in Canada on some sort of temporary status(visitor, student or work permit holder) or even as a permanent residentof Canada, these can present barriers to your future here in Canada.

In 2013, Jennifer Roggemann Law Office has become a boutique lawfirm focusing exclusively on Canadian Immigration Law. Were in thebusiness of empowering our clients to choose Canada as their home.Whether you need to hire a skilled worker from overseas, are a studentlooking to stay in Canada as a permanent resident or want to bring yourspouse to join you here in Canada, we can help.

Together we can makeWaterloo Region the place to be both now andwell into the future.

Immigration: How to go from Tourist to LocalBY JENNIFER ROGGEMANN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Roggemann, LLB

As an immigrant herself, Jennifer Roggemannknows firsthand the challenges faced bynewcomers. Since her call to the bar in 2000,she has increasingly focused on immigrationissues until it is now her entire practice.

member notables


Best Western Plus Kitchener Waterloo Receives Hotel ChainsHighest Award For QualityTwo time winner of the Best Western Chairmans AwardFor the second time this year, the Best Western Plus Kitchener Waterloo in Kitchener has receivedthe Best Western Chairmans Award, the hotel chains highest honor for outstanding qualitystandards. The Chairmans Award recognizes Best Western International hotels with a cleanlinessand maintenance inspection score of 1,000 points out of a possible 1,000. Hotels must also meetBest Westerns requirements for design and high customer service scores to qualify for the award.

Located at 2899 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, the Best Western Plus Kitchener Waterloofeatures 97 rooms, a business centre and fitness room.

Ginny Dybenko wins Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser AwardGinny Dybenko, executive director of the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus and formermember of Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was therecipient of the prestigious Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser award at a January 17, 2013luncheon at the Waterloo Region Museum.

Ms. Dybenko was cited by her nominators as an inspiring leader, mentor, volunteer, philanthropistand connector extraordinaire. The award recognizes the local communitys tradition of workingcollaboratively to accomplish what an individual cannot, and is presented annually to an individualor group that best exemplifies this ethic.

Former Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair RogerFarwell of WalterFedy received this award in January of 2010.

Downtown Kitchener BIA Appoints New Executive DirectorShannon Weber was recently announced as the new Executive Director of the DowntownKitchener Business Improvement Area (BIA). She was most recently general manager of theSheridan College Student Union and held previous positions in business development, insuranceand finance.

Ms. Weber replaces Mark Garner, who has assumed the position of Executive Director of theDowntown Yonge BIA in Toronto.

The Chamber congratulates Ms. Weber on her appointment and would like to commendMr. Garner for his many years of service in the local business community.

Local KPMG Professional Receives Top Accounting HonourJoshua Huff, a graduate of the Wilfrid Laurier University Business Administration program andstaff accountant at the Waterloo KPMG office, has been awarded the Governor Generals GoldMedal for achieving the highest standing across Canada in the 2012 Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

The three-day evaluation, administered by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants(CICA), assesses CA candidate competencies including knowledge, professional judgment andethics. Over three thousand students 3,077 across Canada passed the 2012 exam.

Member Notables

member notables


Member Notables

Dietmar Sommerfeld Appointed President of KW Associationof RealtorsDietmar Sommerfeld, a Broker with CBRE Limited, was recently named as the new President ofthe Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors.

Mr. Sommerfeld has been active in the local market for nearly 35 years and has served as a directorof the association since 2006. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors for the GreaterKitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Joining Mr. Sommerfeld as officers of the Association are 1st Vice President Lynn Bebenek of TeamRealty K.W. Inc., 2nd Vice President Mark Wolle of Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, Past PresidentSara Hill of Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc., and Executive Officer Bill Duce.

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.

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Helping Us Make Our Vision Possible

A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

TITLE SPONSOR

ChamberAcademy

CHAMBER PATRON

CHAMBER CHAIRS CIRCLE

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Presented by:

Peter Martins

41 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1A1

To make reservations please:Call: (519)-745-8939 Email: [email protected] can also use the convenient Open Table app on our Facebook page: /Peter-Martins-41-King

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Special Events

ITS ABOUT A PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE.

Celebrating our 25th year in business, a milestone. We are reinvigorating all features of what we do and are commited to bring you the freshest experience.Peter Martin.

Any time of the day for any way you want to eatAndrew Coppolino - Waterloo Eats

:LWK H[FHOOHQW QH GLQLQJ VW\OH VHUYLFH \RXOOeat well without spending muchLeigh Clarkson - The Record (Nightlife)

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